Is There a Michael Phelps in the House?

As the world watches the final week of the Olympics, many parents are hoping a bit of inspiration seeps out of the tube and into their children.

And, no doubt, after watching dozens of events over 16 days, many kids will want to try something new.

Does your child suddenly want to take a gymnastics class with an eye towards becoming the next Gabby Douglas? Or what about swimming? Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, began swimming at age 7.

If your budding athlete is itching to try out a sport, here's a list of a few places offering classes. If you know of other opportunities, please feel free to note them in the comments section below or email Shelley@patch.com.

TRACK

Girls On The Run/Girls On Track
http://girlsontherunnj.org/
This program has sites in Montclair, Maplewood, and other parts of Essex County. Designed for girls in grades 3 through 8, the course not only stresses running, but also character development. Registration for fall classes began August 1.

TENNIS

Tiger Tennis & Fitness
http://tigertennisandfitness.com/
42 Fairfield Place
West Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
973-575-1000

And there are plenty of other tennis instruction sites in Montclair and in surrounding towns. Check out this nice overview by going

FENCING

New Jersey Fencing Alliance
http://www.njfencingalliance.com/about-us/
50-58 Burnett Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-763-5728

Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad, first Muslim female fencer to represent the USA at the Olympics, trained and now coaches at NJFA.

KARATE

Maplewood Karate
http://patch.com/A-c5lW
97 Baker Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
973-996-8066

Kincade School of Martial Arts

312 Orange Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-9812

GYMNASTICS

Rick's All American
ricksallamerican.com/
226 Passaic Avenue
Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-575-8488

Little Gym

1 Greenwood Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-744-1002

Flippin' Out Tumbling & Gymnastics
http://flippinouttumbling.com/
Nutley, NJ

SWIMMING

Caldwell Community Center
http://www.caldwell-nj.com/content/93/default.aspx
1 Provost Square
Caldwell, NJ
973-228-7665

Geyer Family YMCA

159 Glenridge Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
973-783-2640

Montclair State University also offers swim lessons for kids. Go here for more information.