Sweet Swings

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.

GOLF

Brooklyn Golf Center
The center’s Brooklyn Junior Golf Skills Academy offers afterschool and weekend programs for young golfers in a small group setting. Each session hones in on a specific aspect of the game and children receive personalized practice programs, which are designed to monitor their skill level. brooklyngolfcenter.com

The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers
Located in a 2,000-square-foot indoor training center, The Golf Academy at Chelsea Piers allows kids to practice their swing with afterschool lessons from the pros. The facility also offers the only multi-tiered, year-round outdoor driving range in Manhattan. A year-round curriculum for elite junior players is offered for those eyeing the JV or varsity high school team. Summer camps and family clinics are also available. chelseapiers.com

CityParks Golf
Aspiring golfers ages 6-17 can take advantage of gratis golf lessons held in public parks and courses throughout the five boroughs from May through September. CityParks Junior Golf Center, which includes a six-hole golf course and a covered driving range, is automatically available to children who enroll in one of their many golf programs. cityparksfoundation.org

The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
Offering golf instruction for kids ages seven and up throughout the five boroughs, athletes at The First Tee progress through a six-level program designed to teach golf essentials and important life skills. Registration for the summer session begins at the end of June. thefirstteemetny.org

Golf Manhattan
This luxurious indoor golf lounge features PGA TOUR Simulators, which allow golfers to play over 50 championship courses. Private lessons by a PGA golf professional are offered by the hour for kids ages seven and up.golfmanhattan.com

Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy (KTUGA)
Founded by Kate Tempesta—deemed a Top Young Instructor by Golf Digest—KTUGA helps kids ages four and up learn proper technique, etiquette and skill in both indoor and outdoor settings. The curriculum combines a mixture of putting, driving, pitching and chipping to help children learn four basic shots using age-appropriate methods. ktuga.com

Randall’s Island Golf Center
Individual and group lessons are offered by PGA golf professionals. The center features over 80 heated and covered tees, a grass tee area, putting green and 36-hole miniature golf course. A Junior Golf Clinic is also offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and kids can sign up for The Kelley Brooke Golf Camp to learn basic golf skills via mini golf. randallsislandgolfcenter.com

TENNIS

Advantage Tennis Clubs
Members have access to several tennis clubs including the Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club, the New York Tennis Club and the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club. Kids ages 6-17 can enroll in the Advantage All-City Junior Tennis Camp, a 12-week program that combines tennis instruction and other recreational sports play. advantagetennisclubs.com

BumbleBee Tennis
A program for every player! Ages 2-4 should attend Tiny Toddler, a great introduction to footwork and hitting drills. Ages 4-7 can sign up for Tiny Tennis, and ages 7-10 will learn more advanced skills, like core tennis strokes, in Mini Aces. A summer camp is also available. bumblebeetennis.com

Central Park Tennis Center
Private, group lessons and afterschool programs are available for ages 4-7 and 8-15. Kids can also sign up for a Tiny Tots summer camp (ages 4-7) or a Junior Camp (ages 6-16). The facility features 26 newly reconditioned Har-tru courts and four hard courts, generally available for the season, which runs through November. centralparktenniscenter.com

CityParks Tennis
This summer, the City Parks Foundation will offer free tennis lessons to more than 7,000 children (ages 5-16) citywide. Free use of equipment is available at more than 36 parks. A beginner’s tournament concludes the Central Park Tennis Center program, and for intermediates, the Chase Aces Tournament is held at the Flushing Meadows Tennis Center in mid-August. cityparksfoundation.org

Riverside Clay Tennis Association
Ten beginner red-clay tennis court lessons are offered for member children and grandchildren, ages 3-9. Children ages 10-18 who are serious about tennis can try out for the Junior Ace Program, available afterschool in the spring and fall. rcta.info

SPORTIME Randall’s Island
This impressive facility includes 20 indoor/outdoor hard courts, a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, and a fitness and training center. SPORTIME’s Junior Tennis program and John McEnroe Tennis Academy for Elite Players are designed to excite kids about the world of tennis and nurture young players into world-class athletes. Summer camp sessions are also offered. sportimeny.com

