Did you know The United States Tennis Association is headquartered in White Plains? Yeah, tennis is kind of a big deal here. Many children and adults enjoy the game and why not. Tennis has so many benefits. 

Tennis is an excellent source of exercise to help children stay fit and maintain an active lifestyle. It provides plenty of activity and can improve muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Playing tennis strengthens children's bones and has been proven to help prevent osteoporosis later on in life. Plus developmentally it helps kids develop hand eye coordination, agility, balance, strength and both fine and gross motor coordination.

Tennis provides a great social opportunity for young athletes. Group lessons, clinics, camps and matches all are great ways for kids to connect with other kids. Playing and learning tennis will give kids a first-hand experience to learn the value of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie.

Another nice thing about tennis is that there is not a ton of equipment required to get started— just grab a racquet and a ball and you're ready to go. Tennis is easy to enjoy. 

Last but not least, tennis is not a high contact sport which has a few benefits of its own. First, there is a low risk of injury. Second, because tennis does not require any direct person-to-person contact it is easy to socially distance—  a critical must-have as we continue to find safe ways to stay healthy and have fun during the pandemic. In fact, tennis is considered a low-risk sport overall... especially when played outdoors. 
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There are a number of local tennis facilities where children can learn to play tennis, improve their game and master their skills through competition. There is no shortage of group classes, camps and tennis programs for children in Westchester County— check out our list below.

Armonk Tennis Club
546 Bedford Rd, Armonk, NY

The Junior Tennis Academy at the Armonk Tennis Club offers programs for all ages and skill levels. For dedicated, high-level players there is an intensive program that allows them to set and attain individual goals. The AITA summer program consists of Advanced and Junior Camps so that elite and casual players alike can reach their tennis goals. They also offer Camp Armonk, a premier sports and enrichment experience for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. 


Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club
30 Snyders Hill Rd, Mount Kisco, NY

The CRRC offers a variety of programs including Junior Groups, Tournament Training, Summer Camp, Match Play and Private Lessons. Their pros are certified and have a world class background in playing and teaching tennis. CRRC's Junior Summer Tennis Camp  provides intensive training for the serious junior player who is regularly competing in tournaments and matches.


Club Fit Briarcliff
584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
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Club Fit has a number  of Junior Development Tennis Programs serving kids ages 3-18. They also offer a Junior Ladder program, Kids Play Days and a Tournament Training Elite Program. In addition there is a Summer Tennis Camp for all levels aimed to provide a comprehensive, solid foundation of tennis knowledge. Emphasis is placed on stroke-production, tactics and strategies during match-play. 


Club Fit Jefferson Valley
600 Bank Road, Jefferson Valley, NY

Club Fit offers programs for all ages and skill levels with their goal being for each student to have fun and enjoy being on the court while learning and developing their game. In addition they have Junior Ladder Match Play, QuickStart 10&Under, Varsity & Junior Varsity, Junior Competitive Programs – 10 & Under, 12 & Under and 14 & Under and Private & Semi-Private Lessons. Their Summer Camp lets you choose from choose daily, weekly or a full 9-weeks. The tennis camp is run and taught by certified and experienced tennis staff. Emphasis is placed on stroke-production, technique, tactics and strategies during match-play. All levels are welcome from the beginner to the advanced.


College Racquet Club at Concordia
171 White Plains Rd, Bronxville, NY

Clinics for juniors (kids through high school) are available throughout the year. Their 10 and under program follows USTA designed red, orange and green ball play. They also offer a Competitive Ladder Pathway for older and competitive juniors ranging from beginner to advanced. Private lessons are available as well. While they do not have a summer camp they do offer individual and family memberships for the summer months. 


Grand Slam: An Ivan Lendl Tennis Center
​One Bedford-Banksville Road, Bedford, NY

Grand Slam Tennis Club features a wide variety of junior tennis programs including their exclusive IGNiTE Junior 10 and Under Tennis Program for children. Their programs are great for beginners through experienced players of all ages. Their Tennis Whizz program is for children ages 3-5 learning basic tennis for toddlers including motor skills development and tons of fun. Junior development programs are taught using the "Hitting Hot" tennis system founded by tennis champion Ivan Lendl.


