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Washington Heights & Inwood Online
Resource Directory
Children (48) 
A Parent's Guide to Free and Low-Cost Activities for Children
This guide, compiled by the Children's Hospital of New York, Department of Pediatrics, is a collection of activities and places for children in Washington Heights, Inwood, Hamilton Heights and Harlem. The activities listed do not cost much, are easy to reach by public transportation or walking, and are safe and fun for the entire family. The guide is available for download in PDF format in English and Spanish.
Alianza Dominicana
2410 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-740-1960.
Fax: 212-740-1967.
Email: mguerrero@alianzadom.org.
Develops model neighborhood-based initiatives using comprehensive and integrated services, which attend to the multiple needs of children, youth and families in the community. Services include after-school programs; youth employment training services; drop-out prevention services; summer day camps; youth-led community service projects; comprehensive HIV/AIDS services; entitlement assistance and advocacy; facilitated enrollment in health plans; drug prevention and treatment programs; mental health counseling and supportive programming; psychotherapy for children and adolescents; day care and home care services; domestic violence prevention services; home visitation services; foster care and adoption services.
Anne Loftus Playground
Corner of Riverside Drive and Broadway, at the Dyckman Street A-train station.
Located at the northeastern corner of Fort Tryon Park, this is the only playground for children originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers. The state-of-the-art reconstruction evokes their original plan.
Armory
216 Fort Washington Avenue (at 168th Street), New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-923-1803.
Fax: 212-923-1645.
The Armory is the home to the fastest track in the northeast and the first National Track & Field Hall of Fame. It hosts the USATF championships, as well as one of the most prestigious collegiate invitationals. But the Armory is more than a track and a museum. It is a full-fledged community center where thousands of high school students and adults from throughout New York City and the surrounding area come to exercise, learn and aspire to improve their lives. The Armory sponsors programs in technology learning through its tech center, as well as programs for literacy, jobs training, teens at risk, immigrant services, teacher training, mentoring and senior citizens health.
Broadway Housing Communities, Inc.
10 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-568-2030 x208.
Fax: 212-568-2038.
Email: aorodriguez@broadwayhousing.org.
Non-profit organization that sponsors and develops innovative, permanent, affordable housing for individuals and families in the greatest need. It also sponsors a Head Start program, an after-school program, and the Rio II Art Gallery.
C.A.T.S. Summer Sport Day Camp
Columbia U. Sports Complex, 218th Street and Broadway, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-877-3154.
Children's Athletic Training School offers a coed summer camp specializing in tennis, baseball, and soccer for kids ages 5 to 10. The camp is held at the Columbia University Sports Complex in Inwood (18 acres, which include new football and soccer stadiums and 2 baseball fields), ensuring lots of outdoor exercise and fun. The day includes some down-time, playing trivia games, working on arts and crafts, or, for the younger kids, enjoying a story or two.
Camp Yomawha
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, 54 Nagle Avenue, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-569-6200.
Email: shara@ywashhts.org.
Day camp in Rockland county features woodlands, a mountain stream, a lake for boating, private swimming pool, climbing wall, state of the art playground and various athletic fields. Junior program for Kindergartners through 2nd graders includes swimming twice a day, arts and crafts, drama, dance, nature activities, and much, much more! Explorers and Tween programs, for grades 3 through 8, offer trips around the tri-state area to amusement parks, nature sites, ball games and more! Also offers a counselor-in-training program for ninth and tenth graders. Expert activity specialists, extensively trained counselors and professional supervisory staff are all on hand to ensure your child has a safe, nurturing and fun summer.
Centro Cultural Ballet Quisqueya
P.O. Box 500, Audubon Station, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-795-0107.
Offers various programs and international dance classes for children and adults. Performances held throughout the year.
Children's Arts & Science Workshop
300 Fort Washington Avenue, Suite #1H, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-923-7081.
Fax: 212-795-5901.
Helps children and their families develop an appreciation for the arts and humanities. Participants enrolled in the various programs develop cultural interests and creative skills through active involvement in noncompetitive art, dance, music and theater workshops. Also provides multimedia events and structured recreational and educational programs, and a day camp during the summer months.
Children's Museum of the Native American
Church of the Intercession, Great Hall, 550 West 155th Street, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-283-1122.
Children can enter a teepee, sit in a dugout canoe, touch artifacts, play Indian games, and actively participate in learning about the life and culture of the Native Americans. Activities include an artifact demonstration, where volunteers from the audience help demonstrate how the American Indians built their shelters, made clothing, hunted, cultivated crops, used tools, cared for infants, and participated in ceremonies.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Inwood: First Ward
1815 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-567-3321.
Email: ChadleyChadverb@gmail.com.
Offers local boy scouts and girl scouts clubs.
