383 Vandervoort St, North Tonawanda
(716) 695-8520 x6420 (Front Desk)
(716) 695-8520 x5510 (Supervisor)
Email: kutzig@northtonawanda.gov
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 kutzig@northtonawanda.gov
Our Facilities and Parks
Click the links for directions to the facilities
Summer full of FUN!!
FREE SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM 2026
First Day: Monday, June 29 Last Day: Friday, August 21
FREE for NT Residents 18 and under
Monday thru Friday - Noon to 1:00 PM
Payne Park (near the basketball courts), Spruce School Playground (under the pavilion)
No registration is required. Just come to the participating parks 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.
June & July 2026...
Spruce School Park
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Payne Park
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
RECSPORTS @ WURLITZER PARK 2026
First Day: Monday, June 29 Last Day: Friday, August 21
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
Come practice Yoga Among the Trees, Kids Summer Yoga Flow with The Rec! This six-week session will introduce the basics of yoga, including movement, breath, and, of course, all kinds of fun! We will explore sun salutations and downward-facing dog, to butterfly and swan pose, and of course, tree pose! An all-levels course, children are welcome to bring their own mat and block or purchase one from us.
Meet the Instructor:
Erin E. Robinson is the Sole Proprietor of Rooted Oak Yoga, LLC. She holds RYT100 and RYT200 and is certified with Yoga Alliance. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and has published numerous articles and a book on social movement mobilization around environmental issues, advocating for health and wellness for the planet and its people.
Erin holds teaching certifications in Hatha Yoga, Children's Yoga, and Yin Yoga. She holds specialty certifications in Meditation, Mindfulness, Yoga Anatomy, and Yoga for Athletes.
To learn more about the instructor, visit Erin's website at www.therootedoak.com.
Wednesdays, July 1 - August 5
Pinewoods Park
11am - 12pm
Ages 5 - 12 years
Residents $30
Non-residents $50
(for the entire 6-week session)
YOUTH SUMMER PICKLEBALL (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
First Day: Tuesday, July 7 Last Day: Thursday, August 20
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
5 - 9 years: 9 - 10am
10 - 15 years: 10 - 11am
Registration required - While registration is required, it's open pickleball which means you can
show up when you like and play as little or as much as you want. Coach Martha will be on hand
to teach and organize lessons and activities.
FREE for NT Residents
$50 for the entire summer for non-residents
Children 6 and under must have supervision
@ Wurlitzer Tennis Courts
Looking for a fun, active way to keep the kids engaged this summer? Join our Free Youth
Pickleball Program – a perfect introduction and continuation of what the kids have been learning
at school to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
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Fun, beginner-friendly lessons
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Games, drills, and tournaments
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Skill-building, teamwork, and tons of laughs
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Equipment provided – just bring water and energy!
Whether your child is brand new to the game or already a mini pickleball pro, this program is all about learning, playing, and making new friends in a supportive environment.
Corner of Deerfield Dr. and Cambridge Ave.
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
SUMMER CRAFT VAN
The journey begins June 29th thru August 21st
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 cannot ensure we will have enough craft for everyone. We offer crafts as a first come first serve basis, regardless of registration as we used those numbers to gauge our summer start up.
If your child requires supervision, we ask that you stay with them during their craft time.
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 12:00 PM & Colonel Payne Park 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
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Tuesdays - Spruce Park 10 AM to 12:00 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM (free lunches served 12 - 1PM)
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Wednesdays - Wurlitzer Park 10 AM to 12:00 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM
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Thursdays - Spruce Park 10 AM to 12:00 PM & 1 PM to 3 PM (free lunches served 12 - 1PM)
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Fridays - Wurlitzer Park 10 AM to 12:00 PM & Colonel Payne 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Hours could possibly change later in the summer based on attendance.
Crafts are available at a first come first serve basis. We appreciate your understanding.
