With summer drawing to a close, a lot of people might be getting themselves or their kids ready to go ‘Back to School’. Back to School is a season in its own right, bringing with it the tightening up of rules, the shortening of days, and the frantic stockpiling of regulation school supplies. Whether you take part in the Back to School rush or not, there’s a palpable sense of change in the air when the end of the hot weather rolls around.

Although the summer, a heady time full of beach visits, sun-soaked hikes and day drinking, is objectively the most fun season, there’s something just as exciting about the crisp arrival of fall. It’s as if everyone is shaking the sand out their shoes, buttoning up their coats and getting stuck into their work. The arrival of the new school year and cooler weather make fall the perfect time to get back into your hobbies or learn something new, but where do you start?

Luckily for all you curious students, here at Experience Days we’ve compiled our favourite lessons, classes and workshops into one handy place. Whether you’re looking to apply yourself to a new artistic principle, finally dust off that guitar, or – y’know, no big deal – fly an actual plane, we’ve got a huge selection of lessons and classes for you, from the quiet and contemplative to the utterly exhilarating. Read on to find out your new favourite….

Cooking

Dip your toes in the culinary waters this fall and learn the best ways to put innovative new dishes on the table! Expanding your cooking repertoire is never a bad idea, especially not when you’re learning practical tips from expert instructors who have made it their life’s work to pass on their delicious secrets…

Indian Cooking Demo in Dallas – $32

Learn the closely-guarded secrets of Indian cuisine with this 2 ½ hour vegetarian cooking demo in Dallas! Under master chef Manjuali Devi’s tutelage, you’ll pick up authentic Indian cooking techniques, along with perfecting the careful balance of flavor required for great vegetarian food. You’ll meet Manjuali at Kalachandijs, Dallas’ premier vegetarian Indian restaurant, where he will demonstrate how to prepare Indian appetizers and main dishes the authentic way. Next, you’ll sit down with your fellow classmates to enjoy the meal. Not only is this a fulfilling and delicious experience; you can take the recipes out of the classroom and into your own kitchen at home, recreating healthy Indian meals for years to come.

Cucina Casalinga Italian Cooking Class – $160

Pizza, pasta, risotto, seafood… Italian truly is the food of the gods. (Obviously, because they have both pizza AND pasta on their line-up of traditional foods. That’s just ridiculous.) Why just sample the food of gods when you can – uh – become a god yourself? That analogy didn’t really pan out, but you know what I mean, teach a man to fish, et cetera. The teacher in question will be chef and cookbook author Sally Maraventano. You’ll meet Sally in her Connecticut kitchen, where you and the rest of the students will learn authentic Italian cooking techniques and enjoy a delicious meal of your own making! If you’re a total beginner who until recently thought that Minestrone was a Baroque composer, don’t worry, this hands-on class caters for all levels. Sally will teach you the most essential gourmet tips and techniques you’ll need to create your own mouth-watering Italian meals. From knife skills to ingredient selection, you and your fellow students will come away equipped with the knowledge any self-respecting foodie needs to serve their repertoire for years to come. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to interact with the chef as everyone works together to create your Italian feast. When it’s ready, you and your fellow classmates will sit down to enjoy it together.

Chocolate Making Class in New York – $395

This private chocolate making workshop in Brooklyn is perfect for those looking to learn more about chocolate. You will also enjoy tastings from around the world, and create your own delicacies!

Your instructor is a third generation chocolatier, who will teach you and your plus-one everything you need to know about buying, tasting, tempering, coating and decorating with chocolate at Brooklyn’s renowned JoMart chocolate shop. Following demonstration, you will learn how to make your own chocolate truffles or even build your own chocolate bar. As this is a private class, the full attention will be devoted to you and your guest as you work to create the very best sweet treats imaginable!

Flying

What are you learning at school this semester? Math? That’s nice. Who, me? Oh – no big deal. Just flying an actual plane.

If trigonometry is not the kind of learning you want to do this fall, why not learn to fly an aircraft instead? Your highly-qualified and rigorously trained instructor will be by your side at all times, and they’ll help you expertly navigate your first flight as you soar through the air and take in the beauty of the sky around you.

Introductory Flight Lesson in Cincinnati – $88

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Cincinnati, Ohio, during this 30 minute hands-on discovery flight. Take over the controls from 5,000 feet in the air with a certified flight instructor by your side, and discover the incredible thrill of flying! Your lesson will begin with a briefing from the instructor on techniques and safety aspects of light aircraft flying. After ground instruction is complete, you’ll take your place in the co-pilot’s seat of the Cessna 172 and prepare for take-off. Soar above southwestern Ohio, and absorb the beauty of the Cincinnati skyline from up above! An unforgettable way to get to grips with flying.

