Children's Recreational Programs
Ages 0 – 12
Led by fun and engaging YMCA staff and volunteers, recreational programs allow children to explore their interests in a safe and nurturing environment. The variety of programs encourages participants to try new activities as they build friendships and develop connections in their community.
Recreational programs are included in all youth YMCA memberships. Please note, schedule, locations, and times may vary throughout the year. View program times and register through your member portal up to one week in advance.
Drop-in Basketball (Ages 6 – 12)
Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to practice your basketball skills, meet new friends, or just get active, come join in a game of drop-in basketball. YMCA staff and volunteers will organize games and activities to keep you moving and having fun. All skill levels welcome.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Kids' Zone (Ages 6 – 12)
Kids’ zone is an interactive space where children will be able to enjoy a variety of planned STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, art and math) that rotate weekly. They will be creative, be challenged, try a craft or science experiment, play group games, learn new skills and more. Children will also enjoy themed days, special events, and foster new friendships.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford
Play Care (Ages 0 – 5)
Drop your baby or preschooler off at play care so you can enjoy the Y. Your child will love having social time with others, reading stories with our caring staff and volunteers, singing or doing a craft. This program supports with bottle feeding, parent-provided light snacks, and children who are going through separation anxiety. Leave it to our staff to make your child feel special while in our care.
Play Care membership value add required
*Parent/guardian must remain in the building once their child is signed into play care. If staff are unable to settle a child, parent/guardian may be asked to assist in settling the child or supporting behaviour.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Play Gym (Ages 0 – 5)
Ride, slide, move and explore at our kid-friendly play zone in the main gym. This program is a great opportunity to play with your little ones in an open, interactive space that supports movement and motion. Parent/guardian participation is required.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Wake Up/Shake Up (Ages 3 – 5)
Children are able to enjoy arts and crafts, circle time, story time and free play in this interactive and engaging program. This program is a great way to support socialization, creative play and skill development.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Y Sports (Ages 6 – 12)
Y sports is a fun and engaging way to practice YMCA core values and develop physical literacy fundamentals. The program is a starting point to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits for life. The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a variety of sports/activities in this program to meet the needs and interests of children in our communities. Included are a rotating selection of sports and activities, including basketball, scoop ball, floor hockey, gaga ball and more
Locations: A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (Kitchener), Chaplin Family YMCA (Cambridge), and Guelph Y, Stratford