Kids Guide NJ | New Jersey Family Recreation | YMCAs, JCCs, Special Needs, Teen Recreation in NJ

New Jersey's guide to places, events and services for children, teens and families
Pick up a copy of the Kids Guide FREE at libraries, stores, schools, real estate and professional offices in northcentral New Jersey and
at tourist info centers throughout the state for a complete calendar and guide to children and family events, programs and services!

See Sports and Entertainment categories for more Recreation listings.

Ys/JCCs | Special Needs Recreation | Teen Recreation

Ys/JCCs

The Connection for Women and Families
79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Offers a wide range of recreational and educational programs and services for children and adults. Progressive swim programs begin at 6 months, gymnastics, preschool sports and activities, parent/ child classes, afterschool care for grades K-5, birthday parties, fitness center, lap swim, yoga, pilates, Zumba, aerobics, cardiac rehab, water exercise and dance. Full and partial scholarships available for all programs and activities. www.TheConnectionOnline.org

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
1340 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-889-8880. Programs in swimming, gymnastics, youth sports and fitness. 10 week program sessions. Preschool, Youth and Young Adult programs. Day Camp programs for ages 5-13. Summer Camps and Gymnastics Camps also available.

Hunterdon County YMCA
Deer Path Branch
144 West Woodschurch Rd., Flemington, 908-782-1030.
Round Valley Branch
410 Rt. 22W, Annandale, 908-236-1055.
Aquatics, fitness, youth sports, fun activities for the whole family, full-day childcare for children ages 6 wks.- 5 yrs., before/after school care at 18 schools countywide, summer camps, and preschools in Clinton and Milford. The Hunterdon County YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, committed to the philosophy that "the Y is for everyone," and provides financial assistance to all who qualify.

JCC of Central New Jersey
1391 Martine Avenue Scotch Plains, 908-889-8800 Contact: Leslie Kaufman ext. 236. The JCC of Central NJ, a not-for-profit social services agency committed to serving the Jewish community and community-at-large, provides social, recreational, educational and cultural programs and humanitarian services through all phases of life.

JCC MetroWest
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus
760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3400.
Lautenberg Family JCC, Aidekman Family Campus
901 Rt. 10E, Whippany, 973-428-9300.
   Two facilities offering a variety of programs, services, activities and special events including early childhood programs and kindergarten; summer camp programs; school vacation programs; afterschool care; parent/childhood classes; fitness, sports and recreation; swim classes; sports leagues; a full size gym with walking/running track; indoor pools; classes in fine arts, music, dance and Jewish education; special needs programs; and more.

Jewish Community Center (JCC)
775 Talamini Rd. (conveniently located off Rt. 202-206), Bridgewater, 908-725-6994 x201. Email: info@ssbjcc.org. The JCC, a non-sectarian facility that serves Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties, provides fitness, recreational, social, educational and cultural programs for individuals of all ages. The facility includes a fitness center, group fitness studio, full-sized gymnasium, indoor salt-based swimming pool, and multi-purpose room available for private parties and corporate events. The JCC also includes a summer swim club, Camp Ruach day camp (for campers ages 2 through teen travel), and the Blaustein Early Childhood Center (offering full and half-day programs for toddlers through 4 yr. olds, Full day Kindergarten, Kindergarten enrichment and toddler child care). "J" Crew After School program for Grades K4!
Tuesday JCC Family Summer Nights
5:30-7:30pm, swim in the outdoor pool, snack bar open.
Jul 6
     DJ.
Jul 13
     Bingo Night.
Jul 20
     Tye Dye.
Aug 3
     DJ.
Aug 10
     Ice Cream Sundaes.
Special Events
Jun 21
     Golf Outing, Raritan Valley Country Club, 10:30am.
Jun 26
     Camplified Summer Concert, the best bands you've never heard before, time TBA.
Sep 19
     JCC Open House, 1-4pm. Special one-day savings on JCC Membership, Camp, Preschool.
Oct 25
     Texas Hold 'em, 7pm.

Madison Area YMCA Family Center
111 King's Road., Madison, 973-822-YMCA. The Madison Area YMCA has two facilities, the Family Center and the F.M. Kirby Children's Center. The Family Center of the Madison Area YMCA features an indoor pool, fitness center, gymnastics center, gymnasium, racquetball courts, teen center, playing fields and an indoor playground. Specialty programs in swimming, sports, gymnastics, art, music, dance and fitness are offered for all ages and abilities. The Family Center is also home to the Madison Area YMCA Mariners Swim Team and the nationally ranked Rosettes Gymnastics Team. A Teen Center is open Friday nights for teens to socialize in a chaperoned environment. Child care for infants through 6th graders is offered through the F.M. Kirby Children's Center. The Madison Area YMCA offers age-appropriate day camps with weekly sessions for preschoolers through 9th graders.

