![[Ridgewood YMCA LOGO SQ]](https://recliquecore.s3.amazonaws.com/imgs/ymca_logos/named_y/blue_purple.png)
![[Ridgewood YMCA LOGO FULL]](https://reclique-core-ridgewood.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/02050722/ymca_blu_rgb_transp.png)
Category: Blog
Cancer Survivor Support Program
New Cancer Support Program
If you or a loved one is navigating life during or after cancer treatment, finding the right support can make all the difference. The Ridgewood Y Cancer Survivor Support Program offers a compassionate, community-centered approach to healing—right here in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Designed for individuals at every stage of the cancer journey, this new program provides a safe, supportive environment to rebuild strength, restore confidence, and connect with others who understand.
Whole-Person Wellness at the Ridgewood YMCA
The Ridgewood YMCA Cancer Survivor Support Program is a whole-person wellness initiative focused on improving physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re newly in recovery or looking to regain momentum, this program meets you where you are.
This initiative reflects the Ridgewood Y’s commitment to supporting cancer survivors in Bergen County and Northern New Jersey with meaningful, accessible wellness programs.
Participants benefit from:
- A welcoming and inclusive community
- Expert-led instruction tailored to cancer recovery
- Programs designed to support both body and mind
- Ongoing opportunities as the program continues to grow
Powered by Community Support
This program was made possible through a generous founding gift from Paul and Becky Simpson, whose support helped bring the Cancer Survivor Support Program to life. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that recovery goes beyond treatment—focusing on strength, confidence, and connection. With their donation, the Ridgewood YMCA continues to expand its impact, building on its long-standing mission to support the health and well-being of the community.
STRONG for Cancer Survivors: Build Strength & Confidence
STRONG for Cancer Survivors is a small-group fitness class designed specifically for individuals impacted by cancer. Each session is led by a CETI-certified (Cancer Exercise Training Institute) instructor, ensuring participants receive safe, expert guidance tailored to their needs.
Registration Requirement: Physician clearance required starting April 27 (Spring 2 registration)
What to Expect:
- Gentle stretching and strength-based exercises
- Modifications for all ability levels
- A supportive, encouraging group environments on rebuilding mobility, strength, and confidence
Ideal for those searching for:
- Cancer recovery fitness programs
- Exercise classes for cancer survivors
- Supportive wellness programs after cancer treatment
A Supportive Community for Cancer Survivors
The Ridgewood Y has built a strong and thriving community for individuals living with Parkinson’s and aims to create a similarly meaningful support system for cancer survivors. At its core, the Ridgewood Y’s Cancer Survivor Support Program is about connection. Participants are not just joining a class—they’re becoming part of a community that understands the challenges and celebrates the victories, big and small.
As the program grows, additional offerings will continue to expand support for:
- Physical recovery
- Emotional health
- Long-term wellness
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking for a cancer survivor support program, the Ridgewood Y is here for you. With expert guidance, a welcoming environment, and a focus on total wellness, you’ll find the support you need—every step of the way.
Join us and rediscover your strength.
SUN MAY 17 | RIDGEWOOD Y PARKINSON’S WALK
Leave the party planning to us! Indoor Kids Birthday Parties!
Kids Birthday Parties at the Ridgewood YMCA
Looking for the best kids birthday parties in Ridgewood, NJ? The Ridgewood YMCA is a popular indoor birthday party venue in Bergen County, offering fun, stress-free, all-inclusive celebrations for children of all ages.
Our birthday party packages are designed to make planning simple for parents while delivering an unforgettable experience for kids. From sports and swimming to slime and tie dye, we offer exciting themed birthday parties right here in Northern New Jersey.
Why Families in Ridgewood + Bergen County Choose the YMCA for Birthday Parties:
When you book a kids birthday party at the Ridgewood YMCA, we handle everything so you don’t have to.
Each party includes:
A fun, instructor-led themed activity
A private party room
Pizza and drinks
YMCA party staff to guide the celebration
Setup and cleanup
Optional add-ons including decorations and party favors
Whether you’re hosting 10 guests or a larger group, our indoor birthday party options in Ridgewood, NJ makes celebrations easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
Let us do the work — you enjoy celebrating your child.
