Image of teens having fun

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is committed to offering programs for teens that encourage development through active play, outdoor exploration, the arts, critical thinking, and leadership activities. Teen Recreation programs offer participants a way to interact and create friendships with other teens around the city.

Online Registation

Forms and Documents

Outreach and Leadership 

group of individuals gathered together smiling in a recreation center

Teen leadership and skill development programs for the community foster youth development in an explorative and self-motivating environment to increase quality of life.

Roving Leaders Program

Teens in Leadership Training (TILT) is a leadership and job readiness program for students 15-18 years of age. It gives teens the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful employees with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), other city departments, or with our community partners. 

Teens In Leadership Training

Community Recreation

four teen girls at a neon bowling event

Community teen programs at Recreation Centers have a youth development philosophy which focuses on providing youth opportunities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities through intentional programming and quality experiences that help develop social, emotional, ethical, physical and cognitive competencies.

After School Programs

Cultural and Art 

Student posing next to her art work hanging on the wall

Visual and performing arts, culture and history teen programs preserve and protect the past, celebrate Austin’s diversity, build community, and develop awareness and appreciation for the arts.

Totally Cool, Totally Art

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - Teen Leadership Program

Nature and Outdoors 

group of teens standing smiling on edge of a small cliff

Nature-based programs provide hands-on educational and recreational activities that increase appreciation for the natural environment and awareness of the conservation ethic.

 

 

Therapeutic Recreation

group of individuals gathered together smiling

Therapeutic programs embrace the diversity that defines Austin and works to ensure that all individuals are accepted, included, and welcomed to participate, play, and recreate together with a team of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Inclusion Aids.

McBeth Recreation Center