Houston Parks and Recreation Department

AFTER-SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (A.S.A.P.)

Since 1997, the city of Houston has funded after-school programming for youth through the Mayor's After-School Achievement Program (A.S.A.P.). This program is designed to engage juveniles in structured, supervised activities after school to reduce juvenile crime and victimization during these dangerous hours.

Through A.S.A.P., the City of Houston funds schools and non-profit agencies to provide after-school programming for a minimum of 30 children per site, at least five days per week between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Each funded school or non-profit organization sets its own curricula, usually with input from students, parents and other collaborative partners. However, each curriculum must incorporate academic enhancement, enrichment, skill development and community service.

Programming must be provided for a minimum of 20 children per site, at least five days per week. Funded schools and organizations set their own curricula in collaboration with students, teachers, parents and program partners.

The A.S.A.P. Goals are as follows:

• To provide safe, supervised, structured programming for youth after school
• To prevent delinquency and reduce crime committed by/against juveniles
• To improve participants’ school performance, conduct, and attendance
• To encourage the ongoing involvement of parents and the community in youth programs.
• To motivate youth to develop citizenship and good health habits
• To build positive partnerships to create fun, affordable, quality after-school programming for youth

HOW TO APPLY

The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the upcoming 2023 After-School Achievement Program is expected to be released soon. To be considered for funding, interested applicants must attend at least one mandatory application workshop, and meet the minimum requirements of the program.

All applicants/vendors must be a registered vendor with the City of Houston Strategic Procurement Division prior to submitting a ASAP application to conduct business with the City. The link to apply is http://purchasing.houstontx.gov/index.shtml.

AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (A.E.P.)

  - Download Flyer and List of Locations
  - Online Registration
  - Online Registration Instructions

The After-School Enrichment Program (AEP) is a fun recreational and cultural enrichment program for youth ages 6 - 13. Registration is required for this fun-filled program. Youth participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration and instructional sports. The program is available at 51 HPARD community centers with a heightened sense of cleaning and safety measures as this program has high physical contact with surfaces, people and equipment coupled with proximity.

Parents are required to review and acknowledge a program orientation via ActiveNet registration process. Transportation to and from the community center is the parent’s responsibility. Staff to youth participant ratio is 1:25 with qualified professional recreation staff and background checks are required for all volunteers and partnerships.

The program is FREE of charge for all participants. Online registration will be available and can be accessed at https://apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/Home OR www.houstonparks.org.

HPARD's Afterschool Enrichment Program operates under "Texas Standards of Care" as defined by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Additionally, field trips may be scheduled at minimum cost.

Ages:	6 - 13 years old
Fees:	FREE
Registration:	Online registration required Ongoing pending space availability.
Program Dates	Sep 3, 2024 - May 9, 2025
Location:	Site list (PDF)
Information:	For more information call 832.395.7295 or 832.395.7296

2026 SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (S.E.P.)

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) is excited to offer the 2026 Summer Enrichment Program, which will operate at 33 community centers across the city from June 8, 2026, through August 7, 2026.

This 9-week, day camp-style program is designed for youth ages 6 to 13, providing a safe, structured, and engaging environment throughout the summer.

Participants will enjoy a variety of enriching activities, including:

• Arts and crafts
• Nutrition education
• Fun fitness and recreational games
• Nature exploration
• Recycling awareness
• Bird watching and outdoor learning experiences

Social Sites
In addition, 17 community centers will operate as social sites during the summer. These locations offer daily access to youth for unstructured recreational and social activities. There is no registration or fee required to participate at these social sites.

Registration Information
Registration is required for the Summer Enrichment Program and will be available online beginning April 1, 2026. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program Fees
The cost for the Summer Enrichment Program is $30.00 per child, per week. Fee exemptions are available for qualifying parents or guardians, with appropriate documentation required. Please inquire for details regarding eligibility criteria.

Transportation
Transportation to and from all program sites is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Program Standards & Compliance
The Summer Enrichment Program operates in accordance with the Texas Standards of Care, as defined by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Please note that unannounced site visits may be conducted by both City and State officials to ensure compliance and the safety of all participants.

BACK TO TOP

OPENING DOORS TEEN MENTOR PROGRAM

The Opening Doors Teen Mentor Program, is an 8-week program that gives teens ages 14-17, an opportunity to participate in community service projects, mentor younger peers, develop their character and improve their self-worth, while preparing them for their future endeavors. Opening Doors Teens will also have the opportunity to interview city leaders, build resumes, obtain certifications, and prep for college. Each week the teens will learn new skills, enhance their current skills, and open up their minds to opportunities they never knew existed. HPARD Jr. Lifeguard Program is included with the acceptance into the Opening Doors Program. The Opening Doors Teen Mentor Program starts June 15 - August 6, 2026, Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm, and is located at the HPARD Recreation and Wellness Building.

*A virtual interview is required for each teen to be considered for the program, but does not guarantee enrollment.

*SPACE IS LIMITED*

Program Dates	Jun 15 - Aug 6, 2026 (Mon - Thu)
Time:	8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fee:	$30 per week; per participant, pending program acceptance*
Location:	HPARD Recreation and Wellness Building
* Exemptions available for those who qualify

SOCCER FOR SUCCESS

Soccer for Success is an after-school program, offered free to participants, that is proven to help kids establish healthy habits and develop critical life skills through trained mentors and family engagement.

Partnering with community-based organizations, like the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the U.S. Soccer Foundation operates Soccer for Success sites.

Across the U.S., they are providing thousands of children in grades K-8 with free after-school programming. Houston Soccer for Success serves around 1,500 youth through 8 sites in the Houston Area.

