Now that you’ve adjusted to the newborn schedule of sleep and feedings, you might be ready to venture out and make some new mom friends. New York City is bursting with fun classes, activities and even playgrounds for little ones! Here are 12 of our favorite places in NYC for mommy and me classes.
Stephanie Barnhart
Where: 344 E 14th St., New York, NY
The 14th Street Y is a great place to get into the parenting world of NYC. Drop-in classes for mom and baby (starting as early as eight-weeks-old) give you a chance to find your perfect fit without a commitment. They also have breastfeeding support classes and personal training for moms (with babysitting!). You’ll be sure to make new mommy friends in no time.
Cost: $17 for a trial, $65 members ($80 non-members) for a five-class card.
2. Kids at Work
Kids at Work
Where: 242 W 27th Street, New York, NY
If you want to introduce your little one to sensory play and activities without the commitment, Kids at Work is for you. They only have drop-in classes, allowing moms to try new classes at any time, any day. This free-range schedule lets kids explore and grow through music, dance and sports on their own time.
Cost: $44 single class, $210 five-class pass.
Where: 431 E. 91st Street, New York, NY
This Upper East Side spot is great for hands-on mommy and me classes! They offer everything you could need for your child up until school-age including birthday parties, preschool, camps and field trips. From an animal care class (with real animals!) to cooking fresh-farm dishes, children will have the opportunity to try all different activities under one roof.
Cost: $20 for a drop-in, $150 for a 10-visit play date pass.
Stephanie Barnhart
Where: 26-11 23rd Avenue, Astoria, NY
Raising Astoria is a favorite with Queens mamas. Many of the teachers are parents themselves, and the center offers unique classes (think Mom and Me Barre and FunikiJam). Classes are for pre-crawlers all the way up to preschool prep.
Cost: $5 open play (cash only), $25 single class.
Wee Ones Club
Where: 128 East 36th Street, New York, NY
This adorable venue located in Murray Hill is a great way for both mom and baby to escape the house and socialize. Little ones can play in their ball pit, try the indoor swing and show off their dance moves. Parents are invited to participate with their kids in classes like “Preschool Practice”—a two hour session that helps children work towards separation by taking part in preschool activities.
Cost: $575–$675 for a 12-week semester.
Preschool of Rock
The name says it all—expect to groove and move to the beat at these music classes designed just for tots. With multiple locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey, it’s convenient for all parents to try out the mommy and me class scene in the city without having to travel very far or spend a lot of money. Plus, you and your baby will love making music together with a large assortment of noise makers and instruments.
Cost: $30 for a drop-in class, $239 for 10-week session.
Stephanie Barnhart
Known for their super cute gym and play areas, Gymboree has 10 locations in the five boroughs to let your babies socialize, crawl and play. Their most popular Play and Learn classes are designed for kids ages newborn to five, while their newest addition, Baby Lab, was created to let babies 10 months and under explore and experience activities with mom and dad.
Cost: $60 drop-in class (except Tribeca location), $74 for a day pass that includes one class and access to open gym or Club G, or $2500 for 100 classes or open gyms (to be used within two years).
8. NY Kids Club
Stephanie Barnhart
Where: If it’s variety you’re looking for, NY Kids Club offers a multitude of classes at their 13 locations across Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn—everything from music and art to story time and gym. You can even swap a class for a different one if you need to miss a session!,
Cost: $40 for a drop-in (summer only), $400-500 per semester.
Stephanie Barnhart
Where: 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
There’s much to discover inside the walls of the 92Y on the Upper East Side, including cute baby classes (baby massage!) starting as young as two months. Other favorite programs include breastfeeding support and new parent get togethers.
Cost: $10-20 per drop-in.
10. JCC Manhattan
JCC Manhattan
Where: 318 W 118th St, New York, NY
If you’re a yogi, you’ll want to pack up your mini for a stretch and breathing session at the JCC Manhattan that’s designed just for moms and their little ones. The slow-moving postures, which include infant massage and exercises, assist in the development of your child’s motor skills. Other classes at the UWS location are Tummy Time, Crawlers Club and Little Maestros.
Cost: $25 for a drop-in, $132 for a six-pack of classes.
11. Citibabes
Stephanie Barnhart
Where: 52 Mercer St. 3rd Floor, New York, NY
Citibabes isn’t just a drop-in spot, but more of a social club for moms and babes. Score a day or monthly pass to try their open play gym, an art or music class, and even grab a snack in their cafeteria-style eating area (perfect for mingling with other parents!). They also just opened a CitySchool Jr location inside Asphalt Green in Battery Park City that allows kids to transition into their first drop-off. Keep in mind that Citibabes will be moving to a new location in Tribeca in winter 2018.
Cost: $29 for a day pass, $180 members ($240 non-members) for four weeks.
Magic Activity Center
Where: 510 E. 74th St, New York, NY
Where: You’ll find one of the Upper East Side’s best kept secret on East 74th Street. Magic Activity Center is a favorite with neighborhood kids during their first five years. Mommy and me classes are all about discovery and focus on age-appropriate stimulation of the senses, physical coordination, social skills and even tummy time!,
Cost: $675 per semester (18 weeks); free trial class is available.