Greenburgh Indoor Tennis
600 Dobbs Ferry Rd, White Plains, NY

Their highly regarded Junior programs runs for a 31-week season from September to May. Registration is ongoing. Classes will be prorated if you join after the session has started. Programs are for children ages 5-18. Children will be evaluated and placed in a class based on age and skill level.

Life Time Fitness
480 N Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY
1 Westchester Park Dr, West Harrison, NY 

Life Time’s SMART tennis matches your child’s development with appropriately sized balls, racquets and court sizes. Using world-class teaching techniques, SMART allows the sport of tennis to grow with your child. Kids start playing with other kids right away, learning as they go. New SMART sessions begin every three months. Winter session starts in January, Spring in March/April, Summer in May/June and Fall starts in August/September.  Open to non-members.

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New Rochelle Tennis Club
114 Valley Rd, New Rochelle, NY

The New Rochelle Tennis Club is situated on two acres in Wykagyl Park in New Rochelle and includes eight well-maintained outdoor har-tru courts open May through November. Membership is not required to book a lesson. Their Summer Tennis Camp is an eight week program (select the weeks you like) for kids ages 12-18. In addition they offer LittleTennisLand, a program designed for the 10 and Under players to introduce them the tennis fundamentals, the grip, swing, and stance.


​Old Oaks Country Club
3100 Purchase St, Purchase, NY

Open to non-members, the Old Oaks tennis program includes dynamic and fun programs for younger children eager to learn how to play tennis, as well as programs geared for older youth players who are interested in further developing their game. Their instructors are specifically trained to work with children and teens to make learning the game of tennis fun and engaging. Facilities include 9 Har-Tru tennis courts with 4 courts under 2 'bubbles' for winter play.


​Pinebrook Fitness /  The New Rochelle Racquet Club
130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle, NY

The club's Junior Development Programs is a blocked program consisting of multiple courts with three levels: Red Ball, Orange Ball, or Green Ball. This program is designed to challenge kid's skills and work on problem solving; a segue to their Tournament Training Program (TTP). They also offer a variety of tennis camps throughout the year including Vacation Mini-Camps and Summer Camp, which runs June through August. There are age appropriate games and activities for all ages and skill levels divided into three separate camps.


Pleasantville Tennis Club
57 Willow Street, Pleasantville,  NY

Founded in 1916, PTC is a club for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. PTC is a small, not-for-profit, member-supported, private outdoor tennis club located in historic Pleasantville, NY. The Club welcomes new members – families, women, men, juniors and seniors of all ability levels. Technique, singles, and doubles strategy, scoring, match play, sportsmanship and fitness will be covered in their Spring Junior Program that lasts nine weeks. Summer program details have not been announced yet.

Premier Athletic Club
2127 Albany Post Rd, Montrose, NY

Children of all ages – from beginner’s level to advanced – can participate in the tennis camps at the club. Grouped by age and ability, children will learn basic tennis skills, tennis etiquette and tournament training. Programs are open to non-members. Their Summer Tennis Camp is open to the public and lasts seven-weeks.  Open to children ages 6 to 14, Monday thru  Friday, 9am – 3pm with early drop off and after camp services for additional fee.

Rye Racquet Club
3 South Rd, Harrison, NY

RRC offers a range of tennis programs. Children 12 and under can participate in Red, Orange and Green Ball programs. Children ages 11 and up can join the Junior Development programs. The JG Development program is a high-performance program which has opened up new opportunities for the most competitive junior tennis players in the Tri-State area. The Head Coach and Director of the program, Johnny Gularte, has a proven record of helping young players raise their game to achieve their goals. His successful training system has resulted in student-athletes obtaining scholarships to universities across the US.​ They also offer summer programming for ages 4-18 that is half day and runs as weekly sessions June 28 through August 27.


