Kids' activities in Southern Tier

ABC Center for Performing Arts

dance · Sidney

AgesCreative Movement ages 12 months–3; Pre-Dance Ballet/Tap ages 3–6; Pre-Dance Hip-Tumble ages 4–6; Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Acro/Hip-Hop ages 6+

ScheduleStudio hours Monday–Thursday afternoons/evenings (see site)

PriceMonthly group $50–$65 per class by length; Mini 4-class package ages 6–8 $170/mo; Junior/Teen/Senior unlimited $235/mo

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Andes Town Pool

swim · Andes

AgesSwim lessons for children ages 6 months–17 years

ScheduleSummer pool hours posted on site (example blocks Mon–Sat and Sunday afternoons; adult swim Mon–Fri evenings)

PricePublic swimming and children’s lessons at no cost

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Binghamton University Summer Microelectronics Camp

academic/STEM · Vestal

AgesStudents entering grades 8–10 in the fall

ScheduleJuly 13–17, 2026, 9:00am–4:00pm (drop-off 8:30–8:50am)

Price$250

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Catskill Recreation Center Swim Lessons

swim · Arkville

AgesParent & Child from 6 months; preschool and Learn-to-Swim levels for children

ScheduleGroup lesson blocks Wednesdays and Saturdays (spring, summer, fall sessions)

Price8 group lessons $100; private lessons $45/half-hour or $85/hour

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Centerline Martial Arts

martial arts · Ithaca

AgesLittle Dragons ages 4–6; Kids Kung Fu ages 6+

ScheduleStudio hours Mon–Thu 4:30–7:30pm, Fri 4–6pm, Sat 10am–1pm; new students contact studio to schedule

PriceLittle Dragons $70/mo; Kids Kung Fu $165/mo

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Champions at Tioga Hills Elementary School

childcare · Apalachin

AgesBefore- and after-school grades K-5 / ages 5-11 (program also describes school-age care ages 5-12)

ScheduleBefore school 7:00–8:40am; after school 3:15–6:00pm (dates follow Owego-Apalachin school calendar)

PriceBefore-school $35–$55/week by days; after-school $45–$115/week by days; $60 student / $100 family registration

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Circus Culture

arts · Ithaca

AgesYouth classes from toddler Circus Exploration (1–3 with adult) through teen aerial/acro

Schedule12-week seasonal sessions (Fall 2026 listed Sep 20–Dec 18)

PriceYouth All Things Circus $280/session

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City of Norwich Youth Bureau

sports · Norwich

AgesSwim lessons open ages 0–21 (2026 swim PDF). Summer programs (2026 PDF): Summer Fun Group ages 5–9; Cheer/Soccer/Flag Football/Basketball/Baseball–Softball/Karate ages 6–13; Tennis & Pickleball ages 8–17; Ultimate Frisbee ages 13–18

ScheduleSummer and winter youth activities; Borden Avenue Skating Facility in winter when ice allows

PriceMost programs free of charge for Norwich, North Norwich, Plymouth, Preston, and Pharsalia residents

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Community Arts of Elmira

arts · Elmira

AgesYouth arts classes include Made in the Galleries ages 8–16; iPad Art ages 8+

ScheduleFree youth arts classes; Made in the Galleries Thursdays 5–6pm (genres change monthly)

PriceFree arts classes (as stated)

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Cornell Botanic Gardens — Youth & Family Programs

nature/animal · Ithaca

AgesKids of all ages (family programs)

ScheduleSchool/youth programs and Drop-In Discovery Days / family events (see events calendar)

PriceGardens free of charge

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Double Ought Performance Horses

horseback · Owego

AgesGroup lessons ages 10 & up; private lessons and one-time riding experience ages 5 & up

ScheduleWeekly lesson commitment for ongoing lessons; one-time riding experiences by arrangement

PriceGroup lesson $40; private lesson $75; one-time riding experience $75 single / $100 split up to 3 participants

