Safe and Fun Hangout Spots for Teens in Nassau County, Long Island

Friedberg JCC

15 Neil Court, Oceanside. 516-766-4341.

Saturday Night Unlimited (Grades 6-8)

March 5, 7-10pm and March 19, 8-10pm

Enjoy volleyball in the pool or a number of other sports in the gym. There will be snacks, frozen drinks, and a soda shop at the Teen Lounge Café and video games in the Teen Lounge, along with a fully loaded computer lab. $10; free for members and registered campers.

Teen Lounge Sundays (Grades 6-12)

Every Sunday, 1-6pm

The pool table, video games, computer lab will be available, along with activities in the Teen Lounge and Blue Room (a dedicated space for teens). Juice bar with soda, snacks, and frozen drinks will be open. $5; free for members.

678 Inc.

A new after-school program for 6-8th graders in the JCC’s Blue Room, which includes:
– Transportation to the JCC from Oceanside School District Schools
– Use of all Blue Room amenities: iMac, PCs, Wii, flat screen TV, pool table
– Comfortable space for homework
– Snack
Kids can sign up for one to five days per week ($38-$190)

For more information on these programs, call Jason Perun, teen services coordinator, at 516-634-4179, or Marcy Hallerman, director of youth services, at 516- 634-4173.

  

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

480 Old Westbury Road, Roslyn Heights. 516-626-1971.

Wilderness Program

Weekly Saturday hikes begin March 5

The program provides an opportunity for adolescents ages 12-17, who are engaged in mental health treatment, to participate in group wilderness activities that improve social skills, enhance self-esteem and confidence, and promote individual maturity and growth. The weekly program takes place at our state and local parks and beaches. FREE. For more information, call Bruce Kaufstein, LCSW, at 516-626-1971, ext. 316.

Support Groups for Teens Who Have a Parent Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Meets every Tuesday evening

Led by Michelle Spataro, LCSW, the group encourages interaction with other teens in similar situations, to reduce feelings of isolation. A group for pre-teens is also available. Call 516-626-1971, ext. 354, for more information and a free consultation.

 

Nassau County Public Libraries

In addition to offering a safe place to hang out and do homework, our local libraries regularly host a variety of free programming for all ages.

 

Saturday Night YMCA Teen Centers

YMCA at Glen Cove

On Saturday nights from 7-10pm, teens in grades 8-12 can enjoy the use of the pool, gymnasium, fitness center, and Wii video game trestles in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Proof of age and a signed contract by the teen is required before entering the program. Teen Center runs November-March. FREE; membership not required. 125 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove. 516-671-8270.

Huntington YMCA

Each Saturday night, from 8-10:30pm, teens in grades 7-12 can enjoy the use of the pool, the strength training center, and the gymnasium. They can play games and sports while hanging out in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. Must bring proof of age/grade (birth certificate or report card). A contract signed by teen and parent is required. FREE. 60 Main Street, Huntington. 631-421-4242.

 

Also see: More teen resources in the New York metro area

Decoding the Teenage Brain: One Mom’s Personal Essay

Our After-School Activities Guide