Recreation Activities
Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services supports building an active, connected community by offering recreation opportunities for everyone. Explore hundreds of classes, camps, leagues, clubs and more year-round in Vancouver.
Register online, or visit or call Firstenburg and Marshall community centers. Our friendly customer service representatives are happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Interpretation services are available by request in-person, by phone and through video relay interpretation.
- Firstenburg Community Center (700 NE 136th Ave.)
- Marshall Community Center (1009 E McLoughlin Blvd.)
Recreation Programs
Recreation programs are good for the mind, body and spirit at every stage of life. Explore Vancouver’s recreation opportunities by age group using the program tabs.
Under 6 Activities
- Preschool Climbing (ages 4-6)
- Parent and Child Pottery (ages 5-14)
- Preschool Dance (ages 3-5)
- Parent-n-Tot Swim Lessons (ages 6 months-3 years)
- Pre-Level Swim Lessons (ages 3-5)
- Preschool Sports (ages 3.5-6)
Firstenburg Playgroup
Playgroup provides a safe place for young children to run, play, jump and climb in our gymnasium, while parents meet and socialize with each other. Playgroup meets at Firstenburg Community Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is open to children ages 9 months to 6 years old.
Playgroup Fees
- $6 per visit for both parent and child
- $10 per visit for both parent and 2 children
- $14 per visit for both parent and 3 children
- $4 per visit for each additional child
- Purchase an electronic punch card at the Firstenburg front desk for discounted rates
- One child | 10 Visits | $48
- Two children | 10 Visits | $86
- Three children | 10 Visits | $124
Youth Classes
Recreation classes provide a fun, safe and welcoming environment for children to make friends and explore new interests.
Youth Camps and Sports Clinics
Recreation camps and sports clinics invite participants to play, explore and build friendships. Day camps also provide critical childcare to support working families.
Youth Sports Leagues
Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is committed to providing safe and healthy athletic environments where youth have the opportunity to learn discipline, responsibility, commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship while gaining self-confidence.
Youth Leagues Offered
- Basketball (ages 5-13)
- Pickleball (ages 10-14)
- Soccer (ages 4.5-9)
- T-Ball (ages 4-6)
Practices and Games
Teams practice one day per week; Monday-Friday, after 5 p.m. Games are held on weeknights or Saturdays, depending on the league.
Coaches Needed
Recreation leagues are coached by volunteers, who are usually the parent of a child in the league. If you would like to coach, complete the Coaches Inquiry Form and Coaches Code of Ethics Form before you register.
To learn more about coaching your child’s team, contact:
- 360-487-7014 for Youth Basketball and T-Ball
- 360-487-7026 for Youth Soccer at Fisher Basin Park
- 360-487-7071 for Youth Soccer at Marshall Park
Recreation Classes
Teen Programs
Teen recreation programs start with the core principles of Trust, Respect, Self-Esteem, Consistency and Integrity. These values create welcoming spaces for teens of all social and economic backgrounds to come together and develop cooperation, acceptance and leadership skills while hanging out and having fun in a safe and positive environment.
During the school year, a free Youth Opportunity Pass offers access to Firstenburg and Marshall community centers for students who live in the Vancouver city limits. Students must be 11-18 years old and enrolled in middle school, high school, or homeschooled at the 6-12 grade levels to qualify. Eligible students who live outside Vancouver city limits may purchase a pass for $49.
After-school Activities
Firstenburg Community Center Schedule
- Open Gym: Mon.-Fri. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Game Room (ping pong, foosball, pool): Open during regular building hours
- Game table equipment may be rented on an hourly basis, $1 for ping pong and $3 for pool; photo ID required
Marshall Community Center Schedule
- Open Gym: Mon. 2:15 to 5 p.m. | Tue.-Fri. 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.
- Free Time in the SPOT (video games, board games, etc.): Mon. 2:25 to 5 p.m. | Tue.-Fri. 3:15 to 5:30 p.m.
- Game Room (ping pong, air hockey, pool): Open during regular building hours
- Game table equipment may be rented on an hourly basis, $1 for ping pong and $3 for pool; photo ID required
Adult Classes
Recreation classes provide a fun, healthy environment where people can learn, connect and grow through community education.
Drop-in Sports
Basketball, volleyball and pickleball are available as drop-in sports at Firstenburg and Marshall community centers. Community center members may drop into a game for free at either gymnasium. Non-members will pay a daily fee and show a valid photo ID to jump in on a game. Drop-in programs are open on a first-come, first-served basis with sign-ups beginning 30 minutes before each game.
Sports Leagues
Softball leagues are offered seasonally with men’s, women’s and coed teams. Full teams may be registered together. If you are not part of an existing team, register as an individual to be placed on a team.
Teams are eligible for a 10 percent discount when the team manager lives within Vancouver city limits, or if they have a sponsor with Vancouver city limits who pays 50 percent or more of the registration fee with a business check. Proof of address is required; discount can only be applied when the roster and fees are submitted in advance.
Visit VanParksRecSports.org for league schedules, standings, rainout information and other weather-related cancellations or call 360-693-GAME.
Senior Clubs
In addition to adult recreation classes, the Fifty and Better program offers vibrant seniors a variety of hobby and social clubs at Firstenburg and Marshall/Luepke community centers. You do not need to be a community center member to visit Trapedero II or Luepke Center.
Firstenburg Trapedero II invites seniors to drop-in and enjoy coffee, conversation, books, puzzles and cards at no cost. Other club activities have a $2 fee per session and rotate throughout the year. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Luepke Center is open for drop-in use to play cards, cribbage, mah-jongg and other table games at no cost. Other club activities have a $2 fee per session and rotate throughout the year. Open Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Senior Fitness
As people age, they lose muscle. The best way to slow down the process of muscle loss, is strength training. Firstenburg and Marshall community centers offer a wide variety of opportunities for seniors to stay active and strong. Seniors who have a Marshall or Firstenburg Senior Pass, or those with an insurance-based membership have full access to the fitness centers, exercise classes and pools.
Both community centers participate in the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, Silver&Fit® and the Renew Active/One Pass Fitness Program, which are designed for Medicare recipients. If you are Medicare eligible, you may qualify for a free monthly pass. Call 360-487-7038 to learn more about these insurance-based programs.
Afternoon Dances
Stay active and connect with friends at afternoon dances featuring live music and light refreshments. Dances take place once on the second Friday of the month, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The location rotates between Firstenburg and Luepke centers.
Forever Young Hikes
The Forever Young Hiking program offers a wide range of hiking experiences with ratings from easy to expert:
- Monday Trailhead Meet-up Hikes: Hikers meet at various trailheads throughout the region for an easy hike led by a trained hiking volunteer. All Monday hikes are rated “easy” and range from 3 to 8+ miles with elevations gains from flat to 1,000 feet.
- Tuesday Van Hikes: Hikers meet at the Luepke Center and take a van to the trailhead. Tuesday hikes may be rated “moderate” or “difficult.” Moderate hikes are 4 to 6 miles with an elevation gain of up to 1500+ feet. Difficult hikes are 6 to 8 miles with an elevation gain of up to 2500+ feet.
All participants must attend a hike orientation and pass the qualifier hike before registering for future hikes. The orientation includes one hour of classroom time plus a 1.5-hour easy hike along the Waterfront Trail at a 20-minute mile pace. Once you have completed the hike orientation and qualifier hike you will be able to register for upcoming hikes.
Meals on Wheels
We partner with Meals on Wheels People to provide hot meals at Luepke Center on Mondays and Wednesdays. For information on group meals and home delivery meal programs, call Meals on Wheels People at 503-953-8111 or toll-free 866-788-6325. Visit any of the five sites listed below to enjoy a sit down, social meal with Meals on Wheels People. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m.
- Mondays and Wednesdays: Luepke Senior Center, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, 360-699-6325
- Tuesdays: Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene, 747 Pioneer St., Ridgefield, 360-699-6325
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal, 360-210-5666
- Wednesdays: Amboy Mt. Valley Grange, 40107 N.E. 221st Ave., Amboy, 360-699-6325
- Thursdays: La Center Community Center, 1000 E. 4th St., La Center, 360-699-6325
We partner with Meals on Wheels People to provide hot meals at Luepke Center on Mondays and Wednesdays. For information on group meals and home delivery meal programs, call Meals on Wheels People at 503-953-8111 or toll-free 866-788-6325. Visit any of the five sites listed below to enjoy a sit down, social meal with Meals on Wheels People. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served from noon to 1 p.m.
Classes for People with Disabilities
Access to Recreation (ATR) programs provide specialized opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to build positive friendships, learn new skills and participate in fun fitness activities.
People of all ages with disabilities are invited to participate in any of the recreation activities offered by Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. Reasonable accommodations and modifications are provided in accordance with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through Inclusion Services.
Program Guidelines
- We allow the use of respite funds through DDA/DSHS. Registrations must be submitted by a caseworker with an authorization letter.
- Registrations that are paid for using personal/private funds will not be refunded in order to use respite funds.
- Participants must register for programs within their age category. There are no age exceptions.
- Registration closes three days prior to the start of each program (exception: Monday Funnites and Friday Dances)
- After registering you’ll receive an email from ePACT to fill out a participant registration form. This must be filled out completely, or, for returning participants, information must be confirmed as being up-to-date.
- Participants who need one-on-one assistance for personal care or behavioral concerns may bring their own caregiver.
- Caregivers must complete a background check.
- C-VAN ride requests must be made 7 days prior to the program start date. The participant must be a qualified C-VAN rider in order for Vancouver Parks and Recreation to schedule their ride. Requests must be made at the time of registration unless registration is done less than 7 days prior to the start of the program and therefore would not be eligible to have a ride booked through Vancouver Parks and Recreation.
- Call 360-487-7071 if you have additional questions.
ePACT Network
Participants are required to provide information through ePACT, a secure emergency network that collects medical and emergency contact information electronically. This system replaces paper participant information forms and ensures there is a way to communicate with you easily and quickly in the event of an unexpected situation. Participant information only needs to be entered into ePACT once and the system will remember it. ePACT maintains the same level of security as online banking and limits access to only administrators. You can go into the system anytime to update information and we will automatically receive the new details.
