Youth

What comes after high school? Join the Town of Newmarket for the Recreation
Youth Centre’s inaugural Career & Post-Secondary Expo, designed to help youth explore their
options and make informed decision about their future. Grade 11-12 students, families and
youth exploring their next steps can connect directly with representatives from
post-secondary institutions such as Brock University, Seneca College, York University,
Toronto Metropolitan University, Georgian College and more! Career booths will also be
available, including representatives from York Region Police, Central York Fire Services, and
Newmarket Library to name a few. Explore post-secondary programs, employment
opportunities and community supports all in one place. Ask questions, make connections
and discover pathways that best fit your interests and goals!

• Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: FREE

Mario Kart Madness: Halloween Edition
Rev up your engines and get ready for MarioKart Madness: Halloween Edition at the Recreation and Youth Centre! This spooktacular night is all about high-speed thrills, friendly competition, and Halloween fun. The main event? An epic Mario Kart tournament where you can race your way to victory and claim serious bragging rights. Come dressed in your best costume, snap some pics at our themed photo op, and fuel up with tasty food and drinks. Pre-registration required. 

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
• Age: 12 to 18 Years
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: $2
• Barcode: 98486

Crafting After Dark
Get into the Halloween spirit by creating your very own haunted lantern! Join us for a fun and relaxing evening as we transform ordinary mason jars into festive lanterns using a variety of Halloween-inspired decorations. Whether you prefer spooky, cute, or somewhere in between, you'll leave with a glowing decoration that's perfect for your home this Halloween season. No crafting experience is necessary—all materials are provided, along with light snacks and refreshments. Bring your creativity and enjoy a frightfully fun night of crafting and conversation! Pre-registration required.

• Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Age: 12 to 18 Years
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: $5
• Barcode: 98487

Career Zone
Career Zone is a hands-on workshop designed to help you level up your job search skills. Learn how to build a strong resume using key words, craft a cover letter that stands out, and use tools like AI to support your applications. We’ll break down what makes a great resume, when cover letters matter, and how to prep for interviews — even the tricky questions. Bring your current resume with you (if you have one) and get real-time support to help you move forward with confidence.

• Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
• Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
• Age: 13+
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: FREE
• Barcode: 97540

The Loading Lounge: Video Game Club
Join us for a relaxed and social gaming club where youth can connect, play, and unwind together! Participants are invited to bring their own laptops or handheld devices to enjoy games in a shared space designed for fun and connection. Each week will offer a welcoming, low-pressure environment focused on social gaming—whether that’s co-op play, friendly competition, or simply hanging out with others who share similar interests. The goal is to build community, make new friends, and enjoy gaming in a safe and inclusive space. No experience or advanced gaming skills are required—just bring your device and your favourite games, and get ready to press play together! Pre-registration required.

• Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
• Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
• Age: 12 to 18 Years
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: FREE
• Barcode: 98491

The Cozy Game Cafe
Grab a seat, pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and settle in for a cozy evening of board games! Whether you're a seasoned strategist or just looking to have some fun with friends, there will be a variety of games to choose from, ranging from classic favourites to exciting new challenges. Stay for the entire evening or drop in for a game or two—the choice is yours! Pre-register to reserve your spot – participants are welcome to come and go throughout the event, making it easy to fit into your evening.

• Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
• Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
• Age: 12 to 18 Years
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: FREE
• Barcode: 98488

Learn to: Deck the Cookies
Get into the holiday spirit with a cozy and creative cookie decorating workshop! In this hands-on session, participants will learn basic baking and decorating techniques as they transform simple sugar cookies into festive holiday treats. This program focuses on fun and creativity over perfection—no baking experience is needed. All supplies will be provided, including pre-baked cookies, icing, and decorations, making it easy for everyone to join in and enjoy the process. Participants will leave with their own decorated cookies and new kitchen skills to take home for the holidays! 
Pre-registration required.

• Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
• Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
• Age: 12 to 18 Years
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: $5
• Barcode: 98490

Career Zone: Summer Jobs Edition
Career Zone: Summer Jobs Edition is a focused workshop designed to help you stand out when applying for Town of Newmarket summer positions, especially in camps and recreation. Learn how to build a strong, keyword-rich resume, write a solid cover letter, and use tools like AI to support your application. We’ll walk through what makes a great resume for Town roles, when to include a cover letter, and how to confidently prep for interviews — even the tricky ones. Bring your current resume with you (if you have one) and get support tailored to the Town’s hiring process so you’re ready to land that summer job!

• Date: Monday, December 14, 2026
• Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
• Age: 13+
• Location: Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles Street)
• Price: FREE
• Barcode: 97541

Explore the creative arts and open doors to future opportunities in programs designed with youth in mind. Young people will have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, values and feelings in an environment that embraces cultural diversity – through a wide range of arts and culture programming.

Program reminders:

• Art Classes: Please wear comfortable clothing that you can get messy in! For any questions, please email artsandculture@newmarket.ca.
• Dance Classes: Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes specific to your style of dance. For any questions, please email artsandculture@newmarket.ca

The Town of Newmarket offers a variety of Fitness and Wellness programs for children including Zumba, Yoga, and general fitness.

Program reminders:

Please wear comfortable clothes and indoor non-marking shoes appropriate for your activity. Labelled water bottles are encouraged. For any questions, please email fitness@newmarket.ca

The Town of Newmarket offers specifically designed adapted programs for youth with disabilities and additional needs. These adapted programs feature smaller group sizes, smaller staff to participant ratios (1:3), specialized adapted programming and an overall more sensory aware recreation environment.

For more information on adapted program options, please Accessible Recreation or reach out to the Recreation Programmer – Inclusion & Support Services at inclusion@newmarket.ca

Are you looking to gain a new skills, certifications or meet new friends? Join us for one of our Leadership Courses!

Program reminders:

Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Our Counsellor and Leader in Training programs will receive an email 1 week prior to the start date with additional details!

Program reminders coming soon.

Program reminders coming soon.

Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or a seasoned rider looking to master new tricks, our instructors are here to help you reach
your goals!

Program reminders:

Participants are required to wear close-toed shoes and bring their own skateboard or scooter and skateboard helmet (or hockey helmet with the cage removed). Bikes, bike helmets, penny boards, long boards, three-wheeled scooters, and bike helmets are NOT permitted. Please visit www.newmarket.ca/ryc for details.

Our Youth sport programs offer a blend of skill-building, teamwork and friendly competition.

Program reminders:

• Please wear comfortable clothes and indoor non-marking shoes appropriate for your activity. Please ensure your child uses the washroom prior to going into the program. Labelled water bottles are encouraged.
• Skating programs: All skaters in the Learn to Skate programs are required to have a CSA approved helmet and wear warm clothing, mittens, or gloves. All skaters are required to purchase ice skates prior to the program. The Town of Newmarket does not rent skates. See our Skating page for additional information.

Program reminders:

• Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the showers or on the pool deck, please bring pool shoes. See our Swimming page for additional information.

Embrace science, engineering and technology in programs designed for teens. Our programs will enhance opportunity to further social and emotional development, explore problem solving skills and embrace universal design concepts for learning in an environment where diversity is welcome.

Program reminders:

• Please watch for an introduction email from your program instructor with any details required for your program.

Our staff are chosen for their passion for working with people, creativity and leadership skills. Staff are certified in Standard First Aid, CPR “C” and produce a positive Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Staff may also be trained in and HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development.

All parents/guardians are responsible for:

• Discussing appropriate behaviours with their children. The Town of Newmarket follows the same code of conduct as the school systems.
• Ensuring your child is appropriately dressed for their program of choice.
• Ensuring your child does not bring valuable items to programs. The Town of Newmarket and its vendors are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Electronic games, iPods, cellphones, money, etc. are not permitted.
• Guaranteeing your child is toilet trained (unless the class is parent participation). All participants must be toilet trained and independent in the washroom. If an accident occurs, a phone call will be made and the guardian is expected to come in to assist in changing. If your child has specific needs, you may speak with the Recreation Programmer.

The Town of Newmarket strives to provide the highest level of safety and enjoyment to all participants and staff during its camps and programs. Coarse language, bullying, non-compliance, and aggressive or inappropriate behaviour are NOT permitted.

These behaviours will be documented, reported, and could result in the removal of a participant from the program. If your child has behavioural concerns please speak to the Recreation Programmer - Inclusion & Support Services at inclusion@newmarket.ca and notify them of triggers and methods which are helpful for your child. It is our goal to make our programs enjoyable for everyone!

The Town of Newmarket is dedicated to providing meaningful recreation opportunities to children, youth and adults with disabilities through inclusive and adapted opportunities. Participants are encouraged to pick a program and support level that meets their individualized needs and abilities. See our Accessible Recreation page for information or contact our Recreation Programmer - Inclusion & Support Services at inclusion@newmarket.ca

In the event of inclement weather, please check www.newmarket.ca, social media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) or call 1-877-752-9936 for any program cancellation notices.

Participants are not permitted to bring food products that may contain nuts or traces of nuts (peanuts included) to a Town program or camp. Should items that contain nuts be found, the product will be removed from the area and returned to the parent/guardian. Soy butter also known as “Wow Butter” is not permitted. Although the product is peanut free, it creates a stressor in the program environment for those with an allergy as it looks and smells just like peanut butter.

Parents/Guardians should be aware the Family and Child Services Act requires any suspicion or allegation of child abuse to be reported immediately to the Children’s Aid Society. The Act recognizes that each of us have a responsibility to the welfare of children. It clearly states any member of the public, including professionals who work with children, have the obligation to promptly report to the Children’s Aid Society if they suspect a child is or may be in need of protection. Therefore any evidence or suspicion of neglect, physical, and/or emotional abuse will be reported.

Registered programs: Photos/Video may only be taken with pre-approval of the instructor, or as otherwise promoted (e.g. Photo Days).

Drop in programs: Photo/Video may be taken at any time, but every attempt should be made to be respectful of everyone’s privacy by trying to limit your focus to your friend or family member, unless permission has been given to include others.

Photo/video in change rooms and washrooms is prohibited.

The Town of Newmarket aims to “Create Accessible Recreation for Everyone” by offering financial assistance to residents of all ages and abilities on any Town of Newmarket Recreation & Culture registered programs and memberships. See Fee Assistance Programs for subisdy program options and information.