Game Design, Digital Art & Animation Classes for Kids
In our in-person classes in Bergen County, 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.
Training the next generation of creators, builders, and problem-solvers!
Flexible, Modular Game Design Education for Kids
At Game Design Academy, we offer a flexible and engaging Game Design Basics program, designed around a modular education system that promotes a 50/50 approach to learning. Each of our 8 unique classes combines hands-on activities with digital tools, ensuring a balanced experience that enhances skill development. For example, in 3D sculpting, students first learn by sculpting with air-dry clay before moving to digital tools for 3D modeling. Similarly, in pixel art, students create physical pixel art with color cubes before transitioning to digital tools. This blend of physical and digital learning supports a deeper understanding and retention of concepts, providing a more well-rounded education. With a maximum of 12 students per class, every child receives personalized attention in a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and teamwork.
Our modular system allows students to choose their learning path, taking any class in any order and revisiting them as many times as they like. As we continue to expand, we will release new programs with additional modules, providing even more opportunities for growth. Parents can sign their children up for individual classes or the full 8-class program, with flexibility to mix and match. This approach ensures that each child develops their skills at their own pace while enjoying a dynamic and balanced learning experience.
When you complete all eight classes, you'll earn:
✔ A GDA Certificate of Completion
✔ Exclusive GDA swag
✔ 8 Module Completion Badges
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 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
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Each class is structured as a 50/50 blend of hands-on creation and digital development.
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In the first half, students create real-world models, whether through art, physical game pieces, or sculpting.
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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.
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Pixel Art
Learn how classic games use pixels to create immersive worlds.
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Vector Art
Create scalable game assets using modern design techniques.
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3D Art & Sculpting
Build and shape 3D models for characters and environments.
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Animation Principles
Bring characters and objects to life through movement.
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Board Game Principles
Understand the foundations of game design by creating a physical game.
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Coding Fundamentals & Robotics
Discover the logic behind games and how programming works.
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2D Game Development
Create a simple, playable video game.
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3D Game Development
Learn the basics of building 3D interactive environments.