Saw Mill Club
77 Kensico Dr, Mount Kisco, NY

Saw Mill Club offers numerous children’s tennis programs for tots through teens. Programs include 10 and Under Tennis, Junior Training, EDGE Prep Tennis and EDGE Tennis. They will also offer Summer Camp for kids ages 4 and up. All children's programming is open to non-members.


SPORTIME Harbor Island
W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 

SPORTIME Harbor Island is located in beautiful Harbor Island Park in the Village of Mamaroneck and features 8 beautifully maintained indoor/outdoor red clay courts that are covered by a "bubble" during the indoor season, from late mid September through mid May. The clubhouse includes a lounge, pro shop and full locker room facilities. Programs are for children ages 3 and up. Membership is required to participate in SPORTIME/JMTA program series. They will be offering camp this summer in ten, full-week sessions. Campers will be required to enroll in a minimum of one, full-week session.  There will be half day AM and PM  options for camp as well as extended AM and PM options. They also offer birthday parties.


SPORTIME Lake Isle
660 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY

SPORTIME Lake Isle is lower Westchester's premier tennis destination and home to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. Lake Isle features 8 indoor har-tru (green synthetic clay) tennis courts under 3 state-of-the-art air structures and a 5,000 square foot clubhouse on two levels with superior viewing. Programs are for children ages 3 and up. Membership is required to participate in SPORTIME/JMTA program series. They will be offering camp this summer in ten, full-week sessions. Campers will be required to enroll in a minimum of one, full-week session.  There will be half day AM and PM  options for camp as well as extended AM and PM options. They also offer birthday parties.

 
Tennis Innovators Academy
Delfino Park, 110 Lake St, White Plains, NY

The goal of the 10U & Junior Academy at TIA Westchester, is to modify the court, balls, racket, and net to the size and strength level of the players 10 and under. For players, ages 8-12, an evaluation is required to ensure proper placement in the Junior Academy program. There is also a Summer Camp that will run for 10 weeks with customized summer curriculums for all ages (4 and up) and levels of ability. Sessions are two hours during weekdays with matches on weekends.


Tennis Club of Hastings
100 River St, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

The curriculum at Tennis Club of Hastings–a combination of well-crafted progressions and stimulating exercises–has been designed by USPTA, PTR, and former touring professionals. Their methodical approach ensures that every child learns the fundamentals and more in an encouraging, nurturing, and fun environment. Developmental programs begin at age 3 and go up to age 18.

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The Play Place
11 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY

The Play Place aims to introduce young children to the excitement and fun of tennis. They offer 10 and Under Tennis, which is an exciting new play format for learning tennis, designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring, all tailored to age and size. It’s the fast, fun way to get kids into tennis– and keep them playing. This enables kids to practice and play real tennis and allows them to have fun and learn at the same time. Most importantly to fall in love with tennis! They offer a Kids Multi-Sport & Dance Summer Camp that runs weekly for kids ages 4 and up and includes tennis.


Yonkers Tennis  Center
493 Sprain Rd, Yonkers, NY

Enjoy weekly clinics at YTC using USTA's Net Generation curriculum. Juniors are grouped into 4:1 max ratio with a coach to learn the game of tennis in a clean, social, safe, and dynamic atmosphere. Their goal is to help kids learn tennis through a variety of fun skill-building activities with the use of red, orange, green low compression balls and yellow balls. They also offer private lessons and Junior Match Play.

In addition to the above dedicated tennis facilities and clubs there are a number of other local places to play and learn tennis. Many independent tennis instructors would be willing to meet you at public facilities for a lesson.

• County, Town or Village Parks- Check with your local town or village recreation department to see if there are tennis courts that are open for use and/or if there are any instructional programs available. 
  
  
• Schools- Many local public and private schools have outdoor tennis courts available for families.
  
  
• Camps- There are a number of day camps that offer tennis as one of their activities. Check out this list of county favorites.
  
  
• Swim, Tennis & Country Clubs- During the spring and summer many seasonal swim and country clubs have tennis courts available for use. Some offer camps and lessons as well. Membership is typically required to access these courts.

