The Youth and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for children and their families.  In order to participate in our programs you must register.

Art Class Wednesdays@ Coogan Pavilion:  This program is designed for those students that are being homeschooled.  More information TBD

BASKETBALL CLINICS AND LEAGUES: We offer clinics and leagues for children in grades Kindergarten to 8th grade.  Our clinics are designed to teach fundamentals and build an array of skills, such as passing, dribbling,  shooting and handling of the ball.   Our leagues are designed to give everyone an opportunity to play and to show off those skills that they have learned and to play against other teams.  We strongly encourage great sportsmanship amongst players.  See you in the fall!  More information TBD

Crochet with Ms. Regina: This is class is designed for the beginners. However, if you already know how to crochet or knit and is looking for a place to be amongst friends or meet new people this is the place for you.  Our classes will help you with the basics of crochet while completing projects that you will love.  Crocheting is very relaxing and reduces stress and anxiety.  Crocheting also relaxes your mind.  So if you are creative and want to join us, we will be happy to have you. Cost is $50 per person and  All supplies are provided. 

Variety of Dance Classes(youth)  These classes are dedicated for our youth to keep them active and moving.  Come out and learn some new moves and show off the ones you already have.  It is all about expression.  Please check out our flyers.

Kickball (youth): @John Martinez School.  This 6-week co-ed program is for ages 7 -10.  It will be run weekly as "pick-up style" games.  Teams will be divided equally each week. 

Legos: It is time to join friends, be creative and build! This program is designed for 6 - 13 years old to come together on Tuesdays @ Coogan Pavilion for some fun.  Legos will begin Tuesday, November 18, 2025 and end December 16, 2025 and February24, 2026 - March 24, 2026 from 5:45 - 6:56pm.  No experience is needed.  Come on and Lego!! Cost is $20 per person.

Line Dancing with Scheri: @ Beecher School.  We offer 3 types of classes. Once for beginners, intermediate beginners and advance.  If you have never line danced before and would love to learn the beginners class is for you.  If you are familiar with line dancing and has taken the classes before but still not ready for the advance group then the intermediate beginners is for you. Our advance group moves at a faster pace with more challenging moves, if you are a pro then this is for you.  Line dancing will help with improving coordination, increase brain memory and cardiovascular heath.  A fun and exciting way to exercise without the equipment.  LOL.  The cost is $30 per person and there are 6 classes per session.

Pickleball:  This sport combines the elements of tennis, badminton & ping-pong.  What a great way to get in a great aerobic workout.  We offer clinics for those who want to learn.  New Haven has 3 pickleball courts at Edgewood Park (West Rock Ave., next to the tennis courts) and in Scantlebury Park (Ashmun St. and Webster St.) for those who would like to play.   

Pottery Classes with Kendall: This 5-week session @ Coogan Pavilion is designed for ages 12 and older.  You will learn the basics of pottery making and some of the different techniques used to create some beautiful and unique pieces.  Pottery helps relieve stress, increases emotional stability and happiness.  Classes will be held on  Mondays, starting October 20, 2025 and ending November 17, 2025 and January 12, 2026 - February 24, 2026.  Cost is $65 per session.

 Rising Stars (sports sampler):  This 6-week program is designed for ages 4-6 to spark an interest in sports.  This sampler will focus on basketball, flag football and soccer. Rising starts will be held Hill Central School gym, 140 Dewitt St.  Rising stars will run on Wednesdays.  The dates are as follows: October 8, 2025 November 13, 2025 .   Cost is $30.

Rising Stars 2.0 This 6-week program is designed for ages 7-10 to spark an interest in sports.  This sampler will focus on basketball, flag football and soccer. Rising starts will be held Hill Central School gym, 140 Dewitt St.  Rising stars will run on Wednesdays.  The dates are as follows: Jan. 7, 2026 - Feb. 18, 2026. Cost is $30.

 STEM: Program is designed for children ages 8 - 12.  They will have an opportunity to gather with other children their age and learn or build on different techniques using the computer.  There are 3 sessions and each session is different from the previous.  Session 1 is on 3D printing, Session 2 is Robotics, and Session 3 is Programming.  Each session costs $60.  Session I: begins November 7, 2025 - January 9, 2026.  Session II: January 16, 2026 - March 6, 2026.  Session III: March 13, 2026 - May 15, 2026.

Swimming: We are offering Adult swim lessons,  Youth swim lessons and Open Swim. ALL lessons for both adults and youth will be held on John Martinez School, 100  James St., New Haven, CT. When registering please pick the session and time slot you would like to participate in.

OPEN SWIM will be held on Wednesdays from 5 - 8pm and Saturdays 10am - 2pm  @ James Hillhouse High school and at Martinez School.

Open swim is available to New Haven Residents Only. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an Adult.

Tennis:  We offer tennis for children ages 5 - 7 (beginners) & 7 - 12 (intermediate to advance).  Children will learn the basics of tennis, build strength and agility and its a great way to build on social skills.  Fall lessons coming soon.

Volleyball: We offer volleyball for girls and boys ages 14U and 18U @ many locations: Davis Street School, Nathan Hale School and Metro High School, and for adults at East Rock Middle School. Our Volleyball program starts at 5:30pm.

Yoga: Enjoy an empowering, relaxing and mediation class.  These classes are designed for everyone.  Learn how to properly breathe and stretch.  Sundays @ Coogan Pavilion 1-2pm, Tuesdays @ Coogan Pavilion 11:15am - 12:15pm (Beginners/foundations), Wednesdays @ Coogan Pavilion from 6:30 pm -7:30pm (all Levels) and @ 230 Ashmun St. from 7:00 - 8:00pm (Beginners Foundations).