Metro YMCAs of the Oranges
139 E. McClellan Ave., Livingston, 973-758-9622. Facilities in Livingston, Maplewood, East Orange and Hardyston offer a wide variety of programs including aquatics, youth sports and enrichment, competitive basketball, gymnastics and swim teams, summer day camps, sleepaway camps and conference center/facilities, birthday parties, adult fitness and sports, family nights, teen programs and community outreach programs. Extensive child care options include infant, toddler, preschool, full day and before and after kindergarten. Afterschool and vacation care programs.

Morris Center YMCA
79 Horsehill Rd., Cedar Knolls, 973-267-0704. Programs for children, families and adults. Children's classes include swim lessons beginning at 6 months, swim team, basketball, youth strength and sports training, ballet, martial arts, soccer and circuit room. Child care from 6 weeks-5 years as well as summer day camp and specialty camps. Free babysitting for parents who are working out.

Somerset Hills YMCA
140 Mount Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-7898. Swim lessons for infants & up, youth swim team, synchronized swim team, gymnastics lessons & teams, Kindermusik, sports, Mom & tot programs, teen programs including SAT Prep course. Babysitting available for participating members. Birthday party packages.
· Somerset Hills YMCA at MUJC, 217 Mountainview Rd., Warren, 908-542-1216. Pools, indoor track, basketball gymnasium and wellness center.

Somerset Valley YMCA
· Bridgewater Family YMCA, 601 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-0688.
· Hillsborough Family YMCA, 19 E. Mountain Rd., Hillsborough, 908-369-0490.
· Somerville Family YMCA, 2 Green St., Somerville, 908-722-4567.
Youth aquatics, swim team, recreational gymnastics, movement classes, sports, computer classes, and a wide variety of summer day camps and sports camps. Outdoor swim center and backyard pool lesson program available for the summer season. Child care for ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten and after school. Birthday parties.

Summit Area YMCA
· Summit YMCA, 67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330.
· Berkeley Heights YMCA, 550 Springfield Ave., Berkeley Heights, 908-464-8373.
· Springfield YMCA, 100 S. Springfield Ave., Springfield, 973-467-0838.
· The Learning Circle YMCA (TLC), 95 Morris Ave., Summit, 908-273-7040.
Aquatics, parent/child movement, preschool and youth enrichment and sports, dance, martial arts, yoga and pilates, fitness and wellness, nutrition counseling, personal training. Adventure Guides, swim & gym, swim team, lifeguard certifications, scuba, teen adventure, youth and government, Model U.N., youth and adult sports clinics and leagues. Community Outreach programs for minority youth. Offering extensive child care programming for all ages, from infant to kindergarten options to before school, after school and vacation care programs. Y Cares financial assistance. Volunteer opportunities. Employment opportunities in Y programs and day camp.

Westfield Area Y
220 Clark St.; 422 E. Broad St.; 170 Elm St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. Wide variety of recreation programs for preschoolers, youth, teens and adults. Swimming lessons and competitive swim teams, youth sports and games, health and wellness classes and extensive teen activities available. Summer day and travel camps for preschoolers through teens. Childcare services include daycare and preschool-K classes, before and after school care for elementary and middle school children. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

special needs recreation
Check with your Recreation Department for information about any classes offered specifically for children with special needs.
Also contact your local ARC for recreational opportunities (see contact numbers under HealthSpecial Needs or Special Education Schools).

The Connection for Women and Families
79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242, ext. 131. Adaptive aquatics for ages 4-adult, family swim, gymnastics, fitness, teen club, basketball, teen dances, Special Olympics Young Athlete program and "Gateway to Social Opportunities" activity group for ages 6-21 with mild disabilities..

EPOCH (Educational Programs of Children Handicapped)
Madison Area YMCA, 1 Ralph Stoddard Drive, Madison. Afterschool recreation, swimming and enrichment program. Students work one-on-one with a counselor for 90 min., up to 3 days a week during the school year. Contact the Director at PO Box 231, Madison, NJ 07940 for info.

Gateway to Social Opportunity
973-376-0676, 973-635-8204. Non-profit organization provides social and recreational activities for special needs children ages 5-30 with mild disabilities. Groups meet on Sat. afternoons at the Connection for Women & Families in Summit.

Livingston Little League
Challenger Division open to area children ages 5-18 with any physical, mental or neurological disability. Call Livingston Rec, 973-535-7925, for contact information.

MCARP
973-455-1288. Morris County Adaptive Recreation Program for physically or otherwise handicapped persons.

Pathways for Exceptional Children
Montville organization dedicated to advocating for educational and social reform for children with disabilities, trains communities throughout the state in the children teaching children model for providing programs for children from age 3 to adulthood.

Saturdays in Motion
Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-7898. Recreational and social program for autistic children and their families on Sat. afternoons.

Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center
190 Lord Stirling Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-2489. "Limo" excursions available for people unable to walk the trails, but who can sit on a bench type car seat. Call to schedule.

Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation
355 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-5650. Fees vary for programs. Year round recreation programs for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Camp Okee Sunokee is a 6-week summer day camp for Somerset County residents age 6-13 with learning disabilities or Aspergers Syndrome.

