Parks and Recreation After-School, S.O.A.R., and Preschool Program
Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation offers recreationally based programs for children in grades Pre-K – 5th grade for City of Harrisonburg Residents only. Through a balance of free play and organized activities, we strive to provide the best possible care for your child in a safe, fun, and enriching environment.
The After-School Activities (A.S.A.) and Summer Organized Activities and Recreation (S.O.A.R.) programs are NOT licensed childcare programs through the Virginia Department of Education.
[1.7MB] Summer 2026 Youth Program Activity Guide
[1.7MB] Fall 2026 Youth Program Activity Guide
- Kids' Night Out
Held at the Community Activities Center, Kids’ Night Out is available for youth in kindergarten – 5th grade. Kids’ Night Out will include dinner, a craft, and an activity!
Upcoming Dates:
- October 16
Sample Schedule:
5:45pm - 6:00pm: Drop Off
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Pizza
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Arts and Crafts
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Activity
8:00pm: Pick Up
- After-School Activities Program (A.S.A.)
Our A.S.A. program is offered for students enrolled in Harrisonburg City Public Schools throughout the school year and includes any early release days. The program runs from the time of school dismissal until 5:45pm. All children must attend Harrisonburg City Public Schools and arrive at the Community Activities Center from school on a school bus. The program follows the Harrisonburg City Public School calendar and does not operate when schools are closed for holidays, teacher workdays, or inclement weather closures. Children must be enrolled in kindergarten to attend the A.S.A. program.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) The cost of the A.S.A program is $50 per child per month. This fee is due the month prior to the first of the month (ex: September fees are due August 1 with monthly fees ending after the March 1 payment).
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the A.S.A. Registration form and pay the $50 registration fee (August monthly fees are nonrefundable) to be enrolled. Spaces are limited and once filled, participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however; the registration fee is only charged if the child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration dates for the 2026-2027 school year:
Accounts with current 2025 - 2026 ASA participants: Information will be sent out via email
Accounts with current 2026 SOAR participants: July 6th at 7:30am
New Participant Registration: July 13st at 7:30am
[485KB] After-School Program Handbook
- Summer Organized Activities & Recreation Program (S.O.A.R.)
During the summer months, S.O.A.R. participants will have the opportunity for free play, organized activities, outdoor experiences, swimming, field trips, and arts and crafts. The S.O.A.R. program runs from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Children must complete kindergarten to be eligible to attend. For the 2026 S.O.A.R. Program, registration will be open for children who have completed Kindergarten through age 11. In addition to field trips, participants will be visiting the Westover Pool 2-3 times a week. Parents/Guardians will be made aware of field trips and pool days in advance.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) The cost of the S.O.A.R program is $50 per week. This fee is due at 5pm the Wednesday prior to the week of service. If the fee is not paid by the due date, the participant WILL NOT be able to attend until payment is received. Payments will not be prorated due to illness, weather, vacation, disciplinary actions, or non-use.
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the S.O.A.R. Program registration form. The first week of attendance payment of $50 is due at the time of registration to secure the child's spot in the program. Spaces are limited and once filled, participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however; fees will only be charged if a child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration is in person at the Community Activities Center Youth Service desk.
Accounts with 2025 SOAR participants: March 9 at 7:00am
Accounts with current 2025 - 2026 ASA participants: March 23 at 7:00am
New Participant Registration: April 13 at 7:00am
- Preschool
Our Program and Philosophy
The City of Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation is proud to offer a quality and affordable half-day- preschool program to our city residents. At Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Preschool, our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for young children where they can learn meaningfully through discovery and play. Through both self-direction and small group lessons, the program promotes the healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. We use a Montessori-inspired approach to early learning by offering mindfully prepared and inviting spaces where children can engage with their peers, explore their surroundings, and learn at their own pace. We follow a daily schedule that incorporates language arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), art, music and movement, practical life skills, and gross motor activities through developmentally appropriate lessons and ample opportunities for self-guided play.
Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Preschool is staffed by highly trained preschool teachers and is fully licensed by the Virginia Department of Education.
The program is offered to City residents’ children who are or will be three years of age by the start of the current school year for entry into the 3-year-old program, and to children who are or will be four years of by the start of the current school year for entry into our 4-year-old program. All children must be fully potty trained to attend preschool.
Classes begin in the first week of September and continue until mid-May.
The cost for the 4-year-old program is $75 a month (September - May) plus a non-refundable enrollment fee of $75 with students attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am-12pm.
The cost for the 3-year-old program is $50 a month (September - May) plus a non-refundable enrollment fee of $50 with students attending Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am-12pm.
Previous Participant Registration: February 9, 2026
New Participant Registration: February 23, 2026
[287KB] Preschool Parent Handbook - English
[287KB] Preschool Parent Handbook - Spanish
[303KB] 2026-2027 Registration Form
Additional Registration Requirements:
- Birth Certification
- Registration Fee (non-refundable fee equal to monthly cost)
- [489KB] Preschool Physical Form (physical: prior to attendance or no later than one month of attendance, immunizations due prior to attendance)
- Teen Programs
Brand new this Fall, we are offering a variety of programs for teens! Registration is required.
Afterschool Teen Workouts
Teen Afterschool Workouts is a free 6-week fitness program designed for all 6th–12th graders. This program provides teens with a positive and structured afterschool activity that promotes physical fitness, confidence, discipline, and healthy habits.
Participants do not have to be athletes to join. This program is a great opportunity for fitness beginners, teens interested in becoming stronger or faster, or those simply looking for a fun and active way to spend time after school. Workouts will include age-appropriate exercises that challenge participants both physically and mentally in a supportive environment.
Sessions will be led by a certified instructor and will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 3:30pm for 6 weeks. Registration is free, but early registration is recommended.
Youth Fitness Boot Camp
A positive, high-energy program designed to help students build strength, discipline, confidence, and perseverance. Through structured physical challenges and motivational guidance, participants will learn the value of hard work, accountability, teamwork, and making positive choices at home, in school, and in the community. This once-a-month program is great for athletes looking to improve and for students who just need an extra boost of encouragement, structure, and support.
We will meet the second Saturday of the month.
September 12, October 10, November 14
(The B.U.I.L.D Team) Building Up Innovation, Learning & Development
Calling all future engineers, architects, managers, creatives, business owners, and tech professionals! Middle school students are invited to join an engineering competition team where they will design and build a futuristic city while learning valuable skills in project management, teamwork, critical thinking, public speaking, and problem solving. Participants will have a chance to get rewards and compete at a regional and possibly national level while exploring innovative solutions to today’s sustainability issues, practice public speaking, answering judge questions, and building confidence under pressure. This competition-based program may include guest speakers, possible travel opportunities, and a vlog component where students document their experience. The program meets once a week on Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm. Each child must be registered.
Photography and Video for Teens
Participants will learn about framing, perspective, and creativity while building confidence and having fun behind the camera.
Public Speaking for Teens
Gain confidence Infront of others, practice writing a short speech, and learn how to read from a teleprompter.
If you have any questions regarding any of the Youth Services programs, please email Parks-YouthServices@HarrisonburgVA.Gov or call 540-433-2474.
Additional Links:
Harrisonburg City Public Schools