Happy Day Play’s Staten Island (Mid-Island) Location at Bernikow JCC

Happy Day Play at Bernikow JCC (Grown Up and Me Program)
1466 Manor Rd
Staten Island, NY 10314

Open to the entire community, Happy Day Play and the JCC of Staten Island have partnered to bring high quality grown-up and me programming and out of the box family-fun events at affordable rates. Happy Day Play is the only learning company in the NYC area to operate from a certified family life science lens and is thrilled to bring this type of education to the JCC.

We offer multiple classes throughout the week at varying times to accommodate busy schedules of families. A free parking lot with ample spots is available.

No JCC membership is required to attend, although JCC members do receive discounts for Happy Day Play offerings. If you are interested in becoming a member for extra savings, please see the JCC’s membership page. Happy Day Play individual class passes and bundles are valid at both Bernikow JCC and Avis/South Shore JCC locations.

Happy Day Play Offerings Available at Bernikow JCC

Offering Walk-In (No Commitment) Classes and Commitment-Based Seasonal Programs

We proudly offer a diverse array of walk-in classes and commitment based-programs across different subject areas at Bernikow JCC tailored for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. All of our programming is rooted in early childhood and family life education, the only programming of its kind in the greater NYC area. We also warmly invite older siblings to experience our family classes and are priced per immediate family.

Our beautiful, well-equipped learning environments provide the perfect setting for young minds to explore and grow. For instance, our open play classes take place in a huge gymnasium to best accommodate gross motor skill development. Our music classes take place in the Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute for optimal musical exposure to real instruments, like the grand piano. Our art classes take place in a room that gives permission to get fully messy!

For our walk-in classes, no pre-registration is required. Simply purchase a class pass, check the calendar, and join us whenever it works for your family. Class passes are flexible—they can be used for any subject, on any date or time. To keep the experience warm and meaningful, class sizes are kept small, creating the perfect setting for learning, bonding, and fun.

Looking for something more regular and consistent with the same group of families? We also offer commitment programs like Family First Montessori: Grown-Up & Me Program and Happy Trails: Grown-Up & Me Adventure Club. These require advance registration and a commitment for the full duration of the program, offering a deeper, more consistent experience.

Walk-In Grown-Up and Me Classes at Bernikow JCC

FAQs About Grown Up & Me Classes at Bernikow JCC

  • By visiting the JotForm registration here.

  • You do not need to pre-register for our walk-in classes. Simply purchase a class pass or bundle online and show up to a class you would like to attend. If it is on the calendar, it is happening!

    You do need to register ahead of time for our commitment-based programs (Family First Montessori Grown Up & Me Program and Happy Trails: Grown Up & Me Adventure Club) due to limited spots. No walk-ins are accepted for this program and full commitment to all weeks is required.

  • That's okay! Your class pass can be used on any walk-in class at any time.

  • We are a family science model and encourage family bonding through our age-appropriate, high quality activities.

    As long as you are not bringing an older sibling to a baby-only class (for safety and sanitary reasons), you are welcome to bring multiple children to a walk-in class.

    However, our commitment based programs are for the sensitive period of 0 to 3 only. If you have an older sibling, these would not be appropriate for them.

  • No, there is no need. You are allowed to bring siblings together to classes (as long as it is not a baby-specific class for safety and sanitary purposes). It is part of our family-first model.

HAPPY TRAILS: Grown Up & Me Adventure Club

Pre-Registration is Required, Commitment for the Summer

Is your child too little for summer camp? They’re not too little for summer fun! Come join Happy Day Play at Bernikow JCC for an exclusive grown up and me summer series called Happy Trails: Grown Up & Me Adventure Club, inspired by the tradition fun of summer day camps for older kids but modified to be age-appropriate for babies and toddlers ages 0 to 3 to participate in alongside their favorite grown-up.

This special grown up and me summer series meets twice a week in the mornings for an hour at 1466 Manor Rd. It consists of the same group of families the entire summer.

To secure your spot, payment is required for the entire summer. There is a total of 14 classes spanning 7 weeks, and equates to only $25 per class to ensure affordability.

Learn more about Happy Trails: Grown Up & Me Summer Adventure Club.

FAQs About Happy Trails at Bernikow JCC

  • This special summer series requires commitment for the entire summer. This is in order to mimic the close-knit bonds experiences in a real summer camp and to help with social and language acquisition and development.

    If you have to miss a session, no worries! We will give you a credit to one of our walk-in classes during the summer.

  • Yes. You can register at the link here. Each class equates to only $25 per class. We are not upcharging for this special experience. Commitment for the entire summer is required to participate.

  • That's okay! You will be granted a pass for a walk-in class to be used when it is most convenient for you during the summer season.

  • If you have more than one child between the ages of 0 and 3 and want them both to participate, please email us at hello@happydayplay.com so that we can accommodate.

  • Classes will take place in the 2nd floor lounge OR outside on the front lawn. All registered participants will receive a notice about meeting location based on the weather. Regardless of weather, there will always be class.

FAMILY FUN EVENTS

Separate Ticketed Event, Affordably Priced Per Immediate Family

  • Pizza My Heart: Valentine’s Day Family Party for Littles

  • Peter Rabbit Party: Springtime Family Fun Event

  • Mom Prom: Mother’s Day Family Fun Event

  • Free Family Wellness Party: Hoopla Family app & Happy Day Play community collaboration

  • Daddy Derby: Father’s Day Family Fun Event

  • It’s the Great Pumpkin Party, Charlie Brown!

