Youth Programs

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer an opportunity to participate in Amazing Athletes, a program that helps children build motor skills and inspires a lifelong appreciation of physical activity. 

Schedule

Summer 2023

• When: 
  • Thursday Sessions (once per week)
    • June 22 - July 20: Tots 5:30–6; Preschool 6:15 - 7 p.m.
    • July 27 - Aug. 24: Tots 5:30–6; Preschool 6:15 - 7 p.m.
  • Monday - Thursday Sessions (daily, all times a.m.)
    • June 5–8: Tots 9 - 9:30 a.m.; Preschool 9:40 - 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 - 11:10 a.m.
    • June 26–29: Tots 9 - 9:30 a.m.; Preschool 9:40 - 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 - 11:10 a.m.
    • July 24–27: Tots 9 - 9:30 a.m.; Preschool 9:40 - 10:20 a.m. and 10:30 - 11:10 a.m.
• Where: Moir Park 10320 Morgan Avenue South
• Who: Children age 18 months to 6 years (see details below)
  • Tots (age 1.5 - 2.5)
  • Preschool (age 2.5 - 6)  
• Cost: $83 per participant
• Registration: blm.mn/webtrac. 
  • Opens: March 29
• Cancellation Policy​​​​​​​
  • Full refund (minus $10 processing fee) if participant cancels up to one week before start of program.
  • No refund if participant cancels within one week of start of program.
  • Full refund if canceled due to low enrollment.
  • Prorated refund or makeup date scheduled if canceled due to weather.

Fall 2023 (details coming soon)

Winter 2023 (details coming soon)

Tots Program (ages 18 months - 2.5 years)

Amazing Tots is a guided, discovery-based program helping children 18 months to 2.5 years engage in structured physical activities tailored specifically to toddlers. During each weekly class, toddlers learn about one of four sports through our discovery lessons. Classes also balance a combination of structured physical challenges and organized physical exploration activities specifically designed with little ones in mind. Important reading and developmental properties also are incorporated into physical activities combining fitness, learning and fun all in one!  Amazing Tots gain physical and academic advantages that prepare them to excel in preschool and beyond. Following the love of healthy lifestyle instilled in this program, our toddlers gain skills and tools that can last a lifetime.

Preschool Program (ages 2.5 - 6 years) 

This action-packed curriculum shows kids just how much fun fitness can be! During weekly classes, children learn the importance of patience, teamwork, and self-confidence in a non-competitive, learning-based environment that fosters a love of healthy living. Their excitement for structured physical activity promotes advancements and advantages that keep children on the path to personal well-being. Non-competitive group classes let children build confidence in a safe and fun environment while also building teamwork and good sportsmanship all while we encourage kids to explore and develop a variety of athletic skills through the introduction of 10 different sports. To keep healthy and active, our bodies need the right kind of fuel. The Amazing Athletes nutrition program introduces the children to 16 different fruits and vegetables as well as important vitamins and minerals so that they go home excited about trying new, healthy foods.

About Amazing Athletes

Amazing Athletes uses sports as a catalyst to meet the needs of the whole child through non-competitive, sports-based fitness classes designed to advance each child’s individual motor-skills and inspire future participation in physical activity.

Why Is Physical Activity Important?

Everyone knows that participation in physical activity keeps the body healthy, but few understand that participation in physical activity is actually a critical piece of healthy physical, emotional, intellectual, social and individual human development. Consistent participation in physical activity, especially when starting from a young age, leads to positive attributes in all 5 areas of development listed above.

Amazing Athletes programs are specifically structured and designed to provide participants with positive movement experiences that allow them to enjoy sports and fitness while also advancing their motor-skills so that they can confidently pursue any physical activity that interests them in the future.

All About Amazing Athletes!

Learn more on the Amazing Athletes website. 

Camp Kota is designed to provide an opportunity for kids to learn basic outdoor skills while meeting new friends, singing crazy songs and having tons of fun! Campers experience a unique outdoor recreation schedule each grade section, so the fun keeps coming each year they return!

• Days: Monday - Friday 
• Session Dates 2023: 
  • Session 1: July 10-14
  • Session 2: July 17-21
  • Session 3: July 24-28
  • Session 4: July 31 - August 4
• Program Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
• Location: East Bush Lake Park 
• Who: For children entering grades 2 - 7 in fall 2023*
• Registration Fees:
  • Resident $255, Nonresident $310
  • Registration occurs via the new Lottery process, March 29 - April 5 (see page 5 of Summer Catalog).

*See Kota Kids for children entering grades K - 1 in fall 2023

For registered participants, you will receive a parent handbook and waivers for your child (if needed) via email. 

Held at East Bush Lake Park in conjunction with Camp Kota, Kota Kids is designed to provide an opportunity for younger kids to get a taste of all of the fun!

