383 Vandervoort St, North Tonawanda
(716) 695-8520 x6420 (Front Desk)
(716) 695-8520 x5510 (Supervisor)
Email: mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Summer Fun
Summer Program Information
Outside of open-play and sports activities we offer a TON of guided and structured programs throughout the summer. These programs often require registration since there is limited space available. Some of the programs are free while others have an associated cost. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all the updated announcements on programs & signups!
Is there a program you'd like to see at the Rec? Contact us by emailing mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Our Facilities and Parks
Click the links for directions to the facilities
Summer full of FUN!!
RECSPORTS @ WURLITZER PARK
First Day: Monday, June 30 Last Day: Friday, August 22
FREE for NT Residents - $50 for the entire summer for non-residents
All ages welcome - Children 6 and under must have supervision
Monday thru Friday
Morning Session 10 AM to Noon
Lunch break Noon to 1 PM (staff takes a break, there will be no supervision at the park at this time)
Afternoon Session 1 PM to 3 PM
All children are welcome. Kids under the age of 6 must have their own supervision.
Send the children over to Wurlitzer Park throughout the summer for daily recreational sports fun with our dedicated and creative Rec Staff. The Rec Staff will set up a variety of daily sports minded activities with safety and inclusion in mind in order to create a great summer experience for EVERYONE!!
Throughout the summer there will be water themed days, Olympic style contest days and grilled hot dog lunches to help promote sportsmanship and the importance of community. We can't wait for you to join us.
Corner of Deerfield Dr. and Cambridge Ave.
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
First Day: TBA Last Day: Friday, August 22
FREE for NT Residents 18 and under
Monday thru Friday - Noon to 1:00 PM
Payne Memorial Park Pavilion
No registration is required. Just come to Payne Park at Noon and free lunches will be handed
out to all children 18 and under. Lunches must be eaten on the premises. Only 1 lunch will be
given to each child.
Coming soon...
848 Payne Ave
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
ASTRONOMY IN THE PARK
First Day: Tuesday, July 15 Last Day: Tuesday, August 19
Tuesdays - 8 PM to 10 PM
Gratwick Park Main Pavilion
$5 per night for NT Residents 18 and under
The North Tonawanda Recreation Department is ecstatic to offer this free summer astronomy program for kids again.
Curious young ones will be allowed to use telescopes and binoculars, including an 80mm telescope capable of viewing deep sky objects with relative ease.
Our resident astronomical enthusiast, Tom Arida, will offer up enthusiastic
discussions, exciting experiments, and thrilling viewing opportunities to
stimulate your young minds and pique your interest in further space
exploration.
Topics this year will include but will be limited to:
1. Light and Photography
2. Reflection and Refraction
3. Electrical Engineering 1
4. Electrical Engineering 2
5. Rocket Training
6. Aliens
Each week we will provide light beverages and snacks and perhaps an extra special treat here and there.
Bring a blanket, bring a chair, bundle up in case there's a chilly breeze, and come explore with us.
River Rd
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
JUNIOR HIKERS
NT RESIDENTS ONLY
Ages 6 - 18
$150 per child (Sibling discount available)
Included in the Junior Hikers fee:
- 1 year Junior Hiker membership
- 4 guided summer hikes to some of WNY's loveliest trails
- Hiking pack the kids will use for their hikes
- Hiking first aid kit for their packs
- Junior Hiker membership patch
- Bus ride to and from the hiking trails
- Snacks for the bus
- Trail Snacks
- Lunch
There is also the option of doing only the trips ala cart. Click the registration link below for details.
Junior Hiker trips are designed to inspire young adventurers to connect with nature, build resilience, and develop a love for the outdoors. Your child will experience a unique blend of education, physical activity, and environmental stewardship through these guided hiking trips.
Junior Hikers will explore local trails, learn about wildlife and plant life, and gain essential outdoor skills such as map reading, navigation, and Leave No Trace principles.
Whether your child is a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, our experienced guides ensure a safe and supportive environment for all skill levels. In addition to hiking, the program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through group challenges and fun activities. By the end of the summer, hikers will have not only gained physical fitness and outdoor knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the great outdoors, where adventure and learning go hand in hand!