  • Thanksgiving Day Parade Extravaganza

  • Early Noon Year’s Eve Play & Party

Throughout the year, we host a variety of affordable, high-quality family fun events at Bernikow JCC. Featuring unique, out-of-the-box activities for all ages, we take pride in providing the community with exceptional experiences that everyone can enjoy and look back on fondly for years to come. All special events have an attendance cap in order to provide comfort to our guests. Pre-registration is required unless otherwise indicated.

Some of our special events at Bernikow JCC have included:

FAQs About Family Fun Events at Bernikow JCC

  • By visiting the JotForm registration here.

  • Yes. Pre-registration is required for events. We purposefully place a cap on our events based on the planned activities and ensuring everyone's comfort levels.

  • That's okay! Your event ticket can be used on any walk-in class at any time.

  • Unfortunately, no. Classes and events are accounted for separately.

  • No, there is no need. Your entire immediate family / household is able to attend. It is part of our family-first model.

AFFORDABLE PRICING

Single Class Pass

This is a perfect way to explore a Happy Day Play class at your own convenience. No hassle, no string attached.

$25 a class for non-JCC members
$20 a class for JCC-members

  • No registration fees

  • No commitments

  • No expiration on class passes

  • No reservations needed for class

  • Can be used on any class subject

  • Passes are valid and transferrable for all immediate family members in your household

6 Class Bundle

Equates to only $23 per class for non-JCC members and $18 per class for JCC members

$138 for 6 classes for non-JCC members
$108 for 6 classes for JCC-members

You’ll have 6 class credits to use whenever you wish on whatever class subject you’d like! Class passes do not need to be used consecutively or for the same subject.

All the same benefits of a single class pass, PLUS:

  • An additional $12 savings for 6 classes

10 Class Bundle

Equates to only $21 per class for non-JCC members and $16 per class for JCC members

$210 for 10 classes for non-JCC members
$160 for 10 classes for JCC-members

You’ll have 10 class credits to use whenever you wish on whatever class subject you’d like! Class passes do not need to be used consecutively or for the same subject.

All the same benefits of a 6 class pass, PLUS:

  • Additional $40 savings for 10 classes

Happy Day Play and the JCC of Staten Island make attending grown up and me classes that are truly developmentally appropriate in NYC easier than ever before. Families have enough to worry about without feeling like they’re being nickeled and dimed and iron-clad locked into a costly program — like the expense of raising kids, life happening, everyone getting sick, toddlers waking up cranky, babies blowing out their diaper and needing a bath before heading out the door. We fully get what family life is like and got you covered with the following:

NO REGISTRATION FEES. WALK-IN CLASSES AVAILABLE. NO CANCELLATION FEES.

Class passes are valid per immediate family, meaning they are transferrable between your children. Our classes allow more than one supportive adult per child because we believe in the power of family connection to enhance childhood development. Family classes are one price per immediate family, meaning you can take more than one of your children under one pass for these types of classes since the curriculum focuses on a wide variety of mixed age group-based activities.

We know it sounds too good to be true, but that’s the point — we want to give all families something unbelievable, something that they truly deserve. We firmly believe other “traditional” pricing models do not reflect what families actually need. So instead, we made what we would want for our own families!

About the Happy Day Play and Bernikow JCC Partnership

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, located in the heart of Mid-Island in Sea View, Staten Island, has been a cornerstone of the community for over 90 years. Renowned for its wide range of high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities, the JCC has built a stellar reputation for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. From fitness and wellness to cultural events and educational workshops, it offers something for everyone.

Partnering with Happy Day Play, celebrated for its engaging Grown-Up & Me classes and family fun events, enhances the JCC's mission of promoting social, recreational and educational activities for anyone who walks through their doors. This collaboration creates a vibrant hub for family activities, aligning with both organizations' commitment to nurturing children's development and strengthening family bonds.

“Here at the JCC, we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for families with young children to thrive, grow, and connect in a supportive environment. We’re thrilled to partner with Happy Day Play to bring these exciting new offerings to families in the Staten Island community,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC.

(Source: SI Advance, “Where family fun and early education meet; Happy Day Play launches Staten Island classes”)

Conveniently located in Mid-Island, the Bernikow JCC is easily accessible from anywhere on Staten Island. Join us to experience the best Grown-Up & Me classes and children’s events on the island, and become part of our vibrant community.

FAMILY FIRST MONTESSORI: Grown Up & Me Program

Pre-Registration is Required, No Walk-Ins

Family First Montessori: Grown-Up & Me is a commitment-based program designed to introduce your family to the foundations of Montessori learning in a nurturing, play-based environment. Each session blends hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and practical life skills, giving children ages 0–3 the chance to learn side by side with their grown-ups. Guided by an experienced early childhood educator, families will build independence, curiosity, and confidence—while enjoying the magic of learning together.

To secure your spot, payment is required for the entire season in session. We offer this program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. .

Learn more about Family First Montessori Grown Up & Me Program

FAQs About Montessori at Bernikow JCC

  • This program series requires commitment for the entire season. This is in order to mimic the close-knit bonds experiences and to help with social and language acquisition and development.

    If you have to miss a session, no worries! We will give you a credit to one of our walk-in classes during the same season

  • Yes. You can register at the link here. Each class equates to only $25 per class. We are not upcharging for this special experience. Commitment for the entire season is required to participate.

  • That's okay! You will be granted a pass for a walk-in class to be used when it is most convenient for you during the season.

  • If you have more than one child between the ages of 0 and 3 and want them both to participate, please email us at hello@happydayplay.com so that we can accommodate.

  • Classes will take place in the 2nd floor gym.