The 14th Street Y is a Jewish Community Center, but it welcomes members of all faiths. It offers scores of classes, programs, resources, and services - including babysitting for members.

Classes for kids include for kids include art, dance, cooking, martial arts, basketball, tennis, tumbling & gymnastics, kindermusik, ballet, and swimming (ages six months and up).

Birthday parties with a swimming component can be held here, too. Contact 212.780.0800, ext. 252 for details and booking.

There are playgroups for young children and their parents, infant massage classes, Mommy and Me classes, messy play classes, and even Japanese toddler and preschool classes that give kids an early start in learning a new language.

The Afterschool Program provides care for kids ages four to 12 on weekdays from 3pm-6pm. Regularly scheduled activities include swimming, basketball, cooperative games, and art & music. Other activities include snack, homework assistance, and outdoor play. The Afterschool calendar corresponds to that of the Public Schools, but does not meet when schools are open on Jewish Holidays. On school half-days and holidays, extended hours are available.

The 14th Street Y offers a pick-up program from PS 40, PS 19, Immaculate Conception, Children's Workshop, the Earth School, Neighborhood School, Simon Baruch, and the East Village Community School. NEST and PS 110 require an additional transportation fee. Pickup from other neighborhood schools can be arranged with a minimum of three students. Call ext. 258 for details.

The Gani Preschool offers modern, fully equipped classrooms designed to meet the needs of children ages two to five. The large recreation room and rooftop playground give little ones ample opportunity to practice gross motor skills (and play)! Call extension 238 or 266 for details.

Parenting workshops give adults a chance to meet other parents and discuss issues in a friendly community setting.

Summer camps include:

Mini-Camp, for kids ages 17 months to 3.5 years; younger children splash and play in the sprinklers on the rooftop playground and engage in art and music activities. A parent or caregiver must accompany the child at all times. Call extension 240 for details or to register.

On Our Way, for kids ages 2.5 to 3.5 years; a twice-a-week summer program for children who have completed a separated program. Adults and children get together for a half-hour on the rooftop playground for some outdoor fun and water play, then class continues for two hours without adults. Call extension 240 for details or to register.

The New Town Day Camp, for kids ages 3.6 to six years, provides indoor and outdoor play, field trips within the city, art, drama, music, and more. Registration for new families begins in January. Call extension 241 for details or to register.

The New Country Day Camp, for kids ages five to 11, takes kids to the 75-acre Henry Kaufman campgrounds on Staten Island, set with swimming pools, hiking trails, and open meadows. Call extension 248 for details or to register.

Japanese NikoNiko Summer Day Camp, for kids ages three to seven years, emphasizes Japanese conversation and written skills for older children; younger children are exposed to Japanese through songs and play. Call extension 243 for details or to register.

When public schools are closed, Holiday Camp is offered.

Universally revered as the Y to beat all Y's, the 92nd Street Y has so many classes and services it would take years to list them all. Best of all, there's no membership; virtually everything is available on an a-la-carte basis. (A few Y programs offer membership options, but those programs are open to everyone.)

Programs for parents and children include family swim and swim classes, Toddler/Parent Get-Togethers, on-site babysitting at $11/hour, art or music study for kids, and a terrific array of lectures (including a series on Parenting) and performances (including concerts for families).

A nationwide model, the Y Parenting Center serves as a resource for New York families and caregivers of all kinds, including single moms and dads, step-parents, adopting parents, and others. It offers information, support, and a variety of activities and programs for parents and children. A new initiative called 92nd Street Y Wonderplay: Early Childhood Learning provides an umbrella for all the programs that the Y offers for children ages five and under (and their parents), and can be found on the Y's website.

Classes for little and big kids at the 92nd Street Y include Art: sculpture and pottery, printmaking, cartooning, metalwork and jewelry, painting, drawing, and mixed media; Dance: modern, tap, jazz, ballet, flamenco, swing, and creative - plus five kids' dance troupes (ballet, modern, tap, jazz-funk, and lindy-hop); Music: composition, theory, guitar, piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, trumpet, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, bassoon, and percussion; Sports and Fitness: gymnastics, yoga, kickboxing, tennis, and team sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, softball, and hockey), as well as beginner basketball lessons and non-competitive sports classes (for those who aren't yet ready for team play).

Classes are open to kids from the ages of three to 16.

School vacation camps are offered for kids ages five to 13, and are generally open from 8:30am to 5:30pm during public school holidays.