• Days: Monday - Thursday
• Session Dates 2023: 
  • Session 1: July 10-13
  • Session 2: July 17-20
  • Session 3: July 24-27
  • Session 4: July 31 - August 3
• Times: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
• Location: East Bush Lake Park 
• Who: For children entering grades K - 1 in fall 2023*
• Registration Fees:
  • Resident - $215, Nonresident - $270
  • Registration occurs via the new Lottery process, March 29 - April 5 (see page 5 of Summer Catalog).

*See Camp Kota for children entering grades 2 - 7 in fall 2023

2023 Dakota Language Camp

A unique approach to language learning for both Dakota and non-Dakota youth and adults, the 3-day Dakota Language Camp provides an introduction to one of Minnesota's native languages. Learning is through hands-on experiences of traditional Dakota games, crafts, songs, dancing and foods. Participants will even get a chance to sit in a tipi to learn how it was used and furnished.

Since Dakota culture is rooted in the land, many words are learned during nature walks on the beautiful trails in the Minnesota River Valley. Dakota teachers will also explain their nation's values and history.

This camp is held at the historic Pond Dakota Mission Park, located on the bluffs of the Minnesota River Valley. Large grassy areas in the park are used for outdoor games.

The Dakota Language camp is a joint venture of Bloomington Parks and Recreation and the Dakota Language Department of the University of Minnesota, which creates the program content and provides experienced teaching staff. 

• Days: Tuesday - Thursday
• Dates: June 27 - 29, 2023
• Times: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Location: Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 104th Street
• Who: For youth and adults of ALL AGES!
  • Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult or teen sibling who is also enrolled in the camp
• Registration: 
  • Fee: $50
  • blm.mn/webtrac 
  • Section # 160-A
  • Lunch is provided
  • Registration deadline is June 13, 2023

Download, print and/or share the 2023 Dakota Language Camp flyer. 

Revisit the 2022 Dakota Language Camp 

A recap of the 11th annual Dakota Language Camp hosted by Bloomington Parks and Recreation

Three Rivers Park District, in partnership with the City of Bloomington, offers a variety of golf instruction opportunities aimed at beginner youth (and adult) golfers at Hyland Greens Golf Course, 10100 Normandale Blvd.

Visit blm.mn/golf-lessons for more details and to register. 

Mobile Recreation provides free programming with no registration required in a variety of Bloomington park locations. Activities may include kickball, Spikeball, arts & crafts, pop-up disc golf, slacklining, parachutes, and much more!

• Where: Various parks throughout Bloomington (see schedule below)
• Who: Youth ages 18 and under.
• When: Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (see schedule below)
• Cost: Free!
• Registration:  None required.

Summer 2023 Activity Schedule

• June 6 (Kickoff) - West Bush Lake Park, 9401 W. Bush Lake Rd.
• June 13 - Wright’s Lake Park, 8501 17th Avenue South
• June 20 - Moir/Central Park, 10320 Morgan Ave South
• June 27 - Brye Park, 10500 Xavier Avenue South
• July 11 - Bryant Park, 1001 West 85th Street
• July 18 - Tarnhill Park, 9650 Little Road
• July 25 - Valley View Playfield, 9000 Portland Avenue South

Weather Policy
Mobile Rec may be canceled if the weather is not ideal for programming. If weather becomes severe the weather line (952-563-8878) will be updated with any program changes or cancellations.

• Days: Monday - Friday
• Dates: June 12 - August 10, 2023
  • No programming July 3-7
• Times: Morning, Afternoon and Full-Day
  • Morning: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Afternoon: 12:30 - 3 p.m.
  • *Full-Day: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (includes extended lunch supervision)
• Location: Bryant Park, 1001 West 85th Street
• Who: For children in **Preschool - Kindergarten in fall 2023
• Registration Fees:  Resident $150, Nonresident $205
  • Registration occurs via the new Lottery process, March 29 - April 5 (see page 5 of Summer Catalog).
  • Must be enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions as a result of Lottery Spin in order to participate in the full-day option.

*Free sack lunch provided daily upon request. 
**Preschool sessions are for independently toilet trained children who turn age four (4) by September 1, 2023 and are entering kindergarten in fall 2024.

There will be no staff available to supervise participants before or after program hours or at the park location during off-site field trips.

For complete programming information including section and activity numbers for this program, please refer to the 2023 Bloomington Summer Experience catalog.

This high-energy program introduces kids to the fundamentals of soccer and builds on their soccer basics. Instructors also highlight positive character traits during each session such as respect, teamwork, and appreciation. No equipment is required! There are three levels offered at three locations. See below for details on current and upcoming program offerings. 

