The New Haven YMCA Youth Center provides child care, recreation and learning opportunities for youth from age 1 to 23. We offer a full day toddler program for 1 and 2 year olds, a NAEYC accredited preschool program for 3 and 4-year-olds; an afterschool care program for children between 5-12; and for our older youth, we offer a walk-in program for recreation, open basketball, and support.
Learn more about the New Haven YMCA Youth Center and how to participate.
Hours of Operation:Monday – Friday: 7:30 am–6:00 pm |
Address & Phone:50 Howe Street |
Fall into fun, fitness, and fantastic programs at the YMCA! Reconnect with your favorite classes or try something completely new, our Fall 2 session has something for everyone.
We are excited for our most popular offerings, while also introducing a variety of new programs designed for both adults and youth. From high-energy fitness classes to creative activities that inspire growth, there’s something for every interest and ability level.
Our Fall 2 Program Guide is your go-to resource for detailed information on all our classes and activities. Inside, you’ll find class descriptions, days and times, and fee details, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your schedule and interests
You can view our Fall 2 Program Guide with class descriptions, days/times and fees. There are many activities and programs to explore. Please take a look!
Fall 2 Program Session: October 27th-December 21st
Members may register starting on October 6th. Program Participants may register starting on October 13th.
Please register for classes and programs on-line, at the Y or by calling us.
The New Haven YMCA Youth Center is offering swim lessons every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30PM-6:30PM.
These lessons are for Pre-Schoolers, School Aged children, Teens and Adults.
This seven week program will be $105 for YMCA Members or $210 for non-members.
Program Features
Swim Assessments:
September 16th | 4:30PM-6:30PM
September 18th | 4:30PM-6:30PM
Lessons begin the week of September 23rd, 2025
Private lessons are available by appointment
The Y is here to meet your school age child care needs! Our program combines academics with play, and offers a caring and safe environment where kids can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build friendships and explore new interests. Once homework is complete and snacks finished, Y staff will lead the participants in various enrichment activities including STEAM, kids fitness and fine arts.
We help kids reach their potential and thrive in a safe, trustworthy setting. We offer a curriculum that aligns with the school day and supports growth in literacy, science, math, science, engineering, arts and technology (STEAM) while infusing the arts, physical activity, and fun. We teach kids confidence, encourage self-expression and enrich social development. Providing our youth with the support, encouragement and positive role models that they need, will not only increase their ability to succeed in school but in life. For families, we offer peace of mind knowing that your child is in a safe and educational program building new relationships and achieving more.
As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA continues to give youth an enriching and safe experience. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility that help build character. Our core values are woven throughout our child care program to create a warm, nurturing, home away from home. Your child’s growth, development, and education are important to us, as we do our best to ensure their future is bright.
Everyone belongs at the Y. To ensure that all youth have the chance to participate, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need. Please talk with us to learn more. If you’d like to help send a child to child care, you can donate easily on our web site or at our Y. We also participate in the State of CT Care4Kids program.
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION
Please review our NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Brochure and NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Parent Handbook. To register, please fill out our 2025_2026 CCC YMCA School Aged Child Care Registration Packet-Fillable and if necessary and Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization form. Financial aid may be available, to apply please fill out the CCCY Financial Assistance Application_C4K Forms.
As part of the Aquatic Leader Program, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to swim while learning how to be safe in and around water, progressing into stroke development and endurance. Participants will move through the program as they become stronger, more confident swimmers.
Additionally, program participants will have the opportunity to take part in the Learn to Guard portion of the program after developing the swim skills and endurance needed to meet the prerequisites of the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Program.
The Aquatic Leaders Program meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:45pm-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center. For more information, please email Jess at jskolozdra@cccymca.org or call 203-776-9622.
At YMCA Walk-In Program participants build self-esteem, values and leadership skills. Our Walk-In Program provides a safe environment where teens & young adults can focus on developing confidence and character with trained professionals guiding them. Participants will be able to take part in open gym basketball, the Learn to Swim & Learn to Guard Program, open swim, and have access to computers for homework support on scheduled days.