The Y offers 12 summer camp programs, both day camps and sleepaways, for kids ranging in age from three to 18. Most of the programs take place at the Y's Rockland County campgrounds; day campers are picked up from various points in Manhattan and travel the short 40-minute distance in air-conditioned buses with counselor escorts on board and singing and games along the way. Call 212.415.5573 for more information.

The 92nd Street Y's Afterschool Program offers over 15 community service programs for middle and high school kids. Students can mentor younger children, help homeless New Yorkers affected by AIDS/HIV, cook for and feed the hungry, and lead other kids in sports or art activities. Many activities are open to all participants, while some, including tutoring and visits with senior citizens, are intended for high school students.

Most programs run Monday through Friday with an 8-week trimester commitment required, and credit awarded at the end of the trimester. A one-Sunday-a-month program is also available. For more information call the Teen Center at 212.415.5604 or email teens@92y.org.

The Noar Afterschool Center offers kids in grades K-6 a variety of enrichment options - including classes in gymnastics, swimming, dance, music, art, and cooking - to which they are accompanied by counselors. When children are not participating in a class, they are able to relax and play games with friends and counselors in the Playgroup room, which serves as their "home base."

Programs are organized by grade level, snacks are supplied, and children may attend anywhere from one to five days a week. Children also have the option of taking any of the many classes for children offered by the Y. Private music lessons can also be arranged.

For an additional fee, the Y offers a transportation service that escorts children to the Y from several area schools, either by van or by staff "walkers" (depending on the distance). For more information about Noar, call 212.415.5624.

A plethora of party possibilities preside at the 92nd Street Y. You provide the food, decorations and goodies; the Y provides staff, equipment, invitations, party favors, tables, and chairs. All parties run for two hours and prices include 1/2 hour prep time in the party room before the guests arrive. Possibilities include:

Gymnastic Parties can be put together for kids between the ages of two and 12 for up to 18 guests. Two instructors are included. The price increases, of course, as you add guests to the list, for 25-36 children (four instructors are included in that price). You also get to use the very cool GymMaze play structure, with a spiral slide, ball pool, spider net, and more. Call 212.415.5710, ext 1.

Sports Parties are recommended for kids between the ages of five and 12, or kids ages 13 to 18, for up to 21 guests (two instructors), and (at a higher fee) for up to 35 guests (three instructors). The kids get exclusive use of the 2,500 square-foot gymnasium, and can play basketball, soccer, floor hockey or other games. Call 212.415.5710, ext 2.

Pool Parties are perfect for kids between the ages of six and 12, or teens, for up to 15 guests (one instructor/one lifeguard) or for up to 30 guests (two instructors/one lifeguard). The kids get exclusive use of part of the pool, and can either have a free swim or the Y can organize games and activities. Call 212.415.5718, ex 4.

Super Soccer Stars parties are available, too. Call 212.877.7171 for pricing, or visit www.supersoccerstars.com.

And finally, Y Village Parties take place in Rockland County at one of the 92nd Street Y's campsites, for up to 12 children, or, at a higher rate, as many as 35 children. The Y offers cake, drinks and various activities, including rock climbing, ceramics, and karaoke. For an additional fee, the Y will arrange transportation from the city. Call 845.357.0532.

You can see how it all makes us dizzy.

Call for information, prices, and schedules, and be sure to check out the Y's beautiful, informative website.

ACT (Adults and Children in Trust) offers a broad range of year-round, affordable, non-sectarian, educational programs for tots through teens, in and around the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

ACT's Indoor Play Station provides a playground alternative for children ages five and younger during chilly season. Child-size equipment includes slides, balls, and places to crawl - all on a safe mat area. Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 3pm, parents or caregivers must accompany and stay with their children at all times.

The ACT Toddler Program offers a first-time group experience for children 18 to 36 months and their parents/caregivers. Each 90-minute class begins with an open play gym time followed by circle time with games and songs. After snack in the kitchen - which kids often help prepare - it's off to the art studio for various projects, winding up with a story and closing song.

ACT Early Childhood Programs offer various first-time school options for children ages 2.3 to 4.5. Two-day and three-day a week nursery classes as well as a part-time and full-time five-day a week preschool program are available.

A selection of programs help working parents when schools are not in session. Afterschool programs for grades K-4, vacation camp for ages 4.9 to twelve, and summer camp programs for kids three and a half through teen age are available.