Did we miss any? Share your favorite tennis courts in the comments below.

To learn more about camps being offered this summer head to our Camp Page!

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​As we make our way through another snowy day, the thought of summer is a welcome distraction. Yesterday we received some good news for summer planning. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening!

The green light to open camps is a huge sigh of relief for many parents who have children who attend, or plan to attend, sleep away camps in New York State. Last summer sleep away camps did open successfully in other states but New York did not allow it. However, many day camps did open safely in New York last summer thanks to strict health and safety measures like masks, temperature checks, distancing, elimination of busing and pods/cohorts.

Many parents are eager to send their kids to camp this summer because it will provide them with some much needed activity, independence, socialization, fresh air and fun! The pandemic has been crushing to everyone and camp is a great step in bringing some normalcy and happiness to our children... and some much needed free time and uninterrupted work time to parents. 

​What's next? The Department of Health will issue specific reopening guidance, including details on timing, in the coming weeks.

CHECK OUT THE BEST DAY CAMPS IN WESTCHESTER

Also announced yesterday, indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. This is good news for indoor water parks and other attractions/recreation businesses like The Kartrite in Monticello and Legoland Discovery Center in Yonkers, which have remained closed over the course of the pandemic. Their websites do not contain reopening details yet but it is anticipated that will be coming soon based on this announcement!

CHECK OUT INDOOR PLAY & ADVENTURE CENTERS- WHAT'S OPEN & WHAT'S NOT

Lastly, the governor stated that outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9. Other states did allow these to open last summer but not New York, so this is a welcome change. Businesses like Rye's Playland Park and Splashdown Beach in Fishkill, NY never opened their doors last summer.

Of course there is some uncertainty and concern with reopening while COVID-19 cases are still present. While these attractions can be good for our mental health, they are sure to bring people together, which is how the virus spreads. While some people have been fortunate enough to be vaccinated, more research is needed to determine if you can still be contagious after being vaccinated. So for now it is critical that we stay vigilant about social distancing and mask wearing.

Something else to keep in mind is that the CDC says that indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces because it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation indoors. So we can take comfort in choosing outdoor experiences over indoor ones for now.

What's next? The governor is requiring that all facilities submit reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department. Masks and social distancing will be required for all customers and staff, and customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry.

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Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Have you talked with a genetic counselor yet? At one time, talking with a counselor and pursing genetic screening was something reserved only for older moms, typically those over 35 year of age. But today, leading maternal-fetal medicine experts are recommending that women of all ages should be offered genetic screening.

So, who are genetic counselors and what do they do? These licensed professionals work closely with your OBGYN to identify and recommend screening for potential genetic abnormalities that could affect your baby’s health. While age does raise the chances of certain risks, your birthdate is not the only factor you should consider. 
 
The first step is having sit-down meeting, usually informal to start, so the counselor can get to know more about you. They will speak with you to get more information about any inherited diseases and ask questions about your medical history.
 
“Genetic counseling can add so much to the experience of being pregnant,” says Dr. Caroline Stella, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at White Plains Hospital. “Even if you aren’t interested in having a genetic screening, it always helps to sit down with a counselor and hear about various options.”
 
Not all counseling sessions lead to testing. Sometimes just talking it through and getting the facts can help to set your mind at ease or help you make a decision about next steps. But if you are at least 10 weeks along, you may be offered non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). You’ll be asked to give a blood sample that looks for small fragments of DNA circulating in your blood, as well as undergo an ultrasound to try to spot any physical signs of abnormality.  
 
The conditions doctors are specifically looking for include:  

• Down syndrome (presence of an extra chromosome 21)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 13)

• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 18)

  

Of course, this test is also a great opportunity to learn your baby’s gender. Sex chromosomes XX means your baby is a girl while an XY combo reveals that a son is on the way!

Should the screen come back positive or any of the abnormal conditions, further testing will be used to definitively confirm or rule out a condition. Genetic testing can also be customized based on family history or specific concerns, and additional tests include cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, among others.

