Youth & Family Engagement

Children & Youth Programs

Learn. Explore. Build Confidence.

Children and young people need opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, discover new interests, build relationships, stay active, and develop confidence.

SSA's Children & Youth Programs provide educational, developmental, recreational, and social experiences for children and youth in Spokane and surrounding communities.

Activities vary throughout the year based on age, community interest, partnerships, funding, and available resources.

Learning Through Experience

We believe some of the most memorable learning happens through doing.

SSA develops activities that combine education with hands-on experiences, exploration, creativity, recreation, and interaction with others.

Programs and activities may include:

STEM activities
Hands-on educational projects
Play & Learn activities
Educational workshops
Field trips
Recreational activities
Roller skating and other active events
Social-emotional learning
Creative activities
Seasonal programs and events
Community experiences

View Upcoming Youth Activities

A young girl works on a hands-on craft activity at an SSA community event.

STEM & Educational Activities

Curiosity. Creativity. Problem-solving.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can become much more engaging when children have opportunities to experiment, build, explore, and solve problems themselves. SSA organizes STEM and other educational activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, confidence, communication, and exploration of new interests.

Activities may be offered directly by SSA or in partnership with educational and community organizations.

A child watching a hands-on craft activity at an SSA event.

Play & Learn

Young children learn through play, interaction, movement, and exploration.

SSA's Play & Learn activities create opportunities for young children and their parents or caregivers to participate together in age-appropriate educational, recreational, and social experiences.

Activities may support:

Early learning
Social interaction
Parent-child engagement
Movement and play
Exploration
Family connection

Program schedules and age requirements may vary by activity.

Toddlers and their parents play and learn together with blocks and picture books.

Recreation Is Part of Development

Not every valuable experience needs to happen in a classroom.

Recreational activities give children opportunities to stay active, try something new, interact with peers, and develop confidence. SSA may organize activities such as roller skating, outdoor recreation, games, community outings, field trips, seasonal activities, and family recreation.

These experiences can support physical activity, social development, confidence, and positive relationships.

Children on roller skates gathered around a balloon-animal stand at an SSA community event.

Building Social & Emotional Skills

Educational success involves more than academic knowledge.

Through group activities and shared experiences, children and youth can practice:

Communication
Teamwork
Confidence
Responsibility
Problem-solving
Respect for others
Trying unfamiliar activities
Building positive relationships

These skills can help young people at school, at home, and throughout their future.

Children sit in a circle sharing feelings with a friendly group leader.

Opportunities for Different Ages

SSA serves children and youth through different activities rather than one fixed program model.

Age ranges, eligibility, group sizes, registration requirements, and schedules depend on the individual activity.

Some programs may be designed for young children together with parents or caregivers, while others may be designed for school-age children or teenagers.

As SSA grows, additional youth opportunities may be developed based on community interest and available resources.

Children of different ages, from young kids to teens, take part in activities together.

Programs grow through partnership

Programs Grow Through Partnership

SSA works with schools, businesses, nonprofits, recreational facilities, educators, professionals, volunteers, funders, and other community partners to expand opportunities available to children and youth.

Partners may provide

Educational experiences
Facilities
Instructors
Activities
Transportation
Supplies
Sponsorships
Volunteer support
Financial support

Partner With Youth Programs

A parent and child visit partner organization tables at a community event.

Give a Child a New Experience.

A workshop can introduce a new interest. A field trip can introduce a new place. A recreational activity can build confidence. A group experience can create a new friendship. Small experiences can have lasting impact.

View Upcoming Activities Register for a Program Support Youth Programs