Back-to-School Programs for Kids and Teens
Whether you're a parent looking for after-school programs or a student looking to enhance your academic experience by learning new skills, make sure you check out our resources for the year ahead!
NYC Parks Afterschool Program
Our free Afterschool Program provides ages kids 6-13 the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of fun activities and academic enrichment during after-school hours from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Kids enjoy team-building activities, sports and fitness, and STEAM programs.
Join our Recreation Centers
Memberships are free for kids and teens! At our rec centers, kids can play and learn while enjoying an abundance of free youth programming during after-school hours. Please visit the website of your local recreation center to find out which programs may be available for your child.
Media Education
Our expert media educators offer free digital arts and technology programs at our Media Labs inside our recreation centers. Memberships for kids, teens, and young adults are free!
Kids can learn filmmaking, photography, coding, and more at our free youth workshops offered during after-school hours.
Through our Garden Kitchen Lab program, children can learn the science behind cooking and gardening!
Teens ages 13-17 learn how to produce music, make documentary films, create animations, develop video games, design websites, and more!
Want to boost your resume for a college application, internship, or new job? Teens ages 16+ can become certified in Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Sports and Swim Programs
We offer free swimming lessons for kids at our indoor pools during the school year. Classes are held on weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Saturdays.
Kids ages 6-18 are welcome to join our Parks Swim Team! The team meets for practice sessions, where kids develop swimming skills and sportsmanship, and participates in citywide and championship swim meets!
During the school year, we open up registration for our Flag Football League and our winter basketball league. Check out our sports programs and more from our partners!
Research at Parks
Dig into the science and history behind our parks! Explore nature, wildlife, and historical moments in our parks, and learn more about how we care for our greenspaces.
Are you looking to conduct a scientific research project within an NYC park? We can help you get started!
Recess Programs
When schools are out, our parks offer fun ways to keep learning!
Hosted by the Urban Park Rangers! Kids and their families are welcome to join our free, drop-in natural classroom programs during the spring and midwinter recess. Kids enjoy hands-on programming while enjoying hikes, scavenger hunts, nature exploration, birding, and more!
Our low-cost Summer Camp program is a chance for kids ages 6-13 to enjoy a fun-filled summer while making new friends, playing, learning, and exploring!