Kids practicing math at YMCA teen and youth program

YMCA Youth and Teen Programs

The YMCA is dedicated to helping our community's younger members become the best people they can.

Our youth programs encompass so much that kids can achieve. If you're a young person trying to maximize your capabilities or a family member of such a kid, get involved today!

If you know what youth and teen program you're looking for, you can select from the list below and go directly to your program.

Why the Y

  • SELF-ESTEEM

    When you feel good about yourself, you have the courage to try new things and have new experiences. 

  • LEADERSHIP SKILLS

    The Y offers programs that mentor teens and young adults by exposing them to leadership opportunities.

  • MAKE NEW FRIENDS

    The Y is a friendly, inclusive, and safe place for your child to expand their social skills and make lifelong friendships.

  • CONFIDENCE

    Children gain the confidence they need to try new things, make new friends, and do well in school.

Creating A Safe Environment

The YMCA of Greater Louisville works in partnership with families, staff and volunteers to protect children from child abuse. Learn about how we keep kids in our programs safe.

Youth and Teen Programs

  • 2 adults and 2 young kids in a YMCA childcare program

    Early Learning Readiness Program

    Through this caregiver and child class, you will have a safe, fun place to play, explore, and learn through songs, stories, and family activities with...
  • Toddler holding a book with a man pointing at a picture in the book

    Play With Purpose

    Play With Purpose allows you to learn how your child develops and learns while playing with you!
  • Toddler sitting in chair reading a book

    LENA Say N Play

    This 10-week program is designed to help parents of children ages 2-32 months learn how to engage with their baby or toddler in fun and interactive...
  • Smiling young boy sitting at table with art supplies and globe

    Parents' Night Out

    Parents’ Night Out is a fantastic evening of fun with friends at the YMCA. Our enthusiastic staff come ready to entertain and engage. Depending on the...
  • Kids in the reading room enjoying books

    Parents' Day Out

    Parent's Day Out provides a safe, fun, and engaging environment for children to play, create and learn under the supervision of caring YMCA staff.
  • Kids raising hands in the air, celebrating and dancing together

    Youth Dance Classes

    Come join us and be a part of learning various dance styles. Learn new dance techniques and dance terminology, make new friends and have a lot of fun!
  • Group of kids outside exploring nature

    Forest Friends Preschool

    Forest Friends preschool is for children ages 3-5 years old to learn through play and exploration entirely outdoors.
  • Kids practicing martial arts outdoors

    Martial Arts

    Here at the YMCA, we believe that martial arts are a great way to build self-confidence, coordination and agility. We offer martial arts classes for...
  • Teens planting trees at YMCA's youth mentoring program

    YMCA Youth Achievers

    The YMCA's Youth Achievers is a youth mentoring program for kids in elementary and middle school who will learn culturally sensitive curriculum.
  • Kids running together training for sports

    Youth Sports Readiness Clinic

    Clinic participants will learn proper movement mechanics, activity guidelines, and drills to help increase athletic performance while reducing the...
  • Kids doing push ups for YMCA Louisville youth fitness program

    Youth Fitness Fundamentals

    The YMCA's Youth Fitness Fundamentals program is designed to support teens in living a healthy, active life. The program introduces concepts focused...
  • Teenager using weight machine

    Youth Weightlifting Fundamentals

    This free program focuses on teaching the basics of weight lifting, understanding the free-weight area, and executing lifts safely and effectively...
  • YMCA Louisville staff working with teen for babysitter training

    Babysitter's Training Course

    The YMCA's babysitter's training course is an up-to-date and well-rounded youth development program with a medical basis. The course equips teens with...
  • Group of boys at table with engineering blocks

    Boys & Young Men of Color Strategy

    Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) strategy builds on, and invests in, pathways to success to help boys and young men of color reach their full...
  • Best Buy Teen Tech Center logo

    Best Buy Teen Tech Center

    The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is a place where teens can develop critical skills through hands-on activities that explore their interests in...
  • Group of teens playing Jenga together

    Teen Game and Trivia Club

    Nothing beats sitting down with friends to play games. Join us for video games, board games, dice games, card games, and more. Make new friends and...
  • Teens looking at notebook in YMCA's youth mentoring program

    Leaders Club

    Leaders Club is a year-long leadership-development program for middle and high school teens. This program provides teens with extensive leadership...
  • Teens holding signs of the words caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

    YMCA Youth Character Awards

    The YMCA Youth Character Awards are an opportunity to recognize teens in our community who incorporate the Y values into their everyday lives...
  • Family smiling together at graduation

    YMCA Black Achievers

    YMCA Black Achievers is a multicultural effort to create equity in education as well as in the workplace by motivating African American/Black and...
  • YMCA Louisville members walking together for healthy living

    Woman Up Teen Outreach

    The Chestnut Street Family YMCA Woman Up Teen Outreach Program provides teen girls the opportunity to learn social skills, communication skills and...
  • 2 teens sitting at desks asking the instructor a question

    Teen Vibe Camp featuring Love Notes

    Teen Vibe Camp featuring Love Notes is an evidence-based program that supports teens and young adults in developing skills and confidence to engage in...
  • 3 teen YMCA camp counselors standing together outdoors at YMCA summer camp

    Counselors in Training

    The Counselor in Training program is for 16-year old campers who wish to eventually become camp counselors at YMCA Camp Piomingo.

  • Two women hugging

    YMCA Safe Place Services

    Safe Place Services is committed to making our community stronger by providing safety, shelter, and support to teens and families in crisis 24/7.

Related Pages

  • YMCA Membership

    It's always a good time to join the Y! When you become a member, you become part of a cause dedicated to bringing about meaningful change for you...

  • YMCA Black Achievers

    YMCA Black Achievers is a multicultural effort to create equity in education as well as in the workplace by motivating African American/Black and...

  • YMCA Youth Character Awards

    The YMCA Youth Character Awards are an opportunity to recognize teens in our community who incorporate the Y values into their everyday lives...