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 |
There’s something for everyone at the Y!Our YMCA offers programs for all ages, abilities and stages of life. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y is committed to providing programs and services to children and families that are inclusive for all.
So what are you waiting for? Start having healthy fun at the Y! Click on our Summer Program Guide to see our summer offerings. NHYYC 2025 Program Guide
Summer Program Session: June 23 – August 17, 2025
Member Registration Starts: June 2, 2025
Program Participant Registration Starts: June 9, 2025
The YMCA believes all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. At YMCA day camp kids and teens can develop skills, self-confidence, new friendships and a sense of belonging – all while having tons of fun.
In order to have fun and thrive, kids of all ages need to feel both physically and emotionally safe. When you drop your child off at a camp, you can rest assured that their total well-being will be supported. Safety is always our number one priority! We keep kids healthy and safe while providing enriching experiences. As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility that help build character.
Learn More: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Brochure,YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel 2025 Day Camp Parent Handbook and YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel FAQs
Registration Forms: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Registration Packet-Fillable
If your child will require special assistance or medicine while at camp, these forms may also be required: Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization
Financial assistance is available for families who need it to ensure that all kids in our community can have enriching summer experiences. These forms are required to apply: Financial Assistance Forms
If your child is 14-15 years of age, they may be interested in our Counselor in Training program. In our CIT program, they will receive valuable job interviewing skills, child care training, leadership experience, team building, and problem-solving skills. To apply please fill out the application and contact the Y for an interview. CIT Application Form
Our camp programs fill up fast, so make plans to reserve your spot.
Becoming an Aquatic LeaderAs 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.
Walk-In ProgramAt 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.
Teen Leaders Club“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
Nutrition Education ProgramJoin us at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, for our Family Nutrition Education Program. The program will be an eight-part, monthly series, running through August 2025.
This community-focused initiative is designed to empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy, affordable, and delicious food choices. The Eating Smart-Being Active Workshop curriculum will center around hands-on workshops, engaging activities, and expert guidance, so that participants learn about nutrition, meal planning, food safety, and strategies for incorporating wholesome eating habits into their daily lives. The program fosters a supportive environment for families to build lifelong skills for health and well-being.
This program is open to all families, free of charge.
WHEN: The workshops are held in the lobby of the New Haven YMCA Youth Center from 4:00-5:00pm and are open to families free of charge on April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15 and August 19.
HOW TO REGISTER: Register at the front desk at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center or by emailing Aishah abrice@cccymca.org
Early Learning Toddler and Preschool ProgramsOur 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-2024-2025-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!
2024-25-CCC-YMCA-Early-Learning-Child-Care-Registration-Packet-Fillable
2024_2025 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).
Dwight Community FridgeTogether, 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.
