Winter Children's Classes

Keep your child active, curious, and connected this season with Winter/Spring classes at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. From art, dance, and sports to swim lessons, STEM programs, and Jewish life classes, our children’s classes nurture growth, confidence, and creativity in every age group, from infants to teens. Led by caring, expert instructors, each class provides hands-on learning in a warm and welcoming community setting.

Click below to explore classes by age and category:

• Pre-Nursery Classes
• Infant + Toddler Classes
• School Age Classes
• Afterschool Clubhouse Classes
• Havurah Classes
• Sports Classes
• Swim Classes

Registration is now open—save your spot today and make this season one to grow on!

Shop locally this holiday season! Purchase one-of-a-kind gifts in our lobby made right here by the teachers, studio members, staff, and students of the JCC Ceramics Studio!

Mon, Dec 1: 6-8 pm (Opening Reception)
Tue, Dec 2: 10 am-6 pm
Wed, Dec 3: 9 am-6 pm
Thu, Dec 4: 9 am-3 pm

Join Team The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan for the JCC Maccabi Games 2026 in Toronto!

The JCC Maccabi Games 2026 bring together more than 3,000 Jewish teen athletes from around the world for an unforgettable week of sports, community, and connection. This global event will take place from August 2 to 7, 2026, in Toronto, and we’re thrilled to relaunch our The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan delegation.

Athletes will compete in Olympic-style tournaments across a wide range of sports while celebrating Jewish identity and spirit. Each day features sports competitions, community service projects, and social and cultural events designed to foster teamwork, friendship, and leadership.

The Maccabi Games experience goes beyond athletics. Teens enjoy opening and closing ceremonies, exciting travel experiences, and opportunities to meet Jewish peers from around the world. The event celebrates sportsmanship, pride, and the shared values that unite Jewish communities globally.

Representing is an opportunity to make lifelong friends, experience personal growth, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Find the perfect gifts this holiday season at the Nursery School Holiday Bazaar at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! Join us for a festive community shopping event featuring a curated selection of local vendors offering a diverse range of products, including kids’ clothing, handmade jewelry, home goods, skincare, accessories, hostess gifts, and more.

Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or teachers, you’ll discover something special for everyone on your list. Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere while supporting small businesses and our Nursery School community.

This Chanukah, for one night only, our pool will be transformed into a glowing sanctuary, with thousands of candles illuminating the water’s surface and casting a warm, flickering glow throughout the space.

Experience this unforgettable evening by relaxing poolside or floating in the water as the a cappella group Backtrack Vocals fills the air with songs celebrating light, hope, and the magic of New York City.

Swimming, general seating, and front row tickets available.

In 1996, Raffael Lomas, a young father battling severe depression finds a lifeline in an unlikely symbol—a towering 10-foot screw that he painstakingly crafts as a tribute to his “missing piece” and a path to healing. Driven by a desire to honor his family’s harrowing legacy, he commits to bringing the screw to the Dachau Concentration Camp, where his grandfather was murdered and his father was imprisoned during the Holocaust. With the help of a sculptor friend and a borrowed video camera, he meticulously documents each turn of the screw, reclaiming parts of himself with every twist of metal.

Dir. Nitsan Tal

(US, 2024, 93 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Nitsan Tal and Danielle Knafo (psychologist and film subject).

Due to overwhelming success, Sunset Circus is BACK! Experience an immersive circus for audiences of all ages, presented by the physical theater company Parallel Exit.

The extremely popular, New York Times-celebrated Sunset Circus features a company of 5-7 circus artists, including aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, and comedians. The sensational cast will entertain everyone, from kids to parents to grandparents, so bring the whole family!

Sunday, March 22
Morning Show (11 am-noon) | Afternoon Show (2-3 pm)

Sunday, May 3
Morning Show (11 am-noon) | Afternoon Show (2-3 pm)

Give your child a fun, enriching holiday school break this season!

Winter Minicamp offers age-appropriate activities, crafts, games, social time, and more — the perfect way for children in NYC to stay active, make friends, and explore new creative outlets over school break.

Whether your family is looking for a full-week or single-day options, our winter minicamp is designed to delight kids in a safe, structured, and stimulating environment.

Explore Minicamps:
December 22-January 2, 2026

Nursery 3s-5s
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Specialty Theater Minicamp Ages 5-10
Specialty Film Minicamp Ages 11-13

Early Bird Registration extended one final week!