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Eldridge Park

general · Elmira

AgesFamily amusement park with kiddie rides (Pony Carts, Mini Train, Turtle Chase, etc.) suitable for young children; all ages for park grounds

SchedulePark grounds dawn–dusk year-round; amusement season Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (plus limited September weekends); tickets at carousel shop

PriceRide tickets $2 each; miniature golf 3 tickets ages 11 & under / 4 tickets ages 12+

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Endicott Performing Arts Center

theatre · Endicott

AgesEPAC Kids & Teens workshops ages 6–18

ScheduleSeasonal kids theatre workshops (e.g. Nutcracker Act 1 rehearsals beginning Nov 2026; summer Dare to Dream Jr. workshop weeks historically Mon/Thu evenings)

PriceNutcracker kids workshop single-student tuition listed at $50 + fees (confirm current season on site)

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French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts

overnight camp · Hancock

Ages7–17

ScheduleSummer sleepaway sessions (3/6/9/12-week combinations) plus a one-week trial session for new campers

Price2027 early rates: 3-week $6,700–$8,000; 6-week $11,800–$12,600; 1-week trial $2,000 (higher after Dec 1)

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Gale's Equine Facility

horseback · Horseheads

AgesTiny Trotters ages 3–7; regular lesson program ages 8+

ScheduleYear-round lessons six days/week (Fri off teaching); most lessons Mon–Thu 3–8pm and weekends; new students often start weekends

PriceIntro package $400 (4×90-min); Tiny Trotters $55–$75/lesson; group $125/session; private $150/session

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George F. Johnson Memorial Library

library · Endicott

AgesStorytimes toddler–preschool; ages 3–6; birth–5 (1000 Books); book clubs grades 1–12

ScheduleMon–Thu 9am–8pm, Fri–Sat 9am–5pm; fall storytimes (mornings) and monthly kids book clubs 5–6pm school year

PriceFree library kids programs

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Hands-On Glass Studio

arts · Corning

AgesOrnament and pumpkin glassblowing from age 2+; paperweight lessons ages 13+

ScheduleYear-round by appointment (call to book; form/email booking not accepted)

PriceOrnament $25; pumpkin $30 (ages 2+); paperweight lesson $45 (ages 13+)

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Ithaca Ballet

dance · Ithaca

AgesSummer dance program ages 7–18

ScheduleSummer intensive-style sessions (3- or 6-week options; 9am–3pm)

Price$350/week before June 15; $375/week after

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Jablon Studios

arts · Vestal

AgesSummer sessions ages 8 and up (no age maximum); open studio welcomes kids and homeschoolers

ScheduleSummer weekly camps July 13–August 21, 2026, Mon–Fri; full day 9am–4pm or half-day 9–12 / 12–3; before/after care 7–9am and 3–6pm by arrangement; open studio sessions multiple times weekly

PriceFull week $350; half day $175; extended care TBD

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Jewish Community Center of Binghamton — Camp JCC

day camp · Vestal

AgesEntering kindergarten through grade 7 day camp; Madatz CIT entering grades 8–12

ScheduleSummer weekly sessions July 6–August 14; camp day 9:00am–3:30pm with optional before/after care

PriceWeekly tuition by age group (e.g. K–2 members $272 / non-members $325; older groups higher); before care $52/week; after care $78/week

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Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

academic/STEM · Vestal

AgesKoperniKids ages 3–6

ScheduleSeasonal STEM class sessions (often Saturday mornings)

PriceMembers $20 per child; non-members $25 per child; accompanying adult free

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Leslie School of Dance — Watkins Glen

dance · Watkins Glen

AgesToddlers to adults (Watkins Glen class schedule posted by level)

ScheduleWatkins Glen studio class schedules posted for the dance season on the studio schedule page

Price$30 yearly registration fee (non-refundable); class tuition on tuition page

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Miss Sam's Dance Centre

dance · Hornell

Ages2.5+

ScheduleMon–Tue 3:00–9:30pm studio hours; Wed 3:30–6:30pm; 2026–2027 fall registration open

