Best of New York City’s Recreation Centers
Check out the Best of New York City’s Recreation Centers. Become a part of a community of New Yorkers learning new hobbies, getting fit, and meeting new people. Join a recreation center!
NYC has recreation centers in all 5 boroughs. Most membership types afford you access to all recreation centers in the city. For more information on how to join a recreation center or to find a recreation center near you, visit Recreation Center membership page.
Best Recreation Centers for …
Kayaking without needing a river
Why save all the fun for summertime? On Saturdays, Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center in Manhattan offers free kayaking classes in the pool for kids ages 6 through 13. Kids learn paddling skills and safety techniques. No previous experience is required and first-timers are welcome. More information about Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center
Becoming the next Steve Jobs
This is where the cool kids are. We’re teaching children of all ages how to code every Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Al Oerter Recreation Center in Queens. Classes are free but a recreation center membership is required. Recreation center memberships are free for kids and teens under 18! More information about the Al Oerter Recreation Center
For more information about other STEM and digital technology programs our recreation centers offer for teens and adults, please visit our Computer Resource Centers programs page.
Learning a new dance move
Learn a new dance move at a free dance class. Chelsea Recreation Center in Manhattan hosts free ballet, tap dance, contemporary dance, and Bollywood classes for adults, teens, and seniors who are members of the recreation center.
Be sure to drop in on a spin class. The center has a dedicated spin studio with classes most weekday evenings. Stop by after work! More information about Chelsea Recreation Center
Swimming with a view
Warm up with a few laps around the pool at this indoor, Olympic-sized pool at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park aquatic center in Queens. The pool looks out on the park’s historic World’s Fair sites, including the New York State Pavilion and the Unisphere. The aquatic center also offers free learn to swim classes for adults, children, and toddlers, as well as senior aerobics sessions, mommy and me hours, and adapted swim programs for people with disabilities. Or, you can join the center’s swim team. More information about Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool and Rink
Join a recreation center with a pool and get access to all 12 of our indoor pools around the city. More information about our Indoor Pools
Pretending you’re an Olympic sprinter
This fall we opened a brand new state-of-the-art indoor track and field athletic complex in Ocean Breeze. The center will host many of the city’s major meets in coming months and is making its mark as a training facility for athletes. You too can train or workout here for free with your membership. There are cardio and weight rooms on the lower level.
Is your kid the next track star? Sign them up for out track teams. Memberships for kids are free! More information about the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Athletic Complex
Finding fitness for all abilities
McCarren Play Center has an exceptional range of programs geared toward people with disabilities. Programs include kids sports, seated fitness, adaptive basketball and Zumba, and computer instruction. More information about McCarren Play Center
McCarren Play Center is just one of our five adaptive hubs around the city that host adapted programs and classes. Find more adaptive hubs at our recreation centers
Roller skating in Brooklyn like it’s 1973
Dust off your roller skates! Brownsville Recreation Center in Brooklyn hosts Friday Night Roller Skating in the gym. Stop by and show off your dance moves. More information about Brownsville Recreation Center
Carving your next masterpiece out of wood
The Greenbelt has its own wood shop with woodworking classes taking place weekly. Beginners and experienced folks are welcome. Members learn detailed woodcarving techniques, including intricate cutting and advanced woodworking skills. More information about Greenbelt Recreation Center
Making the most of your retirement
Pick up a new hobby, like oil painting, line dancing, quilting or tap dancing, at the Fort Hamilton Recreation Center in Brooklyn. Annual memberships for seniors cost $25. More information about Fort Hamilton Recreation Center
Shooting hoops after work
Too cold outside for a pick up game? Play indoors at the enormous indoor basketball court at the West Bronx Recreation Center. Drop in after work or school; the center closes 9:30 p.m. on weekdays. West Bronx Recreation Center also offers wheelchair basketball for all ages and abilities from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. More information about West Bronx Recreation Center
Cueing your next move
Play against some of the best players in the city at St. James Recreation Center in the Bronx. There are three pool tables here. Challenge someone to a game or learn how to play. One of the center’s members won the NYC Parks 8-ball Billiards Championship last month! More information about St. James Recreation Center