OPEN GYM
WHEN: Monday through Friday
TIME: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Learn To Swim & Learn To Guard Program
WHEN: Thursdays
TIME: 4:45pm-5:30pm
*Applications for the Walk-in Program can be found at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center located at 52 Howe Street New Haven, CT 06511.
“A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.”
Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 pm for the Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center’s Teen Leaders Club! Invite your friends!
Leaders is a Nationwide YMCA program for Middle School and High School teens that teaches leadership skills through community service, volunteerism, and personal growth.
In Teen Leaders Club you will have fun and can…
• Meet other teens from our community and from the New England area.
• Be a leader in the YMCA and in the community.
• Plan events and field trips.
• Participate in regional leadership retreats.
• Earn volunteer service hours and recommendations.
WHEN: Weekly club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 6:30pm for about an hour and a half.
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center 50 Howe Street, New Haven
HOW TO REGISTER: Show up anytime! New leaders can participate in two meetings before making the decision to join. For more information, contact Mush by calling 203-776-9622
Learn the basics of soccer while having fun and practicing with friends! Each week will be dedicated to learning a different skill and each session will conclude with a game.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Kids Zumba™ is the way to go! Kids Zumba™ is movement through dance combined with Spanish language.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Learn the basics of dance with us each week developing skills and confidence, while making friends and having fun!
AGES: 5-10 years old
WHEN: Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $85 Program Participant: $170
Learn the basic skills of basketball from our experienced staff members. Kids will learn how to dribble, shoot, and pass while learning the importance of teamwork.
WHEN: Tuesdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Grab your creativity and unleash your inner artist! Our Arts & Crafts guru will lead fun activities that can be brought home at the end of each class.
WHEN: Thursdays: 5:30-6:15pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $65/ Program Participant: $130
Our child care programs allow parents to answer the inevitable questions: Where can my child be safe and learn what they need to know to be prepared for school, and for life?
The New Haven YMCA Youth Center provides an OEC licensed toddler program for 1-2 year-olds, a School-Readiness program and a NAEYC accredited Preschool program for 3-5 year-olds. All programs are full day and year round.
We are proud to be helping youngsters gain self-confidence and social skills while developing positive attitudes about school and learning! Please take a look at our brochure: NHYYC-2025-2026-ELC-Brochure and the answers to frequently asked questions.
All the forms and information you’ll need is right here. Click on any item from the listing below to get started!
2025-26-CCC-YMCA-Early-Learning-Child-Care-Registration-Packet-Fillable
2025-2026 NHYYC Early Learning Parent Handbook
CCCY-Financial-Assistance-Application-Materials
Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (also called DSS).
Together, we’re dedicated to strengthening the community by giving back and supporting our neighbors. The Dwight Community Fridge is located at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, located at 50 Howe Street in New Haven. It is designed as a “take what you need, leave what you can” program. The community fridge project happily accepts donations of prepackaged, prepared meals, fresh produce, dairy, non-perishables, snacks, and more. It is available to the community daily based on the schedule below.
Community fridges act as a grassroots response to the food insecurity crisis. They are especially critical in neighborhoods where traditional forms of food assistance are difficult to access. For instance, individuals without cars are often unable to reach food bank locations. The goal is to reduce food insecurity by providing free, direct access to nutritious food made possible through community partnerships, local food stores and restaurants, along with Yale University students and farms. On any given day, the fridge is full with items including fresh produce, prepared meals, bottles of water, milk, frozen foods, bakery items, eggs, bread, grab and go snacks, cereal and more! Food is provided by community members, restaurants, local chefs, urban farmers, grocers and food pantries.
When: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-8:00pm / Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am-7:00pm
Where: New Haven YMCA Youth Center, 50 Howe Street, New Haven
How: Donation of items can be made Monday- Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center
An instructed creative art class focusing on exploration and self discovery. Our arts & crafts guru will lead this seasonally themed craft class.
WHEN: Saturdays: 10:30am-11:15am
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
When a friend you’ve referred joins the Y, we’ll thank you by giving you a FREE membership month.
There’s no limit to how many friends you refer and there’s no limit to how many FREE months you can receive.
Being with friends is always more fun for you and your family.