Church of the Good Shepherd
608 Isham Street, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-567-1300.
Fax: 212-567-1476.
Offers a homeless center and local boy scouts and girl scouts clubs.
Church of the Intercession
550 West 155th Street, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-283-6200.
Fax: 212-283-6202.
Offers senior and young adult recreation groups, girl scout and boy scout clubs, and an Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Community Association of Progressive Dominicans
3940 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-781-5500.
Fax: 212-543-2554.
Promotes the physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being of residents of Upper Manhattan. Youth services: academic enhancement, peer counseling, recreational and cultural activities, high school and college preparation, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, health and nutrition, young mothers' group, summer camp. Mental health services: evaluation and assessment; crisis intervention; psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring; psychosocial education; play therapy; women's support groups; individual, group and family psychotherapy; parenting group; and case management services. Special prevention, consultation and educational services to address the mental health needs of youth and their families. Other services: ESL and GED classes, immigration and citizenship assistance, housing assistance, TB prevention program, and much more.
Cornerstone Center
178 Bennett Avenue, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-923-5757.
Email: osanyc@verizon.net.
A multiservice center that offers classes in aerobics, yoga, karate, pottery, dance, music, a children's choir, English as a second language classes, a new mothers group, summer day camp for children, girl scouts in the fall, Alcoholics Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous. The center also has meeting space available for rental by community groups at low fees.
Dominican Women's Development Center
519 West 189th Street, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-994-6060.
Fax: 212-994-6065.
Email: guzmany@dwdc.org.
"El Centro" stands as an epi-center of women, children, youth, and family-focused activity in the Washington Heights/Inwood community. They counteract gender subordination by promoting self-sufficiency, advancing educational goals and engendering the necessary skills and self-esteem to transform individual lives and community. They offer free services to women residing in Washington Heights/Inwood and other NYC communities, including: educational development, GED preparation, ESL and BENL classes, citizenship preparation, child care and day care services, ESOL, computer technology training, after-school programs, economic development, home health aid training/placement, domestic violence program, parenting group, educational/support groups for adolescents and children, health promotion, vaccination outreach, advocacy and organizing, youth programs, information and referrals.
Dyckman Community Center
3782 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-567-8782.
Offers a summer day camp, an after-school program that includes homework help as well as arts and crafts activities, and an evening program for young adults.
Fort Washington Collegiate Church
729 West 181st Street, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-568-4014.
Fax: 212-568-4741.
Email: cmorris@fortwashingtonchurch.org.
Provides an after-school program, girl scouts, cub scouts, aerobics classes, and Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous programs for community residents.
Fresh Youth Initiatives
2201 Amsterdam Avenue, Storefront South, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-781-1113.
Fax: 212-781-1151.
Email: info@freshyouth.org.
The mission of FYI is to support and encourage the efforts of young people in Washington Heights as they design and carry out community service projects, develop leadership skills, fulfill their potential and realize their dreams. Service projects have included making sleeping bags for the homeless, removing graffitti, and handing out food.
Friends of Indian Road Playground
251 Seaman Avenue, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-304-9327.
Email: firp1@yahoo.com.
Works to make the Indian Road Playground (at 214th Street and Indian Road) a clean, safe and enjoyable environment for the children of the community. Ongoing projects include maintaining clean sand in the sandbox, gardening and cleanup projects, and keeping the Parks Department as well as elected officials informed about any needed repairs and improvements. Volunteers are welcome.
Holy Trinity Church
20 Cumming Street, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-567-1177.
Email: info@holytrinityinwood.org.
Offers yoga classes, a dance studio, literacy programs, children's theater programs, and a food pantry.
Holyrood Episcopal Church
715 West 179th Street, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-923-3770.
Offers a summer day camp for children ages 6-12 and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in English and Spanish.
Hudson Cliffs Theatre Arts Center
349 Cabrini Boulevard in PS 187, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-894-3702 x5151.
Email: hctac@onebox.com.
After-school program that provides quality diversions for youth 5 to 20 years old, such as dance, choral music, computer instruction, arts and crafts, and basketball.
Inwood Community Pony Basketball League
c/o Church of the Good Shepherd, 608 Isham Street, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-567-1300.
Fax: 212-567-1476.
Basketball league for boys 10-15 and girls 13 and older.
Inwood Hill Nature Center
Inwood Hill Park; enter at 218th Street and Indian Road.
Tel: 311 (ask for the Inwood Hill Nature Center).
The Inwood Hill Nature Center serves as an in-park community center for public education, recreational activities and environmental studies. The center serves as a starting point for walking tours and as a workshop site for educational programs for the whole family. Other reasons to check out the nature center: exhibits highlighting the diversity of Inwood Hill Park's landscape, and an abundance of informational written material like trail maps, nature center brochures, and The RedTailer, a newsletter that lists walks, tours, and special events in this and other nature centers throughout the city.
