Hartford Parks
Hartford’s parks feature playgrounds, sports fields and courts, pools, walkways and trails. Click here for more information about Hartford's parks and explore an interactive map.
Hartford Police Athletic League
The Hartford Police Athletic League (PAL) is a non-profit unit of the Hartford Police Department, which offers recreational activities and educational programs that provide youth with alternatives to violence, gang membership, truancy and substance abuse. PAL recreational activities change throughout the year and include dance, exercise drills, football, double-dutch, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, baseball, gaming tournaments, volleyball, dodge ball, martial arts, kickboxing and more. The PAL program teaches its youth the importance of integrity, respect, discipline, self-esteem, leadership, teamwork and other valuable life skills that breed success. Click here for more information.
Contact 860.757.4401
Hartford Recreation Centers
City recreation centers provide free fitness and recreation programs and services to Hartford residents. Contact or visit a local recreation center to learn more about programs currently offered and hours by age group.
Parker Memorial Center
2621 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06112
Contact: 860.757.0820
A gymnasium, weight room, pool, and adult and youth fitness programs are available.
Arroyo Center
30 Pope Park Drive
Hartford, CT 06106
Contact: 860.757.0530
A gymnasium, fitness center, pool, park, and adult and youth fitness programs are available.
Riverfront Parks
Riverfront parks features spaces to walk, run, bike or row, as well as recreational programs and events. Click here for more information.
The Salvation Army: Hartford North End Corps
This Salvation Army site offers a Men’s Basketball program, Sports Fellowship League and Teen Gym. Click here for the current program and activity schedule.
100 Nelson Street
Hartford, CT 06120
Contact: 860.543.8419
YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford
Wilson-Gray Branch
444 Albany Avenue
Hartford, CT 06120
Contact: 860.241.9622
Membership rates begin at $10/month for children age 18 and younger. Additional memberships for young adults ($25), adults ($32), families ($50-$55) and seniors ($25-$45) are available. Call to learn more about applying for financial assistance or payment options.
Membership benefits include free:
- wellness appointments & fitness assessments
- child care & after-school programs
- group exercise classes
- family activities
- guest passes
- access to most YMCAs across the country through the Always Welcome At the YMCA (A.W.A.Y) Program
Advanced program registration and reduced program fees are also offered to members.
YMCA Learn to Swim
This program offers free introductory swim lessons to children ages 5 – 9 years old who reside in Hartford. To be eligible, children must not have previously attended Greater Hartford YMCA swim lessons and must provide proof of Hartford residency. Swim lessons are located at the Downtown YMCA or the Learning Corridor in Hartford.
Contact: 860.305.7056
SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a fitness program for adults age 65 or older. It is provided at no cost through participating health care plans. Many Medicare plans offered through AARP, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, ConnectiCare, Humana, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare participate in SilverSneakers.
With SilverSneakers, a fitness membership with free access to all basic YMCA amenities including SilverSneakers classes and assistance from a designated staff member is included.
Contact the YMCA at 860.241.9622 to learn more and participate.
The Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) program
Mondays
7:00 - 8:30pm
Saturdays
8:30-10:00am
MOCHA was developed to improve the health and wellness of men of color. The program includes a 12-week class focusing on key areas of men’s health in addition to weekly exercise classes. Each week includes discussion, education and peer support surrounding each topic. This class is free to all. A YMCA membership is not required to participate.
Contact the YMCA at 860.241.9622 to learn more and participate.