OKABALOO is a bright, colorful space for kids and parents to get inspired and express their innate creativity. Located in The Arts District of Astoria, Queens off 36th Ave, OKABALOO offers something for everyone: a high-quality boutique style after-school recreational program, super fun summer camp and school days-off camp, unique and engaging children’s enrichment activities, creative open play, unforgettable kids’ birthday parties, monthly kids’ play-dates, holiday parties, movie nights and parents’ date nights, as well as private and community events, such as networking and local makers’ markets.
Owned and managed by local mother and professional artist Olta Dokle, OKABALOO’s mission is to spark a love of the arts and to help make creativity a lifelong habit for healthy, fulfilling lives. The benefits of artistic exploration go far beyond growing as individuals, but also help us grow together as a community. OKABALOO also supports the arts in our community by hosting a local artisan craft market called NYC Made Market, as well as featuring local artists’ and makers’ work in its art studio/gallery.
With limited seats to guarantee individual attention, OKABALOO stands out and shines in its dedication to providing quality exposure to the arts, with truly memorable, unique experiences. OKABALOO boasts creative recreational activities centering around all forms of Art that are completely hands-on and fun, where learning always happens naturally as a side effect, rather than the purpose itself. Kids can choose from Visual and Performing Arts, such as Drawing & Painting, Art & Crafts, Music, Creative Movement, and Musical Theater all taught by professional NYC artists. They also offer tons of other unique, out-of-the-box activities, like Chess, Spanish Immersion, and STEAM activities, such as LEGO, Robotics, Computer Programming, Coding, and Basic Engineering (along with their partner Snapology).
OKABALOO is also the largest space of its kind in Astoria, which makes it an exceptionally wonderful venue for hosting events of all kinds and sizes. The space was thoughtfully designed to be a bright, blank canvas so that it could be transformed to fit any occasion and event theme. It can easily go from children’s birthday party to networking event to live performance (shout out to its professionally equipped stage). In fact, OKABALOO’s owner, Olta, goes above and beyond to make space rental and event planning as stress-free as possible by accommodating literally any theme you or your child can imagine. This is a place for creativity, after all!
When you walk in, you’ll be greeted with a genuine smile and made to feel welcome as part of the community. It’s a space that is as warm and inviting as its staff. OKABALOO’s inspiration to create is contagious, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and get creative!
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We believe in the power and impact that families and children have in shaping our world. Positive recreational and extracurricular activities outside of school and work can build a stronger, happier society, generation after generation. These beliefs drive our passion to spark a love of the arts and to help make creativity a lifelong habit for healthy, fulfilling lives. Our greatest mission is to bring to our community and beyond a place where everyone feels inspired to do better, be better, and pass it along.
-Okabaloo FunArtFaktory
