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If your ten-year-old is speculatively eyeing apartment buildings and wondering aloud if they can be scaled, or your six-year-old is using the back of the sofa as a balance beam, it may be time to take the kids down to Chelsea Piers, where their longing to climb, balance, and expend energy in general can be sated a bit more safely.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Place for Family Bonding in New York City, this 28-acre sports city, situated over three piers on the Hudson, offers year-round ice skating, ice hockey, soccer, golf, batting cages, basketball and volleyball courts, dance, and gymnastics classes, and 40 lanes devoted to bowling.

The Field House features two basketball courts with top-quality wood floors, glass backboards, and state of the art electronic scoreboards. Baseball players can check out the ProBatter II Baseball Simulator in one of the Piers' four batting cages. Based on the same multi-patented technology used by the Mets, Indians, and Red Sox, the ProBatter II features a life-size video screen that shows a pitcher from Shea Stadium throwing the ball towards the batter.

Dance classes for children are held in the Field House's 1400 square foot air-conditioned dance studio. Classes emphasize the importance of rhythm, technique, and control and encourage strength, confidence, and flexibility. Choose between Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop.

The Gymnastics Center features two competition spring floors, sunken trampolines, deep foam training pits, tumble tracks, and overhead spotting rings, in addition to multiple sets of equipment. Children are organized into groups based on gender, age and ability, and a low student/teacher ratio maximizes safety and ensures personal attention. Chelsea Piers also offers classes for adults who want a piece of the action.

Rock Climbing classes are offered at the Field House for both children and adults. Classes are taught by expert climbing instructors and all equipment is provided: harness, shoes, runners and lead climbing ropes. The artificial rock surface was designed specifically for children and teens, and offers a variety of routes that challenge climbers of different skill levels.

The Field House also boasts two state-of-the-art indoor fields built specifically for indoor soccer. The 55' by 110' climate controlled artificial-turf fields are surrounded by plexiglass boards and equipped with nets, goals and electronic scoreboards. Soccer classes are available for children beginning at age two.

For children ages 12 months to five years, the Field House offers the Little Athletes program, a series of classes specifically designed for the younger set. Whether your child is enrolled in gymnastics, soccer, rock climbing, dance, or one of the multi-sport classes, the professional coaches teach proper technique and skills in a supportive, nurturing environment.

Additionally, Chelsea Piers is home to a unique child care center. Located in the Field House, CP Kids is a sunny and spacious five-room early learning center for children ages three months to 2.8 years. CP Kids also offers preschool for children ages 2.9 to five. Two, three, and five day per week schedules are available.

Sky Rink has been teaching children to skate for over 30 years and uses a progressive, station-based format complemented by a complete off-ice training program. Progress is marked by tests administered by the Ice Skating Institute. General skate admission is $13 for adults and $10.50 for children and seniors. Skate rental is $7.50.

Parties can include any one of these activities. One-hour-and-a-half and two hour birthday party packages are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Field House, where you can choose between gymnastics, ice skating, toddler gym, rock climbing, soccer, basketball, batting cages, or dance. Sports can also be combined for a truly unique party experience.

Partygoers can bounce on the trampolines, jump into foam pits, have their own dance recital, scale the rock wall, play soccer, basketball, baseball, or dance. Experienced teachers lead games, races, obstacle courses, and other activities. A low student/teacher ratio ensures lots of personal attention and maximizes safety.

After 60 to 90 minutes of activity, the group moves to one of four private rooms or to the mezzanine for refreshments. Bring your own food and beverages, or, if you prefer, the Field House can arrange the catering. Party prices begin at $560 for 10 children ($25 each additional child) and climb from there. Other party options include ice skating, golf, and bowling.

Chelsea Piers also hosts summer vacation camps, preschool summer camps, and school vacation camps. Visit the website for current camp programs and prices.

The Golf Club offers an afterschool program, Saturday program, family clinics, birthday parties, and more.

The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers is an adult membership health club, great for parents to enjoy while their children are participating in the many classes offered at other Chelsea Piers' venues.