SPRING 2023 

• Days: Multiple sessions offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Dates: April 11 - June 1, 2023
• Times: Evenings between 5 and 6:20 p.m. 
• Who: Ages 2-3 (Mini), 3-5 (Classic), 5-8 (Premier)
• Where: Three convenient locations:
  • Quail Ridge Playlot, 7301 Minnesota Bluffs Drive (Tuesdays)
    • Mini: 4/11 - 5/30, 5 p.m.
    • Classic: 4/11 - 5/30, 5:40 p.m.
    • Premier: 4/11 - 5/30, 6:20 p.m.
  • Logan Playlot, 1900 West 91st Street (Wednesdays)
    • Classic: 4/12 - 5/30, 5 p.m. 
    • Mini: 4/12 - 5/30, 5:40 p.m. 
    • Classic: 4/12 - 5/30, 6:20 p.m. 
  • Effa Playlot, 8330 4th Avenue South (Thursdays)
    • Mini: 4/13 - 6/1, 5 p.m. 
    • Classic: 4/13 - 6/1, 5:40 p.m. 
• Cost: $140 (No equipment required.)
• Registration:  Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up opens February 7. 

SUMMER 2023 

• Days: Multiple sessions offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Dates: June 13 - August 17, 2023
• Times: Evenings between 5 and 6:20 p.m. 
• Who: Ages 2-3 (Mini), 3-5 (Classic), 5-8 (Premier)
• Where: Three convenient locations:
  • Quail Ridge Playlot, 7301 Minnesota Bluffs Drive (Tuesdays)
    • Mini - 6/13 - 8/15, 5 p.m.
    • Classic - 6/13 - 8/15, 5:40 p.m.
    • Premier - 6/13 - 8/15, 6:20 p.m.
  • Logan Playlot, 1900 West 91st Street (Wednesdays)
    • Mini - 6/14 - 8/16, 5:40 p.m. 
    • Classic - 6/14 - 8/16, 5 p.m. 
  • Effa Playlot, 8330 4th Avenue South (Thursdays)
    • Mini - 6/15 - 8/17, 5 p.m. 
    • Classic - 6/15 - 8/17, 5:40 p.m. 
• Cost: $189-Tuesdays; $207-Wednesdays and Thursdays (No equipment required.)
• Registration:  Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up opens March 29.

FALL 2023 

• Days: Multiple sessions offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Dates: September 5 - October 19, 2023
• Times: Evenings between 5 and 6:20 p.m. 
• Who: Ages 2-3 (Mini), 3-5 (Classic), 5-8 (Premier)
• Where: Three convenient locations:
  • Quail Ridge Playlot, 7301 Minnesota Bluffs Drive (Tuesdays)
    • Mini - 9/5 - 10/17, 5 p.m.
    • Classic - 9/5 - 10/17, 5:40 p.m.
    • Premier - 9/5 - 10/17, 6:20 p.m.
  • Logan Playlot, 1900 West 91st Street (Wednesdays)
    • Classic - 9/6 - 10/18, 5 p.m.
    • Mini - 9/6 - 10/18, 5:40 p.m. 
    • Classic - 9/6 - 10/18, 6:20 p.m. 
  • Effa Playlot, 8330 4th Avenue South (Thursdays)
    • Mini - 9/7 - 10/19, 5 p.m. 
    • Classic - 9/7 - 10/19, 5:40 p.m. 
    • Classic - 9/7 - 10/19, 6:20 p.m. 
• Cost: $132 (No equipment required.)
• Registration:  Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up opens August 1, 2023.

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund (minus $10 processing fee) if participant cancels up to one week before start of program.
• No refund if participant cancels within one week of start of program.
• Full refund if canceled due to low enrollment.
• Prorated refund or makeup date scheduled if canceled due to weather.
  • Soccer Shots staff will cancel sessions if storms are occurring or imminent or if the temperature rises above 100 degrees. All reasonable attempts will be made to reschedule any canceled sessions, typically by adding a session at the end of the season. Soccer Shots staff will send out an email and text message to inform participants of cancellations. 

Visit the Soccer Shots website to learn more about its programs.

About Soccer Shots:  Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. Our caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, communication and curriculum. Our coaches are the best trained in the business. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with childhood education standards. In addition we provide an exceptional customer experience and ongoing communication with parents.

Create memories in summer 2023 that will last a lifetime!

The 2023 Summer Experience Catalog features all that Bloomington Parks and Recreation and several community partners have to offer for a summer (and spring and fall) full of fun, inclusive, engaging activities, events, camps and programs.  

Join us for a summer of FUN in a local neighborhood park! Enjoy games, sports, arts and crafts, and special events. Participants will be supervised by instructors experienced in recreation and working with children. Registrations are accepted until program has filled, with no prorating of fees!

