Children, Youth, and Family Programs at the Y
We’re here to keep your children and families active, learning, and having fun with our wide variety of programs. From sports and recreation to exciting camps and leadership programs, we have something for everyone in your family!
Programs for Young Children
CHILD CARE
Early Learning & Care
Play is key to learning. Our Early Childhood Educators use the YMCA Playing to Learn™ curriculum at licensed child care centres across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
HEALTH & FITNESS
Dance
Check out dance programs for young learners, teaching a variety of styles and techniques in a fun, dynamic, and supportive recreational setting.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Our rec programs teach the fundamentals and teamwork in a fun and instructional environment.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Swimming Lessons
Your little fish will love our fun and inspiring swim classes. Private lessons and group options are available for all ages.
Programs for School Age Children
CHILD CARE
Before & After School Care
This licensed child care program for ages 4–12 offers a fun, safe way to start and end school days. With 200+ GTA locations, programs run from September to June.
CHILD CARE
School Break Programs
Sign up your children ages 4–15 for exciting programs when school is out. Summer, winter, and March Break programs are available at Y locations throughout the GTA.
CAMPS
Day Camp
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. We offer day camp programs in the GTA and Muskoka.
CAMPS
Overnight Camps
Sign up your children for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, adventure, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and more exciting activities.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Dance Classes
We have dance programs for all skill levels, teaching your young groovers a variety of styles and techniques in engaging, dynamic, and supportive classes.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Karate
Children learn the fundamental techniques of karate in a fun environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Our sports and rec programs focus on the fundamentals and teamwork in a fun, instructional environment.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Swimming Lessons
Whether beginners or mastering the butterfly stroke, we offer swim classes that inspire and challenge. Both private lessons and group options are available for all ages
Programs for Tweens
CHILD CARE
Before & After School Care
This licensed child care program for ages 4–12 offers a fun, safe way to start and end school days. With 200+ GTA locations, programs run from September to June.
CHILD CARE
School Break Programs
Sign up your children ages 4–15 for exciting programs when school is out. Summer, winter, and March Break programs are available at Y locations throughout the GTA.
CAMPS
Day Camps
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. We offer day camp programs in the GTA and Muskoka.
CAMPS
Overnight Camps
Sign your children up for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, adventure, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and more exciting activities.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
YMCA Academy
Find comprehensive special education support at YMCA Academy, a Ministry of Education-inspected alternative school in downtown Toronto.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Basketball and Soccer Leagues
Participants learn teamwork in our basketball and soccer leagues by playing on balanced teams with equal playtime. Leagues include a uniform, weekly games, playoffs, and an awards ceremony.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Dance Classes
We have dance programs for all skill levels, teaching tweens a variety of styles and techniques in engaging, dynamic, and supportive classes.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Karate
Children learn the fundamental techniques of karate in a fun, and recreational environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Our sports and rec programs focus on the fundamentals and teamwork in a fun, instructional environment.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Swimming Lessons
Whether beginners or mastering the butterfly stroke, we offer swim classes that inspire and challenge. Both private lessons and group options are available for all ages
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Development Programs
Does your tween want to build confidence, make friends, and help the community? The YMCA Youth Leadership Development (YLD) program for ages 11–18 offers leadership, teamwork, and volunteer opportunities.
Programs for Teens
CAMPS
Day Camps
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. We offer day camp programs in the GTA and Muskoka.
CAMPS
Overnight Camps
Sign your teen up for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, fun, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and other exciting activities.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Babysitting Course
The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course teaches youth leadership, behaviour management, and first aid. A workbook and certificate are included in this program.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
YMCA Academy
The YMCA Academy in downtown Toronto is a Ministry of Education-inspected alternative school providing comprehensive special education support. .
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Youth for Entrepreneurship
This program provides awareness to youth ages 15 to 24 interested in entrepreneurship. They can participate in free workshops to learn valuable skills and start their business journey.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Youth 4 Youth
The Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Gambling Education Program, funded by OLG, empowers 15–24-year-olds to raise awareness about underage and problem gambling through an education competition.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Y Mind Program
Y Mind is a free, seven-week mental wellness program for teens ages 13–18 and youth ages 18–30 experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety.
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Personal Finance: I'm in Charge
Dear Future Me, a YMCA of Greater Toronto series powered by Desjardins, offers free workshops with prizes and a certificate of completion. Register easily via our workshop calendar.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Basketball and Soccer Leagues
Participants learn teamwork in our basketball and soccer leagues by playing on balanced teams with equal playtime. Leagues include a uniform, weekly games, playoffs, and an awards ceremony.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Dance
We have dance programs for all skill levels, teaching youth a variety of styles and techniques in fun, dynamic, and supportive classes. Up to age 14 only.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Karate
Teens learn the fundamental or advanced techniques of karate in a fun, recreational environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Recreational Sports
Your teen can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Our sports and rec programs focus on the fundamentals and teamwork in an encouraging, instructional environment.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Black Achievers Mentorship Program
Black Achievers is a GTA program for Black youth. It fosters social and academic growth with guidance from Black professional mentors and role models.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Camps
Our Leadership Camps empower teens to build confidence, communication skills, and independence, inspiring them to improve themselves and impact the world.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Leadership Development Programs
Does your teen want to build confidence, make friends, and help the community? YMCA Youth Leadership Development (YLD) for ages 11–18 offers leadership, teamwork, and volunteer opportunities.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Newcomer Youth Leadership Development Program
This program supports newcomer youth having a positive settlement experience and engaging with the community by providing a safe space to meet people and build skills.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
YMCA Community Action Network
Your teen can team up with their peers, develop projects in response to the need of their local community and we will help bring their project to life.
NATIONAL TRAVEL & EXCHANGES
Youth Travel and Exchange Programs
Your teen can explore Canada, meet new people, and learn official languages. Discover cultural diversity and new regions!
SUPPORT SERVICES
Youth Shelter, Housing & Support
Whether it's family problems, trouble with the law, or just being locked out of the house, we’ll help you stay warm and safe, and get you the help that you need.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Teen Nights
On Teen Nights, youth enjoy free access to YMCA facilities across the GTA. Teens can use gymnasiums, pools, dance studios, and more to get active and connect.
YMCA Programs for Families
HEALTH & FITNESS
Family Health and Fitness Membership
The Y is more than a gym — it's a community. Join us to enjoy unlimited group fitness classes, conditioning rooms, pools, kids' programs, and more.
CAMPS
Family Fun Days and Camps
The Y has two outdoor centres that offer day and weekend programming to individuals and families. From canoeing and archery to campfires and high ropes, we have many activities for all ages.
How We Make a Difference
Thanks to our generous supporters, the Y delivers critical programs and builds inclusive community spaces where everyone can shine.