Mayor’s 2025 Summer Youth Guide, containing free and low-cost activities, is now available online.

NEW HAVEN, CT – On Thursday, Mayor Justin Elicker, alongside representatives from the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department (YARD), New Haven Parks Department, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL), New Haven Police Activity League (PAL) and the New Haven Tutoring Initiative (NHTI) announced dozens of free and low-cost summer activities, events and programs for New Haven’s children, youth and families. The press announcement took place at Lighthouse Point Park, the site of one of the city’s upcoming summer camps, and can be watched in its entirety here.

“New Haven shines in the summer. With robust summer camp offerings, engaging family-centered events, 2,000 acres of parkland, sports clinics, high-quality educational and enrichment programs, and good-paying work opportunities for teens, our children and youth have an abundance of options to keep themselves active, busy and engaged this summer,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “I encourage residents to take a look at our summer guide and find activities and programs in your neighborhood and across the city that will make 2025 a summer to remember for your children and family.”

RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

The New Haven Youth and Recreation Department, other city departments and local non-profit organizations are offering a wide variety of summer activities and programs across the City, many of which are listed in the newly released, , a comprehensive 50+ page booklet and helpful resource for parents and caregivers, which is now available online at newhavenct.gov/2025SummerYouthGuide.

“Once again, New Haven is full of exciting offerings for all ages this summer. We have camp opportunities for ages 5 to 14, work opportunities for ages 14 to 21, and activities for families with children and youth of all ages,” said Dr. Gwendolyn B. Williams, Director of New Haven’s Youth and Recreation Department. “Whether it be Midnight Basketball, the Summer Fun Bus or Movies in the Park, I hope our young people will take advantage of the positive, affirming activities for wholesome development. I am delighted that the city will be able to provide these opportunities, many of them free or low cost to New Haven residents. Here’s to a safe, fun summer!”

There are dozens of recreational activities and programs offered by the Youth and Recreation Department and Parks Department including:

• Family Fun Days on Wednesday afternoons between 2:30 and 5:30 pm beginning on July 9^th, and rotating to different city parks offering free food, games, activities, bouncy houses, lives DJs and more;

• Movies in the Park on Fridays at sunset, rotating to different city parks beginning on July 11^th;

• The Summer Fun Bus will make daily visits to different neighborhood locations across the city between the hours of 3 and 8 pm beginning on June 23^rd, providing arts, crafts, games and other activities;

• Summer Camps run weekdays from June 23^rd to August 15^th at eight locations and offer a variety of daily activities and different themes for children ages 5 to 14 years old, and the Parks Department is also offering a new Outdoor Explorations Summer Camp at West Rock Nature Center;

• Splash Pads at 16 locations officially open the weekend of June 21 and are programed for activation from sunrise to sunset;

• Open Swim sessions at Hillhouse High School on the weekdays from 4 to 7 pm and on the weekends from 11 am - 3 pm from June 23^rd to August 1^st;

• Basketball Workshops include Skills in the Park Saturday Sessions with five sessions from July 12^th to August 9^th; Midnight Basketball and a Girls Basketball Clinic;

• Track & Field Summer Development Program runs from July 1^st to 31^st at Bowen Field where participants ages 7 -14 years old will learn to develop healthy nutritional, mental health, lifestyle and exercise habits.

The full schedule and specific locations for all these items as well as other recurring and special programming can also be found in the Mayor’s 2025 Summer Youth Guide, YARD’s website (newhavenct.gov/youth) or by calling 203-946-7582. In addition, if a child or parent requires a disability-related accommodation to participate in the City’s programs, it can be requested through the Youth and Recreation Department.

The New Haven Police Activity League (PAL) also offers several summer activities and programs, including:

• PAL Summer Camp is a 5-week, full-day program that runs from July 1st to August 2nd for children ages 8 to 11 years old. At the camp, kids enjoy athletic activities such as basketball and swimming, arts and crafts activities, enrichment activities, field trips, and special events like First Responders Day. (PAL Camp is currently fully enrolled but accepting waitlist applications.)

• PAL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes will be available for youth ages 8 to 17, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Jiu-Jitsu aims to provide participants with the lifelong gifts of discipline, confidence and self-defense as well as helping them become strong, fit and safe. 

• PAL Boxing classes will be available for youth ages 8 to 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boxing aims to provide exercise, self-confidence and leadership skills while creating discipline and instilling life lessons along the way. 

Sergeant Ronald Ferrante, Director of the New Haven PAL shared, "The New Haven Police Activity League (PAL) continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of our city, forging lasting bonds between law enforcement and the community through mentorship, education, and enrichment.  By offering a diverse range of programs-from youth sports and leadership development to academic support and cultural experiences-New Haven PAL empowers young people to build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of civic pride.   At its heart, PAL is about more than just activities-it's about changing lives, breaking down barriers, and building a safer, stronger New Haven for generations to come.”

Residents can learn more and register for New Haven PAL activities at newhavenpal.com or by calling 203-675-6776.

