
Focused on Family: Grown-Up & Me Classes for Babies and Toddlers in Staten Island, NYC & NJ
Research confirms that family is the most important factor in your baby’s and toddler’s development. That’s why our convenient walk-in classes in play, music, baby sign language, art, STEM and more are uniquely and certifiably designed with you at the heart of every experience.
Happy Day Play is NYC’s only certifiable Family Life Education–based early learning company. Our expertise covers both childhood development and family support — the missing piece in many learning models. Our walk-in grown up and me classes are designed for modern families: flexible, welcoming, and commitment-free, so you can join when it works for you. Best of all, it’s just one price per immediate family!
Every class is built for babies, toddlers, children and their grown-ups to learn, laugh, and connect together. When families are engaged, children thrive — and that’s the focus of everything we do.
All Grown Up & Me Classes
Baby Classes
For newborns, infants and older babies aged 0 to 12 months with a grown-up
-
Oh Baby, Baby! Playgroup
- Recommended ages birth to 12 months with grown-up
- Available at our Babies R Us American Dream location
—————————————
Family Open Play - New Themes Each Week
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5 with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location -
Baby Sign & Sign Class
- Recommended for all ages 0 to 1.5 years
- Available at Bernikow JCC locationFamily Music Class
- Recommended for all ages 0-5, with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream location -
Sensory Art Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream locationFamily Crafternoon Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Mazel Tots Early Literacy Class in conjunction with PJ Library and the JCC of Staten Island
- Recommended for all ages with grown-up(s)
- Available exclusively at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Family STEAM Class
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5, big helper older siblings welcome with grown-up(s)
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location
We offer baby-specific classes like Baby Sing & Sign and gentle playgroup experiences at select locations, designed especially for infants and their grown-ups. At the same time, babies are always welcome in all of our classes. Being around toddlers and older children exposes infants to language, movement, and social cues earlier, giving them a rich environment to learn from. Every activity is thoughtfully modified for babies, so they can fully participate and families can feel confident they’re in the right place.
Toddler Classes
For toddlers aged 12 to 36 months with a grown-up
-
Toddler Time Playgroup
- Recommended ages 1 to 3 years with grown-up
- Available at our Babies R Us American Dream location—————————————
Family Open Play - New Themes Each Week
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5 with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location -
Family Music Class
- Recommended for all ages 0-5 with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream location -
Sensory Art Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream locationFamily Crafternoon Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Mazel Tots Early Literacy Class in conjunction with PJ Library and the JCC of Staten Island
- Recommended for all ages with grown-up(s)
- Available exclusively at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Family STEAM Class
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5, big helper older siblings welcome with grown-up(s)
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location
Toddlers thrive when they can both learn from older peers and act as role models for younger ones. Mixed-age settings give toddlers the chance to practice empathy, patience, and leadership while continuing to explore new skills in music, art, STEM, and literacy. Families see their toddlers build independence and confidence while staying engaged and supported throughout the process. Activities are scaled to meet toddlers where they are — challenging but never overwhelming.
Family and Sibling Classes
For mixed ages (with at least one child aged 0 to 5) with a grown-up
-
Family Open Play - New Themes Each Week
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5 with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location -
Family Music Class
- Recommended for all ages 0-5, older siblings welcome, with grown-up(s)
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream location -
Sensory Art Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Bernikow JCC location
- Available at Babies R Us American Dream locationFamily Crafternoon Class
- Recommended for ages 3 months to 5 Years
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Mazel Tots Early Literacy Class in conjunction with PJ Library and the JCC of Staten Island
- Recommended for all ages with grown-up(s)
- Available exclusively at Avis South Shore JCC location -
Family STEAM Class
- Recommended for ages 0 to 5, big helper older siblings welcome with grown-up(s)
- Available at Avis South Shore JCC location
When siblings and friends of different ages learn together, everyone benefits. Younger children gain from watching and imitating, while older children strengthen leadership and responsibility as “big helpers.” Family classes like Open Play, Crafternoons, and Family STEAM make it simple for busy families to participate together, creating shared routines and lasting memories. Each activity is designed with modifications so every child — baby, toddler, or sibling — can join in at their own level.
Where are Happy Day Play classes located?
Step a world of learning and joy with Happy Day Play, where partnership meets purpose in the heart of the greater NYC and NJ area. We proudly collaborate with esteemed community-based centers and trusted businesses to offer invaluable in-person resources for families. From enriching educational classes to family fun events, our partnerships ensure that every child and parent can thrive. Together, we create a nurturing environment where growth, play, and community spirit flourish, making every day a Happy Day Play day.
Staten Island (Mid-Island) Location
Happy Day Play Family Learning at Bernikow JCC (Grown Up and Me Program)
1466 Manor Rd
Staten Island, NY 10314
Staten Island (South Shore) Location
Happy Day Play Family Learning at Avis South Shore (Grown Up and Me Program)
1297 Arthur Kill Rd
Staten Island, NY 10312
Bergen County, NJ Location
Happy Day Play Family Learning at Babies R Us American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073