Youth Activities & Enrichment Programs

Youth Activities

Explore, Learn, Grow

The Y is where youth and teens can learn and grow in spirit, mind and body! The variety of programs we offer means that youth and teens with all sorts of interests can explore and experience in a fun environment! Programs engage youth and teens in creative activities that build artistic and academic skills, develop discipline, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and a sense of achievement and self-esteem.

Session Calendar – 2026

  • Summer I: June 8 – July 19 (registration opens May 4 for members; May 11 non-members)
  • Summer II: July 20 – August 30 (registration opens June 15 for members; June 22 non-members)
  • Fall I: September 7 – October 25 (registration opens August 3 for members: August 10 for non-members)
  • Fall 2: October 26 – December 20 – no programming week of Thanksgiving (registration opens September 21 for members: September 28 for non-members)

Session Calendar – 2027

  • Winter I: January 5 – February 22 (registration opens December 1 for members; December 8 for non-members)
  • Winter II: February 23 – April 12 (registration opens January 26 for members; February 1 for non-members)

Note that offerings vary by location and some classes may not be offered all year.

Financial Assistance
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive regardless of their ability to pay full fees. Financial Assistance removes financial barriers to accessing Y facilities, programs, and services Awards are given on a first come basis. To apply, please click HERE. If your family has previously been approved for YMCA Financial Assistance for membership or another program please contact us at childcare@ymcabham.org.

 

Arts and Crafts

Parent/Child Art
Parent/Child Art Class provides a unique opportunity for parents and children ages 2-5 years old to connect through creative expression. In this hands-on class, caregivers and their little ones will engage in simple, age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials like paint, crayons, markers, clay, and more.

Preschool Art
Preschool Art Class sparks creativity in young children through fun, hands-on activities like painting, clay sculpting, and crafting. Kids explore different materials and techniques, allowing them to express themselves and build fine motor skills. This class encourages imagination and provides a joyful, playful environment for artistic discovery.

Youth Art
Youth Art is a creative class that explores a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, crafts, and other fun projects. Students will experiment with different techniques to express themselves and develop their artistic skills. This class fosters creativity in a supportive and engaging environment, allowing kids to discover the joy of making art.

Click HERE for information on locations, ages, days, time, and cost.

Cooking and Nutrition

Kids in the Kitchen
During each class, participants are empowered to cook more on their own which builds confidence, independence, and healthy eating habits, all while gaining practical skills, learning food literacy, and even polishing up on table manners by sharing meals around the table.

Teens in the Kitchen
Teens in the Kitchen introduces essential cooking and meal prep skills, teaching teens how to prepare simple, nutritious meals with confidence. Through hands-on experience, they learn everything from basic knife skills to creating balanced dishes, setting them up for success in the kitchen. This class helps build independence and encourages healthy eating habits.

Click HERE for information on locations, ages, days, time, and cost.

Dance

Intro to Ballet
Our Intro to Ballet class is a delightful introduction to movement, music, and imagination. Led by experienced instructors who adore working with our youngest dancers, this class aims to instill a love for dance while developing fundamental skills in a fun and nurturing environment. Depending on your child’s comfort level, parents may participate to provide reassurance and join in on the fun.

Click HERE for information on locations, ages, days, time, and cost.

Life Skills

Babysitting Certification
This training will help participants develop leadership skills, learn how to: provide care for infants and children, stay safe; what to do in an emergency; choose age-appropriate activities; recognize and handle a variety of behaviors, pick up and handle an infant and toddler, bottle-feed an infant and spoon-feed an infant or toddler, diaper an infant or toddler, give care to an unconscious child or infant. This class includes Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Babysitting and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificates are valid for two years. Click HERE for information on locations, ages, days, time, and cost.

 

STEM

Youth STEM
Ignite your child’s curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our Youth STEM class! This hands-on program offers a dynamic blend of exploration, experimentation, and innovation.

Click HERE for information on locations, ages, days, time, and cost.

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