Sutton East Tennis Club
Sutton East’s Pee Wee program introduces the sport to ages 3-6 in a small group setting, while ages 8-18 can sign up for a Pre-Junior Development program, where the size of the net and racquets are modified for young players. A Junior Development Program for ages 8-18 lets kids learn more advanced skills, and those with two years of experience can sign up for Junior Matchplay to compete in practice matches. suttoneasttennis.com

Yorkville Youth Athletic Association
Beginner and advanced group lessons are offered by the Sutton East Tennis Club for a bargain, generally for kids in second to fifth grade. yyaa.org

NOW FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE EXTREME

By Gavriella Mahpour

The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games are edging near, so we’ve found some of the city’s best extreme sports programs to inspire gold medalists of every age.

ARCHERY | Queens Archery

The Junior Olympic Archery Development Program is perfect for kids ages 18 and under who want to shoot like Robin Hood (or Katniss Everdeen). bigapplearchery.com

CLIMBING | Alley Pond Park Adventure Course

Designed for kids ages eight and up, this free outdoor ropes course features a climbing and bouldering wall, zip-line, nets, a trust fall station and balance platforms. Reservations are recommended. nycgovparks.org

CYCLING | Bike New York

During Bike New York’s Bike Bonanzas, kids can participate in free riding clinics, a bike driver’s ed class, and a bike swap where they can trade in their old ride for a better model. bikenewyork.org

FENCING | Manhattan Fencing Center

This center offers beginner saber and foil camps for kids ages seven and up—en garde! manhattanfencing.com

KAYAKING | The Downtown Boathouse

This non-profit org offers free kayaking (and introductory lessons on Wednesdays) for families during the summer months at various piers around the city. downtownboathouse.org

SAILING | Atlantic Yachting

Ages 9-15 learn nautical basics in a safe atmosphere thanks to their NYC Summer Sailing Camp. atlanticyachting.com

SKATEBOARDING | Skateboarding School

With classes ranging from beginner to advanced, the Skateboarding School provides group and private sessions for kids looking to shred like a pro. skateboardingschool.com

TRAPEZE | STREB

With classes like Baby Action, Kid Action, German Wheel and Kid Fly, “extremists” ages 12 and under can learn daring acrobatics and trapeze skills at this Brooklyn-based center. streb.org

Photo by Scott McDermott

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> TADA! Youth Theater Summer Camps (July 10-August 25, 2023)&nbsp;Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! TADA! is excited to be back in person with our popular Week-long Musical Theater Summer Camps!&nbsp; Every week your child will: &nbsp; <ul> <li>ENGAGE IN MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING</li> <li>CREATE, REHEARSE &amp; PERFORM AN ORIGINAL MINI- MUSICAL</li> <li>EXPLORE THEIR INTERESTS AND IDENTITY</li> <li>SHARE THEIR VOICE AND BE HEARD</li> <li>RECEIVE INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION AND SOLO OPPORTUNITIES</li> <li>EXPERIENCE ENSEMBLE-BASED INSTRUCTION BY TWO PROFESSIONAL NYC TEACHING ARTISTS</li> <li>MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH NEW FRIENDS</li> </ul> On the last day of camp, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child&rsquo;s original mini-musical! &nbsp; Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in-person at 15 W. 28th Street (between Broadway &amp; 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience.&nbsp;&nbsp; For more info or to register for our Summer Camps, visit our website&nbsp;<a href="https://tadatheater.com/summercamps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/summercamps/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1682524227382000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jPPuT0S0YVPJg0I1oXofv">HERE!</a> Looking for a sample class before registering?&nbsp;Join us Saturday, June 3rd for an in-person sample class, Q&amp;A, and the best discount of the summer!&nbsp; Registration required to attend!&nbsp; For more info. or to register for our Summer Open house, click&nbsp;<a href="https://tadatheater.com/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/open-house/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1682524227382000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CheiFLQooj66wqzmTeKCc">HERE!</a> No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay.&nbsp; <a href="https://tadatheater.com/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/financial-assistance/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1682524227382000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-oTxJlL31iv2yEG3kUDrj">Financial Assistance available.&nbsp;</a> Questions? <div style="text-align: center;">Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!