Long lasting friendships, new games and songs, outdoor art and play, planting in the vegetable garden, participating in assemblies, and following the Cathedral's resident peacocks are just a few samples of what ACT participants experience.

Mini-ACT Summer Camp, for children ages three and a half to five and a half, offers a schedule filled with sports, art, music, storytelling, dance, gardening, water play, and more. Assemblies and camp wide events bring all facets of the ACT camp together. Weekly themes add a flavor to each activity period and event.

Day Camp for kids ages five and up is divided into age appropriate groups - the Preps Division (1st-2nd grades), Voyager Division (3th-5th grades), and Pioneer Division (6th-9th grades). A five-week session, beginning in July, costs $1,980; a two-week August session is $785.

The younger crowd are prepared (hence the word "Preps") to participate in everything from swimming and sports to art, performing arts, gardening, and more. The camp day includes structured periods as well as time for campers to talk, relax, and choose their own games. Club periods present campers with an opportunity to join an activity with campers in other groups.

Weekly field trips are scheduled to destinations such as lakes, beaches, and amusement parks. Fifth-graders can choose to go on a two-day camping trip or remain at ACT and take a day trip to Mountain Creek.

August Specialty Camps offer opportunities for campers who are interested in developing or honing their talents and skills in basketball, performing arts, and arts and crafts.

Assemblies and camp wide events bring all facets of the ACT camp together. Sessions wrap up with a camp wide celebration day.

A Counselor-In-Training program and other community service opportunities are open to high school students.

ACT birthday parties offer kids the opportunity to run, jump, and climb on ACT's special equipment, play party games, and create crafts until they cut the cake.

Basic parties include a choice of food entree and beverage, paper goods, a host who takes care of the details and a party activity specialist who leads activities. All you need to bring is a camera - and the cake. Balloons and other decorations can be provided for an additional fee.

A variety of theme parties are available including Art, Lawn Party, Gym, and Sports. Facilities are available for floor hockey, basketball, football, volleyball, and dodgeball.

ActiveJacs provides a safe, healthy learning environment where youngsters can build self-esteem, confidence, and basketball skills during school vacation days and over the summer.

There's no better place to spend a rainy day, or even a sunny one, than inside the American Museum of Natural History, winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Museum for Little Kids in New York City. From the instant they climb the stone steps and enter the lobby, children are rapt with attention. The animal dioramas are over 30 years old (they were there when WE were kids), but the scenes are still fascinating and weirdly beautiful. The dinosaurs, of course, can't be beat, and the often overlooked Hall of Gems contains The Star of India, the biggest and most famous star sapphire.

The Hall of Biodiversity is another big crowd-pleaser, with a walk through faux rainforest and lots of sea and land creatures to gaze upon.

The Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins presents the remarkable history of human evolution from our earliest ancestors millions of years ago to modern Homo sapiens. The innovative Spitzer Hall combines the most up-to-date discoveries in the fossil record with the latest in genomic science to explore the most profound mysteries of humankind: who we are, where we came from, and what is in store for the future of our species.

The Discovery Room houses hands-on exhibits for older children in the company of an adult. Kids can hunt for hidden creatures in a two-story replica of an African baobab tree (read the Little Prince before visiting!), check out an authentic Kwakiutl totem pole, dig for fossils (the staff tell us it takes about two weeks for kids to uncover the skeleton, at which point the museum covers it back up with packed sand for the next round), put a dino skeleton back together (our kids' favorite) with ingenious magnetized bones, and track earthquakes all over the world on a seismograph.

The Discovery Room holds about 50 inquisitive kids and parents at a time; when it gets too busy, you might be asked to wait for the next 40 minute stretch.

IMAX films are screened in the Lefrak Theatre, which features a forty-foot-high, sixty-six-foot-wide screen and a state-of-the-art digital sound system.
Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 212.769.5200,
Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Highlights Tours are offered daily at 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm; 1:15pm, 2:15pm, and 3:15pm. Tours begin at the entrance to the Akeley Hall of African Mammals, on the second floor.

Special exhibits and seasonal events, like the annual Butterfly Conservatory, require additional ticketing, and often an additional fee, and it can all be somewhat confusing. The smartest way to visit the museum is to plan in advance - and order tickets before you go. The Will Call ticket booth (located at the entrance at 81st between Central Park West and Columbus) usually has shorter lines than the drop-in booths, and if you order in advance you're sure to be able to see what you want to see.

