Summer boredom busters: Unforgettable fun for teens, kids, and toddlers

group of young children looking down at camera

Get ready to create memories that last a lifetime as Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) unleashes a tidal wave of awesome activities designed to keep Ashevillians 18 and under cool, entertained, and engaged all season long. With plenty of programs for all ages like splash-tastic water events, sports leagues, and monthly block parties, our fun experts designed a number of opportunities perfectly suited for Ashevillians 18 and under. 

Ready to dive in? Check out highlights below and let the summer fun begin!

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  • Advance registration is required for most programs, even if it’s free. 
  • Some programs accept ages slightly above or below ages listed. Click activity title for specific age ranges.
  • Parents or guardians may be required to remain on site for some activities.

Ages 12-18

Grant Gamerz at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

Thursdays through August 29 .:. Free

Embark on unforgettable gaming journeys where fun knows no bounds and the magic of gaming comes alive! Our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all young gamers ages 8-16.

Let’s Wrestle at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

June 10-July 12 and July 15-August 16, 6-7pm (choose one session; meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) .:. $15

New wrestlers learn fundamentals and experienced wrestlers improve technique. All learn takedowns, pinning combinations, and escapes to build strength and agility through movement exercises, drills, and games.

Teen Nerf Night at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

June 14 and June 28, 6-7:30pm .:. $2

Bring your Nerf blaster of choice to battle friends in the gym with special glow in the dark games. APR supplies extra darts, bunkers, and safety glasses.

Teen Basketball Skills at Burton Street Community Center

June 15 and July 13, 12-2pm .:. Free

Work on passing, dribbling, shooting, defense, reactions, and reads on the outdoor court.

Teen DJ Spin & Swim at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

June 28 and July 26, 6-9pm .:. Free

Feel the club vibes at pool parties for local teens featuring food, music, and fun surprises. June’s theme is beach party, followed by Christmas in July.

Co-ed Teen Basketball Summer League at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

June 18-August 8, 6-8pm (Tuesday and Thursday) .:. $15

All talent levels welcome in this league dedicated to building skills and developing confidence.

Teen Field Day Frenzy at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

July 20, 2-3pm .:. $5

Summer is heating up and so is the competition at the ultimate water field day competition.


Ages 6-11

Let’s Wrestle at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

June 10-July 12 and July 15-August 16, 6-7pm (choose one session; meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) .:. $15

Wrestlers ages 6-12 learn fundamentals such as takedowns, pinning combinations, and escapes to build strength and agility through movement exercises, drills, and games.

Youth Field Day Frenzy at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

June 22, 2-3pm .:. $5

Summer is heating up and so is the competition at the ultimate water field day competition.

Beach Towel Tie Dye at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

June 23, 2-3:30pm .:. $5

Surf’s up on kids’ creativity as they twist, dye, and design groovy beach towels for the summer.

Kids Night Out at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

June 28, July 26, and August 30, 6-8pm .:. $5

Give the parental units a night off and hang out with friends playing goofy games, exploring science projects, and creating crafts.

Fall Baseball at Ray L. Kisiah Park

Practice begins August 12 .:. $50

Leagues based on age and focused on fundamentals of baseball and teamwork.


Ages 5 and Under

Toddler Play Time at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

June 9, June 16, June 23, and June 30, 1:30-3:30pm .:. Free

Fun active time to let little ones run and play different activities each week.

Toddler Craftin’ Outdoors at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

July 3, 5-6pm .:. Free

Make a masterpiece while soaking up the sunshine…and maybe get a little messy in the process!

Splashing Sprouts at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

July 13 and July 27, 4-5pm .:. Free

Whether they’re dipping their toes in for the first time or confidently splashing, this promises enriching and memorable water adventures for toddlers.

Toddler Prom at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

July 20, 2:30-5:30pm .:. Free

Come dressed to impress to share this special moment of memories at the annual toddler prom with music, refreshments, and a lot of dancing.

Messy Masterpieces at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

August 6, August 13, and August 20, 2:30-3pm .:. Free

Young messy masterminds paint on canvases with everything but the paint brush using a variety of different objects to create their own colorful masterpieces.

Fall T-ball at Ray L. Kisiah Park

Practice begins August 19 .:. $25

Join a league dedicated to building athletic skills and developing confidence through teamwork.


Families & Kids of All Ages

Arts & Entertainment

Games & Sports

Parties & Celebrations 

Looking for More Asheville Recreation Opportunities?

APR team members offer more than 100 opportunities for community members of all ages to explore each week including plenty for toddlers, kids, and teens. Use these resources to find opportunities: