Parks and Recreation After-School, S.O.A.R., and Preschool Program
Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation offers recreationally based programs for children in grades Pre-K – 5th grade for City of Harrisonburg Residents only. Through a balance of free play and organized activities, we strive to provide the best possible care for your child in a safe, fun, and enriching environment.
The After-School Activities (A.S.A.) and Summer Organized Activities and Recreation (S.O.A.R.) programs are NOT licensed childcare programs through the Virginia Department of Education.
[2.03MB] Fall 2024 Activity Guide ( Replace with Spring )
- Kids' Night Out
Held at the Community Activities Center, Kids’ Night Out is available for youth in kindergarten – 5th grade. Kids’ Night Out will include dinner, a craft, and an activity!
Upcoming Dates:
- January 31st
- March 14th
- May 16th
Sample Schedule:
5:45pm - 6:00pm: Drop Off
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Pizza
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Arts and Crafts
7:30pm - 8:00pm: Activity
8:00pm: Pick Up
- After-School Activities Program (A.S.A.)
Enrollment for A.S.A. is full for the 2024-2025 school year. We are taking names for the wait-list.
Our A.S.A. program is offered for students enrolled in Harrisonburg City Public Schools throughout the school year and includes any early release days. The program runs from the time of school dismissal until 5:45pm. All children must attend Harrisonburg City Public Schools and arrive at the Community Activities Center from school on a school bus. The program follows the Harrisonburg City Public School calendar and does not operate when schools are closed for holidays, teacher workdays, or inclement weather closures. Children must be enrolled in kindergarten to attend the A.S.A. program.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) The cost of the A.S.A program is $50 per child per month. This fee is due the month prior to the first of the month (ex: September fees are due August 1 with monthly fees ending after the March 1 payment).
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the A.S.A. Registration form and pay the $50 registration fee (August monthly fees are nonrefundable) to be enrolled. Spaces are limited and once filled, participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however; the registration fee is only charged if the child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration dates for the 2025-2026 school year:
Accounts with current 2024 - 2025 ASA participants: Information will be sent out via email
Accounts with current 2025 SOAR participants: June 23rd at 7:30am
New Participant Registration: July 7th at 7:30am
[485KB] 2024-2025 After-School Program Handbook
[93KB] 2024-2025 After-School Program Registration Form
- Summer Organized Activities & Recreation Program (S.O.A.R.)
During the summer months, S.O.A.R. participants will have the opportunity for free play, organized activities, outdoor experiences, swimming, field trips, and arts and crafts. The S.O.A.R. program runs from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Children must complete kindergarten to be eligible to attend. For the 2025 S.O.A.R. Program, registration will be open for children who have completed Kindergarten through age 11. In addition to field trips, participants will be visiting the Westover Pool 2-3 times a week. Parents/Guardians will be made aware of field trips and pool days in advance.
Cost: (all fees are subject to change prior to any registration period) The cost of the S.O.A.R program is $50 per week. This fee is due at 5pm the Wednesday prior to the week of service. If the fee is not paid by the due date, the participant WILL NOT be able to attend until payment is received. Payments will not be prorated due to illness, weather, vacation, disciplinary actions, or non-use.
Registration: Parents/Guardians must complete the S.O.A.R. Program registration form. The first week of attendance payment of $50 is due at the time of registration to secure the child's spot in the program. Spaces are limited and once filled, participants will be added to a waiting list. Registration forms must be completed and submitted to be placed on the waiting list, however; fees will only be charged if a child is able to be enrolled from the waiting list.
Registration is in person at the Community Activities Center Youth Service desk.
Accounts with current 2024 - 2025 ASA participants: Information will be sent out via email
Accounts with current 2025 SOAR participants: June 23rd at 7:30am
New Participant Registration: July 7th at 7:30am
[783KB] 2024 S.O.A.R. Parents Manual
[210KB] 2024 S.O.A.R. Registration Form - Please have this form printed and filled in for each child before turning up for registration.
- Preschool
The City of Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Preschool programs mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment designed to promote learning opportunities for our preschool aged children. Through creative and meaningful play activities and small group lessons, the program promotes the healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child. A positive self-concept is developed by encouraging creativity, self-expression, and independence in a welcoming atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on self-correction by providing developmentally appropriate expectations.
This program is staffed by highly trained preschool teachers and has met all minimum standards for licensure by the Virginia Department of Education.
The program is offered to City residents’ children who are or will be three years of age by the start of the current school year for entry into the 3-year-old program, and to children who are or will be four years of by the start of the current school year for entry into our 4-year-old program. All children must be fully potty trained to attend preschool.Classes begin in the first week of September and continue until mid-May.
The cost for the 4-year-old program is $75 a month ($675 for the entire year) with students attending Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30am-12pm.
The cost for the 3-year-old program is $50 a month ($450 for the entire year) with students attending Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12pm.
Previous Participant Registration: February 10, 2025
New Participant Registration: February 24, 2025
[209KB] 2024-2025 Preschool Parent Handbook
[303KB] 2024-2025 Registration Form
Additional Registration Requirements:
- Birth Certification
- Registration Fee (non-refundable fee equal to monthly cost)
- [489KB] 2023-2024 Preschool Physical Form (physical: prior to attendance or no later than one month of attendance, immunizations due prior to attendance)
If you have any questions regarding any of the Youth Services programs, please email Chelsea Shenk-Taylor Chelsea.Shenk-Taylor@harrisonburgva.gov or call 540-433-2474.
Additional Links:
Harrisonburg City Public Schools: www.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/Home
Superhero Party: https://harrisonburgva.gov/superhero-party
Sweetheart Dance: https://harrisonburgva.gov/sweetheart-dance
Egg Hunt: https://harrisonburgva.gov/egg-hunt
Parent Tot Programs: https://harrisonburgva.gov/parent-tot