Don’t Miss Your chance to SAVE on summer before this deal ends!

Use code EARLYBIRD360 for 9–week registrations to get $360 off this summer.
Use code EARLYBIRLD180 for 3–8 week registrations to get $180 off this summer.

We’re growing! NEW this summer:

• Catered lunch for all campers
• Daily swim for every age
• Towel service included

This summer, we’re expanding to welcome children ages 3–10 with brand-new divisions:

• Lower Division (Ages 3–5)
• Middle Division (Ages 6–7)
• Upper Division: Specialty Camps (Ages 8–10)

Day Camp @ the JCC delivers the ultimate city camp experience—swimming, sports, arts, cooking, yoga, engineering, and so much more—right here on 76th and Amsterdam, using our world-class facilities: indoor heated pools, culinary + art studios, rooftop playground, and a full gymnasium. Campers also spend time outside each day, and older campers participate in sports every morning in the park.

Upper Division Specialty Campers enjoy concentrated time in the specialty of their choosing each week: Sports, Theater, and Visual + Culinary Arts.

Don’t wait—secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer of growth, fun, and friendship today!

Children’s Birthday Parties at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Celebrate your child’s big day with a party to remember on the Upper West Side! At the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, we make kids’ birthday parties easy, fun, and stress-free. Choose from exciting options like Sports, Art, or Cooking birthday parties, with flexible packages to fit your needs.

Every party includes 90 minutes of celebration—45 minutes in an activity space led by our experienced staff, and 45 minutes in a private party room—plus setup and cleanup time. Select the Essential Party Package to bring your own food and décor, or upgrade to the Ultimate Party Package, which includes pizza or bagels, snacks, and festive paper goods.

Request your birthday package today!

Security That Feels Like Belonging

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is more than a building. It is a home — a place where people gather, belong, and feel safe.

At the heart of this commitment is our role as Shomer — the Hebrew word for guardian and protector. Security here is not just about cameras or walls, but about safeguarding lives and creating a true sense of welcome.

Since 2023, our costs have risen by $700,000 as we adapt to evolving threats and best practices.

That’s why we’ve launched the Shomer Fund — to ensure safety is never static but always advancing.

Your support makes possible:

• Highly trained guards who know our members by name
• Fortified entrances and exits
• Emergency readiness through evolving protocols
• Continuous upgrades to technology, infrastructure, and training

Protect the traditions, programs, and people that make our community strong.

Every Safeguard Starts with You. Be a Shomer.

Looking for something else? Learn more about other ways to donate, or contact a member of our team at development@mmjccm.org.

This documentary short finally answers the question that has plagued scientists, theologians, and comedians for millennia: Will Judaism survive in space? Starring Neil deGrasse Tyson, astronauts Jeffrey Hoffman and Jessica Meir, and a quorum of rabbis and researchers.

Nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Short Documentary.

Dir. Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger

(US, 2025, 31 min)

Join us for a cozy indoor picnic experience in the JCC’s Gallery!

Celebrate the warmth and creativity of picnic culture with art, music, and hands-on fun for the whole family. Explore a unique art exhibit inspired by the spirit of picnicking, enjoy music, and dive into a variety of activities. Get creative at our DIY spice and tea-blending station, where you can craft your own custom flavors to take home.

A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum.

Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem.

Recommended Ages: Grades K through 4

Eitan Armon is a young man facing encroaching blindness who takes on the challenge of climbing the world’s most epic granite wall. While in military service at age 20,  Eitan is diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare and incurable genetic disease that causes blindness. With only 5% of his central vision remaining, Eitan learns to rock climb and ascends Yosemite’s daunting El Capitan. Looking Up documents Eitan’s journey and resilience, demonstrating the endless possibilities for those who approach life with positivity.  

Screening followed by Q+A with film subject Eitan Armon and director Elena Neuman.

Dir. Elena Neuman

(US, 2025, 71 min)

Presented in partnership with ReelAbilities.

Screening followed by Q+A with director Toby Perl Freilich and film subject Mierle Laderman Ukeles.

In partnership with Ronald Feldman Gallery.

