Hamilton Fish Recreation Center451

Completely renovated in 1992, the Hamilton Fish Recreation Center is one of 11 such centers in Manhattan alone. The center offers afterschool and summer programs free of charge, and has two outdoor pools: a good-sized kiddie pool (2-1/2 feet deep all around) and an enormous one for older kids (3-1/2 feet deep all around).

It also boasts lots of lifeguards who rule with an iron fist - important on hot days when it gets very crowded. The pools are FREE and open to the general public daily from 11am-7pm. As with other public pools, no toys or food are allowed by the pool. You must wear a bathing suit to get in, and they check you at the gate. You'll find free lockers to the left of the entrance (be sure to bring your own lock), as well as a women's changing room (no such thing for males, unfortunately, so guys should wear trunks).

The outdoor areas are shady and pleasant, with lots of benches. There's a sprinkler play area and playground on the northern side; several basketball courts on the southern side. The pools are just beautiful - very clean - and it feels like a terrific luxury to be able to frolic in the water outside right in Manhattan.

The rest rooms are inside the main building and are clean and nicely maintained, although there is no changing table.

The Afterschool Program runs from 3pm-6pm and is free, but space is limited; registration is first come, first served. Afterschool program includes homework help, drama, visual arts, literacy, astronomy, sports, photography, girls' club.

Free swimming lessons are offered to children during the summer; for more information call the Citywide Aquatics Program at 718.699.4219. Supervised arts & crafts are also held at the center during the summer, Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm, but parents must stick around.

During the school year kids can sign up for a basketball league (free) and karate lessons, which are available all year.

A wrestling program, for kids ages eight and up, is available during the school year as well. The instructors are USA Wrestling Certified at Bronze Level, and program participants are also mentored from time to time by coaches and athletes from NYU and Columbia University.

Rec Center Membership can be used at any of Manhattan's 11 centers. Borough membership prices can vary, so if you plan to use a Center in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, or the Bronx, check prices there first, then pay the most expensive fee to insure use at all Borough Centers.