Youth Programs

Children and teens are invited to participate in a variety of city-wide programs designed to be meaningful and fun, most at little or no cost.

Community Service Areas | Recreation Centers by Community Service Area

Art in the Park
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts visits the recreation centers with free hands-on art lessons designed to introduce elementary-aged children to the world’s diverse artistic heritage.

IDEAWERKS
IDEAWERKS is for youth ages 12-18 to learn multimedia production; record audio and video information on a digital media workstation; study music basics and computer software to create music tracks and videos; and produce and record individual multimedia projects.

Neighborhood Naturalist Programs
Hikes and snowshoe in search of birds, animal tracks and other natural wonders.

Night Owlz
Extended teen programming is available at Farview, Folwell, Logan, Martin Luther King Jr., North Commons, Phillips, Powderhorn and Whittier recreation centers from 8-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Activities may include open gym, cooking, computer labs and more. For details contact the nearest recreation center.

Recreation Plus+ School-Age Child Care
This program promotes safe, fun and affordable recreation programs when children are not in school, including park classes, swimming and tennis lessons, field trips and self-directed activities.

Safety Camp
Children learn about personal and social safety, drug awareness, emergency situations and crime prevention in a three-day mini-camp.

Summer Meals Program
Free meals for children are offered at participating recreation centers, sponsored by Minneapolis Public Schools.

Teen Teamworks
The summer employment and educational program provides youth with supervised on-the-job training as well as educational sessions and life skills training.

Village Parks
Mentors work with teens to build friendships and develop positive self esteem through classes, field trips and social interaction.

Youthline Outreach Mentorship Program
Mentors work with teens to build friendships and develop positive self esteem through classes, field trips and social interaction.

Youth Are Here Bus
The Youth Are Here Bus provides free transportation for North Minneapolis teens to neighborhood parks, libraries and other locations. The bus runs from 4 to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday during the regular school year. The bus runs a circular route from Patrick Henry High School, Folwell Park, Northside
Library, Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club, Farview Park, North Commons YMCA Youth Enrichment Center, North Commons Park, North High School, and Harrison Park.

Youth Programs and Activities
Click the button below to search and register for youth programs and activities throughout the parks.