Dir. Toby Perl Freilich

(US, 2025, 95 min)

Join the JCC Health Club by November 14 + Save up to $250! Or Join the Pool + Save $150 Off! $0 Enrollment Fee.*

This fall experience the JCC’s holistic approach to fitness, where wellness feels like home. Enjoy the use of two pools, a spacious fitness center, gymnasium with two basketball courts, unlimited group exercise classes, pickleball games, discounts on other JCC programs, friendly staff, and warm community!

Learn more about this limited time offer. Have questions? Email joinjcc@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4414.

*Restrictions apply.

Fall in love with swimming again! Registration is now open for adult fall swim classes. Save your spot in the pool and choose from beginner through advanced swim clinics. For more information, contact us at jccswimschool@mmjccm.org.

Adult Beginner 1
Come learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety in a supportive and relaxed group setting in our Adult Beginner 1 Swim Clinic. In this weekly clinic we will introduce safe swimming foundations such as breath control and learning to float, as well as rudimentary freestyle and backstroke technique. This class has no prerequisites and is suitable for all beginner swimmers.
LEARN MORE

Adult Beginner 2
Continue your progress from our Beginner 1 Swim Clinic or join us if you meet the prerequisites below. In this weekly clinic we will continue to build on our rudimentary knowledge of freestyle and backstroke as we are well on our way toward mastering those skills. This class will focus on precision and efficiency in each stroke as well as breath control, while continuing to emphasize important water safety skills. Prerequisites: Swimmers must be comfortable fully submerging, and have learned the foundations for flutter kicks and pulling.
LEARN MORE

Adult Intermediate
Join us in our Intermediate swim clinic! Whether you’ve graduated from our beginner clinics or already meet our prerequisites we’ll help you become a confident, capable, and courteous lap swimmer. Our excellent instructors will give you tips and tricks to sharpen your technique while building endurance and speed in the water. Prerequisites: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 meters of freestyle and backstroke continuously.
LEARN MORE

Adult Advanced
Our advanced swim clinic is for swimmers looking to build their endurance while following a 45 minute swim workout. Work with our expert coaches on drills to develop your core strength, stroke timing, and stamina. Classes will include a mix of drills, instruction, and continuous swimming. Prerequisite: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 meters of freestyle and backstroke continuously and follow a 45 minute swim workout without pause.
LEARN MORE

Don’t wait to register, spots are limited! Arthritis Water Exercise classes are already sold out.

Give your child the ultimate sports experience right here on the Upper West Side. Our youth sports programs in NYC combine expert coaching, exciting games, and a supportive community where kids build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of sports. From basketball and soccer to volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and training classes, there’s a place for every child to shine—whether they’re just starting out or ready to level up.

Don’t wait—spots fill fast. Register today and get your child in the game!

• Infants + Toddlers Sports Classes

• School Age Sports Classes

• Tweens + Teens Sports Classes

Give your child confidence, safety skills, and a love of the water this fall at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. Our expert instructors make learning to swim fun while helping children build coordination, strength, and independence.

Infant + Toddler Swim Classes (6 months–5 years)

Playful, age-appropriate lessons introduce little ones to the water and set the foundation for safe swimming:

• Bubbling Babies (6–12 months)

• Starfish (12–18 months)

• Seahorses (18–30 months)

• Little Fish (30–36 months)

• Dolphins 1 – Beginner (2.5–3.5 years, drop-off)

• Dolphins 2 – Intermediate (3–5 years, drop-off)

• Dolphins 3 – Advanced (3–5 years, drop-off)

School-Age Swim Classes (5–14 years)

Progressive levels that grow with your child, from first strokes to advanced technique:

• Blue – Beginner 1 (5–8 years)

• Yellow – Beginner 2 (5–8 years)

• Green – Intermediate 1 (5–14 years)

• Purple – Intermediate 2 (5–14 years)

• Red – Advanced (5–14 years)

• JCC Swim Club (by instructor placement)

Register today and watch your child build lifelong skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Fall Teen Fitness Classes at The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Help your tween or teen build strength, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits in our youth fitness programs on the Upper West Side. Our classes offer a variety of options, including small-group training, personal training, Pilates for focus and core strength, private swim lessons, and more. Teens can also join basketball membership + classes and competitive leagues, all led by certified youth coaches in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

Encourage your teen to stay active, develop skills, and make friends while enjoying expert-led programs designed for their growth and wellness.

Explore Our Teen Fitness Classes

• Basketball Leagues
  Competitive and recreational leagues for teens to develop skills and teamwork.

