Flexible, Modular Game Design Education for Kids
Game Design Academy in Carlstadt, NJ offers hands-on, creative game design classes for kids ages 8 to 14, combining real-world activities with digital tools. Through our unique 50/50 learning model, students explore essential game creation skills, from game design, 3D modeling, coding blocks to animation 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 Workshops:
Flexible, creative, and fun, just like your weekend should be. Explore the world of game design through 8 workshops in our Game Design Basics Program.
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Join any weekend workshop in any order, each session is a new experience.
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Take one workshop or stack multiple in a single day.
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Complete all 8 and earn your official GDA Certificate.
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Parents can enjoy our lounge with retro and board games.
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Held every Saturday & Sunday.
2. Weekday All Day Camps:
All day camps are perfect for families who need flexibility and kids who love to play, build, and imagine. We run all day camps every month in a year. When schools are closed we are open.
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Come for a day, a week, or mix & match non-consecutive days.
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Each day features a different game design or STEM themed camp.
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Time 9AM – 3PM/5PM , flexible drop-off and pick-up.
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Lunch is included.
3. After School Programs (Starting Sep 8th):
5 structured programs running weekdays after school. Ideal for kids who want to dive deeper during the school year.
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6-week programs meets once a week (same day & time)
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Choose your track like board games, pixel art and game design.
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Earn a program completion certificate
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Starts September, weekday sessions available
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
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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.