Inwood Kids
Online discussion group to provide Inwood parents a forum to organize activities and exchange helpful information.
Inwood Little League
25 Indian Road (between 215th and 218th streets), Suite LA, New York, NY 10034.
Tel: 212-942-0834.
Email: inwoodllb@msn.com.
For boys and girls. Leagues: Children 7-14, Young Adults 15-16, Big Leagues 17-18. Volunteer coaches and managers needed.
J. Hood Wright Recreation Center
351 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-927-1563.
Fax: 212-927-1514.
Recreation center for all ages. For Seniors: cards, chess, bingo, kitchen and resource room with computers, aerobics, yoga, trips, meditation classes, seniors fairs, dance marathon, plays, food drives, Seniors Dance Steppers show, free flu and pneumonia shots, etc. For teens and adults: computers, library, sports tournaments, etc. For children: sports, trips, multicultural after school program including literacy tutoring, computers, recreation, performing arts, visual arts, and community service.
La Plaza Community Center
515 West 182nd Street, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-928-4992.
Fax: 212-795-4285.
Offers an after-school program that provides youth with computer, ESL and GED classes, as well as a cultural arts program.
Mom's Support: Transitioning from Infancy to Toddlerhood
Tel: 212-781-6368.
Email: jessica@momsupport.org.
Jessica Shapley facilitates discussion and support on the transition from infancy to toddlerhood. Connect with other moms to discuss tapping into your own personal growth, returning to work, behavioral issues, family dynamics, transition to "big bed," sleep eating, breastfeeding or weaning, introduction of siblings, childcare and more. Toys and playtime are added to this toddler-friendly environment.
Music Together
Tel: 212-613-6155.
Email: pam@citykidsmusic.com.
Music Together is a nationally acclaimed, research-based, music and movement program for young children ages birth-four with their parents and caregivers. Primary tonal and rhythm skills are learned through informal musical play, and adult participation and role modeling is emphasized. A 45-minute class consists of songs, rhymes, instrument jams, and dancing. Mixed-age classes encourage famiy music making, and allow siblings to attend together. Tuition includes a songbook, CD, cassette tape and parent guide to reinforce the class experience at home. Music Together offers classes at several locations in Washington Heights and Inwood.
New Mothers Discussion Group
54 Nagle Avenue New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-569-6200 x247.
A discussion group for new mothers and their babies up to 1 year old. A good way to meet new people and explore new ways to care for your baby and yourself. Free to join, new members are always welcome. Meets Tuesdays 11:30am - 12:30pm. The discussion group is followed by Yoga Mommies, a yoga class for moms and their babies.
New York SCORES
266 West 37th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
Tel: 212-563-3250.
Fax: 212-563-4046.
Email: dclifford@americascores.org.
Develops programs that use the sport of soccer to energize and inspire public school students in Washington Heights. The organization creates safe, structured after-school activities five days a week, including soccer and other games, writing workshops, poetry slams, community service projects, and more. It links the excitement of soccer on the field to a passion for learning in the classroom. The programs not only engage students during otherwise unsafe hours, but it also binds students to positive peer groups, to their teachers and to their education. The activities inspire kids to get up each morning and actively participate in the school day.
North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
P.O. Box 3570, New York, NY 10163.
Tel: 212-642-6300.
Fax: 212-273-1604.
Email: rblawrence85@yahoo.com.
For 25 years, this service sorority has been committed to serving and supporting the culturally rich and diverse community of Northern Manhattan with a vision toward developing programs in the areas of academic growth for youth, cultural enrichment, political awareness, and improved community relations. Their mission is to provide "innovative programming with a far-reaching impact." The Sorority has a membership of more than 200,000 college-educated women in more than 900 chapters in the United States, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
91 Arden Street, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-567-2637.
Fax: 212-862-4126.
Offers youth groups, an after-school program, and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
Our Saviour's Atonement Lutheran Church
178 Bennett Avenue (at 189th Street), New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-923-5757.
Fax: 212-923-0445.
Email: osanyc@verizon.net.
Offers English as a Second Language classes, a food pantry, sports and activities for kids, pottery classes, ballroom dance classes, 12-step recovery programs, and much more through the Cornerstone Center.
Peter Jay Sharp Rowing Club
On the Harlem River, at the eastern end of Dyckman Street, just south of PS 5.
Tel: 212-304-2870.
The Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse re-establishes the historic presence of recreational boating facilities on Manhattan's northern waterfront. Programs sponsored at the boathouse include Youth and Adult Learn to Row Sessions, Junior and Master Rowing, Summer Junior and Senior Development Camps, and a community outreach program known as the Urban Rowing Initiative.
