CZECH AND SLOVAK LANGUAGE
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden

Free Czech language courses for children ages six to thirteen. Learn reading, writing and grammar while being exposed to Bohemian culture and history through songs, games, dance and art. The Hall will introduce free Slovak lessons in the fall of 2003. Classes start in September and all levels are welcome. Call to sign-up.
• Fridays, 5pm-7pm
• 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria; Call 718-274-4925; bohemianhall.com

DRAWING
Battery Park City Conservancy
Drop by for free drawing classes. Adults can choose from two Wednesday courses running through October 31: "Elements of Nature Drawing" focuses on paint and charcoal and meets 11:30am-1:30pm at Wagner Park; "Figure al Fresco" features drawing from a model and meets from 3pm-5pm at South Cove. The Conservancy's Saturday series "Drawing in the Park" runs from September 6th until October 31st, meeting from 10:30am until noon at the South Cove. All art materials are provided. Call for information about art classes for teens and kids and to sign up (not required, but much appreciated).
• 212-267-9700; bpcparks.org
• enter Wagner Park at Battery Place and West Street; enter South Cove at West and South Thames Streets

FRENCH LANGUAGE
L'Eglise Francaise du Saint Esprit
Francophiles can study french for free at this Episcopal church. Informal beginning and advanced courses are held on Sundays from 10am-11am, both limited to 20 people. The 2003-04 session begins on September 7th and continues until June.
• 109 East 60th Street (between Park and Lexington Aves.); stespritnyc.net
• To pre-register, e-mail stesprit@msn.com or call 212-838-5680

COOKING
The New School
The university's Culinary Arts department offers professional certificate courses that prepare budding chefs to work in serious kitchens -- and these programs don't come cheap. But for those interested in one-time primers on, say, nutrition or Portuguese wines or ice cream tastings, the department also offers regularly scheduled "events" that can be as cheap as $15.
• 66 W. 12th St., 212-229-5600. For more info, visit the New School web site's Culinary Arts page.

DANCE
West Side Dance Projects
Take advantage of one of the best deals in town at West Side Dance Projects. For $93 per month or $179 for two months, you can join as many ballet, jazz, or tap lessons as you'd like. Take 20 classes in a month and you'll pay less than $5 for each. Classes are open year-round to adults of all levels.
• 357 W. 36th St., 212-563-6781. For class schedules and more, email info@joriaproductions.com or visit westsidedanceproject.com.

Salsa at S.O.Bs
On Monday nights, the downtown home of Latin-Caribbean rhythms has $5 salsa classes (which includes club admission). The classes are held from 7pm-8pm and are followed by big band performances, where you can hit the dance floor and show off your new moves.
• 204 Varick St., W. Houston St.; 212-243-4940; www.sobs.com.

KAYAKING
The Downtown Boathouse
This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing Hudson River accessibity and activities to the public. Every Wednesday from May 15th though October 15th, you can learn basic kayaking techniques in their river embayment— for free. You must know how to swim and bring a bathing suit, or shorts and a T-shirt; they provide the rest.
• 6pm, Downtown Boathouse, Pier 26, between Chambers and Canal Sts.; 646-613-0740, downtownboathouse.org.

YOGA
New York Yoga
On Tuesdays at 7:35am, early birds can take advantage of $5 classes taught by fledgling instructors. If the bargain price isn't enticement enough to get you up and out— no worries. They also have live internet classes via webcam for as little as $1.99, so you can do your sun salutations in the comfort of your own home— and your PJs.
• New York Yoga, 1629 York Ave., at 86th St.; 212-717-YOGA, newyorkyoga.com.