City of St. Louis Offers Free Summer Camps, Pools, Sports and Youth Employment Programs for Kids and Young Adults

For thousands of St. Louis kids - and their parents - the end of the school year is quickly approaching. The City of St. Louis offers several programs for kids, families and young adults to provide fun, safe and nurturing experiences.

"Summer break is one of the most fun times of the year, but it's also a stressful time for parents and a part of the year when it's extremely important that our kids have fun and safe activities to take part in," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "That's why I'm so proud of our City departments for continuing to offer free, high-quality programming for children and youths throughout the summer months."

In an effort to further expand the number of opportunities for young St. Louisans, the fiscal year 2027 budget that the Board of Estimate and Apportionment sent to the Board of Aldermen in April includes an additional $1 million for summer youth employment programming.

To make it easier for families to connect with summer camps, pools, sports, youth employment programs and more, information and registration links are available on the Summer Activities for Youth and Families web page.

Recreation Division Programs

Learn to swim, join one of the City's youth sports programs in basketball, baseball, soccer and more, sign up for a dance program or take up boxing. These are just a few of the programs the City of St. Louis Recreation Division is offering around the city this summer. Learn more and register here.

Summer Camp

The City of St. Louis is offering free full-day summer camps at several recreation centers between June 1 and August 7. Camps feature several fun activities in fields including the outdoors, STEM, golf and cinema production. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are served each day. Spots are filling up quickly, so learn more and sign up today.

City Swimming Pools

The 2026 Outdoor Pool Season begins on Saturday, May 23, and runs to Labor Day weekend. There is no entry fee or charge to swim.

A one-time registration is requested in advance of arriving at the pool using the City of St. Louis Recreation Programs site. After clicking the link, scroll to the pool you plan to visit to register.

Outdoor Pool Schedule

• Chambers Pool, 3115 Franklin Ave., at Compton Ave., 314-534-7953.
  Hours: 7 days a week, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed during shift change, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Fairground Park Pool, 4011 Natural Bridge Ave. @ Grand Blvd., 314-534-9219.
  Hours: 7 days a week, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed during shift change, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Marquette Park Pool, 4025 Minnesota Ave., 314-353-1250.
  Hours: Monday - Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Marquette requires its own pre-registration for a pool pass for all individuals, including children. You may register for a pass at any time. Passes may be picked up at the Marquette Recreation Center Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.).

An adult must accompany children 13 and under.

The City of St. Louis is hiring lifeguards ($17.00/hr). Applicants must be at least 15 years old. Learn more and apply here.

Indoor Pool Schedule

Due to staffing limitations, indoor pools at our Recreation Centers are reserved for summer camps, and only the following pools are open for lap swimming during the Outdoor pool season.

• 12th & Park Pool: Open for lap swim Mondays & Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Wohl Recreation Center Pool: Open for lap swim Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Summer Youth Employment Program

The SLATE Summer Youth Employment Program is for youths ages 16 to 24 and aims to provide them with valuable work experience and prepare them for tomorrow's careers. Through paid on-the-job training, young adults develop soft skills and the work readiness skills necessary to build a career while building their resumes. Each youth is partnered with a job coach to assist them in exploring their career interests, creating a career plan and resume, gaining financial literacy skills, and helping them find employment beyond the program.

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Missouri, and Local government, SYEP-STL City is more than just a job. It is a learning experience on topics like obtaining a job, keeping a job, and how to become a professional. The program aims to increase access to employment for hundreds of city youth and prepare young people for job opportunities of the future. Learn more and apply.

Out-of-School Youth Program

SLATE provides educational and employment services to youths ages 17 to 24 who are either at risk of dropping out of school or already have.

SLATE Missouri Job Center collaborates with regional partners and local organizations to provide educational, job training, and employment services to youth, ages 17 to 24, that are out-of-school or dropped out of school. Learn more and register.

Youth Empowerment Program

The Youth Empowerment Program is designed to help young St. Louis residents, ages 19 to 24, build a stronger path toward employment and long-term career success. Funded by the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services, the program focuses on connecting eligible youth with meaningful work-based opportunities, supportive services, and career exposure that can help them prepare for the future.

Through this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen job readiness skills, gain hands-on work experience, and explore career interests in real-world settings. Activities may include assessment, job placement support, worksite orientation, career development, and ongoing guidance throughout the program. Participants may also receive supportive services that help remove barriers to success, such as transportation assistance, work-related attire, and other basic supports tied to participation. Learn more here.