Water Fun

Back in the warmer months, we told you about all of the wonderful free summer sports programs for kids in New York City, including no-cost swimming lessons. But did you know that the New York City Parks Department offers aquatic programs for adults as well as children all year-round? There are complimentary classes for pretty much everyone in all five boroughs, including people with special needs, preschoolers, seniors and every age in between.

In summer, lessons are held at outdoor facilities but during the school year, programs are offered at indoor pools on Saturdays and after school, and there's even a swim team for children ages 6-17. To try to snag a spot, you need to enter an online lottery, which is happening Friday, April 13 at noon through Wednesday, April 18 at midnight. We've got the scoop on how to do that, as well as additional information about these popular programs.

A kids pool party is certainly not a new birthday party idea, but they are a sure-fire hit with kids, and you can rent out the pool at your nearest Y pretty reasonably (as NYC kid parties go). I always like to do home parties, however. It's not that I'm cheap (well, yeah, maybe a little), but I am also a homebody and a control freak. I like to do everything myself and have it happen under my roof (or on my roof). So pool parties are out, right? Oh, I may be a cheap, homebody, control freak, but I'm no quitter. So, here's how to throw an awesome urban pool party whether you have a pool or not. If you have any kind of outdoor space (roof, terrace, garden, sidewalk in front of your apartment...) you can do this party with a kiddie pool, or even two. Think creatively. Maybe you could even do it in the playground or park. If you don't have outdoor space you can always do your pool party at a public pool. A pool party can be a great, low-stress party. You don't need to hire entertainment and once the kids get going, the adults can just sit back and chill while the kids have a blast in the water.

I remember the first time my son saw a backyard swimming pool; he was about three years old and completely befuddled. He was no stranger to swimming pools, but to him, pools belonged indoors or on glass enclosed high rise rooftops, not out in the elements in a backyard. He had already learned at a young age that one of the best things about city living is swimming year round in an indoor pool. If you are lucky enough to have a pool in your gym or building that lets the kiddies in - then you are all set – but if you aren’t then read on for our list of kid-friendly public and private pools in New York City.
 

Cooling off in local sprinklers or pools is a rite of summer in the city. But nothing beats the fun of taking a day trip to a nearby water theme park, where families can spend the whole day getting wet and wild.

There are many water theme parks within driving distance of NYC. In fact, Splish Splash on Long Island--which is considered by many folks (including my son) to be one of the best water parks in the country—is just a 90-minute drive from midtown Manhattan. Bonus: You can see it from the the Long Island Expressway, so you can't get lost on the way there! 

The 96-acre park has two dozen rides, ranging from tame kiddie pools to dark tunnels of terror. Plus there are other attractions like two wave pools and a bird show.

In addition to being super-cool (in both senses of the word), Splish Splash is immaculately clean and comfortable. The water is pristine and there's a surprising amount of shade. My son and I recently went on our first trip there with a bunch of his friends, and to say we were impressed is an understatement. We closed the park, and my six-year-old and his pals have been begging to go back again before the season ends.

There are no water theme parks in NYC... yet. But you don't have to go too far to find some awesome ones.

We've rounded up our favorite water theme parks for kids in the tri-state area, all less than a two-hour drive from midtown Manhattan. No two are alike: Each one offers different experiences and thrills.

Before you hop in the car, make sure to check the parks' official websites to confirm hours and prices (sometimes you'll even find online-only ticket specials). Also, if you plan to visit a particular park more than once, consider buying seasonal passes as that may be more economical.