San Jose Introductory Flight Lesson – $175

This one-hour introductory hands-on flight lesson over San Jose is a brilliant way to take the skies and see California from a whole new perspective! You’ll begin your experience at Reid-Hillview Airport, where you’ll meet your certified flight instructor. They’ll brief you on the techniques and safety aspects of light aircraft flying, before you jump into the Citabria for the ride of your life. After you taxi down the runway, the pilot will turn the controls over to you the moment you are sky high. Enjoy the feeling of weightlessness as you soar over San Jose, and take in Northern California’s most stunning views while you learn how to fly!

Chicago First Flight Lesson – $169

This hands-on introductory flight lesson in Chicago will see you and an FAA certified flight instructor fly a light aircraft together! During this 1 ½ hour experience, you will be challenged to do all the things a real pilot does before, during and after a typical flight. Your airborne adventure begins at Chicago’s top rated flight school in Chicago Executive Airport, Wheeling, IL. There, you’ll meet your instructor, and they’ll show you the ropes of piloting a light aircraft during a ground instruction course and pre-flight safety check. Next, it’s time to get in the pilot’s seat! The Dream Come True starts here. You’ll turn the key to start the plane, taxi the aircraft and assist with the takeoff. Once airborne, you can take over the controls and perform in-flight manoeuvres, including the approach to the runway down to 50 feet!

Art

Discover the therapeutic benefits of being creative with one of these fantastic art classes. Maybe you’ve always been an artist and just want to get back in touch with that side of yourself, or maybe you’ve never so much as picked up a paintbrush. Art should be for everyone, and our selection of classes are out to prove that!

Bloomington Painting Class – $35

When you think of the word “art”, the chances are the first image your mind conjures is someone painting. (Unless you’ve been to a contemporary art gallery recently, in which case you might be more likely to think of a trash bag decorated with glitter or a taxidermic mouse in a top hat.) If you’re new to art, painting is a great way to get in touch with your creative side. This three-hour art class in Bloomington is taught by an experienced and talented instructor, and combines two excellent things: being creative and drinking! Once you arrive at the venue, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase your tipple of choice before you settle down to start painting. All materials are provided: canvases, easels, paints, brushes and aprons – so all you need to bring is your sense of curiosity! During your class, the art teacher will guide you step-by-step along the way, providing instructions on how to paint your own unique work of art. At the end of the class, you’ll have a masterpiece to take home and proudly display.

Phoenix Jewelry Design Class – $95

Adorn yourself with your own homemade cabochon ring after taking part in this fantastic Jewelry Design Class in Phoenix, Arizona! This 2-hour class will provide you with step-by-step instruction from a friendly and experienced artisan who knows their craft inside out.

A cabochon is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished typically with a convex top and flat bottom. The cutting en cabochon technique is usually applied to opaque gems. Throughout this jewelry design classes you will learn the differences between jewels and gems as you master select artisan concepts. You will be taught how to make the correct size silver ring for your finger, how to solder then form and set a cabochon into a ring. Once complete, you will have a wearable work of art that you’ve created in only two hours!

Glass Blowing Class in Philadelphia – $300

Glass blowing is a unique and beautiful art form, dating back to the 2^nd millennium BC – and if an art form has been going on since before Jesus was around, you know it must be pretty perfect by now! Learn the ins and outs of this ancient practice with a professional instructor at your side during this workshop in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia.

During this private, two-hour class, your instructor will safely lead you through the process of to creating your very own hand-blown glass artwork. You’ll start by gathering 2,000 degree glass out of a furnace, adding colour, and then shaping it into a variety of forms which might include a paperweight, an ornament or maybe even a cup or vase. You and a guest will have the opportunity to create your very own hand-blown works of art, ready to display for years to come, or to give to someone as a gift.

Music 

Learning a new musical instrument, or even just picking one up again after a while of not practising, can be daunting. The rewards of playing music outweigh the initial difficulty of getting into the swing of things, and everything’s easier when you have a friendly and qualified teacher by your side! Browse our selection of music lessons to reconnect with your inner musician, learning at your own pace in a supportive environment.