SUMMER 2025 HIKES
TRIP # 1
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Friday, July 11
93 Honorine Dr, Depew, NY 14043
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Leave 500 Wheatfield St @ 9:30 AM
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Arrive RWNP at approximately 10 AM
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Leave RWNP at 1:30 PM
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Arrive 500 Wheatfield St at approximately 2 PM
TRIP # 2
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Friday, July 25
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6656 Slayton Settlement Rd, Lockport, NY 14094
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Leave 500 Wheatfield St @ 9:30 AM
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Arrive LNP at approximately 10 AM
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Leave LNP at 1:30 PM
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Arrive 500 Wheatfield St at approximately 2 PM
TRIP # 3
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Friday, August 8
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Royaltine Ravine (RR)
4662 Gasport Rd, Gasport, NY 14067
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Leave 500 Wheatfield at 9:30 AM
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Arrive RR at approximately 10:15 AM
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Leave RR at 1:30 PM
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Arrive 500 Wheatfield St at approximately 2 PM
TRIP # 4
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Friday, August 22
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Eternal Flame Hiking Trail (EFHT)
Orchard Park, NY 14127
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Leave 500 Wheatfield St @ 9:30 AM
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Arrive EFHT at approximately 10:15 AM
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Leave EFHT at 1:45 PM
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Arrive 500 Wheatfield St at approximately 2:30 PM
GROSS OUT CAMP
Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25
Ages 5 - 8: 9 AM to 1 PM *
Ages 9 - 11: 12 PM to 1 PM *
@ Mayor's Park and the North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens
RESIDENTS: $150 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
NON-RESIDENTS: $225 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
* On Friday, July 25, we will take ALL CAMPERS on a day hike to The Lockport Nature Preserve. The bus will leave the Botanical Gardens at 9:30 AM and return Just after 2:00 PM. Lunch and snack will be provided for all.
Limited Space Available
Camp Shirt, daily snack, and lunch provided
IF IT’S GROSS WE’VE GOT IT!
Who loves bugs, worms, dirt, reptiles, slime?? -- Then Gross Out Camp is for you. This award-winning science camp will serve 20 children in the kind of science kids love: outside, hands-on, and a bit disgusting
They will be outdoors, in the healthy fresh air, where sunshine beams on our smiles. It’s the most fun a kid can have while learning!
We guarantee tired, dirty children (who learned lots)!
If you have any questions, please email Michelle at mbernas@northtonawanda.org or call her at 716.695-8520 Ext 5510.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8
Ages 5 - 8: 9 AM to 1 PM *
Ages 9 - 11: 12 PM to 1 PM *
@Pine Woods parks
RESIDENTS: $150 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
NON-RESIDENTS: $225 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
* On Friday, August 8, we will take ALL CAMPERS on a day hike to The Royaltine Ravine The bus will leave the Botanical Gardens at 9:30 AM and return Just after 2:00 PM. Lunch and snack will be provided for all.
Limited Space Available
Camp Shirt, daily snack, and lunch provided
Come learn what it takes to be a true outdoor enthusiast.
Our experienced staff will be on hand to teach you the skills you need to make the most out of your next Outdoor AdveNTure!
You will learn skills such as:
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Knots and Camp Gadgets
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Building a shelter
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Conservation
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Setting up a campsite
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Protecting yourself outdoors
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Get to know basic camp tools
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Preparing for and how to build a campfire
And much, much more...
At the end of the program, on Friday, August 8, we will take the kids on a bus trip to The Royaltine Ravine where they put the skills they learned in the prior week to a test with our very AdveNTure Race.
SUMMER THEATER CAMP 2024
First Day: Monday, July 7 Last Day: Friday, July 11
9AM to 4 PM - FULL DAY
NT Residents - $200 (sibling discounts apply)
NON-Residents - $300 (sibling discounts apply)
Financial aid available. Ask Michelle for details @ mbernas@northtonawanda.org
Youth ages 7 to 12
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
A performances will be held on Friday, July 11 at 6PM @ The Raymond Klimek Veteran's Park Band Shell
Is your child interested in exploring the world of theater or perhaps just want to try their hand at acting on the big stage?
Here's the chance to come out and see if the theater is for them.
Our summer theater camp will introduce your child to just about every aspect of creating and performing a play. From script writing to costume and stage design, lighting and movement, they will get their hands dirty in all parts of the process.
Participants will learn about the personal skills of theater, including enunciation, diction and projection, staging and movement, gestures and facial expressions, and camaraderie.
Once they discover their acting skills they will then create their own short play, write the script, pick the characters, choose the actors, design the sets and the costumes and have all their hard work presented for all during their live performance at The Raymond Klimek Veteran's Park Band Shell on Friday, July 11 at 6pm.
Sign the kids up now and help them GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER!!!
SUMMER CRAFT VAN
The journey begins July 1
This summer we will be bringing the fun to you as we spread out the fun throughout North Tonawanda.
We'll be bringing crafts and an activity or 2 to a few different parks throughout the summer.
While all of the activities are free and optional to NT residents, we will still ask for sign ups to gage the numbers we will have each day to ensure we have enough supplies for our crafts and activities.
Craft and activity schedules will be posted soon so check back to see what we will bringing you this summer.
The Tentative summer schedule will look something like this:
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Mondays - Wurlitzer Park 10 AM to 12 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM
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Tuesdays - Pine Woods Park 10 AM to 12 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM
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Wednesdays - Payne Park 10 AM to 12 PM & 1 to 3 PM
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Thursdays - Pine Woods Park 10 AM to 12 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM
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Fridays - Wurlitzer Park 10 AM to 12 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM
Hours could possibly change later in the summer based on attendance.
We can't wait to bring the fun to more and more of you each day! Register once for the summer and then come when you like.
