Enrichment Programs for Kids & Families
Youth Growth & Family Connection
At the Y, kids and teens have the opportunity to grow, explore new interests, and build confidence through a wide range of experiences. From creative activities to active play and hands-on learning, every program is designed to help young people discover what they love and who they’re becoming.
Many of our programs also invite families to be part of the journey—creating space for shared moments, stronger connections, and memories that last well beyond the activity itself.
New! Drone Flight Academy & Jr. Explorers
Discover the exciting world of drones through the YMCA Drone Program! Participants learn flight skills, drone safety, and real-world applications while building confidence and STEM skills through hands-on activities. Students can start with Junior Drone Explorers and advance to the Extreme Drone Flight Academy for more advanced training. This program offers an exciting introduction to one of today’s fastest-growing technologies.
NEW! LEGO Engineering at the Kennedale YMCA
Big ideas start with a single brick! Our new LEGO Engineering classes at the Kennedale YMCA turn the excitement of building into hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. From figuring out what makes a structure sturdy to exploring how gears transfer motion, the building process encourages kids to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through discovery.
Sports
The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA offers a variety of sports where our sports staff, coaches and volunteers all share a singular vision of helping everyone reach their full potential in life. Our sports programs are for all, helping to build confidence and positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, with flexibility in offerings and schedules in mind that are designed for family convenience.
Winter Clinics at the TCF YMCA Youth Program Center
Make room for winter fun! Winter Clinics at the TCF YMCA Youth Program Center give kids and teens the chance to dance, sing, play music, and build gymnastics skills while making new friends. From ballet and a Christmas PJ dance party to pop music and movement adventures, there’s something for a variety of ages and interests!
Before & After School Care
The AMA YMCA’s Before & After School program is designed to give kids a safe, structured environment outside of school hours while supporting working families. The program blends academic support, hands-on enrichment, and physical activity through STEM-based learning, creative experiences, and active play. Activities are intentionally designed to reinforce classroom learning while helping children build confidence, social skills, and healthy habits. Families can register for programs offered at participating school sites, with flexible options to fit their schedules.
Martial Arts
The Martial Arts program provides instruction in kicks, blocks, and punches for self-defense to kids and adults. We focus on teaching the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and Indomitable spirit while building strength and balance in a positive, can-do environment.
Holiday Camps
When School is out, the Y is in! School breaks will be here before you know it! Join us for our YMCA Holiday Camps where your child will have a blast participating in a wide-array of enrichment activities, fun and games. Camp at the Y is about discovery. Kids will find unknown talents, try new activities and make lasting friendships and memories. Space is limited, so register in advance!
NEW! Read, Move & Groove
Get ready to read, sing, dance, and play! Each week we will share a story and follow it up with themed songs, action rhymes, movement activities, and lots of opportunities to move and groove together in this parent/ child class. A fun and energetic program that helps build early literacy skills while keeping little bodies moving! Parents actively participate alongside their child, guiding and assisting them throughout class activities.
Robotics
Robotics is an introduction for kids of all ages to the world of coding, problem-solving, and team work using Sphero Indi Cars. Kids will explore robotics through technology, block coding using colors & mathematics, and applying the engineering design process. Early exposure to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) will promote positive academic engagement during school years and beyond! Robotics is an included program for YMCA members.
Esports
Get the game started with our competitive Esports leagues for all levels with games such as Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, and Fortnite. Esports is an included program for YMCA members. Esports at the AMA YMCA is a partnership with STEM It Up Sports.
Aquatics
With one of the top swim lesson programs in the nation, the YMCA is committed to helping keep our community safe through quality swim instruction and water safety education. We offer swim lessons for all ages starting at 6 months old, including adaptive swim lessons, as well as youth swim team opportunities. From learning life-saving skills to building confidence, endurance, and teamwork, the Y provides a safe and supportive environment led by certified lifeguards and trained swim instructors.
Youth & Family Music Classes
Our YMCAs offer arts and education classes for the whole family including music, dance, and art. Our introductory group piano & guitar classes foster a love of music and teach the basics of counting and rhythm for youth and adults. Plus, they’re included in a YMCA membership at no additional charge.
Parents’ Night Out
Go out on a dinner date with your significant other or enjoy a night out on the town with friends while we will take care of your kiddos! Our YMCA’s Parent’s Night Out provides safe, quality care for children ages 6-weeks through 12 years of age every Friday and Saturday night of the year. Parent’s Night Out is just one of many benefits of having a YMCA Family Membership.
Summer Day Camp
No one does camp like the Y! Offered at two locations in Arlington and Mansfield, YMCA camp participants get the full camp experience and have a blast in a safe, enriching environment, surrounded by positive role models. Our focus on achievement, relationships and belonging will help your child make new friends, develop independence and try new things. Whether it’s a traditional Arlington-Mansfield summer camp or sports camp, pick your desired experience and register today!