AMNH offers summer camp and school vacation camp options for kids ages seven to 12. Check the website for updated information.

The museum is justly proud of its Food Court on the lower level; walk through the center and choose food to put on your tray - the options range from the very healthy and nice looking fruits and vegetables (and lovely cheese plates), to kid-pleasing pizza, burgers, and fries. Even on a crowded Saturday at 12:30pm, we had no trouble sailing through the brilliantly designed self-serve section, paying, and finding a place to sit.

The Hayden Planetarium is housed in the new Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Parking is available in the Museum's three story lot (enter on 81st Street between Columbus and Central Park West), for typical NYC prices. Still, you can't beat the convenience. Don't forget to have your ticket validated in the museum; you'll save at least a couple of dollars off the full price.

The museum is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

CityPass: The American Museum of Natural History is a participant in CityPass®, the most convenient way to visit five city attractions. Tickets are combined in an easy booklet for one low price, with no waiting in ticket lines!

ArchiKids offers young people the opportunity to explore the built world around them and to stretch their imaginations, with a goal of educating and inspiring children through architecture. A child doesn't necessarily need to aspire to a career in architecture to enjoy the ArchiKids programs, just a strong sense of curiosity about the world and a desire to explore and test new ideas.

ArchiKids afterschool classes offer an introduction to basic architectural concepts. During each class kids participate in at least one hands-on activity, which is aimed at developing two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualization skills.

Basic structures - such as columns and beams, arches, domes, and vaults - are discussed and then built and tested. Concepts like form, symmetry, contrast, balance, and rhythm are introduced and explored in the projects. Connections are made to fine art and music as well as to history, geography, math, and science.

Sessions meet once a week for 10 weeks. Drop-off starts at 3:30pm; the workshop runs from 4pm to 5:30pm. The cost for a 10 week session is $300. Signing up for multiple sessions offers a cost savings.

ArchiKids also offers ArchiCamp, an innovative day camp offering kids ages nine to 13 a unique opportunity to explore architecture in New York City.

Each day a specific architectural concept is presented and then the kids work on an engaging, hands-on building project related to that concept. They get to experiment with form, structure and materials, their imagination and creativity the only constraints. Work is done both independently and collaboratively.

In the afternoon the group visits a building or neighborhood that relates to the morning's project. Besides reinforcing the concepts developed by the building project, the site visits offer the kids a unique view of New York.

The camp day runs from 9am-5pm, at a cost of $450 per week (plus a $20 registration fee). Arrangements can be made for early drop-off or late pick-up.

Though it isn't as extensive as Chelsea Piers, Asphalt Green has some wonderful programs for kids, and a great community spirit. The pool and aquatics programs have been named "Best of..." year after year, and with good reason.

If you just need a place to swim, without taking classes, you can drop by the Green, and pay $35/adult, $20 senior, and $7/child. Membership (see below) is recommended if you think you'll visit often. Pool drop-in is not available Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm.

Swim Programs begin at four months, and include beginner through advanced classes. Lifeguard training classes are available for youth ages 15 and up.

Private and semi-private lessons are also available, as are Youth with Disabilities classes. Expect to pay approximately $300 for 10 classes, and $435 for 15 classes. Class prices vary depending on age and expertise. Call the Green for more information.

Youth Sports Programs include soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, gymnastics, karate, pre-K classes, as well as sport-specific training.

Private lessons are available for kids starting a new sport or looking to take their sport to the next level. Sessions are available with certified Master Coaches.

Asphalt Green also takes some of the panic out of impending school vacations with holiday camps and summer camp programs. Call to register.

Party options at the Green include Swim parties (for kids ages five and up, $685 for a maximum of 20 children ages five to six, or 25 children over seven), gymnastics parties ($600), sports parties (for kids ages three to six, $575), and karate parties ($590).

Several membership possibilities exist for Asphalt Green?s 50-meter Olympic Pool and duplex Fitness Center: Gold ($1,500/year), Gym ($1,125/year), Swim ($1,125/year), or Day ($1,000/year). One-month trial memberships are also available for $150/month.

Aviator Sports and Recreation is a 25-acre indoor/outdoor complex located on New York's original municipal airport, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Aviator is also the temporary home of the British Airways Concorde.

