Fun places for discerning young New Yorkers
Toddler Gym at Chelsea Piers
62 Chelsea Piers
212-336-6500
chelseapiers.com
If there is such thing as the Las Vegas of toddler play gyms, this is it. Toddlers will go wild for the slides, dive-in pool of balls and tiny rock-climbing wall. The space encourages fun through movement as youngsters can crawl, roll, jump and explore. With baseball, gymnastics, rock climbing, soccer and batting cages also in the field house facilities, parents can find ways to entertain whole family.
Elliott’s Classes
131 West 86th St.
917-517-8721
elliotsclasses.com
Children can climb and tumble to their heart’s content in this spacious indoor gymnasium. Elliott’s offers both open playtime and classes based on the “Elliott Method,” which combines movement science and child development theory for kids ages six weeks to 14 years. Playtime is free for kids currently enrolled in a course, or babies under six months, and drop-in day passes are available for non-members.
Scandinavia House Learning Center
Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center
58 Park Ave.
212-779-3587
scandinaviahouse.org
This beautifully designed learning center, inspired by early childhood centers in Scandinavia, is perhaps the best thing to come out of the region since Pippi Longstocking. Highlights include an indoor climbing corner, a “please touch” wall and a stimulating light landscape. Families say it’s the perfect spot for preschool-aged kids to engage in sensory and imaginative play on a cold winter day.