Private Boulder Guitar Lesson – $70

Have you got a tiny Jimmy Page inside of you just bursting to get out? Well, first of all, you should see a doctor; that is a very peculiar condition. But secondly, you may be able to unlock the musical maestro within during this 60-minute guitar lesson in Boulder, Colorado! Working one-to-one with an experienced music teacher, you’ll learn the fundamentals of guitar within an hour and come away with a lot more confidence when it comes to playing your instrument.

Beginners needn’t fret, as this music lesson takes place in a friendly and supportive atmosphere which is perfect for all levels. Whether you’ve never played the guitar or are looking to brush up on existing skills, this lesson can cater to you. There’s something for everyone to learn, including basic techniques and fundamentals, advanced rhythmic studies, chord charts, songwriting, composition and even arranging. There’s no music snobbery here, and all genres are embraced: classical, modern, pop, jazz, rock, R&B, metal, country and blues.

Los Angeles Rock Star Experience – $995

Do you want to be a rock star? (Nickelback references to yourself, please.) This 2 ½ hour rock star experience in Los Angeles will give you a true taste of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle without all the arguments, sleeping in tour buses and questionable fashion choices that the real thing brings with it.

This private music lesson and jam session will teach you how to sing and play the piano, drums, bass or guitar like your rock ‘n’ roll heroes. Your experience begins with one-on-one instruction to learn the fundamentals of your chosen song and how to play your instrument. Lessons are taught in a friendly, open atmosphere, so the pressure is off and all you need to do is relax and enjoy the experience. After the lesson, you will be joined by a full band of the most well-regarded session and tour musicians in Los Angeles and Southern California for a one-hour session. Let your hair down, and rock out! This experience is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Water Activities

For those who love the water, looking for an interesting new way to experience it is half the fun. Dive in with these water activity lessons, and discover a new hobby!

Jacksonville Paddleboarding Lesson – $44

If you’ve never tried paddleboarding before, learn what all the fuss is about with this 1 hour Introduction to Paddleboarding Experience in Florida. This lesson takes place on Big Pottsberg Creek in Jacksonville, FL, and is the perfect excuse to have fun on the water – as if you need one!

Stand up paddleboarding has really taken off over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. Originally created by surfers in Hawaii (as all great things are), the sport served as an antidote to the waves being not quite good enough for surfing. They didn’t want to waste perfectly good water, and we think that’s fair enough! Stand up paddleboarding incorporates the use of both a single paddle and a long board to navigate the waters. During this introductory lesson, you’ll learn from an experienced instructor how to master this fast-growing watersport on both a simulator and the creek waters.

Kayaking Lesson on Ohiopyle State Park – $95

If you’re looking to improve your proficiency with a kayak, this lesson in Ohiopyle State Park is perfect for you. Just about anyone can paddle a kayak successfully after just a short orientation and have a great time. However, to paddle safely and confidently in all waters requires more skill, and during this 5 hour lesson, your experienced and qualified instructor will show you exactly how it’s done! Venturing into the Middle Yough River (Class I – Class II), you’ll go over proper strokes, self-rescue techniques, natural history of the area, and more! A truly invigorating and insightful experience and a great way to connect with the water. Other skills taught include re-entering the kayak from the water, gaining a solid grasp of the strokes, predicting the water’s movement and basic information about marine weather. Once you’ve completed your lesson, armed with your new knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to venturing off in the water on your own. Adventure awaits…

Guided Catalina Snorkeling Trip – $49

Santa Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most popular snorkeling locations, so where better to learn the fundamentals of this fascinating activity while discovering the beautiful schools of flying fish and underwater sea gardens that call the clear waters of the island home?

During your hour long snorkeling tour, you can discover the beauty of the Catalina waters for yourself! You’ll depart just steps away from the Catalina Terminal Landing, and your experienced guide will give you an overview of snorkeling, setting you up for the adventure that lies ahead. Once the whole group is ready, you’ll head out to Lover’s Cove. Located east of Avalon, this marine reserve has one of the heaviest concentrations of fish on the western coast. While you swim alongside the incredible marine life, your guide will teach you how to identify various fish who are local to the Catalina waters, and you can even feed them out of your hands! A truly thrilling experience and a great introduction to a new hobby.

Sports

Going for a morning run is all well and good, but sometimes you want a slightly more adventurous way to get your heart rate up. Browse our diverse range of sporty experiences, and find a unique new way to exercise!

Boston Winter Sports Adventure – $42

Hit the slopes with this fantastic introductory winter sports adventure in Weston, MA!

