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.

74th St MAGIC (Music Art Gymnastic Instruction
Center) offers classes for kids in music, art, and
gymnastics (as the name suggests), but it also offers
instruction in cooking, science, karate, Spanish, and the
performing arts.

MAGIC shares its modern facility with the Epiphany Community Nursery School. It boasts two spacious, well-equipped gyms (with an in-ground trampoline), plus a kitchen, classrooms, rooftop playground, and airy party room.

Classes for infants through 3 years (with adult) range from tumbling and pre-gymnastics to art, movement,
cooking, science, music/art/story time. Almost Preschool classes introduce a child to a preschool environment without separation.

In addition, MAGIC offers two alternative preschool
programs which provide opportunities for children to
experience a preschool environment with gradual separation (if necessary).

Drop-off classes for kids ages three to six years include gymnastics, karate, art, music, cooking, science, performing arts, and Spanish.

Afterschool classes for kids ages six to 14 years include gymnastics, a trampoline fitness class, karate,
cooking, crafts (which includes digital photography,
tie-dye, scrapbooking, and more), drama, and theater
dance.

MAGIC offers 17-week semesters in the Fall and
Winter/Spring, although it accepts registrations
throughout the semester (provided there is room). This
is particularly convenient for parents who could not
register earlier or aren't sure of their child's
schedule or after-school limits until the semester is
underway.

MAGIC also offers two-week mini-sessions during the Summer, which is a great way to sample a class or
customize a schedule that works with the family
vacation plans.

MAGIC's Summer Days Camp for kids ages two-and-a-hald to six years also runs in convenient two-week sessions from early-June through late-August.

And birthday party options include gymnastics,
arts & crafts, music & movement, cooking, or a popular mini-preschool party. MAGIC can customize a birthday party (or other special occasion) to meet a child's specific interests and a parent's specific needs.

82nd Street Academics provides pre-K, universal pre-K, afterschool, and summer school programs for children ages three to 12, and provides volunteer opportunities for teenagers ages 16 and up.

Students can attend Pre-K two, three, or five days a week. Families also have the option of choosing a morning class, which runs from 9am to 11am or an afternoon class from 12n to 2pm. A full-day preschool program (10:30am-6:30pm) is also available.

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.

A Class Act NY offers afterschool performing arts classes, one-day weekend workshops with Broadway stars and/or industry professionals, a one-week Broadway Summer Camp for children and teens, and theatrical, interactive birthday parties. Courses center around Musical Theatre, Drama, Improv, and On-Camera Acting.

Signature afterschool classes include the 14-week Sing Your Heart Out, an introduction to classic and contemporary show tunes for kids ages six to seven and seven to nine. Students learn songs and dance combinations from hit shows culminating with a final recital for family and friends. The cost is $550. Classes are held at Ripley Grier Studios on the Upper West Side or in the Theatre District.

The Dalton School's summer camp program offers a balanced schedule of physical, creative, and fun activities in an air-conditioned facility.

The camp includes a gymnasium, an art studio, two outdoor play areas, a science room, a computer room, and an above-ground pool.

The Abrons Arts Center houses three off-Broadway theatres. The largest, the Harry De Jur, has its own lobby, fixed theatre seats on a rise, a large, deep stage, and good visibility. The mid-sized (for Off-Broadway) Recital Hall is on the lower level, down a flight of stairs. And the small Experimental, located on the upper level, offers seating is stadium style on three sides.

Restrooms are available on each level.

The Arts Center also offers classes and workshops in a variety of arts disciplines (music, dance, theater, and visual arts). Catering to all ages and skill levels, classes are taught by a faculty of dedicated educators and professional artists. Fees are extremely reasonable, and scholarships and financial assistance are available to those who qualify. Call 212.598.0400, ext. 224, to register for classes.

In addition to numerous workshops and programs for parents ? including drop-in hours each day from 10am to 2pm at the Parent Center, Henry Street offers a number of summer camp programs for children ages five to 14. Scholarships are available on a sliding scale for eligible families. Registration for summer camps begins in January. Call 212.254.3100, ex 214 or email campinfo@henrystreet.org for more information.

The Barbara L Tate Summer Camp runs Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, and provides a rich experience in the arts for kids ages six to 12. Campers take a cultural field trip once a week, and swim at the local neighborhood pool. The camp program ends with a performance that features all campers.

A Teen Arts Summer Program is also available.

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.

ACTeen is a film and television acting program developed for teens which offers fall or spring afterschool workshops in film acting, commercials, theater, and audition technique - all taught by working professionals.

Summer programs include a two-week intensive June Academy, a four-week July Academy, a two-and-a-half-week August Academy, and a six-week Saturday Summer Program. Visit the website for dates, fees, and details.

Teachers College, Columbia University, hosts the Action Arts Summer Camp for children ages five to 12.

Each day, campers join arts education professionals for hands-on discovery experiences in music, art, and dance/drama. Through the use of developmentally appropriate curriculum, campers engage in exciting theme-based interdisciplinary activities that encourage inquiry and cooperation.

The program cultivates freedom, awareness, and self-expression while nurturing each child's personal voice. The program also promotes listening, composing, moving, dancing, drawing, sculpture, and collage.

A typical day at the camp includes integrated emphasis on art, music and dance/drama, story time, outdoor and indoor free play, snack time, and pool time. The camp also takes one trip to a museum or cultural institution in New York City.

The instructors at the Actions Arts Summer Camp are experienced educators and artists who are or have been part of Teachers College Art, Music, or Dance Education programs. They are adept at working with children of all ages and abilities.

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.

Acting, voice and speech, and movement are amongst the Saturday classes offered for children, teenagers, and adults at this legendary school. Beginning in October and February, classes meet for three hours, and run for twelve weeks. Prominent alumni of the Saturday program include, Adrien Brody, Anne Hathaway, Michael Pitt, and Samm Levine.

