Helping Kids Learn, Grow and Thrive
At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, we believe every child has the potential to do great things. From early learning and school-age care to sports, camps, leadership opportunities and activities that help kids discover what they love, the Y gives children and teens opportunities to learn, grow, build confidence and belong.
With programs for children of all ages and interests, there’s always a new way to get involved.
Find your Y to explore youth programs and activities available near you.
Something for Every Age and Interest
Whether your child is discovering a new sport, making friends at camp, preparing for kindergarten or developing leadership skills, the Y offers opportunities to help them grow.
Early Learning & Preschool
Give your child a strong start.
YMCA Preschool provides a nurturing environment where young children can learn, explore and develop important skills as they prepare for kindergarten. Programs support children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development through age-appropriate learning and play.
Programs may include:
- YMCA Preschool
- Preschool enrichment
- Parent-and-child activities
- Preschool swim lessons
- Little Explorers and preschool camps
Before & After School Care
The school day doesn’t have to be the end of your child’s learning and growth.
Y-Club provides a safe, supportive place for children before and after school, with opportunities for homework support, enrichment, physical activity, creativity, social-emotional learning and more.
Y-Club programming helps children build confidence, develop positive relationships and explore new interests while giving families peace of mind.
Child Watch
Need some time to work out, take a class or use the Y while your child plays nearby?
Child Watch provides YMCA members with a supervised, welcoming environment where children can enjoy age-appropriate activities while their parent or guardian uses the YMCA.
Activities may include games, crafts, reading, imaginative play, music, movement and more.
Child Watch availability, ages and hours vary by location.
Camps & School-Break Programs
More than a camp. A place to belong.
From summer adventures to school-break activities, YMCA camps give kids opportunities to make friends, try new things and build confidence while having fun.
Camp options may include:
- Summer Day Camp
- Sports Camp
- Arts & Athletics Camp
- Specialty Camps
- Preschool Camp
- Science Camp
- Teen Camp and leadership experiences
- Spring Break Camp
- Winter Break Camp
- Holiday and school-break programs
Camp offerings and age ranges vary. Find your Y to see what’s available near you.
Youth Sports & Aquatics
Learn the game. Build confidence. Be part of a team.
Youth sports at the Y are about more than competition. Kids develop skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence and a sense of belonging while staying active.
Depending on the location and season, opportunities may include:
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Flag football
- Volleyball
- T-ball
- Cheerleading
- Karate
- Pickleball
- Running programs
- Youth sports leagues and clinics
- Junior Cavs programs
- YMCA Academy programs
- Swim teams
- Youth swim lessons
From learning the basics to developing skills for competition, there are opportunities for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Swim, Splash & Water Safety
Swimming is an important life skill, and the Y has been helping kids become safer and more confident around water for generations.
Youth aquatics opportunities may include:
- Parent-and-child swim programs
- Preschool swim lessons
- Youth swim lessons
- Swim teams
- Safety Around Water
- Lifeguard and water-safety education for older youth
Whether your child is experiencing the water for the first time or working toward becoming a competitive swimmer, the Y can help them build skills and confidence in the water.
Kids need opportunities to move, play and have fun.
The Y offers activities designed to help children develop physical skills, coordination, confidence and healthy habits.
Programs may include:
- NinjaZone
- Lil Ninjas
- Youth fitness activities
- Kids fitness programs
- Sports Performance/Injury Prevention programs
- Youth karate
- Specialty movement and recreation programs
These activities give kids another way to discover something they enjoy while building skills that can last a lifetime.
Teen Programs & Leadership
Helping teens discover their voice and their potential.
The Y gives teens opportunities to build leadership skills, develop confidence, make connections and take an active role in their communities.
Opportunities may include:
- Y Leaders Academy
- Y-Leaders
- Youth in Government
- Teen Center programs
- Teen fitness
- Teen events and activities
- Leadership and service opportunities
- Workforce-readiness experiences
- Community service and volunteer opportunities
Whether they’re ready to lead, serve, explore a career or simply find their place, the Y gives teens space to grow.
Healthy Kids Day
A Day Dedicated to Healthy, Happy Kids
Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA’s annual celebration of healthy living, learning and community. It gives children and families an opportunity to get active, try something new, learn about healthy habits and have fun together.
Activities and events may include games, sports, wellness activities, community partners, demonstrations and other family-friendly experiences.
Healthy Kids Day activities vary by year and location.
Y on the Fly
Bringing the Y to the Community
Y on the Fly takes YMCA experiences beyond our walls and into the community.
Through mobile and community-based programming, children and families can connect with opportunities for physical activity, learning, play and healthy living in places where they already live, learn and gather.
Programming and locations vary.
More Ways to Learn, Play & Connect
Youth development at the Y goes beyond traditional programs.
Depending on the location, children and families may also find:
- Adventure Guides
- Homeschool programs
- Kids Night Out
- Parents Night Out
- Family activities
- Special events
- Birthday parties
- Community events
- Youth enrichment programs
- Educational activities
- Arts and creative programs
- Service-learning opportunities
Have something specific in mind? Start by finding your Y.
Your Child's Safety Comes First
Praesidium Accredited
When you entrust your child to the YMCA, you deserve to know that their safety is taken seriously.
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland is proud to hold Praesidium Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to meeting rigorous standards for abuse prevention and youth protection.
Our commitment to youth safety is woven into the way we hire, train and supervise staff and volunteers and how we design and operate programs for young people. We continually work to identify risks, strengthen our practices and create environments where children can learn, grow and thrive.
Praesidium Accreditation is valid for 2024–2027.
Find What's Available Near You
Not every YMCA offers every program, and offerings may change by season. The best way to find the right opportunity for your child is to start with your local YMCA.
Choose your branch to explore current programs, schedules and registration information.