The huge indoor facility features features 2 NHL-sized ice rinks, multiple hardwood floor basketball courts, a 35' rock-climbing wall, high performance gym, 15,000 square foot gymnastics center, and two state-of-the-art full-sized outdoor turf fields for soccer, football, and Lacrosse. Two 50 x 100 feet indoor fields, with state-of-the-art artificial turf, provide area soccer players a unique place to score goals when weather conditions are unpleasant.

Youth leagues and camps include soccer, hockey, flag football, figure skating, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and Lacrosse.

School holiday camp and various summer camp programs include All Star Day Camp, which offers instruction in gymnastics, ice skating, and rock-climbing as well as recreational activities including crafts and nature exploration. Gymnastics, Figure Skating, Hockey, Soccer, and Basketball camps are also available. Post- and pre-Camp supervision is offered as is transportation from Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan (during the summer).

Birthday party packages include invitations, decorations, food, drinks, birthday cake, party favors, and more, plus a birthday crew to take care of everything from decorating to clean-up. Ice skating parties feature a performance from professional figure skaters and kids get to skate with the stars and receive instruction. Basketball, Soccer, Rock-Climbing, Gymnastics, and Cheerleading parties are also offered.

Grades: Pre-K to 8

Students: Coed


The School for Children at Bank Street is an independent laboratory school for Bank Street College and a working model of the College's approach to learning and teaching. Education at the School is experience-based, interdisciplinary, and collaborative.

Bank Street Summer Camp, an eclectic summer camp open to children ages four through 13, offers a variety of programs including art, theater, science, astronomy, digital technology, sports, field trips, and overnight camp. A Spanish lanuage immersion program is offered in conjunction with La Escuelita. All groups swim twice a week at either the Barnard Pool, an outdoor pool in Riverdale, or Lake Sebago. Camp tuition ranges from $1050 to $3240 and up depending on the program. Financial aid is available. Call 212.875.4705, email BankstreetSummercamp@bankstreet.edu, or fax 212.665.2811 for further information.

Bronx House Community Center is a Jewish Community Center that welcomes all races and religions.

Its facilities include a heated indoor pool; a fitness center; sports programs for kids (soccer, baseball, and basketball); day camps in the summer and on school vacation days for kids in Kindergarten through 10th grade; theater, dance, and music classes; an afterschool latchkey program (grades K-7; available Mon-Fri 3pm-6:30pm); tween and teen centers; a universal pre-K; a Parent-Toddler Center; and more are all on site!

Birthday partiers can celebrate in the pool on Sundays, from 1pm-2pm. The party includes an hour in the pool, with lifeguard on duty, for up to 15 kids, plus an hour in a party room. The fee is $200 for members; $250 for non-members. Call extension 232 to schedule.

Family Membership is $600/year.

In service to the community for 112 years, and occupying a beautiful six-acre waterfront site, the Bronx YMCA offers a number of helpful and fun programs for kids.

Afterschool programming is available at PS 96, PS 71, PS 97, PS 105, PS 106 and PS 108 and kids are happily occupied until 6pm. Afterschool is also offered on half days.

Swim lessons begin at 18 months and continue through adulthood. Lessons are paid for eight classes at a time, with each class running about 50 minutes.

Junior Knicks Basketball is designed for kids ages six-18, divided into age-appropriate groups.

Teen Lite Nights give teens a safe environment wherein they can hang out and participate in board games, ping pong, card games and basketball on Fridays between 5pm and 9:45pm.

Leaders Club allows kids 12-18 to participate in community activist work, where they'll learn to set and achieve personal goals, learn life skills and feel good about volunteering.

Youth and Government in a national YMCA teen (13-18) program which involves thousands of kids each year in state-organized model government programs.

Holiday Camp is offered during public school breaks (February and April). Registration begins January 2.

The outdoor pools and picnic area are open to members between Memorial Day and Labor Day on the weekends and weeknights during July and August.

One of the biggest zoos in the world, The Bronx Zoo has something for everyone, from butterflies to crocodiles, and it's a great way to spend the day with children.

Must-sees include the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, which brings you face to face with gorillas and other African wildlife (you're inside, they're out - an additional fee is required on a seasonal basis) and Jungle World, which takes you through an Asian tropical rain forest (yes, it is hot and humid, and there are real waterfalls).

World of Reptiles is always a crowd pleaser, showcasing some of the world's most poisonous snakes, toads, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles.

