Youth Programs

Register Button Opens in new window

FALL ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT NOW! CLICK THE REGISTER HERE BUTTON TO SIGN UP!

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. 



ArtVentures for Kids and Mad Science (Youth Enrichment)Mad Science - AKF Logo 

ArtVentures - “Where the Wild Things Art” - Grades K-5 - Art adventurers explore many whimsical and original art forms and techniques, discovering clay and collage, painting and drawing, mask-making and decorating, just to name a few! Sculpt colorful monsters and clay pots, design ceramic robots, decorate birdhouses and wooden guitars, create tape resist t-shirts and so much more. Plus, hear wonderful stories, such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Nova the Robot,” each relating to a work of art. 


Dates: 9/28/2021 - 11/23 (No Class 11/2/2021) 

When: Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 PM 

Meeting at the Bangs Community Center 

Fee: $149 includes all materials - REGISTRATION LINK: www.ARTventuresforkids.com 

Mad Science - “Crazy Contraptions” - Crazy Contraptions - Grades 2-6 - Rube Goldberg became famous for his drawings of complex machines that perform very simple tasks. Children will learn about simple machines and de vices to transfer energy, then design, build, and test their own wacky Rube Goldberg machines using every-day material. 

Dates: 9/30/2021 - 12/2/2021 (No Class 11/11, 11/25) 

When: Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM 

Meeting at the Bangs Community Center 

Fee: $170 includes all materials - REGISTRATION LINK: https://westnewengland.madscience.org/ 

GOTR LogoGirls on the Run 

Our fall programming season starts the week of September 14th, and right now, GOTR of Western MA is hard at work to ensure girls will continue to build connectedness, strengthen their social-emotional health and engage in physical activity. Interested in running? Interested in coaching? Let us know! To learn more and register visit: www.girlsontherunwesternma.org 

Dates: Starting 9/14/2021, When: TBA Meeting at the Mill River Fee: $150 (sliding scale)

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.