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.

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 to deliver hot kosher food to the elderly and infirm, and many other programs are highly recommended.

Swimming lessons begin for children at the age of six months, accompanied by parent or caregiver.

Family swim times are available throughout the week. Call or visit the JCC's website for hours, as they vary.

Tweens use the Center as a place to meet up with friends and experiment with cutting edge programs in a relaxed and safe environment.

Teens can check out theater, cooking, arts, CPR, self-defense, and writing classes. The Teen Lounge offers a safe haven where older kids can relax, study, or hang out with friends.

Vacation and Summer Camps, for children ages three to ten, offer basketball, painting, drama, cooking, gymnastics, soccer, crafts, movement, games, floor hockey, dance, science, and more. Call 646.505.4430 for more info.

The Parenting Resource Center offers classes in everything from breastfeeding to allergies to child-raising strategies and cooking classes.

Three separate membership packages are available; call or visit the JCC's website for details

Membership at the Marshall gives kids access to Sunday chess classes (10am-12n), a chess-oriented summer camp program, tournaments, and more.

The Riverdale Y offers extensive classes and programs for kids and families, and hosts a vast array of family-friendly events over the course of the calendar year.

Classes for kids include swimming, martial arts, basketball, tennis, team sports, and dance. Music classes offered include individual or group instruction, Suzuki, recitals, and a community student orchestra.

A Special Needs program is offered on Saturdays.

Swimming instruction options include private, "buddy," and group lessons (youngest children with parent or caregiver). Non-members may take classes, but pay a registration fee. The Drowning Prevention Program, is offered for kids ages eight to 14. Intermediate swimmers from ages 11 to 14, can take a Junior Lifeguard course.

Two afterschool programs, for kids ages four to 12 years old, offer a range of activities, including science, cooking, magic, pottery, art, dance, creating a newspaper, chess, and girl scouting. Locations are PS 24 and the Y's own KidsSpace. Call for information about transportation from local schools and homes, to and from the afterschool program.

When school vacations loom, consider the Y's Vacation Camp programs. Fees range from $40-$45 per day, and run from 9am-5pm, with early/late stay available for an additional fee.

The Parenting Center offers numerous parenting and infant classes each season, including play and discussion groups.

The Nursery School Program enrolls children ages two to four. The school day generally runs from 9am-11:30am for twos, with a choice of Mon/Wed/Fri or Tue/Thu. By the age of four, children may attend five days, from 9am-3:15pm. Prices range from $2,240 to $7,210, plus a $150 registration fee for each child. Nursery school begins in September and runs through mid-June.

The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is offered weekdays from 12:30-3:00 pm. Places are drawn by lottery at Community School District 10 and are available for children who will be four years old by December 31st. Call for more information.

Also check the Y's Summer Camp options.

Family membership is $695/year. Teen membership is $210 (your teen is covered if you opt for Family membership).

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SchoolPlus offers weekend enrichment programs for children - including Chess, Mathematics, English, Visual Arts, and Russian classes.

SchoolPlus offers weekend enrichment programs for children - including Chess, Mathematics, English, Visual Arts, and Russian classes.

The Children's Room covers the entire second floor of the Seward Park Branch Library and offers videos, books and music on tape, and CDs. The branch offers an excellent collection of children's books in Chinese, Spanish, and Hebrew. PCs with internet access are available for children's use by appointment.

This branch of the New York Public Library is also home to the Lower East Side Heritage collection, available by appointment only.

Concerts, storytelling, and other special events are frequently offered.

The second floor Children's Room at the Washington Heights Branch of the New York Public Library is spacious and welcoming.

The branch houses adult, young adult, children's, and reference collections. A multi-use auditorium is available for community group meetings as well as library programs.

Programs for children include Picture Book Hour, Story Hour, and chess. English classes for speakers of other languages are held during fall, winter, and spring.