Youth Programs and Activities

A diverse group of youth friends

The Municipality of Port Hope offers many youth programs in the community. From health and wellness programs to creative art programs, there is a program for everyone. Our registered youth programs provide opportunities to build self-confidence, learn new skills, and build new relationships. 

Resident first icon

Spring Registration Details

Programs and Aquatics Registration:
Residents: Registration Opens April 13, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
Everyone: Registration Opens April 14, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. 

Learn more about session dates, how to register and more on our registration page

Get in on the fun! Join us for these youth activities 

National Youth Week wordmark
Featured Event: National Youth Week
Hey 12-19 year olds-we're celebrating YOU with a week of FREE events! Join us from May 1 to 7, 2026 for fun, games and more!
Person in the youth centre playing a game
Youth Drop-in Spaces

Come hang out in these safe spaces for free! We have a Youth Centre and a drop-in program at Port Hope High. Bring your friends and join the fun!

Drop in activities including floor hockey, volleyball and badminton
Youth Drop-in Athletics

Come play and hang out with friends. Participate in open gym time, Hoops, or try some drop-in programming. Equipment can be signed out from the front desk.

Group of friends with hands in a circle
Youth Registered Programs

Our youth programs help build confidence, teach new skills, and foster relationships. Find a program with our online registration tool.

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Seasonal activities
Ready for some family fun, no matter the season? Discover our highlighted activities on our Seasonal Activities page!
Skate Park at Town Park
Skate Park and Pump Track

Skate. Ride. Roll. Since 2010, Town Park’s skate park has been a local favourite and a standout spot in our lineup of park spaces—come check it out!

National Youth Week Event Schedule

Join us for FREE events running May 1 to 7, 2026. All programs are running out of Town Park Recreation Centre unless stated otherwise. Check back regularly as we add more activities and details.

Friday, May 1

Hoops

  • 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Come out with your friends and play some pick-up basketball or shot some hoops

Volleyball Drop-In

  • 6.30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Practice your serve, play a game with new or old friends, and have fun!

Starlight Social

  • 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre - courtyard
  • Join us for a night under the lights with a campfire, smores, lawn games and more.
 Saturday, May 2

Dribble, Dice & Dough

  • 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Cooking Baking
  • 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Games Night
  • 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Drop-in Basketball
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • High energy youth event combining basketball, games and cooking fun!

 

Sunday, May 3

National Youth Week Main Event!

  • 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • BBQ: 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Enjoy a fun packed afternoon of activities as we celebrate the official opening of the Pump Track and the opening of the Skate Park with games, challenges and prizes!  BBQ is free! Make sure you bring some cash and shop at the Youth Vendor Show.

Youth Vendor Show

  • 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Calling all youth aged 12 and up! Do you have overflowing closets or too many shoes? Or perhaps you’re a youth entrepreneur with a creative side hustle in need of a platform? Look no further, free booths available on a first-come, first served basis. Sorry, no food items can be sold!
  • Pre-register for a free booth: In-person at the Town Park Recreation Centre (62 McCaul Street), by calling 905-885-7908, or online. Shopping is open to the public and is a cash only event!
Monday, May 4

Open-Gym

 Tuesday, May 5

Gym Drop-In

  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Come drop into the gym and play basketball, badminton, floor hockey, soccer, etc. 

Studio Night: Explore and Create

  • 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Drop in and explore different art mediums.  Different stations to explore and create!
Wednesday, May 6

Gym Drop-In

  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  • Come drop into the gym and play basketball, badminton, floor hockey, soccer, etc. 
Thursday, May 7

Port Hope Police vs Youth Volleyball

  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Come out and challenge the Port Hope Police to a friendly game of volleyball.
 Happening All Week!
  • Youth Games Room: Try your hand at air hockey, arcade games, ping pong or foosball. You can also lounge on one of our couches while charging your phone. Bring your friends and come join the fun! Location: Town Park Recreation Centre
  • Escape Room: Drop by the Town Park Recreation Centre during regular business hours from May 1 to the 7th and step into our Escape Room Challenge! Bring your friends or go solo as you race against the clock to crack clues, solve puzzles, and make your escape. It’s a fun, interactive way to test your skills and have a blast — don’t miss out!

Calendar app on phone

Youth events on our calendar

Many youth events are offered throughout the year. Past events included the skate park kick off, national youth week, and the youth Halloween dance. Please check back for upcoming events or stay up-to-date with our event calendar.

Browse our event calendar

Make a difference and gain experience with our Youth Volunteer Opportunities!

Youth working together at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope
Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (YAC) is composed of driven and enthusiastic leaders from ages 13 to 19 who strive to see positive development toward youth recreation and culture throughout the Municipality of Port Hope. Read our FAQs for more information, or if you are interested in joining the Youth Action Committee, email the Recreation Program Coordinator.

Group of teens with volunteer t-shirts on
Recreation Volunteer

Looking to get involved in your community? You can volunteer at the Town Park Recreation Centre. We are always looking for extra help with special events and children’s programs. It's a fun way to give back to your community. Email the Recreation Program Coordinator for more information.

Youth Action Committee FAQs

What you need to know regarding the Youth Action Committee (YAC):

What will they plan? 

This will be up to the YAC and the Recreation Program Coordinator. It could be anything from special events, to workshops, programs and dances; all for youth. They are the voice for Youth in the community for recreation opportunities. 

When and how often do they meet?

The day that is chosen to meet will be based on the YAC's availability. When there is not a planned activity on the horizon, members will meet once a month outside of school hours. If they are approaching an activity's date, it will be decided as a group how often it will be necessary to meet in order to successfully facilitate that activity. 

Can this time be used toward my Community Service Hours?

Absolutely! Members will need to bring in the appropriate document for the Recreation Program Coordinator to sign. 

What are other added benefits? 

  • Provides a sense of pride and accomplishment. 
  • Community engagement and networking opportunities. 
  • Experience in municipal recreation planning.
  • Provides knowledge and experience to prepare youth for the workforce.
  • Looks good on a resume or post-secondary application.
  • May spark a passion for a future career path.

Programming Guidelines and Accreditations

We are members of some important initiatives that play a part in our programming. 

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

It is proven that being active helps youth:

  • Improve self-confidence
  • Do better in school
  • Learn new skills
  • Feel happier

Physical activity recommendations for youth 12 to 17 years

It is recommend by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology that youth should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. This should include vigorous-intensity activities at least 3 days per week. Moderate-intensity activities include bike riding and skating. Vigorous-intensity activities include running and rollerblading.

It is also beneficial to include activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week. 

Youth-Friendly Community

Youth Friendly logo - Platinum Level The Youth Friendly Communities recognition award is a program of Play Works, an Ontario partnership for youth. The program outlines criteria for communities to support engaged youth and highlights the investments the community makes to youth play. Promising practices for youth engagement are highlighted and celebrated. The award recognition is a community collaboration and involves youth to complete the submission. The Municipality has been recognized as a Platinum Youth Friendly Community since 2008.

 What is a Youth Friendly Community?

A Youth Friendly Community encourages play for youth in their community. Play is any non-school activity that has elements of choice, leads to satisfaction, and encourages progressive learning and enjoyment. Activities can include - but are not limited to recreation, sport, leisure, arts, drama, dance, civic engagement, youth activism, volunteerism, social clubs and youth leadership.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture recognizes and appreciates the many community partners it works with to create opportunities for youth play.