The Santa Cruz Teen Center is a recreational facility dedicated to creating a safe and diverse environment for the teen community in order to empower youth, foster creativity and promote alternate forms of education. 

Stop by the Santa Cruz Teen Center for recreational activities such as basketball, a pool table, PS5 (3 & 4 too), 360, Wii, foosball, movies, computers with internet access, free Wi-Fi, music and generally a pretty chill space for teens. Also pick up our current calendar to find out what’s happening for teens in Santa Cruz. The Teen Center sponsors special events, day and overnight trips, sports, and outdoor events in addition to daily activities. Check our Monthly Calendar for ongoing activities!

Friends of Parks and Recreation (FOPAR) has allocated funds for partial scholarships for limited-income families residing within the City of Santa Cruz. Interested Santa Cruz City residents may pick up scholarship request forms at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church Street. Call 831-420-5270.

The Teen Center is in charge of administering the City's Bicycle Distribution Program. The purpose of this program is to distribute surplus bicycles recovered by the City of Santa Cruz to local youth through partnerships with charitable or nonprofit organizations. If you know of someone under 18 who lives in Santa Cruz and who needs a bicycle, or if you are a non-profit that works with youth, please fill out the sign-up form (English, Spanish) and the waiver (English, Spanish) and return them to the Teen Center. Click here to see the Bicycle Distribution Program's Guidelines. For more information about the Bicycle Distribution Program you can also email the Teen Center.

The Teen Center is always seeking motivated, creative and energetic individuals to mentor our teens. If you have a strong desire to work with youth please contact us regarding our program. Ages 19 and up are encouraged to inquire. Positive role models with knowledge of serving youth are desired. We are especially looking for people skilled in, but not limited to arts, community service projects, skill building, cultural enrichment, dance, music, sports and computers. All information on how to become a volunteer is available here. 

SUPPORT THE TEEN CENTER: The Teen Center is always seeking additional funding to help continue operation of this very important program. Donate to FOPAR in support of the Santa Cruz Teen Center.