
Asphalt Green is a nonprofit sports and fitness facility on the Upper East Side offering one of the most comprehensive family programming lineups in Manhattan. Its crown jewel is the AquaCenter, home to the only Olympic-sized (50-meter) pool in Manhattan, plus a warm-water teaching pool used for infant and toddler swim lessons.
The AGUA Swim Academy runs parent-and-child Water Babies classes starting at just 4 months, with structured group and private lessons through age 17. Competitive swimmers can join the AGUA Swim League, one of the top teams in the Northeast. Beyond swimming, Asphalt Green offers youth sports including soccer, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, water polo, and tennis (starting at age 3), plus summer day camps and school-break play days.
Outdoor public spaces including Litwin Field, Sundial Plaza, and an outdoor basketball court are free to access. Community programs like Water Explorers (free parent-and-child swim) and the Waterproofing initiative bring low- or no-cost swim instruction to NYC families. Membership provides discounted rates and early registration; non-members may purchase a $35 day pass (note: does not include family or recreational swim).
Visit
Featured in

How to Help a Reluctant Toddler Warm Up to Swim Lessons in NYC
Tears at the pool edge don't mean your child isn't ready — here's how to find the right format, instructor, and patience for the long game
October 12, 2026

Best Sensory-Friendly Activities in NYC for Kids with Autism
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to low-stress play spaces, sensory hours, and calm venues across the city — all under $100
October 2, 2026

Best Prenatal Fitness Classes in Manhattan
From prenatal yoga to pelvic floor PT and aqua fitness — a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to staying active during pregnancy in NYC
October 1, 2026

Best Activities for Toddlers in NYC: A New Family Guide
From free ferry rides and splash pads to storytime and small zoos, here's how to make the most of the city with a baby or toddler in tow.
October 1, 2026

Best Infant & Baby Swim Lessons on the Upper East Side
A practical look at UES swim programs for babies and toddlers — what to expect, how they compare, and how to find the right fit for your family
July 24, 2026
Nearby

Juliette and Ella’s Play Date
Award-winning music and movement classes for babies and toddlers.
Upper East Side

Tunes 4 Tots NYC
Interactive music classes for children aged 4 and under, fostering musical growth through song, movement, and play.
Upper East Side

SwimJim
Well-established NYC swim school with multiple Manhattan locations offering infant, toddler, and children's swim lessons in warm, indoor pools with USSSA-certified instructors.
Upper East Side