Teen Programs & Events
Teen Program Information
- Must be a City of Alexandria resident
- Proof of residency required at registration
- Ages 13+ must show a recreation center Photo ID. An initial ID card is provided free of charge.
- Registration required for Power-Up & specialty programs
- Contact your nearest recreation center for teen program information
RPCA Future Leaders
The Future Leaders Teen Program is designed to help teens develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, and teamwork through meaningful service-learning projects across Alexandria.
CITYWIDE ANNUAL EVENTS
RPCA hosts free annual Teen Events full of fun, connection, and new experiences. Events happen the same month each year, though dates may vary. Most are free—some field trips may have a small fee. Join us and make lasting memories!
Park-a-Palooza
Park-a-Palooza happens May 17 with our teen twist on Kids to Parks Day—featuring games, music, and serious rec center pride! Powered by RPCA & the National Park Trust, it’s all about outdoor fun and friendly competition. Space is limited for participants, but all are welcome to cheer!
TEEN SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
Each recreation center offers unique programs for teens, including arts, sports, wellness, and leadership activities. Whether you're into fitness, creativity, or making new friends, there’s something for everyone. See below for more information and get involved today!
Charles Houston Recreation Center | 901 Wythe St.
- Popcorn Mondays
Stop by and hang out in the teen room, and get free popcorn! - Open Rec
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Come by the gym and play a game of basketball, play video games, do arts and crafts, or just hang out. - Cooking Class
Wednesdays, 5 p.m.
Learn how to cook your favorite foods. - Crochet Class
Thursdays, 5 p.m.
Learn how to make unique creations by crocheting. - Chess Not Checkers
Fridays, 5 p.m.
Do you know how to play chess? Stop by to learn the game. Open to all levels. - Basketball Fridays
Fridays, 6 p.m.
Shoot some hoops in the gym and get ready for the weekend!
Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center | 5750 Sanger Ave.
Green Teen Club: Ages 11-18
3rd Wednesday of each month @ 6-7 p.m.
Free (field trip fees may be required)
Join the Green Teen Club at our Nature Center for exciting field trips, where teens delve into local ecosystems, hike scenic trails, and learn about conservation firsthand. Encounter fascinating wildlife, engage in hands-on activities, and discover your role in protecting our planet's biodiversity. Get involved in environmental justice initiatives and be a voice for positive change!
Field Trips
Participate in field trips, rock climbing, hikes, and wilderness survival preparation. Fees may be required.
Animal Encounters
Meet wild and exotic animals and learn about how they live, the threats they face, and how you can help.
Environmental Justice
Open discussions on real and fake news. Meet guest speakers and green professionals. Participate in citizen science and change the world.
E-mail: Patrice Gribble-Fetter
Phone: 703.746.5559
Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center | 25 W. Reed Ave.
- Teen Club: Ages 12-15 in grades 6-9
Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
$199/person
The supervised teen lounge is the perfect place to hang out with friends playing table games, video games, and more. Daily activities include homework time and social interaction to encourage personal growth and success.
Click here to register - Teen and Young Adult Winter Pickup Futsal
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Teen Night (Open Gym/Game Room)
Fridays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Patrick Henry Recreation Center | 4653 Taney Ave.
- Anime Society
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Free
Discuss anime, give reviews, and play games. - Circle of Girls: Ages 12-18
Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
Free
Build self-esteem, coping skills, and friendships. - Teen Focus Group
2nd Thursday of Each Month, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Free
Develop leadership, create change, and have fun. - Drop-In Basketball
Thursdays & Fridays, 6-9 p.m.
Free
Build healthy habits, teamwork, and friendships. - Drop-In Futsal
Saturdays, 1-6 p.m.
Free
Build healthy habits, teamwork, and friendships.
William Ramsay Recreation Center | 5650 Sanger Ave.
- Halloteen Night
Friday, October 31 | 7-9:45 p.m.
Free
Join us for a spooktacular night of thrills, chills, and Halloween fun just for teens! This is a Halloween party packed with creepy, cool activities, eerie entertainment, and lots of treats (and maybe a few tricks).
Click here to register
Teen Leadership
For teens by teens. This program is designed for youth to learn and practice leadership, citizenship, and life skills to empower them to become competent and productive members of society. Under the supervision of recreation staff and volunteers, all meetings are conducted by the Teen Advisory Board, a group of teens that are selected by their peers to design and organize meetings and monthly events. Teens will take part in weekly and monthly events including field trips, guest speakers, workshops, volunteer opportunities, games, and team-building exercises.
Teen Late Nights
Extended teen programs and activities are offered in the evenings at the recreation centers below. Please contact the facility for additional information.
How Do I Get There?
Teen Programs with YHelp!
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities has partnered with YHELP! to provide free programs for teens ages 13 to 17. These offerings include arts workshops that promote self-esteem and goal setting, wellness activities focused on stress relief and self-care, and academic support that incorporates mental health strategies.