PriceRegistration $25; monthly core class tuition $43–$45 per class

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National Soaring Museum

museum · Elmira

AgesYouth admission ages 7–17; children 6 and under free

ScheduleOpen year-round; Apr–Oct 10am–5pm; Nov–Mar 10am–4pm

PriceYouth ages 7–17 $5; child age 6 and under free; family (2 adults & 2 or more youth) $25; adult $10

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New Heights Dance Theater

theatre · Elmira Heights

AgesChildren and young adults (youth dance/theatre productions)

ScheduleRehearsals for productions such as Nutcracker In Motion (auditions announced seasonally; next Nutcracker auditions noted for Summer 2027)

Price$25 audition fee; Dancer’s Membership $100 (includes production/costuming)

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Parker Music Studio

music · Binghamton

AgesKids from about age 4 (per parent reviews); beginners through advanced

SchedulePrivate lessons; two recital opportunities per academic year (January and June)

Price30 min $35; 45 min $52; 1 hour $65 per lesson; $10 annual registration fee per student

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Roberson Museum and Science Center

museum · Binghamton

AgesSTEAM Summer Camps grades 2–3 and 4–5

ScheduleSummer week-long camps, 9am–3pm; before care 8–9am and after care 3–5pm available

PriceSTEAM camps $225/week (Roberson membership required); before/after care $100/week

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Roxbury Arts Group

arts · Stamford

AgesToddler/preschool sensory arts under age 5; after-school art workshop ages 12+

ScheduleFridays 10:30–11:30am under-5 maker/sensory; Thursdays 3:00–4:30pm ages 12+ after-school workshop; monthly all-ages makers meetup

PriceUnder-5 Fridays suggested donation $2; ages 12+ after-school free (consent form required); makers meetup free

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Running to Places Theatre Company

theatre · Ithaca

AgesGrades 6–12

ScheduleSeasonal productions (e.g. spring musicals); everyone who auditions is cast — no cuts

PriceFree for student participants; audience tickets also free

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Science and Discovery Center

academic/STEM · Corning

AgesSTEAM camps by entering grade (Pre-K through middle school bands; e.g. grades 1–3, 3–5, 4–6, 6–7 on CourseStorm listings)

ScheduleSummer STEAM camps (full-day and half-day weeks, typically late July–August); also in-class, Pre-K, and after-school programs

PriceExample CourseStorm listings: half-day camps $125; full-day $250 (confirm current season)

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Sciencenter

museum · Ithaca

AgesMuseum all ages; summer camp rising 1st–2nd and rising 3rd–5th graders

ScheduleSummer camp 8:30am–3:30pm; optional aftercare until 5pm

PriceCamp members $375/week; non-members $395/week; aftercare +$75/week

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Second Chance Thoroughbreds

horseback · Spencer

AgesEnglish riding lessons ages 7+

ScheduleLessons Monday–Saturday, late mornings (by appointment)

Price$40/hour; $20/half hour (children under 9)

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Southeast Steuben County Library Kids

library · Corning

AgesBirth–3 (Storytime with Miss Sue); ages 3–6 (Preschool Storytime); Crafty Corner ages 3–10

ScheduleStorytime with Miss Sue Tuesdays 10am; Preschool Storytime Wednesdays 10am; Crafty Corner Tuesdays 3–5pm; plus Kids Chess, Friday Movie for Kids, and seasonal programs

PriceFree kids programs

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Stilettos Fine Arts Studio

cooking · Vestal

AgesArt of Cooking basics ages 7 through adult; summer cooking camps often ages 7–18 / 9–14 by theme

ScheduleArt of Cooking classes ~1.5–2 hours; summer half-day and full-day cooking/art camps (e.g. July–August week-long sessions)

PriceArt of Cooking basics $65 per class; summer half-day cooking camps listed around $250/week non-member (confirm on Bookeo)

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Studios in the Center

music · Elmira Heights

AgesPrivate music lessons from about age 5 and up (site welcomes beginners of any age)

SchedulePrivate music lessons by arrangement; also offers non-competitive dance classes

