NY Kids Club - 94th Street
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
NY Kids Club - 94th Street offers highly-praised core programs (2s, Pre-K) characterized by exceptional, nurturing staff, top-notch facilities, and impeccable organization. Children in these programs show significant growth in confidence and independence, supported by age-appropriate activities and a safe environment. A standout value proposition is the inclusion of free, high-quality Red Rabbit lunches. However, parents should exercise caution with specific enrichment classes (like chess) where curriculum progression issues and unsatisfactory management responses to complaints have been reported, including the application of cancellation fees for perceived poor service.
Key Highlights
- ✓Warm, welcoming community atmosphere, making families feel instantly part of the club.
- ✓Amazing, professional staff with genuine love for children and high levels of expertise and dedication.
- ✓Top-notch facilities featuring state-of-the-art gym equipment encouraging physical development.
- ✓Bright, clean, and organized classrooms creating an optimal learning environment.
- ✓Impeccable program organization with well-planned and precisely executed activities, lessons, and events.
- ✓Free Red Rabbit lunches provided, described as high-quality, delicious, and nutritious.
- ✓Children in 2s and Pre-K programs show significant growth in confidence and independence, eagerly asking to attend.
- ✓Key staff members like Lisa (team manager), Colleen (location manager), and Charlie are highly accommodating, ensuring a safe environment and age-appropriate classes tailored to individual learning styles.
- ✓The club is full of energy and constantly strives to reinvent programs to suit children's needs.
Standout Features
- ⭐Exceptional, dedicated, and professional staff who genuinely care for children.
- ⭐State-of-the-art gym equipment and well-maintained facilities.
- ⭐Structured and impeccably organized educational programs.
- ⭐Complimentary, healthy, and delicious Red Rabbit lunches.
- ⭐Management (Colleen, Charlie) is highly accommodating for core programs, tailoring experiences to individual child needs.
- ⭐Focus on creating a safe and age-appropriate learning environment.
- ⭐Programs are dynamic and constantly updated to engage children.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →For parents considering Pre-K or 2s programs, expect a high-quality, nurturing, and well-organized environment that promotes significant child development.
- →Take advantage of the included nutritious Red Rabbit lunches as a valuable benefit.
- →If enrolling in specific enrichment classes (e.g., chess), inquire directly about curriculum progression and how trial or make-up students are integrated to ensure consistent learning.
- →Be aware that resolving issues for certain enrichment classes, especially regarding curriculum and refunds, might be challenging, with management potentially resistant and applying cancellation fees.
- →For core program needs, engage with location management (Colleen) and staff (Charlie) who are noted for being accommodating and flexible.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Teachers in certain enrichment classes (e.g., chess) repeatedly teach the same material, allegedly due to accommodating new students (trial/make-up classes).
- ⚠Students in these repetitive classes reported not learning anything new for extended periods (e.g., two months).
- ⚠Management (team manager) was reported to make excuses when complaints were raised, contradicting teacher statements about class content (e.g., claiming 5-10 minutes review vs. whole 45 minutes review).
- ⚠Management was unwilling to take responsibility for perceived wasted class time or offer refunds.
- ⚠A $50 cancellation fee was demanded even when parents were dissatisfied with the class quality and lack of learning progression.
- ⚠Management did not apologize during the complaint resolution process.
Price & Value
The core 2s and Pre-K programs offer strong value with exceptional staff, facilities, and the significant bonus of free Red Rabbit lunches. However, value for specific enrichment classes (like chess) can be very poor, with parents reporting wasted time due to repetitive lessons. Furthermore, a $50 cancellation fee was demanded even when parents felt the service was unsatisfactory, impacting overall price value perception negatively for conflict resolution.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Free Red Rabbit lunches are provided for the Pre-K program, described as high-quality, delicious, and nutritious. No other food policies (e.g., outside food, snacks) are mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •No specific parking information is mentioned in the reviews. The address '94th Street 1st Ave location' is provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No information on crowd levels or busy times is provided in the reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Staff (Colleen, location manager) actively ensures a 'safe environment' for children.
