Outdoor-center-programs | Metrowest YMCA | MetroWest YMCA

Throughout the year, we offer sports, recreation, cooking, leadership development, and outdoor education classes for all ages! We host school vacation programs in December, February, and April. In the summer, we offer swim lessons, and family swim club memberships at our outdoor pool.

  • Seasonal Session Classes, Workshops, Events

  • School Vacation Programs

  • Free Member Events & Drop-in Programs 

  • Self-Led Activities for Members

  • Swim Lessons/Swim Team

 

COMING SPRING 2024: Eight new ourdoor Pickleball Courts!

 

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

MEAL PREPPING SERIES - NEW!
Each class we'll make a breakfast, main entree, and a snack!

Ages 18+
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
January 3: Oatmeal bake, harvest chicken and veggies with wild rice, hummus with veggies
January 10: Egg muffin cups, mason jar salad with homemade dressing, energy bites
January 17: Overnight oats, balsamic chicken with veggies, quinoa, and yogurt parfaits
Full-Access Framingham Members $40 per person/class | Community Members $80 per person/class

 

KNIFE TECHNIQUES - NEW!
You'll build upon new skills and make a recipe to practice!

Ages 18+
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
January 24: Square cuts and vegetable soup
January 31: Round cuts and French onion soup
February 7: Specialty cuts and seasonal fruit salad
Full-Access Framingham Members $40 per person/class | Community Members $80 per person/class

 

SEASONAL ARTS & CRAFTS
As winter begins and nature slows down, we'll look at the changing landscape for inspiration for a variety of arts and crafts projects! We'll dabble with drawing, painting, collage, ink prints, 3D sculpture, chalk/pastel, and nature crafts. Participants will be exposed to several mediums and "tools of the trade." Resources will be provided, even if we go exploring to find them!

Ages 7-12
Saturdays, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Full-Access Framingham Members $67 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $91 | Community Members $134

 

STEM CLASS
Participants will have the opportunity to be hands-on with different STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities. Each one will have some connection to nature or the outdoors.

Ages 8-12
Saturdays, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Full-Access Framingham Members $67 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $91 | Community Members $134

 

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
This class is perfect for people looking to document the natural beauty of our world. We'll cover photography basics and provide an array of outdoor locations/settings to practice getting that perfect shot. Participants must supply their own camera.

Ages 16+
Saturdays, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Full-Access Framingham Members $100 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $160 | Community Members $220

 

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE ARCHERY
Beginner/Intermediate Archery works on foundational skills: identifying parts of the bow and arrow, how to hold equipment, stance, and other information. All equipment is provided!

Ages 6+
Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Full-Access Framingham Members $90 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $95 | Community Members $180

 

ADVANCED ARCHERY – YOUTH/ADULT
Advanced Archery provides an environment in which students will hone in on their form, learn range/competition commands, and learn care of essential gear such as stringing, waxing, and re-fletching. To participate you MUST have instructor approval.

Ages 8+
Saturdays, 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Full-Access Framingham Members $90 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $95 | Community Members $180

 

ADULT BELAY CLASS
Come learn how to manage the ropes and take charge of your family’s lifeline! Once you pass this course, you'll have the ability to belay your family and approved guests during Open Climb.

Ages 18+
Fridays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Full-Access Framingham Members $25 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $25 | Community Members $35

 

SNOWSHOE RENTALS (5+ inches of snow on ground required)
With over two miles of hiking trails, wetlands, ponds, and open fields, the seasonal changes here at the Outdoor Center are a beautiful sight. Check in at the Rec Lodge to pick up snowshoes.
Saturdays, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Full-Access Framingham Members FREE | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members FREE | Community Members $5/person/hour

 

DROP-IN PROGRAMS: FREE FOR MEMBERS

OPEN CLIMB
The indoor climbing gym is open to climbers of all ages, shapes, and sizes. If you can be appropriately harnessed, you may climb. Anyone over 18 wishing to belay must attend the belay class. The last hour of open climb is “Lights Out” for our glow-in-the dark/blacklight climb.
Fridays, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Rec Lodge
Full-Access Framingham Members FREE | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members FREE | Community Members $10/person 
Check out page 22 to find out how YOU can belay YOUR FAMILY by signing up for an Adult Belay class!

 

OPEN ARCHERY
Come and try out archery before signing up for classes, or practice on your own. All required equipment provided by the YMCA. You may bring your own recurve or compound bow provided draw weight is 30lbs or less, and only arrows with field/target points are allowed (no broadheads).

Ages 6+
Wednesdays, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM in the Rec Lodge
Full-Access Framingham Members FREE | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members FREE | Community Members $10/person

 

OPEN PICKLEBALL
Self-directed fun for all abilities. We recommend you bring your own paddles. Indoor court in the Recreation Lodge.

Ages 18+
Fridays, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Full-Access Framingham FREE | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members FREE | Community Members $8 per day

 

VACATION DAY PROGRAM: KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Looking for a hands-on program for your child to engage in while school is out? Kids in the Kitchen will teach children basic cooking skills and how to cook healthy, delicious recipes! We'll make multiple recipes and enjoy them together or kids can bring in Tupperware to take home and share!

Tuesday, February 20: Greece - Spanokopita, homemade pita chips and hummus, and Falafel with Tzatziki sauce 
Wednesday, February 21: Mexico - Corn and black bean empanadas and churros
Thursday, February 22: France - Cheese twist and broccoli and cheddar quiche 
Friday, February 23rd: Italy - Garlic knots and homemade gnocchi

Ages 6-12
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Full-Access Framingham Members $70 | Outdoor Center and Youth/Teen Members $105 | Community Members $140 (prices per day)

 

Questions? Contact Karley Doray, Director of Nutrition Education:kdoray@metrowestymca.org