PricePrivate lessons $30 per 30 minutes

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Tanglewood Nature Center

nature/animal · Elmira

AgesPre-K–5th grade (summer camps)

ScheduleMuseum Tue–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 10am–4pm; trails dawn–dusk; summer children's camps July–early September

PriceFree to visit

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The Dance Station

dance · Owego

AgesRecreational classes include ages 3-4 Ballet/Tap Combo through ages 9 & up levels; Musical Theatre ages 6-18

Schedule2026-2027 recreational classes Mon–Thu (classes begin September 21, 2026); studio hours Mon–Thu 3:30–8:00pm

PriceMonthly tuition by weekly class hours (e.g. 45 min $50/mo; 1 hour $60/mo); $50/dancer registration fee

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The Fuse Dance Center

dance · Binghamton

Ages3–adult; summer camps 3–12

ScheduleSchool-year classes from Sept 7 (2026–27 season); summer camps early August (e.g. Aug 3–14)

Price$67–$275/month by weekly hours; $30 family registration

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The Rockwell Museum — KIDS ROCKWELL

museum · Corning

AgesArt Lab activities primarily ages 4–12; Lil Rockwell for little ones (18 mo–5 / all ages story hours)

ScheduleFall/winter Thu–Mon 9am–5pm (closed Tue–Wed); summer daily 9am–5pm; Lil Rockwell first Thursday most months

PriceKids and teens 17 and under free museum admission; Lil Rockwell free for children and caregivers

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Tioga County Boys & Girls Club

general · Owego

AgesYouth membership ages 6–15; teens 16–19

ScheduleYouth hours Monday–Friday 2:00pm–6:00pm; Saturday 8:00am–12:30pm

PriceYouth yearly $30; teens yearly $40 (membership page)

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Town of Vestal Recreation — Waterman Day Camp

day camp · Vestal

AgesGrades 3–4

ScheduleWhen school is closed, 9:30am–3pm (see recreation listings)

PriceFree

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Vestal Public Library

library · Vestal

AgesTiny Tot Storytime ages 0–3; LEGO Club ages 7–12

ScheduleTiny Tot six-week storytime/playtime sessions; LEGO Club first Tuesday monthly 4–6pm

PriceFree

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Waterman Conservation Education Center

day camp · Apalachin

Ages6-11

ScheduleSummer day camps Monday–Friday 9:00am–3:00pm (early drop-off 8:30am / late pick-up 4:00pm available)

PriceWaterman EXPLORE $200/week (includes t-shirt); Owego Forest Recreation Camp free for Town of Owego residents, $165/week out-of-town

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Yaleville Farm Summer Day Camp

day camp · Bainbridge

AgesBeginner Camp ages 6-8; Adventure Camp ages 7-14; Girl Power Camp ages 9-14

ScheduleBeginner 3-day camp 9:00am–3:00pm; Adventure Camp Monday–Friday 9:00am–3:00pm; before care 8:00–9:00am and after care 3:00–5:00pm by arrangement

PriceBeginner 3-day camp $90; Adventure Camp $185/week; Girl Power Camp $55 with application; before/after care $12/hr or $100/week

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YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County

day camp · Lansing

AgesPre-K Summer Blast ages 3–5; Camp Adventure ages 5–12; CIT ages 13–16

ScheduleCamp Adventure weekly sessions late June–early September; typical day ~7:30am–5:30pm

PriceCamp Adventure family members $235/week; youth members $245/week; non-members $275/week

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171 Cedar Arts Center Dance

dance · Corning

AgesToddler & Me ages 18 months–3; Creative Movement ages 3–4; Intro to Modern ages 5–6; Ballet ages 6+; Modern ages 7+

ScheduleGraduated Dance Program Sept–May beginning with Creative Movement; short-term workshops year-round

PriceSeason dance classes $585 ($468 member); Toddler & Me $46 ($38 member)

