Youth Programs

Spring & Summer Youth Programming

Participating in Youth Programs at Amherst Recreation is special because we understand that helping to build strong kids, builds strong communities. From science to football, we take great care in finding wonderful instructors who know the value of developing programs that don’t just teach the skill, they also help develop the whole child.

  • Ace Tennis
  • Youth Lacrosse
  • Ultimate Frisbee Clinics and Leagues plus SULA!
  • SMAC Track
  • Volleyball Clinic
  • Hip Hop Dance 
  • Spring & Summer Basketball Clinics
  • Cross Country Running
  • Baseball 
  • Flag Football 
  • Summer Swim Lessons
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SAFL 2022

Co-Ed Suburban Amateur Football League (SAFL) Ages 8-14

The fun and excitement of youth football continues this fall in the Suburban Amateur Football League (SAFL) of Western Massachusetts, the 52nd season of safe instruction for the Valley's youth in Football. Everybody plays. All staff is USA Football "Heads up" Tackle Certified. Children from 8 years of age to those who turn 15 after January 1, 2023 are eligible. Player weight does not prevent participation but position restrictions may apply for safety reasons. Teams compete in three visions based on age and grade. Big News: Amherst and Belchertown are merged!

Pee Wee - 3rd & 4th grades (2nd w/waivers) ages 8-10

Junior - 5th & 6th grades ages 10-12

Senior - 7th & 8th grades ages 12-14

Registration Instructions for Amherst Players:

1. Register and pay with Amherst Recreation HERE

2. Next visit the Belchertown site and add your players HERE 

3. Amherst players will need to select "Payment Plan". It will say "Amount Due Today $0", and then future payment amounts will be shown. Enter a credit card number to complete the registration - but nothing will be charged.

Registration deadline is 8/8/22

There is a $20 late fee after July 1st, so sign up ASAP!

This price includes a uniform and all necessary equipment, excluding cleats.

 instructional swimming: 

  • Summer Swim Lessons will be held at our outdoor pools starting in mid-June
  • Registration is LIVE! Click here

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Summer Art-Ventures for Kids and Mad Science (Youth Enrichment)Mad Science - AKF Logo 

  • 7/11 - 7/15 Grr...Buzz...Hiss...Roar ART-ventures
  • 7/18 - 7/22 Ooopsy Goopsy Messy ART Fun
  • 7/25 - 7/29 ART-ventures with Pigasso and Mootisse
  • 8/1 - 8/5 Jungle Journey ART-ventures in the Rainforest
  • 8/8 - 8/12 Bouncy Bendy ART in Motion

With a dash of whimsy and a dollop of fun, we help art explorers think creatively about art and the amazing role it plays in our wonderful world!

  • Provides unique and original art experiences using quality art materials
  • Talented instructors encourage children’s creative spirit and imagination
  • Inspires children to create art that is uniquely their own
  • Fosters creativity through exposure to a variety of art tools, techniques and materials
  • Programs include T‐shirt creations and 2 or 3 awesome works of art each day

*A scholarship may be available for a child whose parent is willing to assist every day. Contact summerprograms@artventuresforkids.com

Bring: an old over-sized T-shirt as a smock, a nut-free snack and a drink as well as a lunch each day

REGISTRATION LINK: https://westnewengland.madscience.org/parents-register-c.aspx

  1. Half Day Art-Ventures
  2. Full Day Option with Mad Science

Time: 9am - 12pm, Monday - Friday

Location: Mill River Pavilion (95 Montague Rd, Amherst, MA)

Fee: $184 per session for 15 hours of ART Fun! All materials included

Amherst Recreation Refund Policy


  • Community Theater and Special Event ticket purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable. 


  • Pavilion rental changes/cancellation requests must be made in writing at least 14 days prior to the event. A $10 processing fee will be applied. 


  • Program/Class refund policy:

    • All requests must be made in writing

    • There are NO refund granted for requests made after the first 2 weeks of the program

    • If Amherst Recreation makes the decision to cancel a class for any reason and we are unable to make up the class, we will issue refunds for cancelled class sessions.

100% Refund - Requests made PRIOR to the start of the program

50% Refund - Requests made during the current session (within the first 2 weeks)


  • Summer Camp, Summer Sports and Vacation Camp Refund Policy:

    • Summer Camp, summer sports and vacation camp changes/cancellation requests must be made in writing at least 14 days prior to the start of the session. A $10 processing fee will be applied.

    • If Amherst Recreation makes the decision to cancel any days of programming for any reason, we will issue refunds for days cancelled.