848 Payne Ave
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS
First Day: Friday, July 11 Last Day: Friday, August 15
Each week our Rec Staff will lead a recreational activity the whole family can enjoy together.
(Parents, your participation is optional) We will also be giving away hot dogs or Taco-in-a-Bag, and
a beverage. We will accept suggested donations of $3 per person for food.
(Donations will be used toward funding Youth Board activities such as Student Government Day
and the Post Prom event.)
Summer 2025 FFF Schedule
7/11 SUMO BALL - 2 participants are put into our bubble soccer bubbles. They are placed at
opposite ends of a 20 ft circular playing field. On “Go” from one of the Rec Staff, the players
will have 1 minute to knock the other completely outside the circle. Registration will begin at 5 PM with contests ongoing. Food will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Show up at any time.
7/18 SLIP-N-SLIDE RELAYS - Teams will begin their relay sliding down our slip-n-slide track where they will then have to complete a small task before they turn around and slide their way back. Registration will begin at 5 PM with the races beginning at 5:30 PM with contests ongoing. Food will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Show up at any time.
7/25 BINGO - Who doesn’t love BINGO?? Of course we’re going to REC IT and make it even more fun. Wait until you see what we’ve come up with. Registration will begin at 5 PM with the games to begin at 5:30 PM. Bingo games will be ongoing.
Food will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Show up at any time.
8/1 WACKY WATER FUN - All sorts of fun, water based games to keep you cool in the August heat.
Registration will begin at 5 PM with the games to begin at 5:30 PM with contests ongoing. Food will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Show up at ay time.
8/15 BINGO - Wait until you see the prizes we have for our last BINGO of the summer!!! Registration will begin at 5 PM with the games to begin at 5 PM with contests ongoing. Food will be served from 5 PM to 7 PM. Show up at any time.
Registration is not required but if you know you're going to attend, please sign up so we know about how many to expect.
848 Payne Ave
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
SUMMER ARTs CAMP
First Day: Monday, July 28 Last Day: Friday, August 1
July 28 - August 1
Ages 6 - 8: 9 AM to 1 PM
Ages 9 - 12: 12PM to 4PM
Main Pavilion - Pine Woods Park
Lunch and snack provided daily
NT Residents $150 (sibling discount available)
Non-residents $225 (sibling discount available)
All art supplies included
This summer we are bringing you a week full of ART. All different kinds. There will be painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. Each day we will work with a new medium and create a new work of art.
At the end of week we will show off all of the masterpieces in a gallery showing at the Norman Keller Building where the artwork will remain on display through August. Artwork can be picked up at the main Recreation office starting Monday, September 1.
All supplies will be provided by the NT Rec Dept. .
SOCCER GOALIE CAMP
First Day: Monday, Aug 4 Last Day: Friday, Aug 8
Monday, August 4 - Friday, August 8
Ages 5 - 8: 9 AM to 1 PM
Ages 9 - 11: 12 PM to 1 PM
@Pine Woods parks
RESIDENTS: $75 per child (sibling discount available)
NON-RESIDENTS: $100 per child (sibling discount available)
Limited Space Available
Camp Shirt, daily snack provided
Here at the NT Recreation Department, we believe that at the core of every successful soccer team is a confident and prepared goalkeeper. We will provide each participant with an environment that exposes them to new ideas; challenging them to think about the role of a goalkeeper and giving them the tools they need to develop and elevate their skills.
Campers will receive a camp t-shirt, goalie gloves, daily snack, and daily lunch.
The purpose of our camp is to aid our goalkeepers in reaching their maximum potential as a player.
Our program will provide goalkeeping instruction for all ability levels ranging from introductory sessions to a high-paced training environment. Each of our camps will focus on the player's technical development through scenario-based drills and learning.
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TENNIS CAMP
First Day: Monday, Aug 11 Last Day: Friday, Aug 14
Monday, August 11 - Friday, August 14
Ages 5 - 8: 9 AM to 12 PM
Ages 9 - 11: 12 PM to 3 PM
@Pine Woods parks
RESIDENTS: $75 per child (sibling discount available)
NON-RESIDENTS: $100 per child (sibling discount available)
Limited Space Available
Camp Shirt and daily snack provided
The main objectives of the our camp is based upon providing a positive and fun atmosphere for youth athletes to learn and improve on the fundamentals of tennis in an environment that emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship.
This will be accomplished by:
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Coaching with positive reinforcement and an emphasis on building confidence.
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Teaching the fundamentals of tennis in a fun and positive manner.
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Encouraging competitiveness without sacrificing sportsmanship or teamwork
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Creating skills & drills that make learning the game fun and interactive.
CANAL FESTIVITIES
Monday, July 14, 2025 to Friday, July 18, 2025
Kids K - 12 Welcome
Free to NT Residents
848 Payne Ave
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
SUMMER 2024 RESULTS
SUMMER 2024 RESULTS
Gateway Harbor
99 Sweenet St
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
