Connect, Learn, Explore: Boston's Commitment to Youth
We are building a family friendly Boston where our kids have the resources they need to thrive.
We are building a city with access to quality education, safe housing, robust health care, and healthy and affordable food for all our kids. In partnership with our families, we are working across City departments to deliver for our littlest learners.
We also have to go beyond meeting basic needs to empower kids to explore and find their passions. The commitments outlined below will help our kids learn about themselves and connect with their community by age 8.
Get a Connect, Learn, Explore sticker card today! Collect a sticker for each activity you complete, after you've collected the 5 activity stickers collect the grand prize sticker at your last activity!
Families with participating children will be receiving a letter about this initiative.
- Last updated:
- Published by: Mayor's Office
Learn to Swim
As a coastal city, families deserve access to opportunities to learn how to swim and safely enjoy the water. Every child will have access to swimming lessons through the city’s Swim Safe Boston program, which is offered through the YMCA of Greater Boston, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF).
In Year One, we will reopen three BCYF pools: Perkins, Hennigan, and Mattahunt, and the Curly beachfront; in addition to reinvigorating our swim lesson programming in partnership with the YMCA. Register for free swim lessons today!
In partnership with Boston Public Schools (BPS) Courageous Sailing is offering a summer program to BPS students. Swim Sail Science for students to learn how to sail and swim. Register today!
Connect with the Arts
Music, dance, theater, and art are critical for self expression. We will provide access to instruments, artists and other resources to help our young people learn and grow.
In Year One, we will launch ARPA-funded arts programming in select BCYF centers and support the New England Conservatory’s partnership with ABCD Headstart and Ellis Early Learning.
In partnership with the BPS the New England Conservatory is offering Everyone Can Make Music a summer music learning experience for students to learn performance, theory, composition, and much more. Register today!
Join Parks and Recreations arts and crafts workshops hosted by a local artist in various parks throughout the City of Boston. Register today!
Play a Sport
Sports can teach kids physical skills, teamwork & persistence. BCYF, BPS, & our partners in youth sports will help make sure that every kid can choose & participate in quality sports programs.
In Year One, we will conduct a comprehensive landscape audit of youth sports programs and facilities provided across our city.
Parks and Recreation is offering free athletic programs, clinics, and camps in neighborhood parks across the City. Learn more and register here.
BCYF is offering free athletic courses and programs at various neighborhood parks across the City. Learn more and register.
In partnership with Parks and Recreation, Tenacity is offering a summer Tennis and Reading program. Register today!
In partnership with BPS, Sportsmen's Tennis and Enrichment Center is offering a summer tennis and fitness program. Learn more and register.
Learn to Bike
Biking helps kids explore their neighborhood, have fun, and grow. The City, in partnership with community partners, will provide the resources and support so every Boston kid has the opportunity to learn to ride a bike.
In Year One, we will partner with Countdown to Kindergarten at this summer’s Kite and Bike Festival in Franklin Park to grow our biking clinic for young children.
Register now for the pilot summer bike riding program for kids at White Stadium, East Boston Stadium, and Hunt Almont Park.
In addition, the following Community Partners are offering biking as part of their programing. At this time, registration is limited to students who attend these programs.
- South Boston Neighborhood House (SBNH) at Moakley park
- East Boston Social Center
- Ellis Early Learning in South End and Jamaica Plain
- Epiphany Early Learning Center
- Horizons for Homeless Children
- YMCA of Greater Boston at Parkway West Roxbury, East Boston and Roxbury
- BCYF Shelburne, Mildred Avenue and Marshall Community Centers. Marshall has relocated to BCYF Holland this summer.
Grow a Green Generation
Growing plants can help our littlest learners connect with nature. Community gardens, partners, and outdoor classrooms will provide all kids access to plants and plant care.
In Year One, GrowBoston, Office of Food Justice, BPS, and BCYF will partner to assess which schools and community centers have gardens and invest in raised beds at an additional 10 sites.
