Afterschool & Summer Camps
In the Boston area many families enroll their children in "Afterschool", vacation camps and summer camps. Typically families sign up six months to a year in advance. Many organizations reach enrollment capacity. However, it is common to have a "wait-list" of children waiting to enroll if space opens up. With patience and luck a child may come off the wait list and be able to enroll, even if the program has already started.
Each elementary school has an after-school program for the enrichment and enjoyment of children between 5-12 years of age. The program is separate from the Newton Public School System, but enjoys a congenial, working relationship with the school system and rents space in the elementary schools. These programs, along with some community based after-school programs, are part of the Newton After-School Association (NASA), which was initiated by school aged child care directors to create a support network among peers. Families should call the after-school program located at their particular school.
The West Suburban YMCA has two physical locations. Their locations have indoor pools, tracks, gym, space for group fitness classes and weight rooms. They offer many opportunities including:
classes and activities for adults and children
afterschool program called "Out of School Time" (OST)
summer camps and vacation camp
preschool
Click the link below to visit their website for their contact information.
The Jewish Community Center, JCC Greater Boston, has a large building with an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, gym, an indoor track, indoor playground, outdoor playground, preschool, co-working space, theatre, and more! They offer:
classes and activities for adults and children
afterschool program called Discovery Club
summer camps and vacation camp
preschool
groups for new mothers
The Boys & Girls Club has a large building with a variety of spaces for children and teenagers including a gym. They offer an afterschool program that includes sports, arts, crafts, leadership development, robotics, games, and seasonal activities. They offer vacation camps and summer camp.
Newton Community Education (NCE) has an office located at Newton North High School. NCE offers:
sports teams and lessons
dance, art, craft, cooking, language, robotics and coding lessons
vacation camps and summer camps
These activities take place in the schools and parks across Newton. It is possible to search their website for activities that take place at your child's school.
After you visit their website, sign up for a free account to enroll.
The city of Newton (Newton, MA, USA) offers sports and recreation opportunities such as swimming and soccer year round. They offer many opportunities including:
sports lessons and teams, including swimming lessons
dance, arts, crafts, cooking, robotic and coding lessons
vacation and summer camps
After you visit their website, create a free account to enroll.
The website Boston Central has a great list of summer camps in the Boston area!
Parents who are currently living in Newton can create a free Facebook account and request to join the Newton parents group and the Newton Babysitting group. Both families looking for child care and babysitters/nannies looking for positions post in the group. (Please follow all the group rules!)
Families are encouraged to join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at their child/children's school. This is a great way to connect with the other families at your school to build community for shared child care and carpooling.
Please know we are volunteer community members who are new to Newton trying to help other families new to Newton by gathering this information in one place. Please forgive any errors or outdated links.