The Summer Program for teens (ages 14 and up) and college students, includes classes in acting, voice & speech, vocal production, and movement. Various elective classes are available, such as musical theatre, mime, stage make-up, and fencing, at additional cost. Summer Actor Training 2008 runs from July 7 to August 14.

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!

Amerikick offers professional martial arts instruction and world champion training to children ages five and up. Programs are age specific.

A summer camp program, for children ages five to 12, features martial arts classes, arts and crafts activities, and field trips.

Children's parties can be booked on Saturdays, from 2:30 to 4:30. Call for details.

Amerikick offers professional martial arts instruction and world champion training to children ages five and up. Programs are age specific.

A summer camp program, for children ages five to 12, features martial arts classes, arts and crafts activities, and field trips.

Children's parties can be booked on Saturdays, from 2:30 to 4:30. Call for details.

Created by two sets of New York City parents, apple seeds is a 15,000-square-foot deluxe indoor play space for families with children, newborn to age five. The NYC-themed interactive playground (exclusive to members) was conceived by children's museum designers and has nine interactive stations.

Classes include Ooohhh Aaahhh Iiiccckkk Science; My Chelsea Art Opening; Build It! Break It! Fix It!; COOKing Monsters; Almost Yoga; Little Maestros; Music Together; Super Soccer Stars; ballet; tap; language classes (Spanish and Mandarin; a separation program for two-year-olds called apple seedlings, and more. In addition to kids classes, seminars and social programs for moms and dads are available. Reading material and free wireless internet access are also offered to parents while kids learn or play.

Birthday party themes include 1st Birthday Bash;
Welcome to the Jungle; Homemade Band; Game On; Princesses and Pirates Costume Party; COOKing monsters; and Ooohhh Aaahhh Iiiccckkk Science. Another option is to
rent out the entire playground for an after-hours extravaganza. Party prices begin at $890. Email birthdays@appleseedsnyc.com or phone apple seeds to schedule.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Day Camp for Little Kids in New York City, Camp apple seeds is a summer program designed for children ages three to five (children must be potty trained before attending camp). Campers participate in art, gym, yoga, music, science, and cooking. Camp runs weekdays from 9:30am-12:30pm.

The apple seeds hair salon is led by stylist Carole Kimberg, a longtime favorite of little New Yorkers. The salon is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm; cuts cost $28 for non-members; $25.20 for members.

The apple seeds boutique carries clothing, toys, books, and playful artwork designed to brighten a little one's nursery.

A cafe provides snacks, healthy food choices, and beverages to consume on site or on the go. And it never runs out of - clean - highchairs.

Events are held throughout the year, including book readings and author events in the bookstore. After hours shopping events and sample sales are held in the newly expanded boutique.

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.

ArtsCetera is a family-oriented arts center serving the neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Park Slope, and Windsor Terrace.

ArtsCetera offers its own arts programs for kids - Arfie's Music Adventures and Arfie's Playgroup - as well as Music for Aardvarks.

Summer camp (known as "un-camp"!) offers music and art activities for children ages four through six. The program is drop-off; snacks are provided. Contact ArtsCetera for session dates and fees.

In addition to its music and art classes for children, ArtsCetera available for workshop or class rental. The Smith Street studio also serves as an alternative space to view contemporary art and boasts an expansive roster of performances and other arts-related events.

ArtsCetera can bring art or music parties to your home or another rental space. Contact Nanette for party details and local space rental recommendations.

If you have a dog-loving child, check out How To Meet a Dog, an ongoing series of family workshops for canine/human safety and etiquette.

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.

August Tufte-Folk offers a Summer Mini Drama Camp with the theme of Scandinavian culture, folklore, and mythology.

The rich Scandinavian pageant of ancient gods, Vikings, witches, gnomes, trolls, and fairies, is explored through Nordic children's books, role-playing, and arts & crafts. Children re-create the tales by acting them out, using simple props, textiles, costumes, puppets, and music.

Sessions, which run from 9:15am-12:15am, are offered in July. Classes are also offered in Swedish for bilingual children, who wish to use their second language in a fun and playful way outside of their homes.

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.

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.

Baby Moves is a loft-like, 2500-square foot developmental play space that offers early childhood classes - including drop-in and advance-registered classes and groups for parents, caregivers, and little ones.

Children explore mobility in the colorful padded playroom filled with soft developmental equipment, including a Big Mountain Climber, Tunnel n' Towers, Ball Pool, Zoo Cubes, Giant Wondermat, Soft Castle Blocks, and more! Drop-In Creative Play Classes include Music Time, Ball Games, Play Stations, Puzzle Time, and Storytelling.

Registered classes include Early Cortex 101 (18-30 months), Early Cortex 201 (two's & three's), Sensory Exploration (two's & three's), and Baby Moves After Hours (two's & three's).

Children ages four to six can sign up for music, yoga, and dance courses.

Parties run 90 minutes, with a choice of themes (Ocean Blue, Fairy Tale, Construction Zone), and the $650 fee includes refreshments, paper goods, party favors, activities and games, set up, and clean up. For $395, you can host a basic birthday party, with refreshments, paper goods, set up, and clean up, and have the run of the facility. A la carte birthday activities can be folded in.

Baby Moves offers the Perry Street Summer Camp for children ages two to five. The cost is $380 per five day week, and $285 for any three days. Early registration comes with 10% off, and sibling discounts are also available.

Baby Moves' boutique offers a lovely selection of children's clothing (infants to six years), accessories, baby gear, and developmental toys. Children can play in the Grand Playroom while parents shop. A resting area, diaper changing station, and stoller parking are available.

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.