During your 75-minute winter sport lesson, you can choose from Classic Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, or Skate-Skiing for a thrilling outdoor winter adventure. This experience is located 15 minutes west of Boston on the Weston Ski Track, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide. They’ll fit you with all the equipment you’ll need for your lesson of choice, so all you need to worry about is having fun. Once you have all your gear, the group will head out to beginner level terrain to learn the skills you’ll need to get moving across the snow. No matter what lesson you choose, you’re sure to have the time of your life playing in the snow. If taking part in Classic Cross Country Skiiing, you’ll learn the basics of the classic ski diagonal stride, how to turn, and how to negotiate hills. If you’re Skate Skiing, you’ll learn the basics of weight transfer, edging on skate-skis, and V1 timing. This winter sports adventure in Boston is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors!

Los Angeles Indoor Rock Climbing – $55

Learn to rock climb with this Indoor Rock Climbing Lesson in Costa Mesa! Designed for beginners, this two-hour climbing course pairs you with an experienced instructor so you can really get the most out of your experience. You’ll be provided with all the climbing gear you need as well as hands-on instruction, so all you need to do is relax and have fun! Your instructor will teach you introductory top rope skills including how to put on your harness, tie-in with a double figure eight climbing knot, and how to use a friction-plate-type belay device to hold the rope for another climber.

Once the class is complete, you’ll have a week to come back to the rock gym and practice your new skills. A great new skill to learn and a fun way to strengthen your upper body!

Flying Trapeze Class Las Vegas – $60

When it comes to learning something new, a skill that could help you run away and join the circus has to be an important one in your arsenal, surely?

Soar through the air on a high-flying trapeze during this 90 minute trapeze lesson in Las Vegas. During your lesson, you will learn how to perform acrobatic moves on the trapeze with ease. You’ll start by meeting your professional instructor and the rest of the students at the trapeze platform, just 1,000 feet from the Las Vegas Strip. There, you’ll receive a brief overview of safety procedures, and the instructor will familiarize you with the apparatus and terminology. You’ll be taught how to perform basic tricks, then it’s time to step up to the harness, chalk up, grab onto the bar and fly through the air! By the end of this amazing session, you’ll be performing acrobatic moves you never imagined doing on a high-flying trapeze. Could you feasibly join the circus? Well, there’s only one way to find out!

Dance 

Learning by yourself is great, but even better is learning with your partner by your side. If the two of you have always wanted to step – or tango, or salsa – outside your comfort zone, guided dance lessons are a great way to do just that.

Bay Area Tango Dance Lesson – $120

Learn how to tango with this 50 minute private dance lesson in the Bay Area! A great learning experience for couples, and an excuse to dance your friends off the floor for years to come.

You’ll meet your professional dance teacher at one of three Bay Area dance studios: San Francisco, San Jose or Lafayette. You and your partner will learn the fundamentals of the tango as your teacher shows you the ways of this beautiful Argentine cultural expression. In order to accelerate the learning process, your instructor will break down the dance into graduated steps, helping you learn the tango in a fun and approachable way. And what is the best thing to do after a dance lesson? Dance, of course! So, why not dust off your best dancing shoes and go out on the town to wow everyone with what you’ve learned?

Seattle Dance Lessons – $89

This introductory Seattle dance lesson is perfect for first-time dancers who don’t have much experience but are eager to strut their stuff! Consisting of a 30-minute private lesson, one 40-minute group class, and the option to attend a supervised dance practice lesson, this experience is great for anyone who has always wanted to learn how to dance but has never taken the first steps (pun intended.) You can choose to attend your lesson at the Arthur Murray Studio in either Bellevue or Seattle, where a professional instructor will work with you one-to-one to better understand your goals, teaching you all the right moves that will finally get you out on the dance floor!

Private Salsa Lesson in Baltimore – $95

Learn to salsa with this private lesson in Baltimore! You and your dance partner will learn the fundamentals of New York Style Salsa (sounds delicious, we know, but it’s not something to dip your tortilla chips in, it’s a style of dance. Come on, keep up.)

Your experienced dance teacher will show you rhythm, timing, steps, basic combinations and turn patterns. Get swept up into the joy of the dance, and before you know it you and your partner will be dancing salsa like pros!

Thanks for reading!

…And that concludes our list of favourite lessons and classes to engage your mind this fall! We hope you’ve found something interesting to sink your teeth into, or maybe you’re even looking to give the gift of a new skill to a loved one. If you’re still hungry for knowledge, browse our full range of lessons and classes here.