• Days:  Monday - Friday
• Dates:  June 12 - August 10, 2023 
  • No programming July 3-7
• Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  Who: For children entering grades 1 - 7 in fall 2023
• Registration Fees: Resident $300, Nonresident $450
  • Registration occurs via the new Lottery process, March 29 - April 5 (see page 5 of Summer Catalog).
  • If program is not full from Lottery and waitlists, registration will be accepted until the program fills, with no fee prorating.
• Program Locations (pending sufficient staffing): 
  • *Gene C. Kelly Park, 185 East 102nd Street
  • Poplar Bridge Park, 4600 West 85th Street
  • *Running Park, 9501 12th Avenue South
  • *Smith Park, 8155 Park Ave South
  • Sunrise Park, 9401 Bloomington Ferry Road
  • Westwood Park, 3490 West 109th Street

*Free sack lunches provided daily

There will be no staff available to supervise participants before or after program hours or at the park location during off-site Summer Adventure events.

For complete programming information including section and activity numbers for this program, please refer to the 2023 Bloomington Summer Experience catalog.

Tenicity brings structured high quality youth tennis programming for ages 5-17 to Bloomington parks. Opportunities are available for all skill and experience levels. Participants who have tennis racquets should bring them to the first session. All participants will be advised on selection of a properly sized racquet. Some equipment will be on hand for participants to try out prior to obtaining their own. 

INTRODUCTION PATH

Players at the beginner level will be introduced to the lifelong game of tennis and will develop foundation skills in structured one-week sessions. The lessons will be progressively designed to create fun, positive, and engaging learning experiences.

• Days: Monday - Thursday
• Dates: June 12 - August 17, 2023
  • Session 1: 6/12 - 6/15
  • Session 2: 6/19 - 6/22
  • Session 3: 6/26 - 6/29
  • Session 4: 7/10 - 7/13
  • Session 5: 7/17 - 7/20
  • Session 6: 7/24 - 7/27
  • Session 7: 7/31 - 8/3
  • Session 8: 8/7 - 8/10
  • Session 9: 8/14 - 8/17
• Times: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• Who: Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 17
• Where: Dred Scott Playfields tennis courts
• Cost: $55 per session
• Registration: Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up is open March 29 - June 1. 

DEVELOPMENT PATH

Players at the beginner and intermediate skill level will develop their tennis skills in structured 3-week sessions. The lessons will be designed
to develop participants' skills progressively and to create fun, positive, and engaging learning experiences.

DRED SCOTT

• Days: Monday - Thursday
• Dates: June 12 - August 17, 2023
  • Session 1: 6/12 - 6/29
  • Session 2: 7/10 - 7/27
  • Session 3: 7/31 - 8/17
• Times: 9:30 -10:30 a.m.
• Who: Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 17
• Where: Dred Scott Playfields tennis courts
• Cost: $165 per session (12 group lessons)
• Registration: Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up is open March 29 - June 1.

BRYANT PARK

• Days: Mondays and Wednesdays
• Dates: June 12 - August 17, 2023
  • Session 1: 6/12 - 6/29
  • Session 2: 7/10 - 7/27
  • Session 3: 7/31 - 8/17
• Times: 6 - 8 p.m. 
  • Ages 5 - 7: 6 - 7 p.m.
  • Ages 8 - 10: 6 - 7 p.m. and 7 - 8 p.m.
  • Ages 11 - 14 and 15 - 17: 7 - 8 p.m.
• Who: Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 10, 11 - 14, 15 - 17
• Where: Bryant Park tennis courts
• Cost: $83 per session (6 group lessons)
• Registration: Register online at blm.mn/webtrac. Sign-up is open March 29 - June 1.

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund (minus $10 processing fee) if participant cancels up to one week before start of program.
• No refund if participant cancels within one week of start of program.
• Full refund if canceled due to low enrollment.
• Prorated refund or makeup date scheduled if canceled due to weather.

About Tenicity: Tenicity Tennis Program is led by former Wimbledon player, winner of ATP Professional titles, and U.S. Collegiate Division 1 National Champion, Harsh Mankad. Harsh has over 10 years of experience leading tennis programs and developing players including to the Division 1 college level. His team of coaches are trained in the program's training and positive coaching methods.

Volunteer your time and help Bloomington Parks and Recreation's summer programs succeed. Visit the Volunteer web page and click on the Summer Teen Opportunities tab for all the details on how you can lend your expertise, experience and enthusiasm to ensure program participants have an exceptional experience! 

Learn how to play softball, improve your skills, meet new friends and have fun!  Youth adaptive recreational softball teaches basic rules and good sportsmanship in a non-threatening environment. Staff is well experienced in the game and will give the youth a softball experience of a lifetime! Siblings and parents are invited to volunteer.

For more details on this program, visit the Adaptive Programming and Inclusion Services web page and click on the Youth Adaptive Softball tab.