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. 

megaphoneSpring Registration Details

Spring Aquatics: Registration opens April 7, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
Spring Programs/Fitness: Registration opens April 8, 2025 at 8:00 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 13-19 year olds-we're celebrating YOU with a week of FREE events! Join us from May 1 to 7, 2025 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.

Post with signs that say summer, winter, fall, spring
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 in Port Hope
Port Hope Skate Park

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, 2025. All programs are running out of Town Park Recreation Centre unless stated otherwise.

Thursday, May 1
  • Volleyball Drop-In
    • 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
    • Practice your serve, play a game with new or old friends, and have fun!
  • Youth Room Drop-In at Port Hope High 
    • 2.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
    • Each week will include free food, fun, and a variety of activities such as games, crafts, cooking and more. All are welcome, you do not have to attend Port Hope High School to drop-in.
  • Games Night
    • 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
    • Love games? Or just looking for a chill spot to hang out with friends? Come out to our Games Night. Play some awesome games, connect with your friends, and meet new people in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 

 Friday, May 2
  • Hoops Drop-In
    • 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Come practice your jump shot or play basketball with friends!
  • Volleyball Drop-In
    • 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    • Practice your serve, play a game with new or old friends, and have fun!
  • Coffee House (Open Mic)
    • 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 
    • Got a hidden talent you’re ready to show off? Whether it’s singing, playing an instrument, telling jokes, or something totally unique — we want to see it! Come out to the Youth Week Coffee House and take the stage. Don't want to perform, no problem! Sit back and relax with the coffee house vibes, enjoying snacks, drinks and a great show! Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up to secure yours!
      Coffee House Sign-Up

Sunday, May 4
  • 'Try Tennis' lesson with the Port Hope Racquet Club
    • 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    • A fun introduction to the sport of tennis, meant for those who are new to the game or have not picked up a racquet in a while! Led by a Tennis Canada certified coach and supported by volunteers from the Port Hope Racquet Club. Participants will get a quick tutorial on the basic of tennis. Racquets will be available for those who need one. Please wear comfortable athletic wear and non-marking running shoes. Lessons will run from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a maximum 14 players per time slot. Please reach out to the Port Hope Racquet Club for any questions.
  • Youth Vendor Show
    • 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    • Are you a young entrepreneur looking to make some extra cash? Then the Youth Vendor Show is the perfect opportunity for you! Book a vendor table and sell your handmade items, art, or pre-loved clothing, books, or anything you no longer need. Show off your talent, share your creativity, or just clear out some space, all while making some money!

      Sorry, no food items can be sold! Booths are free to youth sellers on a first come first serve basis. Pre-register for a booth; in person, over the phone, or online. Shopping is open to the public and is a cash only event.
      Youth Vendor Show Registration

  • Volleyball Tournament
    • 1:00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
    • The perfect way to meet fellow volleyball lovers and enjoy an action-packed afternoon of fun and friendly competition (with some great prizes)! Whether you're in it to win or just want to play for fun, grab your spot and get ready to serve, spike, and connect!
    • When registering please state if you are the team captain or include your team captain's name. If unsure, no problem, teams will be created day of.
      Volleyball Tournament Registration
  • BBQ
    • 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    • Enjoy some free food and refreshments in between watching the Volleyball Tournament, trying tennis, or checking out the Vendor Market.  
Monday, May 5

Trivia Night

  • 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Are you a trivia whiz or have a head full of random fun facts? Then come join us for a Trivia Night! Grab a few friends and form a team of 4, or just show up solo and we’ll match you up with a team. It’s going to be a night full of fun, laughs, and brain-busting trivia!
 Tuesday, May 6

Gym Drop-In

  • 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
  • Come drop into the gym and play basketball, badminton, floor hockey, soccer, etc. 
Wednesday, May 7

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. 
 Happening All Week!
  • Art Mural: In collaboration with Critical Mass and a local artist, youth and community members will work together to complete a beautiful mural that will incorporate spring themes and a messages of thanks and inspiration to other youth in our community. 
  • 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!
  • Escape Room: Love a good mystery? Or think you’ve got what it takes to solve puzzles under pressure? Stop by 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!

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.