The Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation Department is heading into summer 2026 with one of its most comprehensive lineups yet. Programming spans the Community Center, the Community Arts Center, and outdoor facilities across the city, with something available for nearly every age group and interest.

The season kicks off in earnest on June 3, the last day of school, with the Teen Summer Kickoff at the Community Center. That same day marks the start of free youth summer passes, which are available through August 19. These passes are a meaningful way for families to access recreation programming throughout the summer without added cost.

For the full program calendar and registration details, visit GlenwoodRec.com.


Youth and Family Programs

Junior Rec Summer Club and Little Rec

The Junior Rec Summer Club runs June 8 through August 19 as a weekly drop-in program for school-age kids. Registration is available through the Community Center's Webtrac portal. Little Rec offers a parallel experience for the youngest participants, with the same schedule and special events.

The Summer Indoor Playground is part of the mix, running on Saturdays starting June 6 and Tuesdays starting June 9. Two special events give kids and families anchor points mid-summer: Touch-A-Truck on June 27 and H2O Day on July 18. Kids Night at the Rec on June 5 serves as a preview event to kick things off.

Free Youth Summer Passes

Free youth summer passes are available June 3 through August 19 and cover access to Community Center programming. This is one of the most accessible entry points for families in the area. More information is at glenwoodrec.com/372/Teen-Activities.


Teen Programs

The Teen Summer Kickoff at the Rec takes place June 3 from 3 to 9 PM at the Community Center. It is open to students in grades 6 through 12 and runs in both Spanish and English. For teens who prefer a more informal setting before the summer rush, Teen Jam at Bluebird Cafe is scheduled for May 17.

The Teen Advisory Committee meets on Wednesdays on an ongoing basis and offers a civic leadership opportunity for teens who want to be more involved in shaping programming. The Junior Counselor program, running June 8 through August 19, is a structured leadership and work experience program for older teens. Sign up for the Junior Counselor program here.

All teen programming details are at glenwoodrec.com/372/Teen-Activities.


Aquatics

Swim lessons follow a monthly registration structure. June lessons open for registration May 10 through June 8. July lessons open June 14 through July 13. Private lessons are available throughout the summer for families who prefer that format.

Safety certification offerings include CPR/AED and First Aid on May 19, Babysitter Training on June 5 and 6, and Lifeguard Training from June 11 through 13. Note that the Aquatic Center will be closed all day on May 16.

View the full aquatics schedule.


Arts Programs

The Community Arts Center hosts a broad range of youth and adult arts programming through the summer. Mark August 15 on the calendar for the Community Arts Center Open House.

Youth Arts

Youth visual arts options include Creative Kid's Night Out (monthly Fridays), Art Kids Summer Camps running June 4 through 6 and July 13 through 16, Youth Glass Fusion, and Art from the Unexpected. Textile and fiber arts offerings cover Youth Sewing, Yarn Making and Dyeing, and Crocheting Amigurumi Animals. For younger children, Preschool Clay Play Peeps meets June 13 and Preschool Clay Play Camp runs June 29 through July 2.

Youth dance includes Hip-Hop and Dance Theater offered on rotating Saturday, Friday, and Tuesday schedules through the summer. Youth music features Rock and Roll Academy Roaring Fork, a week-long intensive running Monday through Friday in June, July, and August.

Adult Arts

Adult offerings include Oil Painting at the Intermediate level, Printmaking, Modern Groove Dance, and Adult Tap. The Clay Studio offers a monthly membership model along with Date Night clay sessions scheduled in June and July.

For registration and the full arts calendar, visit GlenwoodRec.com.


Athletics

The summer athletics calendar opens with MLB Pitch, Hit and Run on June 6. The following day, June 7, the department hosts Glenwood Rec at the Colorado Rockies, a community outing that has become a popular event.

Youth Tennis runs in both June and July, as does Adult Tennis. MLS GO Soccer for ages 5 and 6 runs July 6 through August 5. Adult Coed Softball League begins July 13 and runs through October 5. Girls Youth Volleyball is scheduled for August and September. NHL Avs Street Hockey runs July through August.

Full listings are at GlenwoodRecSports.com.


Wellness and Special Programs

Learn to Garden

The Learn to Garden series offers five monthly workshops from May through September. Topics progress through the season: soil, water, and pest management in May; integrated pest management in June; summer harvesting in July; season extension in August; and winterization and seed saving in September. Bundle pricing is available for all five sessions. The first session is May 26, which is coming up quickly for anyone interested in signing up.

Older Adult Programming

The department has scheduled several events specifically for older adults. Spring Fling Game Day is May 21. Berry Sweet Game Day is June 18. Summer Luau Dance is July 9. The Therapeutic Rafting Adventure, designed for beginners, takes place July 22.

Inclusive and Support Programs

NeuroPong runs Thursdays from 2 to 3:30 PM and is a ping pong program built for participants with neuromuscular challenges. It reflects the department's broader commitment to accessible programming. Grief in Motion, a walking and movement-based grief support program, meets Mondays at 9 AM. A Self-Compassion Workshop is scheduled for May 14.

Practical Workshops and Climbing

The Bicycle Clinic on how to change a flat tire is scheduled for June 16 and is a free-standing practical workshop. The Climbing Wall at the Community Center offers beginner and intermediate fundamentals courses for youth on Sundays and Tuesdays in June and July. View the climbing schedule.


The Rink Goes Summer Mode

The Community Center ice rink transitions to summer programming with a new schedule:

  • Skateboarding Drop-In: 3:00 to 4:30 PM
  • Stick and Puck: 4:45 to 6:15 PM
  • Pickleball: 7:00 to 9:00 PM

View the full rink schedule.


Gear Library

The Gear Library, located at the Community Arts Center, rents outdoor equipment for $1 to $20 per item, offering a practical way for residents to access outdoor gear without owning it. An Adaptive Gear Library is also available for residents with mobility needs.

Gear Library information | Adaptive Gear Library information


How to Register

The full events calendar is at GlenwoodRec.com. Registration for most programs is handled through the online portal. The department also shares updates on Facebook and Instagram. The City's accessibility policy ensures programs are open to all residents, with Spanish translation available for select events and communications.

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