Have questions or feedback? Contact help@epactnetwork.com or call 1-855-773-7228 to speak with a member of ePACT’s Customer Success Team.
Registration Links by Activity Type
- Access to Recreation (programs for people with developmental disabilities)
- Youth Camps and Sports Clinics
- Youth One-Day Programs
- Sports Leagues (youth and adult)
- Youth Sports with Partner Organizations
- Climbing Wall
- Dance (youth and adult)
- Art and Pottery
- Teen Programs
- Family Activities
- Family Valentine’s Ball
- Swim Lessons (Firstenburg)
- Swim Lessons (Marshall)
- Homeschool Courses
- Forever Young Hikes
- 50 and Better Activities
- Fitness/Personal Training
Printable Activity Guides
Activity guides are available for those who prefer to see all of the available activities listed on a page. Printed versions are available by request at Firstenburg and Marshall community centers.
Fall 2024 Recreation Activity Guides
Recreation Activities
Recreation Activities (Español)
Forever Young Hikers
Forever Young Hikers (Español)
Youth Sports – Fall 2024 & Winter 2025
Youth Sports – Fall 2024 & Winter 2025 (Español)
Youth Sports with Partner Organizations
Adult Sports
Adult Sports (Español)
Access to Recreation Activities
Access to Recreation Activities (Español)
Swim Lesson Schedules
Refunds and Cancellations Policy
Registration
- Registration is first come, first served. Some courses have a registration end date, refer to individual course descriptions for details.
- Register early to ensure a spot.
- Payment is required at the time of registration.
Cancellations
- To cancel or transfer, contact us a minimum of:
- Seven days prior to the start of classes or events.
- Four weeks prior to the start of day camps.
- Four weeks prior to first scheduled game for sports leagues.
- All cancellations will be subject to a $5 processing fee per class/camp/activity.
- If a course is canceled, you will be contacted and issued a full or prorated refund or credit.
- Credits remain on your account for one year, after which time you will receive a refund for any amount over $30. Lesser credits will be allocated to a scholarship fund.
Personal Training
- Requests to cancel or reschedule must be made at least 24 hours prior to the personal training session.
- Personal training packages must be used within 1 year of the date of purchase.
- Request for refunds on unused training packages must be made within 30 days of purchase.
- Training packages will not be refunded when partial sessions have been used in that package.
- Exceptions may be made due to illness/medical needs or when the trainee is moving out of the area.
- If a personal trainer does not meet the goals of the client, another trainer will be assigned.
Recreation Fees
Recreation fees are based on location. Non-profit organizations and people who reside in the incorporated city limits of Vancouver pay a lower fee than those who live outside the city limits. Pricing for activities and rentals are shown as Resident/Non-resident fees.
Apply for a Recreation Scholarship
Scholarships that cover 50 percent of registration costs are available to eligible households in Vancouver city limits. If your household qualifies, you will receive scholarship assistance to register children ages 18 and under for recreation programming or adults with disabilities for Access to Recreation programming.
Inclusion Services in Recreation Programs
People of all ages with disabilities are invited to participate in any of the recreation activities offered by Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. Reasonable accommodations and modifications are provided in accordance with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through Inclusion Services.
Recreation Registration Calendars
Find out when registration opens for seasonal classes, camps and sports leagues.
Annual activity sessions for recreation classes and camps:
- Winter Session | Activities run January through April 2025 | Registration begins December 11 at 7a.m. for City Residents and December 12 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- Summer Session | Activities run May through August 2025 | Registration begins April 16 at 7a.m. for City Residents and April 17 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- Fall Session | Activities run September through December 2025 | Registration begins August 13 at 7a.m. for City Residents and August 14 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
Sports league sign-ups:
- Winter 2025 Youth Basketball and Pickleball Leagues | Registration begins November 13 at 7a.m. for City Residents and November 14 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- Winter 2025 Adult Cornhole and Pickleball League | Registration begins November 13 at 7a.m. for City Residents and November 14 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- Spring 2025 Youth Basketball, Soccer and T-Ball Leagues | Registration begins December 11 at 7a.m. for City Residents and December 12 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
Swim lessons registration happens monthly, with sessions opening the month prior to the start of lessons at Firstenburg and Marshall pools. Space is limited and swim lessons fill up quickly.
- January/February 2025 Lessons | Registration begins December 18 at 7a.m. for City Residents and December 19 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- March/April 2025 Lessons | Registration begins February 19 at 7a.m. for City Residents and February 20 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- June-July 2025 Lessons | Registration begins May 28 at 7a.m. for City Residents and May 29 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- July-August 2025 Lessons | Registration begins July 9 at 7a.m. for City Residents and July 10 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- September/October 2025 Lessons | Registration begins August 20 at 7a.m. for City Residents and August 21 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
- November/December 2025 Lessons | Registration begins October 22 at 7a.m. for City Residents and October 23 at 7 a.m. for Non-City Residents.
Get notified of upcoming registration deadlines and be the first to know about new classes, activities and leagues when you subscribe the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services monthly email newsletter.