The best kids' sports in NYC

Pro Line Archery Lanes
If your youngsters aspire to be in national competitions, they should check out this archery shop and range, where Junior Olympics programs meet on Saturdays (USA Archery teammates instruct). Open-shooting sessions welcome both hobbyists and newbies. 95-11 101st Ave between 94th and 95th Sts, Queens (718-845-9280, prolinearchery.com). Ages 8 and up.

Queens Archery Range
Here you can introduce your kids to Zen and the Art of Archery. The instruction is all about the basics of form and the mental aspects of the sport, and can be applied to recreation and competition. There's also a Junior Olympic program on site. Equipment is available for rental or for sale in the pro shop. 170-20 39th Ave at 171st St, Queens (718-461-1756, bigapplearchery.com). Ages 9 and up.

Willowbrook Park Archery Range
Set in an idyllic oasis in Staten Island, this range occasionally offers classes for youngsters. 1 Eton Pl near Loop Rd, Staten Island (718-698-2186, nycgovparks.org/parks/willowbrookpark). Ages 8 and up.

The Baseball Center NYC
Kids can choose from private or group lessons in batting, pitching, base running and catching. Summer camp in Riverside Park, and baseball-themed birthday bashes are also available. 202 W 74th St between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway (212-362-0344, thebaseballcenter.com). Ages 4 to 13.

Downtown Little League
An association of teams operating out of downtown venues like Baruch Field and BPC Ballfields. Various locations (downtownlittleleague.org). Ages 5 to 16.

Kids of Summer Sports
Mainstays of this club include baseball summer camps, weekend clinics and spring after-school programs. Various locations near Riverside Park (kidsofsummernyc.com). Ages 6 to 14.

Prospect Park Baseball Association
A co-ed baseball and girls' softball league with practices and games throughout Brooklyn. Various locations (ppba.info). Ages 5 to 17.

Ridgewood-Glendale-Middle Village-Maspeth Little League
The oldest (and longest-named) Little League group in Queens. Various locations (eteamz.com/rgmvm). Ages 6 to 16.

West Side Little League
This organization offers co-ed baseball programs, girls' softball and T-ball for young kids. Various locations (westsidebaseball.org). Ages 5 to 18.

Basketball City New York
Kid programs include two-hour Youth Development League sessions and summer camps; all focus on teaching basketball fundamentals in an upbeat environment. Hunter College, 68th St and Lexington Ave (212-233-5050, basketballcity.com). Ages 7 to 17.

Children's Aid Society
After-school and summer hoops programs at community centers and schools. Various locations (childrensaidsociety.org). Ages 5 to 18.

Crossover Sports Academy
This school offers basketball classes and private lessons. 304 W 117^th St, Suite 5D (212-864-0586, crossoversportsacademy.com). Ages 7 to 18.

dribbl
Teamwork, sportsmanship and the self-esteem benefits of skills like shooting and passing are emphasized at this clinic. Various locations (dribbl.com). Ages 3 to 14.

Fast Break Kids
For the hoops-loving youngster, this program offers one-on-one training and intra-league meets. 1629 1^st Ave between 84^th and 85^th Sts (212-7224-3278, fastbreakkids.com). Ages 5 and up.

Sokol
Here, you'll find noncompetitive games and instruction. 420 E 71st St between York and First Aves (212-861-8206, sokolnewyork.org). Ages 6 to 17.

YMCA
The family-friendly facilities here offer up amazing fitness equipment and ball courts of all kinds. Various locations (ymcanyc.org. All ages.

The Downtown Boathouse
Take advantage of free boating lessons at Pier 26 every Wednesday night at 6pm. Or line up for free kayaks at Pier 96, Pier 40 or 72nd Street (mornings are less busy). Once you have your ride, head out for a 20-minute paddle inside the pier's protected embayment. Some double kayaks even have a spot for a baby seat in the middle. Pier 40 at Houston St on the Hudson River; Pier 96 at Twelfth Ave and 56th St; 72nd St at the Hudson River in Riverside Park (downtownboathouse.org). All ages (must be accompanied by an adult).

Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS)
This nonprofit organization offers after-school programs to underprivileged kids in the New York area. Their goal: to improve children's math and science grades while teaching them to sail. Throughout the year, HRCS runs a sailing academy where kids learn to read the wind and weather; maneuver a boat; tack, gybe, rig and derig a sail; and race. Pier 66, W 26th St at the Hudson River (212-924-1920, hudsonsailing.org). Ages 14 and up for the sailing academy.

Manhattan Sailing School
Kids as young as eight learn to pilot their own dinghy—a small single-handed boat designed especially for children—through the protected waters just southwest of the Statue of Liberty. While sailing around within a half-mile circle (which is off-limits to other traffic), children gain knowledge about water safety, boating terminology and the workings of a sailboat. They'll also find out how to maneuver and sail. Liberty Harbor Marina, 11 Marin Blvd, Jersey City (212-786-0400, sailmanhattan.com). Ages 8 and up.

Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club
While the club is membership-based, lessons are open to the public; tweens are taught by members on their own boats. Call for information as lessons are unstructured, taking place about once a month. 3076 Emmons Ave near Haring St, Brooklyn (718-891-0991, sheepsheadbayyachtclub.com). Ages 10 and up.

Bowlmor
Little tykes will enjoy learning how to knock the pins down thanks to ball ramps, bumpers and lighter bowling balls. Chelsea Piers, Pier 60 (212-835-2695, bowlmor.com). Ages 3 and up.

FunFest Family Entertainment Center
Parents and tots programs are perfect bonding experiences as moms and dads team up with their kids for the chance to earn a trophy. Kids can also sign up for lessons to increase their team’s chances of earning top marks at the end of the season. 6161 Strickland Ave between Mill Ave and E 60th Pl, Brooklyn (718-763-6800, funfestny.com). Ages 2 and up.

Jib Lanes
Check out the computer-programmed bumpers at this Queens spot—they lower for kids and move out of the way for adults. Book the family lessons to learn the basics, like choosing and holding a ball, proper technique and shooting a spare. Sign up your child online for the Kids Bowl. 67-19 Parsons Blvd between Jewel and 65th Aves, Flushing, Queens (718-591-0600, jiblanes.com). Ages 3 and up.

Frames Bowling Lounge
Balls start as light as six pounds, complete with Hello Kitty and Shrek images. There's also an entertainment center with a full video arcade. 550 9^th Ave (212-268-6909, framesnyc.com). Ages 3 and up.

For more, see our guide to kids' bowling in NYC.