Overview
The City of St. Louis is committed to evidence-informed programs that provide fun, safe and nurturing experiences for youths. Summer enrichment programs play a key role in cognitive, academic, social, and physical development. The benefits of high-quality enrichment activities carry forward into adulthood and are associated with fewer problem behaviors and less crime, as well as higher educational attainment in adulthood.
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.
Summer Camp
The City of St. Louis is offering free full-day summer camps at several recreation centers between June 1 and August 7. 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.
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.
Employment and Education Programs
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.
Office of Violence Prevention Events
The St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), a division of the St. Louis Department of Public Safety, hosts monthly community events with music, food, vendors and community partners who address conflict resolution and violence de-escalation. OVP also provides secure storage information and gun locks at the Kickback events, which take place on the third Saturday of every month.
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