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Best Bilingual Extracurricular Activities For Kids In Miami

Multicultural cities are often referred to as melting pots and there is no better example of that than Miami. It has a thriving Cuban, Latin, Jewish and Haitian community, and even though Miami isn't their first country, it is their home now. The best way to embrace this city while honoring a heritage is with children. That's why Miami offers several bilingual programs to entertain children while teaching them about their culture.
bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

Sport & Dance Studio Center

7987 W 28th Ave
Hialeah, FL 33016
(305) 827-2404
www.sportanddancestudio.com

The Sport & Dance Studio Center will kick your kid's lazy school days into high gear. Each day, children get homework help, a snack, TV/free play time and a full hour of dance. The dances include hip hop, ballet and danza. There is even karate offered twice a week. Both Spanish and English classes are available, so your child is sure to have fun while their culture is being preserved.

playwright
(Source: Playwright Irish Pub)

Mis Amigo Languages

1390 S Dixie Highway, Suite 1108
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 418-0353
www.misamigoslanguages.com

Mis Amigo serves children from age two to teens. It specializes in teaching Spanish and tailors programs to fit your child's needs. For the toddlers and elementary-age children, Mis Amigo features music and games to facilitate your child's learning. For teens, it integrates National Geographic material to keep them stimulated. By the time you're child is done, they'll be speaking Spanish like it was their first language.

Related: Best After-School Activities for Kids In Miami

Fit-To-Play Program

Various parks
(305) 755-7800
www.miamidade.gov

This Miami-Dade Park after-school program features all sorts of activities to keep your children entertained. It incorporates homework, soccer and tennis into the Fit-To-Play program, focusing on your child's mental and physical well being. The program offers communication in both English and Creole, so this is perfect for Haitian children or just for children curious about the Haitian culture. This program is for children ages 6 to 14 years old.

Miami Lakes Art Academy
(Source:Miami Lakes Art Academy)

Miami Lakes Art Academy

5747 NW 151st St
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
(305) 562-2236
www.miamilakesartacademy.com

This program is only open to Miami Lakes residents, but it is fabulous for bilingual children. Kids can either learn Spanish with a teacher once a week during a one-hour class, or they can do art, homework and prepare for the FCAT in the after-school program. Both programs are bilingual. The hyper-ambitious student has the option of participating in both programs. Call ahead for the bilingual Spanish program as availability is dependent on class attendance.

vandyke
(Source: Van Dyke Cafe)

Highland Lakes Jewish Center

2601 NE 211 Terrace
North Miami Beach, FL 33180
(305) 770-1919
www.hebrewschool.info

This program is geared toward the Jewish community, but anyone can come. Children ages 5 to 13 can attend the after-school program and learn to read and write Hebrew while participating in arts and crafts, getting homework help and occasionally joining in on karate and drama. It's great for the young ones, but if you're looking for a bilingual environment for your teen to learn Hebrew, he/she should go to the adult classes. It's a great experience for all.

Related: Best Places for Kids On A Rainy Afternoon

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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