Best Activities for Kids: An Age by Age Guide

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Best Activities for Kids: From Ballet to Swimming, an Age-by-Age Guide to Kid Classes

Wondering if your child is ready to start dance class, swim lessons or Little League? Here's how to choose the right activities for kids at every age (19 Photos)

Dina Roth Port on May 16, 2012 at 1:56PM

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The Best Activities for Kids, Age by Age

Zia Soleil/Iconica/Getty Images

a Dina Roth Port on May 3, 2012 at 2:19PM

Got a budding ballerina or stellar swimmer? It's easy to want to sign your kid up for a class the second that she shows a particular interest or skill in an activity, but it's important to understand what's age appropriate. From dance and drama to swimming and soccer, here's what your child will learn in each of the following popular activities -- and the ideal age to start each one.

Mommy and Me
What they'll learn: Classes at this age are really more about socialization (for both you and your baby) than skill-building. Some parent-child programs focus on activities for babies and toddlers: Gymboree offers baby classes in music, movement and art, for example. Others are more Mom-centric, such as Stroller Strides, an aerobic workout class that helps moms get in shape with their babies along for the ride. Decide what you want and then contact your local preschool, community center, YMCA and even kids' stores like Toys 'R Us for options in your area. A lower cost option: Find or start a playgroup of other parents in your area by asking your pediatrician or contacting an organization such as Playgroups USA.

Best for: Some programs start when infants are barely a few months old -- so you can get out of the house to meet and connect with other new parents.