And don't miss The Children's Zoo, where kids can slide down the inside of a huge tree, pretend to be prairie dogs, climb a spider web, and feed farm animals, The Butterfly Garden ($3 per person), where families can walk through a greenhouse a-flutter with free-flying butterflies and moths, and World of Darkness, where you'll encounter nocturnal animals like bats and naked mole rats. The Children's Zoo and The Butterfly Garden are open seasonally, so be sure to check the website or call before you go.

And then there are all the outside environments to walk by and marvel at. Naturalistic, outdoor exhibits include environments housing bison, birds, snow leopards, and bears.

Tours: Join one of the walking tours offered by Friends of the Zoo, by reservation only. Call 718.220.5141.

Children's Zoo: $3 per person. (open April 1 - October 31, weather permitting).

Rides: Monorail is $4/person, round trip, open May 1 - Oct 31 weather permitting; Skyfari (the aerial tramway), is $3/person, one-way, open April 1 - Oct 31, weather permitting; camel rides, available (weather permitting) weekends only April 1 to Memorial Day weekend, then daily until October 31, are $5 per person; and the Zoo Shuttle is $3 per person, open April 1-Oct 31, weather permitting.

The Bug Carousel features various insects - including a grasshopper, ladybug, and a firefly. The ride fee is $2 per person.

The Bronx Zoo's Education Department also offers programs for children, families, and adults - including summer camps. Call 718.220.6854 or check our Calendar for upcoming events. Pre-registration is usually required; sign up early.

Birthday parties at the zoo are expensive, but unforgettable. Prices start at $1200 for 15 children. Call 718.741.1676, or visit the zoo's party page on the web for more information.

Food: Eat at the the Dancing Crane Cafe, Asia Plaza (seasonal), Terrace Cafe (Seasonal), African Market (seasonal) and Flamingo Pub (Seasonal). Snack stands are located throughout the park. Tables are available near The
Dancing Crane Cafe, Flamingo Pub, Terrace Cafe, African
Market, and at the Fisher-Price Grizzly Goodies Corner Picnic Area (near the grizzly bear exhibit). But park food is park food, and we recommend bringing your own picnic. Remember: no straws, to protect the animals.

Baby Stroller Rentals: Choose between single ($6) or double ($10). Call 718.229.5188 to reserve (the supply is limited). Fire laws prohibit the use of strollers in buildings.

The park is handicapped-accessible. To reserve an adult wheelchair, call 718.220.5188. All buildings, except the Astor Court restroom, are accessible by wheelchair. Zoo Shuttle and Skyfari are accessible with folding wheelchairs only. The rate for rental is $5 per day, with a $10 deposit. Limited supply available.

Visitor Rules: The Bronx Zoo is a smoke free environment. No pets, radios, bikes, or skateboards. Blind, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired visitors may be accompanied by properly harnessed guide animals. ADA maps are available at all gates.

Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.


Check out the POP Pass, which combines regular gate admission with a reduced rate for the most popular attractions. You can use the Wild Asia Monorail, Skyfari tram, and zoo shuttle, and visit the Children's Zoo, Butterfly Garden, and Congo Gorilla Rainforest, saving money and time (no more waiting in line when you're already IN the zoo)! Camel rides are not included. Adults $25; Seniors $21; Children (2-12) $19.

If you don't pick it up at the entrance, you can upgrade your general admission ticket at several locations throughout the park. On Wednesdays, when general admission is free, the POP Pass upgrade can be purchased for $9 (on Wednesdays, the upgrade is $12.

POP Passes are available May 1-October 30.

Advance discounted group rates are available for ten or more people. Call 1.800.YES.2868.

Membership: Annual family membership starts at $120

Parking: Cars $8; Buses $16.

Carlos Oliveira Soccer Academy offers year round soccer programs designed to give children the opportunity to learn the basics of soccer and improve their skill levels.

Boys and girls hone technique and tactics as well as the fundamentals of team play. Small groups practice dribbling, passing, shooting, and trapping and develop playmaking and field sense.

Soccer birthday parties cost $400 for up to 20 kids; $15 for each additional child. COSA provides a coach who leads soccer games and drills for 90 minutes. A rental fee is added for parties held indoors.

The Champion Tennis Club offers a Champion Junior Tennis Program and Summer mini-sports camps. Children's programs begin at three years of age.

Visit the website for dates and times, and pricing information.

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.

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. Micro Soccer classes are available for younger players on weekday mornings and Saturdays.