- •The professionalism and dedication of the staff generally contribute to a secure and well-monitored atmosphere.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If consistent curriculum progression in specific enrichment classes (like chess) is a top priority, due to reported issues of repetitive material.
- • If you anticipate needing easy refunds or waivers of cancellation fees for dissatisfaction with specific class quality or management's handling of complaints.
- • If you prefer a venue where management readily takes responsibility and apologizes for service issues.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Birthday Party (Base Package)
Not specified (includes 10 children)Duration: 1.5 Hours
All-inclusive themed party with structured, age-appropriate activities.
Includes:
- •Exclusive use of facilities
- •Qualified birthday leader
- •Additional birthday performers
- •Birthday coordinator (set up, lead party, serve guests, clean up)
- •Paper party goods for adults and children
- •Pizza (1 slice per child)
- •Juice Boxes
- •Helium Balloons
Birthday Party (Wild About Dinosaurs Theme)
Base price + $100Duration: 1.5 Hours
Dinosaur-themed adventure with activities like creating dinosaur eggs and gym expedition.
Includes:
- •Base package inclusions
- •Dinosaur egg creation
- •Additional classroom activities
Birthday Party (Unicorn Extravaganza Theme)
Base price + $100Duration: 1.5 Hours
Unicorn-themed party with obstacle courses, gymnastics, games, and cookie decorating.
Includes:
- •Base package inclusions
- •Birthday child receives unicorn horn
- •All guests receive temporary unicorn tattoo party favor
- •Cookie decorating
Unlimited Play Membership (Monthly)
$300 for one child; $150 for each additional childDuration: Monthly
Unlimited access to Open Play and Creative Play sessions at any location.
Includes:
- •Access to any Open Play and Creative Play sessions (including weekends)
- •Drop in at any location
- •One guest pass per month
- •Members-only savings
- •Early access to additional programs
Unlimited Play Membership (Annual)
$3,300 for one child; $4,950 for two children (includes one month free)Duration: Annually
Unlimited access to Open Play and Creative Play sessions at any location, with a discount for upfront payment.
Includes:
- •Access to any Open Play and Creative Play sessions (including weekends)
- •Drop in at any location
- •One guest pass per month
- •Members-only savings
- •Early access to additional programs
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Birthday Parties
Available Saturday or Sunday (select time slots for additional half hour)
Base package for 10 children, additional $10/child. Special themes (Wild About Dinosaurs, Unicorn Extravaganza) incur $100 extra.
Themed birthday celebrations (Animal Planet, Castles & Kingdoms, My First Birthday, Cool Construction Crew, Superhero, Jump n’ Jive, Space Kids, Wild About Dinosaurs, Olympic Gymnastics, Unicorn Extravaganza) with structured activities and dedicated party team.
Pajama Parties
Seasonal, advance registration required.
Requires registration (credit card/cash or Event Credit for class registrants).
An event offering fun activities for children in a pajama party setting.
Weekend Camp
Seasonal, advance registration required.
Requires registration (credit card/cash or Event Credit for class registrants).
Camp sessions offered on weekends.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal, advance registration required.
Requires registration (credit card/cash or Event Credit for class registrants).
Various events tied to specific seasons or holidays.
Parenting Workshops
Various, advance registration required.
Requires registration (credit card/cash or Event Credit for class registrants).
Workshops for parents.
🍎Food Policy
- • No food, drinks, or gum permitted in the gym or classroom areas.
- • Nut-free facility. Refrain from bringing or consuming foods containing nuts on-premises.
- • For extended day camp, pack a non-refrigerated and nut-free lunch. A snack is provided to all campers.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Shoeless facility: All adults must wear socks or use provided disposable shoe coverings.
- • All parents, caregivers, and children are expected to conduct themselves safely.
- • Prioritize safety with supervised activities, child-proofed equipment.
- • Instructors trained in child safety and first aid.
- • Facility is clean and safe, with padded equipment and sanitized bathrooms.
- • Wellness Policy: Children showing signs of illness (runny nose, cough, vomiting/diarrhea, fever) may not participate. Fever of 100°F or higher requires 24 hours fever-free without medication before returning.
