Queens Public Library
In addition to providing a safe place for teens to hang out with friends, study, or surf the web, the Queens Public Library system hosts a variety of teen-focused events all year round, including teen tutoring, arts and crafts programs, and special events. Contact the location nearest you for more information: www.queenslibrary.org.
YMCA Teen Centers
Teens can enjoy sports, games, crafts, and other fun activities in a safe, supervised environment. FREE. Visit www.ymcanyc.org for more information.
Cross Island YMCA: Fridays, 7-9pm (ages 11-14); Saturdays, 6:30-9:30pm (ages 11-18). Runs September through June. 238-10 Hillside Avenue, Bellerose. 718-479-0505.
Long Island City YMCA: Every other Friday, 4-7pm. For grades 7-12. 32-23 Queens Boulevard, Long Island City. 718-392-7932.
Teen Council
Samuel Filed Y, 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck.
This program is available to teens in grades 9-12 who feel a commitment to leadership skills and community service and development. The council’s responsibilities include: coordination of Teen Lounge events, organization of community projects, committee work and other special programs such as Toys for Tots, and an experiential hands-on leadership weekend. Meets Thursdays, 6:15-7:15pm. FREE.
Teen Lounge
P.S. 169Q, 18-25 212th Street, Bayside.
Teens can play ball, ping-pong, pool and more on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9:30pm. FREE.
Programs at Queens Community House
108-25 62nd Drive, Forest Hills. 718-592-5757. www.queenscommunityhouse.org.
The Evening Teen Center: Teens can enjoy breakdancing, team sports, billiards and table games, talent shows, discussion groups, leadership training, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and computer classes. FREE. For more information, contact Mike Zevon at ext. 235.
Teen Outreach “Hot Spots” Counseling Program: Young people ages 12-21 are offered individual, group, and family counseling. FREE. For more information, contact: Tara Devineni, LMSW, at ext. 233.
FSF Family Jewish Education Program
A hands-on, experiential learning program primarily for families with children preparing for their Bar/Bat Mizvah. This cohesive program deals with the biblical, historical, and cultural aspects of Judaism, and it meets twice each month. $125. Free Synagogue of Flushing, 41-60 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing. 718-961-0030.
Forest Hills Youth Activities Association
66-01 Fleet Street, Forest Hills. 718-544-2296. www.eteamz.com/fhyaa.
Runs teen sports leagues in Forest Hills for basketball, soccer, and baseball. The group organizes and keeps score on local teams that play against each other throughout the year.
Also see: More teen resources in the New York metro area
