About Kids ‘N Shape
Kids ‘N Shape indoor playground New York City provides a safe, clean, and supervised environment for children ages k-12 and their guardians to experience the enjoyment and benefit of modern children’s fitness play. We are proud to offer open play sessions, birthday parties, class trips, and summer camp featuring a positive environment with interactive attractions. Our Queens and Staten Island locations are conveniently located just minutes from major highways. The courteous and attentive Kids ‘N Shape staff always ensure your child’s play is both engaging and productive. Kids ‘N Shape is family owned and operated, open seven days a week, and free for adults.
Positive Atmosphere to Develop Skills
The Kids ‘N Shape facilities are designed to improve your child’s motor skills and engage them in open physical activity. Our uniquely unstructured fitness play provides a healthy alternative to a sedentary afternoon. Our 6000+ square foot facilities have a variety of equipment designed to create a positive environment where your child will feel comfortable to explore and interact. Fitness play open sessions provide decision making and social skill learning opportunities.
Family Owned & Operated Business
Kids ‘N Shape has been serving the New York City area since 1989 and continues to be owned and operated by the Guarneri family. Rob, Paul, and Joanna grew up in Kids ‘N Shape and continue Roberts vision of teaching children how to stay fit and active. In today’s world most children would rather play video games than do physical activities. Our mission is to show children ways to enjoy themselves while they gain a love for physical play. This is taught to them without them even realizing it every time they come to a Kids ‘N Shape facility. Contact us to learn more.
Safety is Our Priority
Although children’s fitness play is inherently physical, at Kids ‘N Shape, we have taken great care to ensure your child is in a clean and safe environment. From our quality padding and bounce rides to our strategic layout and attentive and experienced professional staff, Kids ‘N Shape is designed form the beginning with safety as a priority. Both Kids ‘N Shape facilities feature one party or group at a time per location (an exclusive to Kids ‘N Shape, only your guests will be using the facility with you). Kids ‘N Shape is a registered NYC Dept of Education business and fully insured. All rides and equipment are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Kids ‘N Shape History
Kids ‘N Shape of Howard Beach, Incorporated was founded in February of 1989 by Robert J. Guarneri a.k.a. “Coach Bob.” His goal was to get children exercising through equipment, activities, and friendly competition. Originally located in the gymnasium of the Christ Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn with limited equipment, Kids ‘N Shape has rose from a modest beginning. Family owned and operated since the beginning, the Guarneri family now operates two facilities located in Queens and Staten Island.
Robert began his career as a physical educator at the young age of 22 for Saint Francis De Sales School for the deaf. After becoming fluent in sign language and working with the deaf for 7 years he then took his passion to the New York City Board of Education where he would work and educate for the next 26 years of his life. During his time with the Board of Education, Coach Bob worked with all levels of needs. In 1991 the Board of Education awarded Robert with the honor of Adaptive Physical Educator of the Year. He organized many special events during his time with the City and also managed the P.S. 102 track team, leading them to win their district championship every year he coached.
While working as a full time physical educator, in 1989 Robert founded Kids ‘N Shape of Bay Ridge, Inc. It began as a small after school program teaching children how to stay fit while instilling in them lessons of teamwork and friendly competition. At the end of each school year Kids ‘N Shape hosted an infamous event for its students called “The Olympics.” This unique event was a friendly competition where students were able to demonstrate their physical skills in front of their parents and piers. It was looked forward too by all participants and the tradition of Coach Bob’s Olympics continues each year as part of our Summer Camp finale.
As Kids ‘N Shape’s popularity and following started to grow, stemming from its classes, Robert began offering birthday parties for children up until 10 years old. The combination of excellent staff, interactive activities, and fun yet physical equipment quickly made Kids ‘N Shape a local favorite for parties in the Bay Ridge area. Birthday Parties at Kids ‘N Shape facilities have since become exclusive events and one of our more popular attractions.
Today Kids ‘N Shape facilities are operated by three of Roberts four children. Rob, Paul, and Joanna grew up in Kids ‘N Shape and continue Roberts vision of teaching children how to stay fit and active. In today’s world most children would rather play video games than do physical activities. Our mission is to show children ways to enjoy themselves while they develop their gross motor skills and gain a love for physical play. This is taught to them without them even realizing it every time they come to a Kids ‘N Shape facility.