ACADEMIC AND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

There are several academic and tutoring programs that are being offered in combination with outdoor learning and enrichment activities by New Haven Public Schools, the New Haven Free Public Library, and the New Haven Tutoring Initiative.

“For our children, learning happens all the time,” said New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Madeline Negrón. “We are proud to offer fun and challenging summer programs that support their learning and growth and that meet the diverse needs of New Haven families.”

New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) will offer summer school for current kindergarten through 3rd graders from July 1 to July 25, on a staggered schedule between 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., depending on grade level and location. All students will engage in reading, writing, science and outdoor learning each day.

In collaboration with the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department, NHPS is proud to introduce Summer Strengths-based Youth Engagement, an initiative designed to unlock the potential of 150 middle school and rising 9th-grade students. The program prioritizes students’ unique strengths with hands-on activities, including graphic arts, STEM activities, sports and recreation, field trips and dynamic social justice activities that build resilience.

Information about both programs is available on the NHPS website: nhps.net

The New Haven Tutoring Initiative (NHTI) is a citywide partnership led by the City of New Haven, New Haven Public Schools and more than 25 local nonprofit, community, and educational organizations. Together, they are working to strengthen math and literacy skills for students across the Elm City. Launched in June 2023, NHTI has grown significantly and now provides high-dosage afterschool and summer tutoring to nearly 1,000 students at 30 sites. The tutoring is designed to complement classroom instruction and support the academic success of New Haven Public School students.

“For the past two years, the New Haven Tutoring Initiative has been about more than just academics—it’s been about giving every child in our community an equitable playing field,” said Shelly Hicks, Vice President of Education for the United Way of Greater New Haven. “Especially in the summer, when learning loss can take a toll, we’re making sure kids have the support they need to stay engaged, build confidence, and grow. Thanks to the continued support from Mayor Elicker and the Board of Alders, we’re excited to keep this work going. Together with our community partners and volunteers, we’re opening doors—one tutoring session, one book, one math problem at a time.”

The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) is also providing engaging summer learning activities and opportunities across its five citywide locations for all ages. Highlights include:

• Youth Summer Learning Challenge: Children, youth and adult family members can join a reading competition and attend a series of exciting library programs and community events at NHFPL, all centered around this year's theme, "Level Up at Your Library, " which emphasizes the importance of learning through play, sports and fun.  Individuals are encouraged to read 20 minutes a day between May 31^st and August 23rd, track their progress with Summer Learning Booklet and win prizes along the way – such as free books and gift cards to local businesses, with all finishers entered in a grand prize raffle drawing to win a private tour of the Yale Peabody Museum.

• Adult Summer Learning Challenge: Once again, parents, caregivers, and family members are invited to participate in NHFPL’s Adult Summer Learning program to read along with the kids and teens in their lives. Adults can pick up a program booklet at any library location and play the READOPOLY board game in the book and earn raffle tickets to win one of three prizes from local businesses: a one (1) month membership to Elm City Games, a one (1) month membership to MakeHaven or a guided tour of Lost in New Haven.  Participants and parents of younger readers are encouraged to use #LevelUpAtYourLibrary hashtag on social media. Residents can learn more and view book recommendations at nhfpl.org/slc2025 or at their local library.

• READy for the Grade: Families with children aged 5 to 8 are invited to sign up for NHFPL’s reading support program aimed at preventing the summer slide. Families with children ages 5 to 8 can participate in small, focused reading groups and family literacy nights. Registration is currently open at the Wilson, Stetson and Fair Haven branches. This free program is funded by the NewAlliance Foundation and the Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts.

• Other recurring and special programming at all branches can be found at NHFPL’s website (nhfpl.org) and social media pages (@NHFPL) on Facebook, Instagram and X.

“This summer, the New Haven Free Public Library is thrilled to present one of our most expansive and engaging summer learning programs yet,” said City Librarian Maria Bernhey. “From story times and STEAM programs to book clubs, author talks, and hands-on exploration in our Tinker Labs, there are endless opportunities to Level Up at Your Library. We're especially excited to expand our READy for the Grade summer reading support program to an additional location this year. Designed for students in grades K–3, this free initiative helps young readers strengthen their literacy skills and avoid the summer slide. Registration is now open, and we encourage families to sign up at one of our three participating branches: Stetson, Wilson, or Fair Haven. We look forward to a fun summer of reading and invite New Haveners of all ages to discover all their local library has to offer this summer."

OTHER PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

Free summer meals for kids and teens under 18 are available throughout the summer at many New Haven Public Schools, Parks, and other community sites. Updated locations and schedules are posted at nhpscnp.org or can be found by calling 211.

Youth@Work summer employment opportunities begin July 7^th and go through August 8^th for New Haven Public School youth ages 14 to 21, providing young people with workplace exposure, mentoring and school and community-based enrichment activities. Learn more at newhavenct.gov/youth.

And more! A variety of free or at-cost Summer Camp programs, lessons and opportunities led by New Haven area organizations can be found in the Mayor’s 2025 Summer Youth Guide. 

PRESS CONTACT:

Lenny Speiller | 203-725-4249; Lspeiller@newhavenct.gov