Lathrop has a short list of programs that cost nothing and a longer list that cost very little, mostly through the City of Lathrop Parks and Recreation. Below is every free option in the Lathrop listings, then the cheapest paid ones, with a link to each.
Free
- Junior Giants: free, non-competitive baseball and softball for ages 5 to 13, June through early August. Registration opens in April.
- The Grind @ LGC Teen Center: a free drop-in center for 7th to 12th graders at the Lathrop Generations Center with gaming, billiards, ping pong, a computer lab and homework space. Open Monday to Thursday 3:30 to 6:00 pm and Friday to 5:00 pm. Membership is free with a parent-signed application.
- Discovery Challenge Academy: a free 22-week residential program on Roth Road for teens 16 to 18 who are behind on credits, where cadets can earn up to 65 high school credits. Cycles start in January and July.
- Lathrop Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting: Saturday, Dec 5 at 5:00 pm on 5th Street, with Santa and the tree lighting at Valverde Park afterward.
Free first class
- Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Ares (ages 6 to 12), plus its Little Warriors toddler class and teen class: the first class is free.
- Year-Round Art Classes at Abira's Art School & Studio in River Islands: book a free trial class, weekdays at 5:00 or 6:00 pm.
- Victory Football Club Youth Soccer: request a free training session before joining.
Under $50
- Teen Volleyball Drop-In: $5 a visit or $40 for 10, Mondays 5:00 to 7:00 pm, ages 13 to 17.
- Tiny Tot Open Play: open gym for ages 1 to 4, $12 drop-in or $40 a session, Wednesdays 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Kids' Night Out: pizza, crafts and a movie for ages 5 to 12, $35. The next one is the Christmas Party on Dec 18.
- Culinary Kids: one-day cooking workshops for ages 5 to 12 at $35, like the Christmas Cookie Workshop on Dec 14.
- Kat's Painting Party: a guided painting night for kids 5 and up with an adult, $35 for the Dec 10 session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is free for kids in Lathrop?
Junior Giants baseball and softball, The Grind @ LGC teen center for 7th to 12th graders, and Discovery Challenge Academy for teens 16 to 18 are free. City events like the Christmas parade and tree lighting are free too.
Does Lathrop help families pay for programs?
Yes. The City of Lathrop's Activity Fee Assistance Fund helps qualifying Lathrop residents with registration fees for Parks and Recreation programs. Call Parks and Recreation at (209) 941-7370 to see if your family qualifies.
Is there a free place for teens to go after school in Lathrop?
The Grind @ LGC at the Lathrop Generations Center, 450 Spartan Way, is free for 7th to 12th graders after school on weekdays.
Can my child try a class before paying?
Ares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Abira's Art School and Victory Football Club each offer a free first class or training session.