• Pilates 4 Attention + Mindfulness
  Pilates-based classes focusing on improving focus and mindfulness.

• Teen Pilates
  Pilates sessions designed to enhance core strength and flexibility.

• Tween Fit Lab
  A dynamic program combining fitness training with fun activities.

• Personal Training
  One-on-one sessions tailored to individual fitness goals.

• Private Swim Lessons
  Personalized swim instruction focusing on technique and confidence.

In Person. Gather with other people with Parkinson’s to network, share information, and learn from each other.

This peer-to-peer group meets to encourage, support, and inspire each other.

13 Thursdays, Sep 11 – Dec 18 (except Oct. 2, Nov 27)

6:30-7:30 pm  FREE

For more information or to join, contact Whitney Chapman, Program Coordinator at wchapman@mmjccm.org or 646.505.4383

PRESS ON: A Partnership with American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)

In Person. Were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 or more years ago? Do you have questions about what lies ahead and how you should prepare?

This guided 8-week program is for people with PD and care partners who are in mid-stage PD and will cover topics such as:

• Healthcare
• Planning for the What Ifs
• Safety
• Environment + Exercise
• Impact of Parkinson’s on Daily Coping + Relationships
• Maintaining Hope in the Path Forward

and more.

Find support and connection in navigating life with PD.

8 Wednesdays, Oct 22-Dec 18 (except Nov 26)

4:30-6 pm, FREE

For more information or to register/join: Contact Judy Margolis, MSW, at jmargolis@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4398

The program is limited to 12 participants, and you are requested to plan to attend all 8 sessions.

A Partnership with American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)

In Person. Care Partner Connection Program is a multi-week Care Partner support series. This series offers the opportunity to connect with other care partners for emotional support and sharing, and provides education about planning for the future and practical resources. This was designed for care partners who are looking for a space to share their feelings and learn more about PD caregiving considerations. Classes will consist of interactive sessions, discussions, and brainstorming to help you take the tools and resources you learn about and put them into action in your life. Topics may include:

Caregiving
Preparing for the Future
PD as a Family Disease
Coping with Changing Conditions, and
Strengths + Supports

8 Mondays, Oct 20-Dec 15 (except Nov 10)

5:30-7:30 pm, FREE

For more information or to register/join: Contact Kat Safavi, MSW at ksafavi@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4383.

The program is limited to 12 participants, and you are requested to plan to attend all 8 sessions.

PRESS: An 8-Week Education/Support Group for People With Parkinson’s, in their first 5 years of diagnosis –

A Partnership with American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)

In Person. Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS) is an eight-week, in-person support series with tailored content to address the psychosocial needs of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last five years.  Each PRESS support group is facilitated by a trained healthcare professional who will provide a structured platform for participants to share their experiences, feelings, and strategies for coping with PD.  PD-focused topics covered in this program include:

• What’s Next After Diagnosis
• Medication Management
• Importance of Exercise
• Caring for Others
• Caring for Yourself
• Building your Healthcare Team

and more.

8 Tuesdays, Oct 21-Dec 9

4:30-6 pm, FREE

For more information or to register/join: Contact Judy Margolis, MSW at jmargolis@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4398

The program is limited to 12 participants, and you are requested to plan to attend all 8 sessions.

Step beyond the gallery walls and into the beating heart of contemporary art with Studio Visits, a behind-the-scenes journey led by visionary curator Aya Goshen. Over the course of five immersive sessions (each about 90 minutes), we will venture into a different artist’s studio each week, exploring intimate creative spaces where ideas spark and masterpieces are born.

Thursdays, Oct 16 + 30, Nov 13, Dec 4 + 18, 11 am

Photo: Work in progress by Avital Burg

Visiting the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Nursery School offers a firsthand look into the heart of our early childhood community. Our guided tours provide prospective families with an in-depth understanding of our child-centered philosophy, thoughtfully designed learning environments, and nurturing, play-based approach that supports every child’s growth.

Nursery School Tour Registration is now OPEN!

Select Dates Below:

• Tue, Nov 18, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Dec 3, 9:30 am | Here

Reserve your spot today—spaces fill quickly!

The JCC is thrilled to be partnering with Dance for PD to offer The Mark Morris Dance Group’s award-winning Dance for PD® classes which invite people with Parkinson’s and their partners to explore movement and music in ways that are enjoyable, stimulating, and creative.