*There will be no craft van outings the week of Canal Fest, 7/20 - 7/24
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
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 2026 HIKES
TRIP # 1
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Friday, July 10
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 31
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704 Niagara St, Lockport, NY
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Leave 500 Wheatfield St @ 9:30 AM
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Arrive GWP at approximately 10 AM
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Leave GWP at 1:30 PM
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Arrive 500 Wheatfield St at approximately 2 PM
TRIP # 3
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Friday, August 7
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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 21
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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
Mondays, July 6th - August 17th
10:00AM - 12:30PM
at NT Sand Court (Colonel Payne)
Corner of Niagara Pkwy & Bennett
For youth ages 5 - 15 years
Free for NT Residents Only
While registration is required, it's open volleyball which means you can show up when you like and play as little or as much as you want!
Just Add Sand - A Free Kids Summer Sand Volleyball Program
Get ready for sun, sand, and serves! A perfect way for kids to stay active, make friends, and have fun this summer - all while learning the basics of volleyball in a relaxed, supportive setting.
What's included;
~ Intro to volleyball fundamentals (no experience needed)
~ Team games, fun drills, and mini tournaments
~ Positive coaching focused on teamwork and confidence
~ All equipment provided - just bring a water bottle and sunscreen
This program is all about having a blast while staying active outdoors. Whether your child is new to volleyball or just loves playing in the sand, we welcome all skill levels!
Coaches Ava and Haley will be on hand to teach and organize lessons and activities!
Learn the basics of cheering, including basic gymnastic moves as Coaches Lymiek & Ava teach the team a routine that will be performed at a Summer Basketball game in August (date and time for the performance TBD)
Wednesdays & Fridays, July 29th - August 21st at Colonel Payne
10:30 - 11:15am 6 - 11 year olds
11:30 - 12:30pm 12 - 16 year olds
Free & for NT Residents Only!
Although this program is free, please register so our Coaches Lymiek & Ava can be ready for your future cheer stars!
TENNIS CAMP
First Day: Monday, Aug 10 Last Day: Friday, Aug 14
Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 14, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Ages 9 - 12 years
@ Taber Tennis Courts
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.
GROSS OUT CAMP 2026
Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
For kids entering 1st - 4th grades: 9 AM to 4 PM *
@ Mayor's Park
RESIDENTS: $250 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
NON-RESIDENTS: $325 per child ($25 discount for each additional sibling)
Registration closes July 20th
* On Friday, July 31, we will take ALL CAMPERS on a day hike to Gulf Wilderness Park. The bus will leave from 500 Wheatfield St 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
Gross Out Camp: A Summer Adventure!
Are you ready for the messiest, most fun summer ever? At Gross Out Camp, kids entering grades 1st - 4th will dive into an exciting outdoor adventure filled with learning, laughter, and lots of gooey fun!
What to Expect:
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Bug Exploration: Get ready to search for creepy crawlies! We’ll hunt for bugs and learn all about their incredible roles in nature.
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Nature Discovery: Explore trees and plants as we uncover the secrets of the great outdoors. Each day brings new discoveries!
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Fishing Fun: Try your hand at fishing! Learn about our local waterways and the critters that call them home.
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Conservation Heroes: Discover how trash affects our environment and what we can do to help. Kids will learn the importance of taking care of our planet!
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Games & Crafts: From messy games to creative arts and crafts, there’s never a dull moment! Get ready to unleash your creativity and have a blast.
If you have any questions, please email Kelly at kutzig@northtonawanda.gov or call her at 716.695-8520 Ext 5510
Tuesdays- 7/7, 7/14, 7/28, & 8/4, 8 PM to 10 PM
Gratwick Park Main Pavilion
FREE for NT Residents, $10 for non-residents
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
CANAL FESTIMPICS
Monday, July 20, 2026 to Friday, July 24, 2026
Kids K - 12 Welcome
NEW LOCATION
Wurlitzer Park (Corner of Lexington and Deerfield)
Schedule of events coming soon...
What is it?
Kids will compete in a series of events scheduled throughout the week. Medals are given to
the winners of each event (Gold, silver, & bronze). Each medal will be designated a point
value. At the end of the week long series of events, each participants point
total will be tallied and the person with the highest total will be presented with a prize.
No registration required. Participants do not have to participate in every event or be available every day.