Baby Activity Center Near Me In New York

Deciding on a good baby activity center in New York can be very tasking, especially if you are new to the city. I was six months pregnant with my first baby on my first visit to New York City, and I fell in love with the place.

I made my husband promise me that he would bring us back to New York for a family vacation. So, when the opportunity came up nine months after the delivery of my baby girl, I chose New York.

Finding a baby activity center near me in New York was difficult for us for so many reasons. This article will tell you all you need to know about activity centers and give you pointers in New York. Let us get started!

 

Is it Good to Take a Baby to an Activity Center?

Yes, activity centers are good – if not perfect, for babies. These centers have been equipped with the right facilities and personnel needed for a baby’s physical and mental development.

It helps to build your baby’s motor and social skills. It also helps to improve alertness in the baby through the provision of safe playing areas.

 

At What Age Should a Baby Start Visiting an Activity Center?

You can start taking your baby to an activity center when they are between 8 to 12 months old. We do not advise taking babies less than eight months to activity centers.

There are many things to consider before deciding on visiting an activity center in New York. First, just make sure your baby is already starting to stand or walk. This way, you will be sure that they can enjoy the purpose of the center to the fullest.

 

Importance of Baby Activity Centers

Activity centers are important to the all round development of your baby. They help to develop your baby’s mental, social and physical abilities through interactions, games, and other social activities.

These activity centers are equipped with more learning equipment and toys to keep your baby engaged. They are also designed to offer the highest comfort for your baby.

 

What Should I Look Out for in an Activity Center?

Before you decide on an activity center to take your baby to, there are certain things you should look out for. You need to take your baby into consideration and the purpose of taking him or her to the activity center also.

Apart from being safe, you should consider the level of engagement your baby will receive and other important pointers. Below we have highlighted some points to look out for before choosing an activity center. Let us check them out together.

7 Pointers to Look Out For in an Activity Center

1. The Distance to Your House

If you are in New York or anywhere else, you should consider the distance between the activity center and your home. It is always advisable to go to an activity center near you. This way, you are able to relax knowing your baby is only a few minutes away.

Also, it gives you the advantage of knowing the other parents whose children are in the center. You are also able to know the workers at the center.

2. The Size of the Activity Area

You need to consider the size of the activity area or gym, in relation to the number of babies in the center. You don’t want to leave your baby in an activity center that is too small or overcrowded.

Also, the size of the center determines the number of play areas and segmentations they will have for baby control and isolation.

3. Does It Have a Mirror?

It is important for an activity center to have a mirror. According to research findings, babies love to look at themselves and play in front of a mirror. This doesn’t only encourage them to play more. It improves their mental and physical development.

4. The Floor of the Activity Center

Like other babies, your baby is going to be playing or sitting on the floor for most of the time he or she will be in the activity center.

So, it is important for you to check the floor and ensure that it is not only clean, but that the floor mat is well padded to ensure your baby’s safety.

5. The Level of Baby Proofing

The last thing any parent wants to experience is that their baby got an injury at the activity center. So, to prevent this from happening, ensure that all the areas of the activity center are baby proofed.

There is no excuse for not baby proofing an activity center – especially the areas that are accessible by the babies. Safety should always come first.

6. The Variety of Toys and Fun Activities

One of the major reasons why you want to take your baby to an activity center is to keep them engaged. So, you have to ensure that the activity center is well equipped to provide your baby with the necessary toys and facilities to keep them engaged.

7. The Hygiene Level of the Activity Center

The level of hygiene in the activity center is very important because it saves you the risk of exposing your baby to a contaminated environment.

Babies love to put things in their mouths, so you need to take into consideration the level of hygiene in the center. Also, you need to also consider existing measures put in place by the handlers to maintain proper hygiene amongst the kids.

 

Are There Baby Activity Centers in New York?

Yes, there are baby activity centers in New York. Trust us when we say that a lot of them are very conducive and pocket friendly.