📅Booking Policy
- • An account is required to register for classes, camps, open play, special events, and to schedule makeups.
- • Registration for classes, camps, open play, and special events can be done online, in-person, or over the phone.
- • Advance registration is required for all Open Play sessions and events.
- • Open Play registration can be done up to two weeks in advance; times posted Sunday nights at 9pm.
- • Unenrollment for Open Play is possible online up to one hour prior to the session.
- • To unenroll from a full semester class or event, you must call the location.
- • Waitlist: If a space becomes available, the registrant will be contacted via phone or email.
🚗Parking Information
- • Limited stroller parking available for infant & baby classes on a first-come, first-served basis.
- • Strollers are prohibited within the facility for independent programs (toddler, preschool, and older) due to space limitations.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
jodie verheecke
6 months agoFrom the moment you walk into this Pre-K program, you are greeted with warmth and smiles that instantly make you feel part of their welcoming community. The staff here are nothing short of amazing, combining professionalism with a genuine love for what they do. Each member, from the teachers to the coaches, exhibits a high level of expertise and dedication that is evident in their interactions with the children and their parents. The facilities are top-notch, boasting state-of-the-art gym equipment that encourages physical development and a love for staying active. The classrooms are bright, clean, and organized, creating an optimal learning environment where children can thrive academically and socially. The program's organization is impeccable. Every activity, lesson, and event is well-planned and executed with precision, ensuring that both children and parents have a clear understanding of what to expect each day. This level of organization contributes to a seamless and stress-free experience for everyone involved. A standout feature of this Pre-K program is the inclusion of free Red Rabbit lunches. These high-quality meals are not only delicious but also nutritious. It's a testament to the program's commitment to the well-being of its students. In conclusion, this Pre-K program is a gem within the community. With its exceptional staff, top facilities, and the added bonus of high-quality food for the kids, it's a place where children are not only prepared for the academic challenges ahead but are also nurtured to grow into happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.
Kids
8 months agoWe have loved the 2s program — our daughter has grown and learned so much in her time at NYKC, becoming so confident and independent while being exposed to new protects and activities and experiences. She loves her teachers and all the staff and always asks to go to school even on her days off! We also loved the enrichment program options and will continue to be a NYKC family as long as we can!
Zoe Markowitz
8 months agoMy daughter attended the 2s program for the 2023-2024 school year. Our family loved her teachers, the staff, the facility and the programming. Great school!
Anoushka Afonso
7 years agoI cannot say more about this NY Kids location. The staff there treats my son wonderfully. Lisa (team manager) and Colleen (location manager) have really put together a top-notch facility in this location. I have the opportunity to deal with Colleen multiple times and she has been so accommodating and always went the extra mile to make sure my son was in a safe environment with the right mix of classes that would be age-appropriate and suit his learning style. Charlie is another person who also really has been flexible and accommodating. She really looks out for my son. In summary, this place is full of energy and they are always trying to reinvent themselves to suit the kids.
Xinghua Chen
7 years agoOur experience has been very disappointing and now upsetting. My son and his friend have been taking chess class at the 94th Street 1st Ave location for almost half year now. They kept on having new students for trial class or make up class. To accommodate these new kids, the teachers have been repeating the same material again and again. My son and his friend didn't learn anything new in the past two months. Every time, my friend and I complain to the manager, they always say "next week we won't do it, it is just this week". or "We only did 5-10 minutes review of the old material, the rest of the time we did learn new stuff." As they were saying that to my friend, the teacher came out and telling one of the new student's mom that they spent the WHOLE 45 minutes reviewing. Finally, my friend and I were tired to complaining to them and asked for refund, the team manager still tried to making excuses, not taking the responsibilities at all! She even said that we need to pay $50 cancelation fee! Excuse me?! cancelation fee? For all the weeks our kids wasted in your classes and not learning anything, for you not willing to make changes, we need to pay YOU cancelation fee? How about our kids time lost and wasted? How are you going to compensate that? She didn't apologize the whole time. Not going back.