Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

1. Arena Stem – Paramus

Located in Westfield Garden State Plaza, Arena is an amusement center and STEM classroom all in one. Aside from its seven play zones, Arena offers classes in robotics, engineering, and model-making.

2. Bricks 4 Kids – Statewide

With locations statewide, Bricks 4 Kidz builds a child's confidence in, and excitement about, math, technology, and architecture. While most classes are based on Legos, many combine stop-motion video and Minecraft for extra enrichment.

Kids as young as 4 can learn chess at AlphaMinds Academy.

3. AlphaMinds Academy – Jersey City

Kids as young as 6 can learn coding, engineering, math, and logic at this academy. Chess lessons start at age 4.

4. Built by Me – East Brunswick

Children can enroll in classes or a workshop focused on robotics, digital making, product design or opt to join The Maker's Club, where they think with their hands to master challenging projects.

5. Genius Gems – Millburn

Kids ages 2-12 can take various STEM classes at this STEM-focused indoor play space, from chemistry and coding to robotics and engineering.

6. Krubots – Manalapan, Freehold

Programs cater to kids ranging in age from 6 to 14. Working in teams, kids learn about robotics, drones, 3D printing, and Legos.

7. Little Ivy Academy – Ridgewood

Robots and coding are big at Little Ivy. Geared toward kids in pre-K through eighth grade, Little Ivy creates curious, lifelong learners through programs in web development, app and game making, robotics, and more. After-school enrichment labs are held on its Ridgewood campus. You can also set up your own session through its Have Your Own Lab program.

8. Montclair Learning Center – Montclair

Nurture your child's interest in STEAM topics with classes in coding, Minecraft, robotics, chess, and more. Bring kids as young as 3 to its Little Engineer classes for fun, hands-on learning, and activities.

9. The Renaissance Child – Cliffside Park

From Lego Explorers for 3 years olds to robotics, coding, and 3D printing for elementary-age students, there are plenty of options at this unique academy. Toddler and mommy-and-me classes are offered, plus lessons in music, visual arts, and a popular Technology Bootcamp. 

RELATED: Best Science Museums Near and Around NJ

Robot Revolution gets kids geared up for competitive robotics.

10. Robot Revolution – Summit

This robotics school focuses on getting kids involved in competitive robotics. Register kids in VEX IQ (4th-8th grade) or VEX (8th-12th grade). Children build structures, run experiments, work on their own robots, and more.

11. STEAM Mum and SciTech Kids – Jersey City

Students as young as age 3 meet in small groups and learn to use STEAM skills to solve real-world problems. Classes offer education in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, coding, Minecraft, robotics, architecture, and astronomy.

12. Storming Robots – Branchburg

Kids in grades 4 through 12 can try robotics or computer science at Storming Robots, where year-round engineering classes are the focus. Advanced students can join the competition team.

13. Sylvan Learning Centers – Statewide

Sylvan Learning Centers get kids excited about engineering and robotics with diverse class offerings for those in first grade and up.

14. 4H – Statewide

Check in with your local 4H chapter for STEM offerings. Clubs throughout the state offer robotics and engineering classes and activities for kids.

Originally published in 2017, this post is updated regularly. Photos courtesy of the programs