Charles River YMCA - Great Plain Ave
YMCA of Greater Boston · Private
The Charles River YMCA (YMCA of Greater Boston) at 863 Great Plain Avenue in Needham runs day camps with full-day (7:30-5:00) and half-day (7:30-12:30) options. Campers do group games, swimming, STEM, and creative activities, and a Voyagers camp for ages 7-13 adds weekly field trips including hiking, kayaking, and beach weeks. The camp is ACA-accredited.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles River Voyagers Camp — Session 99:30am – 4:00pmRegister → | Aug 17 – Aug 21, 2026 | 7–13 | $500/wk | Open |
| Charles River YMCA Day Camp — Session 9 | 3-6 Half-Day7:30am – 12:30pmRegister → | Aug 17 – Aug 21, 2026 | 3–6 | $475/wk | Open |
| Charles River YMCA Day Camp — Session 9 | 3-6 Full-Day7:30am – 5:00pmRegister → | Aug 17 – Aug 21, 2026 | 3–6 | $525/wk | Open |
Weekly Rate — Ages 7-13: Member $410, Non-member $500
Weekly Rate — Ages 3-6 Half-Day: Member $400, Non-member $475
Weekly Rate — Ages 3-6 Full-Day: Member $450, Non-member $525
Availability shown as of Aug 14, 2026.
Classes
| Class | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth SportsRegister → | See camp website → | — | Via registration portal | Open |
| Youth Swim LessonsRegister → | See camp website → | 6–12 | Via registration portal | Open |
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact YMCA of Greater Boston directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★Theo HavilandProbably the worst equipped, grossest, worst maintained YMCA in the state. "New" equipment is rickity and has a poor weight range. No deadlifting platforms.Toilets will remain broken for weeks on end. Young staff often power tripping, especially when they hire children for the summer. More akin to an elementary school playground than a place to exercise. Do they even have a manager? This place needs an adult!
★★★★★Thomas TurnerBeen a Y since I was a kid and probably before. And rightly so it's proven longevity.
★Red Eyes at NightWhat a disappointment, not all gyms have same equipment. I figured this gym would be up to date but their MATRIX cardio machines are old & not up to 2025 standards. They don't even have any of the pictured one below.....NEEDED FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE......the place is clean & well managed, but ignorant when it comes to needs of people with leg amputee prosthetics. I will change my rating if they include 2-3 leased machines like one below
★★★★★Vasily SelyuminovThis YMCA branch has become a real life-saver for me this winter as the temperatures dropped and I couldn’t work out/run outside anymore. Their covid-related reservation system is also a good incentive not to skip gym and to schedule your busy day around the workouts. Also love the fact that I can just come in and work out at my own pace - no pressure to take group classes/personal training sessions that sometimes occurs in “regular” gyms. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The only downside is that it’s almost impossible to sign up for the swimming pool - it’s almost perpetually overbooked!
★★★★Katie RichardsIt's a small gym, no doubt, but definitely has pretty much everything you could need. If you're a gym rat who NEEDS a rack at all times, there's only one for everyone to share, but that being said, the gym-goers at this Y are generally not of that variety and you might only need to wait for one person to use the rack ahead of you if at all. The staff are friendly, the facilities are always clean, the Zumba classes on Saturday and Sunday mornings are SO good (some of the best in Greater Boston, no doubt). For folks hating on this Y, they're just used to bigger more glamorous gyms. This place definitely does the job and is so convenient if you live in the area.