In our in-person classes in Carlstadt, NJ, kids ages 8-14 explore game design, digital art, and coding through a unique 50/50 approach—starting with hands-on creation and transforming their work into digital designs. From designing board games to learning animation principles, every class blends creativity, problem-solving, and technology, allowing kids to build and bring their own creations to life.
Game Design, Digital Art & Animation Classes for Kids
Training the next generation of creators, builders, and problem-solvers!
Flexible, Modular Game Design Education for Kids
Game Design Academy in Carlstadt, NJ offers hands-on, creative game design classes for kids, combining real-world activities with digital tools. Through our unique 50/50 learning model, students explore essential game creation skills, from game design and 3D modeling to digital art and storytelling, by blending physical and digital experiences. For example, kids might sculpt with clay before transitioning to 3D modeling software, or create pixel art with color cubes before moving into digital pixel tools. This approach helps kids better retain knowledge, build confidence, and stay engaged.
Our programs are ideal for students ages 8 to 14, and we welcome families from across Bergen County and nearby areas. With small class sizes, every child gets personalized guidance in a collaborative and fun environment.
Explore Our STEM & Game Design Programs for Kids
1. Weekend Classes:
Our flexible, modular Game Design Basics program includes 8 unique classes on weekends, that students can take in any order.
-
Attend just one class or multiple classes in a day
-
Repeat classes anytime, each session brings new projects and ideas
-
Easy drop-off and pick up, or relax in our parent lounge with retro games and board games
-
Students who complete all 8 classes earn a Game Design Basics Certificate
2. Summer Camp Program:
Our 10-week summer camp offers a fun, flexible experience where kids explore different STEM and game design topics each week day.
-
Join any day that works for your schedule—no need to attend every day
-
Focus on creativity, collaboration, and play
-
Full-day workshops: 9am to 5pm, with early drop-off and pick-up available
-
Includes 2 slices of pizza and a drink each day
-
See our daily summer camp schedule to choose your topics
3. After School Programs:
These structured, 6-week programs meet once a week on the same day and time in week days.
-
Dive into topics like coding, animation, or game development
-
Consistent weekly sessions build momentum and mastery
-
Students receive a program completion certificate
-
Check our After-School Program Schedule for available sessions
Whether you're looking for a weekend class, a summer camp, or a STEM after-school program in Bergen County, Game Design Academy offers creative, skill-building experiences for kids who love games, art, coding, and storytelling.
Why Choose Game Design Academy for Hands-On Game Design Learning?
Game Design Academy (GDA) offers hands-on, interactive game design classes for kids aged 8-14 in Carlstadt, Bergen County, NJ, and surrounding areas. Whether your child is interested in creating board games, coding digital games, or designing characters in pixel or 3D formats, our modular program provides a fun, engaging learning experience that blends art, technology, and problem-solving. Our weekend classes are perfect for school breaks, extracurricular learning, and day trips for local schools. We welcome students from anywhere willing to commute to our location!
✔ Hands-On Creativity & Digital Learning
Students gain real-world game design experience by working on physical board games, character design, and interactive digital projects. Every class combines art, creativity, and technology, allowing kids to bring their ideas to life using pixel art, vector design, 3D modeling, and animation tools.
✔ Teamwork, Collaboration & Problem-Solving
GDA fosters team-based learning, helping kids develop communication and problem-solving skills. Whether strategizing in board game design, collaborating on digital assets, or coding interactive mechanics, students gain valuable STEM-aligned skills while working together.
✔ Local & In-Person Learning Environment
Located in Bergen County, NJ, we serve families and schools within a 15-mile radius of Carlstadt, including Secaucus, North Bergen, East Rutherford, Ridgewood, Montclair, Morristown, Wallington, Rutherford and Clifton. Our in-person classes provide a structured yet flexible environment for kids to explore game design through hands-on projects. Whether you're searching for kids’ gaming classes near me, STEM learning programs, or digital art workshops, GDA offers an exciting, real-world experience.
✔ Skill Development & Exciting Takeaways
Beyond learning game mechanics, coding, and digital art, students take home tangible projects, including custom board game pieces, 3D character printouts, and interactive game files. These hands-on projects make learning fun, rewarding, and portfolio-worthy!
Game Design Academy:
Back to the Basics of Game Creation
Game Design Academy was created with a simple goal: to introduce kids to the fundamentals of game mechanics, art, and development in a fun, hands-on way. Before kids can build any video games, they need to understand what makes games engaging, fun, and playable—from core mechanics to the art that brings them to life.
Hands-On Meets Digital:
The GDA Learning Experience
Digital Art & Design
Game Mechanics & Development
-
Each class is structured as a 50/50 blend of hands-on creation and digital development.
-
In the first half, students create real-world models, whether through art, physical game pieces, or sculpting.
-
In the second half, they bring their creations into a digital environment, giving them a firsthand look at how real-world ideas translate into technology and software.
-
Pixel Art
Learn how classic games use pixels to create immersive worlds.
-
Vector Art
Create scalable game assets using modern design techniques.
-
3D Art & Sculpting
Build and shape 3D models for characters and environments.
-
Animation Principles
Bring characters and objects to life through movement.
-
Board Game Principles
Understand the foundations of game design by creating a physical game.
-
Coding Fundamentals & Robotics
Discover the logic behind games and how programming works.
-
2D Game Development
Create a simple, playable video game.
-
3D Game Development
Learn the basics of building 3D interactive environments.
