While you may not find country clubs within the city limits to lure your kids into playing tennis and golf, New York does offer sprawling greens and top tennis facilities that let them tee-off or racquet around. Here’s a slew of courts and courses to inspire and perfect their game.

If your child is artistically inclined, then encouraging him or her to develop those skills could boost both hand-eye coordination and left-brain development—besides doling out a solid dose of f-u-n. We asked a few young artists who attend some of the amazing art programs offered throughout the city to share their work with us. The bottom line: where do we sign up?

If parents are looking for a sport that will strengthen their child’s balance, develop precision in body movement and bolster mental toughness, then they should look no further than gymnastics.

With access to world-class performing arts institutions and renowned music and concert halls, it would be hard not to be inspired by music in NYC.

Little ones often showcase their first dance moves—swaying, bouncing and clapping their hands—before they take their first steps. As they grow, many kids show a further interest in exploring dance, whether it be classical ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, hip hop or ballroom. But with so many worthwhile extracurricular activities available, why choose dance?

When Spencer Ha first began talking, he spoke with a speech impediment. Now, at 10 years old, Spencer describes himself in his school yearbook as “very talkative.”

Glen Pesola, 12 years old, West Side YMCA Piranhas How did you first start swimming? My mom enrolled my older brother in swimming and she thought that I would be good at it too.

While you may not find country clubs to lure your city kids into playing tennis and golf, New York does offer sprawling greens and top tennis facilities that let them tee-off or racket around.

Twenty-five years after “The Karate Kid” first hit theaters, participating in martial arts is an established part of American childhood. But it’s not just about breaking boards in midair: martial arts keeps kids fit while imparting important life skills. And in a city as varied as New York, Karate isn’t the only option—kids can take classes in Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Judo and Capoeira, too.