If you live in New York and are in need of a good activity center near you, we’ve got you covered. Below, we have highlighted some baby activity centers near you in New York. Check them out and make your choice accordingly.

10 Baby Activity Centers Near Me In New York

1. Fairytale Island

This facility offers kids’ activity centers, venues/event spaces, and a state-of-the-art indoor play center. It is located on 7110 3rd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11209.

2. Tumble N Grow Sensory Gym

One of my personal favorites, the Tumble N’ Grow Sensory Gym, is a baby activity and play canter equipped with fun facilities for maximum engagement. It is located at 942 Bergen St Brooklyn, NY 11238.

3. Naomi’s Music

If you love music and/or want your baby introduced to music and musical instruments, then this is the place to be. It is a fun place to be at 134 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001.

4. The Playroom NYC

Located on the Upper East Side of New York City, The Playroom NYC is the perfect place for parties and other kids’ activities. You can find them at 1439 1st Ave New York, NY 10021.

5. Twinkle Playspace

This facility houses the highest number of toys and bouncing castles I have ever seen in an activity center. If your baby is over two years old, then this is where you should be. Their address is 134 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001.

6. Lidia’s Play Café

What I love best about this activity center is the attitude of the owners and staff. They are very warm and hospitable. You can find them at 71-06 Fresh Pond Rd Ridgewood, NY 11385.

7. We Grow Together

Located at 480 6th Ave Feldenkrais Center of Park Brooklyn, NY 11215, this activity center offers one of the best parenting classes I have taken. If you have some time on your hands as a parent, then this is the right place for you.

8. Shanti Baby Yoga

If you love yoga and want your baby to experience that exciting yoga experience, then 8717 3rd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11209 is where you should be. What is lovelier than a baby practicing yoga? You tell me, I will wait.

9. Tisch Children’s Zoo

Do you want to give your baby the perfect zoo experience? Then 64th St & 5th Ave New York, NY 10021 is the place you should be. If your baby loves animals, then he or she will love Tisch Children’s Zoo.

10. Kids At Work

If you want your kids to engage in hands-on activities like baking and cooking, then your next weekend trip should be to 123 W20th St Fl 2, New York, NY 10011. Your baby will love this place, trust me.

 

Indoor playgrounds In New York

If you are one of those parents that prefer having your kids indoors even when they are playing, then we have something in common. I like having my kids indoors. Even when I am not there, I like to have the assurance that they are indoors.

Yes, there are many cool indoor playgrounds for kids in New York. Below, I have listed some you should consider if you are in the lookout for indoor playgrounds in New York.

5 Indoor playgrounds In New York

1. Kanga’s Indoor Play Center

When you are here, it is hard to actually believe you are indoors. The facility has both adult and kids areas – and trust us when we say they took safety into consideration when setting up the kid area. Interestingly, you get a free pass if you are accompanying your baby, but you have to pay for an extra adult.

2. JCC

This is another well-equipped indoor playground facility in New York. They have a lot of play sessions and activities, and if you are someone that wants your baby to be around toys, then this is the place for you. However, they only allow kids who are eight years and above in their center.

3. Kids Play World

Opened to the public in 2020, this facility looks like it has been around forever. Each area represents a different continent, and you have the luxury of choosing the theme you want your baby to play in. So, if you are an African or Asian in New York, you can have your baby experience your homeland. Isn’t that wonderful?

4. Billy Beez

One thing I like about the Billy Beez is that they have a good separation between the age-grade kids. So, kids from a specific age grade are separate from older kids. This helps them to offer the appropriate services to your baby with respect to his or her age. If you like attention to detail, then you should be here.

5. Recess Dumbo

Opened to the public for the first time in 2015, this is one of the few baby activity centers in New York that have custom-made play equipment. What this means is that you are not likely to find the play facilities here in any other activity center around New York.

Another thing is that they limit each area to a maximum of 8 kids. This is their precaution against the spread and control of Covid-19.