Child Programs

A Fun Way to End Their School Day!

Y After Class offers programs to keep kids engaged after their school day. Taking place during weekdays after 3:30PM, these programs include staff-led sports, activities and games, as well as homework help, crafts, and snack-making instruction.

Children are registered for each program for an entire session. View our Child, Youth, and Family schedules to see Y After Class programs available at each location:

View Schedules

Y After Class Rates
If you have a Y membership for your child, many of these programs are already included in your membership fees! Regular Y After Class programs such as Y Open Gym, Badminton, Basketball, Child Active Play, and Y Open Swim are included for Y members. Learn more about becoming a Y Member.

Specialty Y After Class programs like Homework Club, Library Time/Book Club, Craft Time, and Healthy Snack are offered at an additional fee, which is discounted for Y members.

Y After Class Specialty Program Rates:

Financial Assistance
We believe that all families should have access to quality programs for their kids.

If you would like to apply for Y financial assistance, please let us know before or at the time you are registering your child.

For more information, please contact us at: 613-237-1320 (Taggart Family Y), 613-446-7679 (Clarence-Rockland Y) or email memberships@ymcaottawa.ca

At the Y, children's sports are designed to be energetic,  inclusive, and fun while building their physical literacy (PDF). We know that children who have fun playing a sport and acquire fundamental movement skills at an early age are more likely to stay active and maintain healthy habits into adulthood.

Physical activity should be a positive experience for kids, so we focus on helping children develop age appropriate skills in an encouraging, supportive atmosphere. From our Active Play program, to basketball, dance, soccer and martial arts - there's a  program for every child!

To learn more and register, view our schedules page.

Healthy Habits Start Early

Y Kids Academy is a free 12 hour program for children 10Y-12Y that combines properly designed strength and  cardiovascular sessions with instruction on healthy, active living.

Y Kids Academy participants will:

• Learn how to safely use fitness equipment
• Develop self-esteem and leadership skills
• Learn to make independent choices and set goals
• Build a foundation for lifelong healthy living

All Y Kids Academy Graduates receive a free one year Child/Youth Y membership.

To learn more and register, view our schedules page.

Home Alone  |  10Y -12Y
Home Alone empowers children by teaching them how to be safe and responsible when home alone. Participants learn safety, first aid, and comfort skills through interactive games and role playing. Home Alone is recommended prior to taking the Babysitting Course.

Babysitting Course  |  11Y - 14Y
This Y certificate program helps participants learn and develop the necessary skills to supervise children responsibly. Topics include age characteristics of children, entertaining children, creating a caring and safe environment and handling challenging children. 

To learn more and register, view our schedules page.

At the Y, we teach more than just basic swim skills; we teach water safety for life. Taught by certified Y instructors, our nationally-accredited swim program builds confidence and competency in the water, at a pace of progression that meets individual needs. 

Swimming lessons are included in your membership. From beginner to advanced classes, gain confidence in the water in a fun and engaging environment.

Learn more about Y swimming lessons