Dance for PD® PRO includes a progressive all-standing warm-up, standing barre work, and traveling steps. Each class integrates elements of diverse dance styles to help people with Parkinson’s build and master specific skills through a focused, intensive approach. Expert teachers guide participants through accelerated physical and cognitive training, technique, improvisation, and a focus on structural alignment in an intimate, friendly, personalized workshop environment.

Registration is handled by Dance for PD. Advance registration and photo ID is required for all attendees including care partners. For more information, contact us at registration@danceforpd.org.

To register click here  or  call (718) 218-3373 and leave your name, phone number, email address and the name of the class you wish to attend. Program staff will get back to you to confirm your registration.

13 Thursdays, Sep 11 – Dec 18 (except Oct 2, Nov 27) 5:15-6:15 pm FREE

• Curators: Tamar Lamdan & Carmit Shine
• Dates: September–December, 2025
• Opening Reception: Thu, Sep 4, 6:30 pm | Learn More
• Communal Picnic: Join us for a cozy indoor picnic experience in our gallery!
  • Sun, Nov 23, 11 am-1 pm | Learn More

Explore joyful, meaningful, and age-appropriate ways for children to connect with Jewish life, language, and values. Whether your child is just beginning their Jewish journey or preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, our programs are built to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection at every stage.

Havurah (Grades Pre-K-2)
Our signature experiential program for Pre-K–Grade 3 brings Jewish holidays, values, and stories to life through art, music, and hands-on activities. Fridays have never felt so joyful!

Hebrew Homepage (Grades K-7)
Learn Hebrew your way. This online, private one-on-one tutoring program for Grades K–7 offers flexible scheduling and four personalized tracks—from Aleph Bet basics to full B-Mitzvah prep.

Off the Bimah – Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah Prep Program (Grades 6-7)
This is a fresh take on B-Mitzvah learning. With small groups and big conversations, this experience empowers tweens to explore what becoming B-Mitzvah really means to them, beyond the ceremony.

Hit the court this fall with our Basketball Leagues for Tweens (10-14 yrs), and Teens (14-18 yrs), at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or just a fun way to stay active, we’ve got a league for you. Teens and tweens can join age-based divisions designed for all skill levels — from casual players to seasoned athletes.

Teen/Tween Leagues

Explore winter semester classes today!

Turning 2s at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is a joyful, registration-based drop-off program for children turning two between September and December. Offered two mornings per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) with an optional Friday Shabbat Together class, the program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and early independence. Rooted in a child-centered curriculum that celebrates each child’s competence and potential, our warm, welcoming classrooms inspire exploration and creativity through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences guided by caring teachers who help every child discover, grow, and thrive.

Toddler Playgroup
A gentle introduction to separation and classroom routines through play, song, and connection.
Available on Tuesdays + Thursdays at:

• 9 AM
• 9:30 AM
• 10:30 AM

*Winter* Shabbat Together
A Friday morning class celebrating Shabbat through stories, music, movement, and community.
Learn More + Register

*Winter* Turning 2s
A drop-off program that nurtures independence and creativity through hands-on exploration.

• Mon/Wed
• Tue/Thu

Havurah’s semester long programs are designed to embrace Jewish culture and traditions through interactive, project-based learning. Studying Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Torah stories, community service opportunities, and exploration of Jewish identity are significant parts of every child’s Havurah experience. Each semester culminates in an immersive Jewish family experience to showcase their projects.

For more information, please contact Rachel Kaye rkaye@mmjccm.org.

Looking for a way to ensure your child gets safely from school to their after-school activities? Want to guarantee their afternoons are filled with play, productivity, and a nurturing community? The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is your one-stop-shop for all of this and more. We’ll pick up your child from their school and make sure they’re comfortably situated at the JCC and that they have a great time in the process! We are pleased to share that we are offering pick-up service and Clubhouse on Mondays–Thursdays for children in grades PK–5 enrolled in PS 9, PS 87, PS 334, PS 199, Parkside, Success Academy Upper West, MDS and Calhoun.

If we do not offer pick-up from your school, but you are still interested in our Clubhouse program, we also offer an option to register for Drop-Off Clubhouse. The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from school dismissal until 5:30 pm, and you are welcome to register for one, two, three, or four afternoons a week.