Pied Piper Children's Theatre
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 20 Cumming Street (between Broadway and Seaman Avenue, one block north of Dyckman Street).
Tel: 212-544-2976.
Email: info@piedpipertheatre.org.
Committed to creating a nonthreatening and fun place where children ages 5 to 17 can explore their creativity and learn new theatrical and musical skills while making new friendships. Children are selected after a thorough audition that examines their attitude and interest in Music/Theatre Arts.
Prenatal Support Group
Tel: 212-781-6368 x1.
Email: jessica@momsupport.org.
Get Support and information to address the questions that every pregnant woman is faced with: What type of mother will I be? What will it be like when I get home with the baby? How will my relationships change? Should I consider a doula or a baby nurse? How should I choose a pediatrician? What is the best way to find a babysitter that I can really trust? ... and more. Meet other pregnant women in this neighborhood.
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana
96 Wadsworth Avenue, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-568-3868.
Fax: 212-923-3874.
Provides youth programs, and child care services while parents are at religious services.
Project SOAR, School District 6
4360 Broadway, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-795-4111.
Fax: 212-795-9611.
Offers crisis intervention, counseling, drug prevention programs and parent workshops.
Recycle-A-Bicycle
Intermediate School 90 and Children's Aid Society, 21 Jumel Place (at 168th Street), New York, NY.
Tel: 212-569-2760.
Email: rab@recycleabicycle.org.
RAB is an organization dedicated to youth development, environmental education, recycling and bicycle transportation in New York City. It offers bicycle maintenance and repair workshops to youth between 10 and 18 years old. Class discussion places the mechanical work in the context of the environmental benefits of recycling and bicycle transportation. At some sites, it also introduces students to the practical aspects of running a small business. If you have a bicycle or bicycling equipment to donate to a great cause and tremendous organization, please e-mail or phone them.
Upper Manhattan Council Assisting Neighbors (UCAN)
519 West 189th Street, Suite F, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-568-2791.
Fax: 212-568-2795.
Email: Info@ucanny.org.
UCAN's mission is to enhance the local community and build the capacity of Northern Manhattan neighbors, small businesses and community-based organizations. UCAN targets the underserved Latino, immigrant and low-income communities of Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill. Programs focus on community and economic development, education, housing, and arts and culture.
Uptown Music
Location 1: Cornerstone Center, 178 Bennett Avenue (at 189th Street). Location 2: 204th Street and Vermilyea Ave (next to the Post Office).
Tel: 212-252-5551.
Email: UptownMus@cs.com.
Holds classes for children from infancy through age four with their adult caregivers, and for preschool and kindergarten children ages 3-6. Classes are held in Inwood and Washington Heights, and utilize singing, dancing/movement, and rhythm instruments to help children develop basic musical skills. Children are free to progress at their own pace, with no "performance pressure," and activities are fun and easy for both children and adults. Free trial classes are held periodically -- call for dates and locations.
Washington Heights Neighborhood Association (WHNA)
751 West 183rd Street, New York, NY 10033.
Tel: 212-923-7800 x1162.
Email: whnafobpk@aol.com.
Volunteer community group founded in 1988. Our goal is to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood. Sponsors children's summer programs at Bennett Park and the community garden at 184th Street.
Washington Heights Youth Center (WHYC)
Intermediate School 164, 401 West 164th Street, New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 914-217-6208.
A co-ed youth program operated out of Intermediate School 164, where youth of all ages participate in various sports and activities on Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Welcome Mat Workshops at Morris-Jumel Mansion
65 Jumel Terrace (Edgecombe Avenue at 160th Street), New York, NY 10032.
Tel: 212-923-8008.
Fax: 212-923-8947.
Welcome Mat Workshops are free arts workshops for children held at the Morris-Jumel Mansion on weekends and sometimes during week-long school break vacations. Kids learn about the Mansion's history and create an art or craft project to reflect what they have learned. Past projects have included stenciling, embroidery, colonial crafts, drama workshops, early American dancing, and more. For exact dates and projects please call the museum at (212) 923-8008.
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
54 Nagle Avenue, New York, NY 10040.
Tel: 212-569-6200.
Fax: 212-567-5915.
Email: ywashhts@aol.com.
A multiservice organization that provides all kinds of recreational and educational activities for children (playgroups, after-school program, school holiday trips, summer day camp, sports, teen social program, teen mentoring). The Y also has health and fitness facilities, including a weight room, Nautilus equipment, LifeCycles, stairmasters, treadmills, and a full-size gymnasium. Finally, it houses the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Senior Center with fitness and yoga classes, language classes, Kosher lunches, social clubs, celebrations, parties, and group vacations.