School’s out, the Y’s in
Vacation Full Days Are Back at the Y for 2026–2027!
When school’s out, the Y is in! The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is excited to offer Vacation Full Days for children in grades K–5 during school holidays and scheduled vacation days throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
Vacation Full Days provide a safe, engaging, and fun-filled environment for children while school is closed. Each day includes themed activities, games, crafts, swimming, special events, and select off-site trips designed to keep kids active, learning, and connected.
Program hours are 7:00 AM–6:30 PM, with drop-off and pick-up at the YMCA. Participants should bring a bathing suit, towel, and brown-bag lunch each day.
Vacation Day Dates
| August 31st- Splish Splash!– Join us for a fun-filled day packed with water games, sprinklers, and free swim at the pool. Kids can cool off, play, and laugh with friends while enjoying music and crafts throughout the day. Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel for this splash-tastic event!
September 1st– Summer, Don’t Go!– Children will have one last hoorah before school starts. Kids will participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt, dance party, and have a frozen treat in the afternoon to ‘cheers’ to the new school year! September 4th- Insect Investigation– Children can discover the fascinating world of bugs through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Kids will search for insects, learn fun facts, and make a fun bug-inspired snack. It’s a day full of curiosity, discovery, and nature-inspired fun! September 21st- Alstede Farms– Children will travel to Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ where each child will pick a sugar pumpkin they get to take home. We will also go for a hayride, enjoy a glass of cider, and get to see farm animals up close! Please pack a brown bag lunch, bathing suit, and towel as we will be swimming at the YMCA when we return. The bus departs at 9am and returns around 2pm. October 12th- Star Wars Day– May the force be with you… whether you decide to be a Jedi or join the dark side, this day will take you on a ride to a galaxy far, far away. Join us for crafts and games as we explore the intergalactic battle of Good vs Evil! November 2nd- Cosmic Kids– Blast off into fun! Children will dive into an out-of-this-world adventure filled with space-themed games, activities, and a craft. It’s a stellar day of learning, laughter, and cosmic excitement! November 3rd- Under the Sea– Join us for a journey under the sea. Children will participate in hands-on ocean-themed crafts, games, and experiments. We will finish the day with a dive into the pool! November 4th- Roar and Explore– Children will explore pre-historic times as we spend the day learning about dinosaurs, creating our own fossils, and more! Be sure to join to take part in our volcanic experiment! November 5th- Superheroes Unite– Calling all superheroes! Children can come to the Y dressed as their favorite hero, participate in a super-training obstacle course, and discover what their unique superpower is. November 6th- Wild, Wild West Day– Saddle up cowpokes! Come dressed in your Western wear for a day of barnyard crafts, lasso fun, and boot scootin’ boogie-ing. We will finish the day with a fun snack. December 24th- Film Festival– Come watch different classic holiday movies! Children will be provided with a pizza lunch by the Y. Pickup is no later than 2:30pm. December 28th- Monster Mini Golf– Children will play mini golf and go to the arcade. The bus will depart at 9:30am and return to the Y around 1pm. Please bring a brown bagged lunch and wear sneakers. Don’t forget to pack a bathing suit and towel as we will be swimming when we return to the Y. December 29th- Winter Wonderland– Kids will enjoy a frosty day at the YMCA, making snowmen, playing wintery games, and singing songs. Inside, there will be festive minute-to-win-it style challenges that will spark creativity and teamwork! December 30th- Jersey Lanes-Children will depart at 9:30am to go bowling for 2 hours. Wear your craziest socks for good luck! Be sure to pack a lunch, bathing suit, and towel as we will eat and swim when we return to the YMCA. December 31st- New Years Eve Party!– Let’s party! Join us as we say goodbye to 2026. Children will have a day full of food, fun, and games. A 12pm apple cider toast and pizza lunch will be served by the Y. Pick up is no later than 5:30pm. January 18th- Day of Service– As we observe Martin Luther King Day, children will participate in making cards and writing letters for our troops amongst other service projects held around the Y! Be sure to pack a swim suit and towel for the afternoon. February 15th- Disney Day– Get ready to step into a world of magic. Children will enjoy games, crafts, and activities inspired by their favorite characters and stories. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character! March 10th- Backwards Day– Wear all your clothes backwards or inside out! Say “Hello” for “Good-Bye” and “Good-Bye” for “Hello”. Today is all about being silly, we will even have breakfast with our lunch. March 22nd- Rockin’ and Rollin’– Children will spend the day listening to different styles of music, moving and grooving, and creating their own instrument. Kids will get to roll on through gymnastics to participate in a fun obstacle course. March 23rd- Jenkinson’s Aquarium– Children will get to go on a tour of Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant, NJ. The bus will depart at 9am and return by 2pm. Please be sure to pack a brown bagged lunch, a swimsuit, and towel. March 24th- Safari Adventure– Kids embark on a thrilling safari adventure, exploring jungle-themed activities, animal games, and imaginative quests. From crafting wild creatures to going on pretend expeditions, the day is filled with excitement and will end with a fun treat. March 25th- Jersey Lanes– Children will depart at 9:30am to go bowling for 2 hours. Wear your craziest socks for good luck! Be sure to pack a lunch, bathing suit, and towel as we will eat and swim when we return to the YMCA. March 26th- Pirate Palooza– Children can expect a swashbuckling celebration where everyone becomes a daring pirate for a day, complete with treasure hunts, adventurous games, and a high-seas snack. April 22nd- Planet Protectors Day– Kids become ‘Planet Protectors’ for the day at the YMCA, learning how to care for the Earth through fun eco-friendly games, crafts, and activities. From recycling challenges to nature exploration, the day inspires responsibility, and a love for the environment. April 23rd- Kids vs Counselors– Get ready for a high-energy day where kids take on their counselors in a series of fun games. Today is a day all about laughter, team-spirit, and working together! |
Pricing
FSPY Members
- $94 per child/day — Non-Trip Days
- $100 per child/day — Trip Days
Community Members
- $122 per child/day — Non-Trip Days
- $129 per child/day — Trip Days
Registration for 2026–2027 Vacation Full Days is now open through Daxko Program Registration.
For more information, contact Katie Lizer at klizer@fspymca.org.