The program meets 3 times a week for 75-90 minutes per session over two 12 week seasons each year. That includes two practices and one game day each week. Each participant receives a Soccer for Success jersey at the end of the season.

Ages:	5 – 14 years
Fee:	Free
Time:	6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
2025 Spring Season Dates:	Feb 10 - May 9, 2025
2025 Spring Season Registration Dates:	Jan 13 - 31, 2025
2025 Fall Season Dates:	Sep 8 – Dec 12, 2025
2025 Fall Season Registration Dates:	Jul 1 - Aug 31, 2025
Location:	Alief Park, Milby Park, Highland Park, Burnett-Bayland Park, Emancipation Park, Moody Park
Online Registration Link:	www.houstonsoccerforsuccess.org
Information:	832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov

H-TOWN SOCCER ACADEMY

In 2017 HPARD started a competitive youth soccer program with the intention of providing an accessible and ideal environment for developing elite soccer players ages 6 - 18. It is the sequential bridge from recreational level play for youth who want to challenge themselves with a higher level of play emphasizing healthy competition and positive sportsmanship.

Our primary objective is to reach out to youth in underserved communities and provide a quality competitive soccer club experience that is affordable, equitable, and inclusive. We aim to coach youth high level soccer skills, tactics, fitness and conditioning, winning with graciousness, and losing with dignity and honor.

H-town Soccer Academy is a member of the Houston Youth Soccer Association (HYSA), South Texas Youth Soccer Association (STYSA), and United States Youth Soccer (USYS).

SPRING
Ages:	6 - 18
Season Fee:	$250 - $315 per season, depending on age group (does not include uniform)
Program Dates:	Jan. 13 – May 31, 2025
Locations:	Milby Park Fields #1 – 2 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 Alief Park Field  #4 11903 Bellaire Blvd Houston TX 77072
Information:	832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov

FALL
Ages:	6 - 18
Season Fee:	$250 - $315 per season, depending on age group (does not include uniform)
Program Dates:	Aug. 4 – Dec. 12, 2025
Locations:	Alief Park Fields #4 11903 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072 Milby Park Fields #1 – 2 2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017 Tryouts: Alief Park & Milby Park, May 19 - 22, 2025 Mon - Thu (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) Register for tryouts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HTownFall2025
Information:	832.395.7576 larry.nguyen2@houstontx.gov adrian.juarez@houstontx.gov

 

YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM

Youth Basketball Program with Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), Houston Rockets and The Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL) will offer a recreational youth basketball program while providing a safe environment. Youth will learn at practices sport-specific skills, such as throwing, catching, dribbling, shooting, defense, agility, and speed. In addition, they will learn motor skills development, fitness conditioning, and have opportunities for healthy competition. Program meets twice per week on either TUE/THU or MON/WED for 1 hour per practice; End-of-Season Tournament will be held at Fonde Community Center.

Jr. Rockets Winter Youth Basketball WINTER
Ages:	9 - 14 yrs
Fee:	Free
Program Dates:	Jan 17 - Mar 6, 2026
Game Days:	Feb 7th, 21st & 28th
Tournament:	Fonde on Mar 7th, 2026
Locations:	Various locations
Registration Dates:	Dec 15, 2025 - Jan 17, 2026
Online Registration Links:	Home | Houston Parks and Recreation Department Online
Information:	832.395.7130 (Printable Flier)

 

FIRST TEE OF HOUSTON

In August 2014, the First Tee of Greater Houston adopted responsibility for the operations of the youth program and the facility’s ground maintenance while the City of Houston retained ownership of the property. The First Tee provides programs for youth 7-18 years old of age that teach character development, healthy habits, and life skills using the game of golf.

For program information, please visit https://firstteegreaterhouston.org/

ASTROS JR. RBI LEAGUE

Join HPARD and our hometown Houston Astros for our FREE, Jr. RBI Baseball, Softball and T-ball program for youth ages 4-18.

League play begins and runs through March 16, 2026. Register online only.

Volunteer Coaches are needed, and training is provided. Contact your nearest Community Center for more information.

Ages:	4 - 18
Fee:	Free
Registration Dates:	Feb 23 - Apr 17, 2026
League Play:	Mar 16 - Apr 17, 2026
Online Registration:	ActiveNet
Location:	Download a pdf of Targeted League Site Locations
Information:	832.395.7326 832.395.7276 832.395.7130

INSTRUCTIONAL JR. RBI AT BAT PROGRAM

Youth ages 6 -13 may also take part in Fun At Bat Instructional Baseball skills learning on Wednesdays at 36 Community Centers for registered After-School Enrichment Program participants.

Register online for the FREE After-School Enrichment Program at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.

Ages:	6 - 13
Fee:	Free
Dates:	Mar 11 - May 13, 2026
Online Registration:	ActiveNet
Locations:	Download a pdf of Instructional JR. RBI Site Locations
Information:	832.395.7326 832.395.7276 832.395.7130

 

YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL

Youth Flag Football Program with Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) will offer a recreational youth flag football program while providing a safe environment. Youth will learn at practices sport-specific skills, such as throwing, catching, defense, flag pulling, agility, and speed. In addition, they will learn motor skills development, fitness conditioning, and have opportunities for healthy competition. Program meets twice per week on either TUE/THU or MON/WED for 1 hour per practice; End-of-Season Tournament will be held at Gragg Park.

FALL
Ages:	9 - 14 years
Fee:	Free
Dates:	Sep 29 - Oct 31, 2025
Days:	2 Days/Week
End-of-Season Tournament:	Nov 1, 2025 at Gragg Park
Locations:	Various community centers
Registration Dates:	Sep 15 - Oct 12, 2025 Register On ActiveNet
Information:	832.395.7326