For children ages eight months to five years, the Field House offers the Little Athletes program. 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 $12.50 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Skate rental is $7.

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, and family clinics.

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.

Children's Museum of the Arts is the winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Artsy Class and Best Day Camp for Big Kids in New York City.

CMA's mission is to encourage children between the ages of one and 12 to develop their full creative potential through the visual and performing arts. Children can view special exhibitions, participate in hands-on workshops, enjoy independent projects and activities, or play in the ball pond.

Just setting one foot in the door tells you how beloved it is; the entry is literally jammed with strollers. The narrow space is brilliantly utilized, with a main floor and a downstairs (protected by a gate both top and bottom) for seriously messy art endeavors.

During public hours, children are invited to participate in hands on art activities that celebrate different mediums - paint, collage, 3D sculpture and all kinds of found objects. Each day there are at least three open art tables where the kids can work at their own pace with their
adult companion(s), and one guided workshop, where kids work in small groups with a working artist. On weekends and Holidays CMA hosts a variety of workshops and performances.

CMA also has a great afterschool art program for children ages five to 12. Check the website for current offerings.

The Museum is available for birthday parties and special events. Private parties can be held Saturday or Sunday mornings or evenings, or in the evening on Thursdays or Fridays. You can also have a party while the museum is open to the public at other hours, if that's more convenient for you. Contact CMA for current prices and packages.

Summer camp is offered for children ages six to twelve, in weeklong increments. The program runs weekdays from 10am-4pm, with additional supervision available from 9am-5pm, at a cost of $500/week for non-members; $450/week for members.

We strongly advise becoming a member of CMA. In addition to supporting the programs and exhibitions, your membership dues give you 10% discounts to the WEE Artists Program, the after school program, the Art Colony program, and CMA's fabulous birthday parties.

Members also receive the CMA News, a quarterly newsletter, and invitations to private holiday parties.

CMA Family Membership ($200, of which $125 is tax deductible) offers unlimited admission for all children from one household and two accompanying adults.

Manhattan Youth's 30,000 square foot Downtown Community Center includes a 75-foot pool, two large art rooms, a small theater, a multi media studio, a dance/activity studio, a teaching kitchen, game room, specialized age-appropriate activity rooms, and a large "Great Hall."

Programs include aquatics instruction, afterschool classes, school vacation and summer camps, and more.

Fastbreak Kids offers basketball instruction for boys and girls, ages six to 14, at various locations around Manhattan.

Within walking distance of Shea Stadium, the Queens Botanical Gardens and convenient to the airports, subway and railroad, the Flushing Y is a great community center.

Programs/classes for kids and teens include: swimming, basketball, karate, tennis, gymnastics, dance and racquetball; vacation camps for kids in kindergarten through 8th grade; summer camps; an extended day program; and early childcare/preschool for kids 2.9 years to 6 from Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Extended hours are available as well.

Babysitting is available for adult members using the facilities Mon-Thu 9am-11am and 6pm-9pm; and Sat 9am-1pm.

FutureKids Computer Learning Centers offers a comprehensive computer education program for children ages three to 15.

Morning, afternoon, and afterschool classes are on the schedule. FutureKids also offers Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Camps.

Birthday parties, for children turning five and up, can be held at the Center on Saturdays and Sundays. The basic package of two hours play and party time with trained Futurekids staff members costs $395 for ten children; additional guests are $20 each, with a suggested 25 child maximum. Various other options can be added. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve the date; balance is due in full three days prior to the party.

For those that feel the need to keep up with, or stay one step ahead of their kids, FutureKids offers evening adult classes.

The Greenpoint YMCA offers a full menu of family programs.

The Early Childhood Center is designed for children ages two to five.

Summer camp, holiday camp, and afterschool programs are open to children ages five to 12.

Classes include swimming, karate, ballet, FitKids, yoga, computer, and more.

Teens can join the Leaders Club, Youth and Government,
and Teens Take the City programs, and enjoy teen events which are scheduled throughout the year.

The JCC's 137,000 foot state-of-the-art building houses a nursery school, auditorium, pool, gym, rooftop playground, fitness center, gift shop, cafe, contemplative space, plus senior, adult, and teen centers that offer a wide variety of programs such as arts & crafts, photography, cooking, day camp, afterschool, and more. Truly a building for the entire community.

Sports leagues for kids and adults, parenting seminars and classes, Operation Chicken Soup, a teen-led program