Special Olympics New Jersey
3 Princess Rd., Lawrence, 609-896-8000. Non-profit organization with its own sports complex in Lawrenceville provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

TryCan
Summit Recreation, 908-277-2932; Berkeley Heights Recreation, 908-464-0550 ext. 13; New Providence Recreation, 908-464-4430. Through a cooperative effort between Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights, TryCan is dedicated to serving children with special needs. One-on-one supervision is provided by trained teen mentors who work with the children participating in sports, leisure and social development programs. Non-residents welcome. Call to join mailing list.

Union County Recreation Programs for People with Disabilities
Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal, 908-527-4900. Activities include karate, golf clinics, ceramics, culinary delights, fishing derbies, volleyball, recreational swim, yoga, horticulture, Arts Unbound and more. Call to be placed on the mailing list.
Upcoming Events
Jul 18
     Barn Dance, Watchung Stable.
Aug 10
     Karate begins, 6-week session.
Sep 25
     Fall Fishing Derby, Echo Lake Park.
Oct 3
     Arts Unbound begins, 6-week session.

teen recreation

Area Ys and community Recreation Departments frequently offer teen space and teen nights featuring sports, games,
music or other recreation and special events. Contact your Y or Rec Department for information.

Black Achievers Program
Westfield "Y," 220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. African-American men and women are nominated by their employers to serve as mentors and role models to local teens. Industry awareness tours, youth workshops, enrichment activities. Open to grades 7-12.

Hillsborough Township Youth Services Teen Center at the YMCA
Hillsborough YMCA, 591 Amwell Rd., Neshanic, 908-369-0490. Games, swimming, basketball, volleyball tournaments, snacks for high school and middle school students on separate Sat. evenings. Registration in June for township residents.

Leaders Club
Offers teens ages 12-18 an opportunity to develop leadership skills through participation in meetings, social events and community service projects. Membership not required.
--Madison Area YMCA
111 Kings Rd., Madison, 973-822-YMCA.
--Morris Center YMCA
  79 Horsehill Rd., Cedar Knolls, 973-267-0704.
-- Summit YMCA
  67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330.
--Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
  1340 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-889-8880. Junior Leaders for grades 6-8 and Teen Leaders for grades 9-12.
--Metro YMCAs of the Oranges
   East Orange YMCA Teen Center, 973-673-5588.
   South Mountain YMCA, 973-762-4145.
   Sussex County YMCA, 973-209-9622.
   West Essex YMCA, 973-992-7500.
   www.metroymcas.org.
--The Westfield Area Y
   220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700.

Madison Teen Center
Madison Civic Center, 28 Walnut St., Madison, 973-660-0049. Drop-in center offers recreation, tutoring, community service projects. Membership open to resident teens or teens who attend school in Madison in grades 7-12.

Model United Nations
High school teens act as representatives from international countries and prepare for annual debate in Hershey, PA, with over 600 other students. Program runs Sept.-Jan.
-- Summit Area YMCA
67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330. Open to all area students.
--Westfield Area Y
220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. Open to Westfield and Cranford students.

Morris Center YMCA Circuit Room
79 Horsehill Rd., Cedar Knolls, 973-267-0704. Strength training, agility and functional equipment, free weights and treadmills, DDR and Wii plus six TVs. Ages 12+. Ages 10-12 must be with an adult.

Summit Area YMCA Teen Recreation
67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330. Activities include afterschool teen center for grades 7-12, Model United Nations, Youth and Government, Spectrum support groups, ski, snowboard and tube trips, indoor rock wall/classes, summer trip, C.I.T. camps, fitness and wellness membership, and nutrition counseling.

Summit Youth Services
2 Walnut St., Summit, 908-522-0522, 908-277-2370. School year: Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-6:30, Fri. & Sat. 2:30-10. Summer: Call for hours. Drop-in center funded by the City of Summit provides supervised, unstructured activities for Summit middle and high school students. Ping-pong, tv, pool table, games, stereo, learning center.

Teen Trips
--Summit Area YMCA
67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330. Seasonal activities throughout the year include rock climbing, camping, canoeing, skiing and more. All area students welcome, membership not required.
--Metro YMCAs of the Oranges
East Orange YMCA, 973-673-5588; Sussex County YMCA, 973-209-9622; West Essex YMCA 973-992-7500.

Westfield Area Y
Westfield Area Y
· Robert & Virginia Bauer Family Branch
· Y Pre-Teen/Teen & Family Wellness Center at the Cranford Community Center 220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. Teen activities include teen nights, teen dances, teen fitness centers, Black Achievers, Leaders Club, Model UN, Youth and Government, teen trips, skateboarding, Club Mid, Real Girls and more! Seventh graders in Cranford, Garwood, Mountainside and Westfield are offered a complimentary membership and specialized programming for the duration of the school year in an effort to instill healthy exercise and diet habits that will last a lifetime.