Explore Children, Youth and Family Programs at the Y
At the YMCA we’re here to keep your children active, learning, and having fun with our wide variety of programs. From exciting camps, sports and recreation to leadership programs, we’ve got something for everyone in your family!
Programs for Young Children
Early Learning & Care
Play is key to learning. Our Early Childhood Educators use the YMCA Playing to Learn™ curriculum at licensed child care centres across the GTA.
Dance
Check out dance programs for all skill levels, teaching a variety of styles and techniques in a fun, dynamic, and supportive recreational setting.
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more, focusing on the fundamentals, teamwork, and staying active, all within a fun and instructional environment.
Swimming Lessons
Whether beginners or mastering the butterfly stroke, we offer swim classes that inspire and challenge. Both private lessons and group options are available for all ages
Programs for School Age Children
Before & After School Care
A licensed child care program for ages 4-12 offers a fun, safe way to start and end school days. With 200+ GTA locations, programs run from September to June.
School Break Programs
Sign up your children ages 4-15 for a variety of fun programs when school is out. Summer, winter and march break programs are available at locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Day Camp
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. Located in the GTA and Muskoka, campers return home daily.
Overnight Camps
Sign up your children for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, fun, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and many more exciting activities.
Dance
Check out dance programs for all skill levels, teaching a variety of styles and techniques in a fun, dynamic, and supportive recreational setting.
Karate
Children learn the fundamental techniques of karate in a fun, and recreational environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more, focusing on the fundamentals, teamwork, and staying active, all within a fun and instructional environment.
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate.
Programs for Tweens
YMCA Academy
Find comprehensive special education support at YMCA Academy, a Ministry of Education-inspected alternative school in downtown Toronto.
Before & After School Care
A licensed child care program for ages 4-12 offers a fun, safe way to start and end school days. With 200+ GTA locations, programs run from September to June.
School Break Programs
Sign up your children ages 4-15 for a variety of fun programs when school is out. Summer, winter and march break programs are available at locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Day Camps
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. Located in the GTA and Muskoka, campers return home daily.
Overnight Camps
Sign up your children for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, fun, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and many more exciting activities.
Dance
Check out dance programs for all skill levels, teaching a variety of styles and techniques in a fun, dynamic, and supportive recreational setting.
Karate
Children learn the fundamental techniques of karate in a fun, and recreational environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate
Youth Leadership Development Program
Want to build confidence, make friends, and help your community? The YMCA Youth Leadership Development Program (YLD) for ages 11-18 offers leadership, teamwork, and volunteer opportunities!
Basketball and Soccer Leagues
In our Basketball and Soccer leagues, participants learn teamwork on balanced teams with equal playtime. Includes a uniform, weekly games, playoffs, and an awards ceremony.
Recreational Sports
Your children can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more, focusing on the fundamentals, teamwork, and staying active, all within a fun and instructional environment.
Programs for Teens
YMCA Academy
The YMCA Academy, located in downtown Toronto, is a Ministry of Education-inspected alternative school providing comprehensive special education support.
Day Camps
YMCA campers discover their potential through skill-building, friendships, and a supportive community. Located in the GTA and Muskoka, campers return home daily.
Overnight Camps
Sign up your children for overnight camp for a classic camp experience filled with friends, fun, and learning. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, rock climbing, and many more exciting activities.
Teen Nights
On Teen Nights, youth enjoy free access to YMCA facilities across the GTA! Teens can use gymnasiums, pools, dance studios, and more to get active and connect.
Babysitting Course
The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course teaches leadership, behavior management, and first aid, enhancing responsibility with a workbook and certificate for better emergency skills.
Youth for Entrepreneurship
Are you 15-24 and curious about entrepreneurship? Join our FREE workshops, powered by Desjardins, to learn valuable skills and start your journey!
Youth 4 Youth
The Youth for Youth Gambling Education Program (Y4Y), funded by OLG, empowers 15-24 year-olds to raise awareness about underage and problem gambling through an education competition.
YMCA Community Action Network
In 2017, YMCA launched the Community Action Network (YCAN) with 17 sites nationwide, engaging youth in local projects and virtual initiatives to drive community impact.
Youth Travel and Exchange Programs
Explore Canada, meet new people, and learn official languages with YMCA exchange programs, supported by Canadian Heritage. Discover cultural diversity and new regions!
Personal Finance: I'm in Charge
Dear Future Me, a YMCA of Greater Toronto series powered by Desjardins, offers free workshops with prizes and a Certificate of Completion. Register easily via our Workshop Calendar!
Basketball and Soccer Leagues
In our Basketball and Soccer leagues, participants learn teamwork on balanced teams with equal playtime. Includes a uniform, weekly games, playoffs, and an awards ceremony.
Dance
The YMCA of Greater Toronto offers dance programs for all skill levels, teaching various styles and techniques in a recreational setting.
Karate
Children learn the fundamental techniques of karate in a fun, and recreational environment. Join us to build skills and confidence.
Recreational Sports
Your teens can learn basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more, focusing on the fundamentals, teamwork, and staying active, all within a fun and instructional environment.
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club builds on existing swimming skills, introduces lifesaving sports, and offers advancement to age-appropriate levels after earning a certificate.
Y Mind Program
Y Mind is a free, seven-week mental wellness program for teens (ages 13-18) and youth (ages 18-30) experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress, teaching evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety.
Leadership Camps
Our Leadership Camps empower teens to build confidence, communication skills, and independence, leaving them inspired to improve themselves and impact the world.
Leadership Development Programs
Want to build confidence, make friends, and help your community? YMCA Youth Leadership Development (YLD) for ages 11-18 offers leadership, teamwork, and volunteer opportunities!
Black Achievers Mentorship Program
Black Achievers is a GTA program for Black youth, fostering social and academic growth with guidance from Black professional mentors and role models.
Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) Program
NYLD supports newcomer youth in having a positive settlement experience and engaging with the community, providing a safe space to meet people and build skills.
YMCA Programs for Families
Family Health and Fitness Membership
Joining the Y is more than a gym—it's a community. Enjoy unlimited group fitness classes, conditioning rooms, pools, kids' programs, and more as we grow together!
Family Fun Days and Camps
The Y has two outdoor centres offering day and weekend programming to individuals and families. From canoeing to archery, to campfires and high ropes, there are lots of activities for all ages!
How We Make a Difference
Thanks to our generous supporters, the Y is delivering critical programs and building inclusive community spaces where everyone can shine.