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4-H Camp Shankitunk

overnight camp · Delhi

AgesDay Camp ages 6-7; Progression Camp ages 8-14; Overnight Camp ages 8-16 (by January 1 of camp year)

ScheduleSummer weekly sessions (day and overnight) July–early August

PriceDay camp $275/week; progression day $300/week; overnight $500/week

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ACHIEVE — Children's Summer Program

day camp · Vestal

Ages5–21 (IEP or 504)

Schedule6-week summer program

PriceSelf-pay $150/week or $800 for all 6 weeks (OPWDD Medicaid Waiver billed as respite with no out-of-pocket when eligible)

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Acorn Nature School

childcare · Ithaca

AgesPreschool ages 3–5; afterschool K–2nd; summer ages 3–8

SchedulePreschool Mon–Fri (start 8:30 or 9:00; pickup 2:30 or 5:00); afterschool 2:30–5:00 Mon–Fri

PricePreschool 9:00–2:30 $1250/month; 9:00–5:00 $1585/month; afterschool $465/month (rates as stated on site)

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Acting Out NY

theatre · Ithaca

AgesMovie Camp ages 8+

ScheduleWeek-long summer camps 9am–4pm

Price$420 per week

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American Family Karate & Jujitsu

martial arts · Elmira

AgesFledglings ages 4–5; Dragons ages 6–8; Youth Combatives ages 8–13; Adult & Teen ages 13+

ScheduleMon–Thu 5:00–8:30pm; Saturday 9:15–11:00am

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Animal Adventure Park

nature/animal · Harpursville

AgesUnder 3 free; ages 3–11; 12+

ScheduleIndoor Zoo Nov–April; Preserve closed until April 2027; Holiday Lights Nov 7–Dec 27 Thu–Sun 4–8pm

PriceAges 3–11 $19.03; ages 12+ $21.99; under 3 free

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Armstrong School of Dance

dance · Ithaca

AgesClasses ages 3–18

ScheduleSeptember–May season plus summer classes and camps

Price$65–$260/month by # of weekly classes; $40 registration/year

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Arnot Art Museum Family Programs

museum · Elmira

AgesSchool programs grades 3–12 (Chemung River School grade 4); children 18 and under free museum admission

ScheduleGalleries Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 12pm–5pm; closed Sun–Mon

PriceChildren 18 and under free admission

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Binghamton Figure Skating Club — Learn to Skate

skating · Binghamton

Ages4 and up (adults included)

ScheduleSaturdays 11am–12pm Sept–March; Tuesdays 5:15–6:15pm Sessions 3 & 4 only

PriceSession 1 (5 weeks) $95; Sessions 2–4 (6 weeks) $114 each; LTS USA membership $20 once per season

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Binghamton Philharmonic

music · Binghamton

AgesYouth tickets for children 17 and under at Forum Theatre concerts

ScheduleConcert season and school outreach programs

PriceForum Theatre concert tickets free for children 17 and under (sponsor program)

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Binghamton University Lane–Starke Tennis Center

sports · Binghamton

AgesJunior tennis 18 and under

ScheduleFall junior clinics weekly Sept–Dec; Junior Bearcat Night select Fridays 6–8pm; match play Saturdays

PriceJunior sessions $30 member / $40 non-member; junior membership $100/year

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Bovina Center Montessori School

childcare · Bovina Center

AgesToddler from 18 months; Primary ages 3–6 (plus elementary/adolescent programs)

ScheduleFive-day-a-week Montessori programs; Primary typical day ~8:30am–3:30pm

Price2025–26 Primary/Elementary/Middle $16,350/year ($1,635/mo); Toddler $17,350/year; Infant $19,350/year

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Brooktondale Community Center

general · Brooktondale

AgesEntering kindergarten (age 4–5) through age 14

ScheduleSummer camp Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:00pm, June 29–August 28

Price$225/week

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Broome County Dance Center

dance · Endicott

Ages2 to adult

ScheduleWeekly school-year classes during 2026–27 season (tuition Sept–June); June recital

Price$36–$76/month by class length; unlimited $170–$195/month; $30 registration

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