“It’s not just about getting excellent maternal-fetal care, it’s about supporting the expectant parents’ emotional aspect during this exciting time of life, and all the worry and hopes that go along with it,” says Dr. Stella. “Genetic counseling is one important part of that. We want to make sure our patients have the most comprehensive experience possible, including access to various diagnostic testing options should they be needed, depending on what the results of the screenings determine.”
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To find an OBGYN at White Plains Hospital, call (914) 681-MyMD.

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Enjoy the latest releases and classic bring backs at Showcase Cinema de Lux, now operating under its new Be Showcase Safe health and safety program. Treat your family to a specially priced private screening, and join Starpass and the Popcorn Club to get exclusive offers all year long. And don’t forget the popcorn! Pre-order tickets and your favorite concession items contact-free via the free Showcase Cinemas app and website.

Visit the Showcase Cinema de Lux location near you and share the magic of the movies with your family! Reserve tickets and private screenings at showcasecinemas.com.

Showcase Cinema de Lux City Center, 19 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains
Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County, 2 South Drive, Yonkers 
Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill, 59 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers

PRIVATE SCREENINGS

Specially priced private screenings are the perfect way to enjoy a family trip to the movies! Watch the latest release or a classic bring back in your own private auditorium for up to 20 guests. Add a concession value package and save even more! With classic titles starting at only $99 and new releases starting at $199, private screenings are a great way to make a new movie memory this school vacation or Valentine’s Day. View the list of classic titles and reserve a private screening now.

CONTACTLESS ORDERING AND XPRESS PICK-UP

Showcase Cinema de Lux makes it easy to order tickets and your favorite snacks in advance! Skip the line by purchasing movie tickets and concessions at showcasecinemas.com or via the free Showcase app for a contactless experience. Concession orders are available at the designated XPress Pick-Up area.

THE POPCORN CLUB

The Popcorn Club is a fun way for kids 11 and younger to enjoy the movies! For a one-time fee of only $10, members receive a free movie ticket, 123 Go Box (kids concession combo), membership card and backpack when they join, plus a free ticket every year for their birthday! Members also get special movie prizes and exclusive invitations and offers all year long. Join the Popcorn Club today!

STARPASS

Get more movies and more rewards with Starpass! Members earn 10% on virtually all purchases and never pay fees for tickets purchased via showcasecinemas.com or the Showcase app. Starpass members receive a $5 reward for every $50 spent to apply to a future ticket or concession purchase. Members also get exclusive offers all year long. Joining Starpass is free and easy. Sign up today!

BE SHOWCASE SAFE

Showcase Cinemas is doing its part to help keep you safe with its new Be Showcase Safe health and safety program. The program has been developed and certified with J.S. Held, an environmental health and safety firm led by noted toxicologists, epidemiologists and an Assistant Surgeon General, US Public Health Service (Retired). The Be Showcase Safe program includes employee health screenings before shifts as well as food and beverage manager ServSafeTM Food Safety Certification under the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe food and safety training and certification program. Additional new procedures include the installation of air-purifying systems for all US theaters, reduced auditorium seating capacity, automatic socially distanced seating, increased and enhanced auditorium cleaning between shows and for high-touch surface areas, employee and guest protective mask requirements, social distancing markers and the availability of hand-sanitizing stations. To learn more about the Be Showcase Safe program and how you can do your part to keep movie-going safe and fun for everyone, please visit showcasecinemas.com. ​

Watch the video to learn more.

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The perfect place to express your creativity while getting out of the house in a fun and safe way, A Maze in Pottery, located at 76 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, offers a multitude of options for pottery painting. Both kids and adults alike will find pieces and colors that bring out their inner artist, time and time again.

​The in-store options are endless, and the paint-at-home options are just as diverse. A Maze in Pottery is dedicated to providing the safest, most memorable experience possible for every painter.

1. In-Store Safety Procedure

2. Walk-Ins and Reservation

3. In-Store and Take Home Parties

4. Pottery-to-go

You can contact A Maze in Pottery at (914) 502-0088 or visit amazeinpottery.com.

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