Prospect Park YMCA051

From the free weekend teen center to the hugely popular swimming lessons, there's always something fun to do at the Prospect Park YMCA.

Swimming Programs include Family Free Swim and a wide range of classes for children ages six months and up. On Friday evenings, the pool is reserved for kids ages 12 to 17 participating in Teen Center.

The indoor heated pool, with an average temperature of 84 degrees, is also available for birthday parties.

One of the best ideas to come from the Y's recent renovation is the fact that there are now four locker/changing rooms: Men's, Women's, Girls', and Boys' - no more worrying about sending your six-year-old son alone into the men's locker room.

Coed Karate classes provide instruction for kids ages five through 13. Progressive gymnastics and basketball leagues are also available.

The Prospect Park YMCA's School Age Childcare program provides a safe environment for Kindergarten through fifth grade age children to learn, relax, thrive, and have fun, weekdays from 3pm to 6pm. The program is based at PS 321, and children are picked up from select area public schools. Activities include games and sports, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor play, reading, music, karate, science, cooking, and a weekly trip to the Y's pool for swimming. The program runs from September to June on full and half school days, and registration is ongoing.

Full-day Vacation Camp programs are offered during winter, mid-winter, and spring school breaks and on teachers' conference days. The program includes swimming, sports, games, and field trips. Camp hours are 8am-6pm. Registration for Holiday Camp is ongoing and requires a fee of $35 for non-members and $30 for members.

A plethora of programs designed just for teens are offered here, including step dancing, Earth Service Club, Youth and Government Program, and more.

The Teen Center offers a variety of free activities including instructional and recreational sports.

The Early Childhood Center offers educational full- and half-day programs for children ages two-and-a-half to five. The center is open from 7:30am to 6pm, and includes a range of fun-filled, hands-on experiences for children who are just taking their first steps in life.

The curriculum includes swimming lessons, dramatic play, language arts, cultural celebrations, music and movement, art, science, computer activities, and cooking. The Center features a wide range of toys, sand tables, water tables, blocks, tricycles and wagons, and climbing equipment. The Early Childhood Center is committed to a multi-cultural program that encourages children to grow as individuals and become sensitive and responsive to others in small and large groups.

Need-based scholarships are available.