Fun Birthday Party Themes
SPORTS SHOWDOWN
Perfect for active kids, our sports birthday parties turn our gymnasium into a high-energy play zone. Children can enjoy:
Soccer
Basketball
Pickleball
Dodgeball
Hockey
Age-appropriate games and challenges
This is a popular birthday party idea for kids who love movement, teamwork, and friendly competition.
POOL-A-PALOOZA
Make a splash with a pool birthday party in Ridgewood, NJ! Our heated indoor pool provides the perfect setting for a fun and safe swimming celebration.
Guests enjoy:
Supervised swim time
Pool games
Lifeguard monitoring
High-energy fun in a secure environment
If you’re searching for a swimming birthday party venue near Ridgewood, this is a favorite year-round option for families across Bergen County.
slime time
Our Slime Time Birthday Party is a hands-on, STEM-inspired experience kids love. Guests mix, stretch, and customize their own slime creations using different colors and textures.
Each child:
Makes their own slime
Learns basic science concepts
Takes home their slime as a party favor
A slime party lets kids dive into all the gooey, hands-on fun they love — without parents having to worry about the mess in their home.
tie dye-tastic
Looking for a creative birthday party? Our Tie Dye-TASTIC Party lets kids design their own colorful shirt to take home.
Each guest:
Receives a shirt to customize
Folds and scrunches their shirt to prepare it
Uses bright dye to create cool patterns
Creates a wearable keepsake
It’s artistic, fun, and doubles as the perfect party favor.
DIY Party
Have a fun party idea but don’t know where to host it? Host it at the Y! This option is great for:
- Magicians
- Science + STEM Parties
- Entertainers
- Face Painters
- Hair Braiders
- Animal handlers
- Crafters, and more!
The DIY Party give you 2 hours (120 minutes) of access to party room.
Note: Host , food, drinks will not be provided. Details must be disclosed before reservation confirmed.
Making parties easy!
Planning a child’s birthday party doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At the Ridgewood YMCA, we can take care of:
Food and drinks
Decorations
Themed tableware
Party favors
Activity instruction
Setup and cleanup
Parents across Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park, Ho-Ho-Kus, Wyckoff, and surrounding Bergen County communities choose us because we make the day easy.
You show up.
We handle the rest.
You enjoy celebrating.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YMCA BIRTHDAYS
How many children can attend a birthday party at the Ridgewood YMCA?
We offer party packages designed for small, medium, and larger groups. Contact us for specific capacity details based on your theme and room selection.
What is included in a kids birthday party package?
Each party includes a themed activity, private room time, pizza, drinks, YMCA staff support, and cleanup. Optional decorations and party favors are available.
Are pool birthday parties supervised?
Yes! All pool parties include certified lifeguards and YMCA staff to ensure a safe and fun experience.
Can I bring my own decorations or cake?
Families are welcome to bring a birthday cake. Additional décor options are available through our party packages to make planning even easier.
How far in advance should I book a birthday party in Ridgewood, NJ?
We recommend booking early, as weekend party dates fill quickly — 2 weeks is required for most parties and 4 weeks for swim parties.
ready to celebrate? BOOK YOUR KIDS PARTY TODAY!
If you’re looking for a kids birthday party venue in Bergen County that combines fun, convenience, and community, the Ridgewood YMCA is ready to help you celebrate.
Contact us today to check availability and reserve your preferred date. Read the Reservation Packet for full package details and policies.
For questions, availability, and booking, please contact Tyra Douglas at [email protected]
Let us do the work — you enjoy the day.
Early Childhood Classes for Infants + Toddlers
Early childhood classes for infants + Toddlers
Registration is Open
Classes start early March
This Spring the Ridgewood YMCA has many engaging early childhood classes for infants, toddlers, and children under 5 designed to support healthy development, school readiness, and joyful social experiences. Our early childhood enrichment programs in Ridgewood, NJ provide a warm, nurturing environment where young children can explore new skills while building confidence and independence alongside caring instructors and peers.
Families can choose from a wide variety of age-appropriate classes, including toddler tumbling and movement classes that strengthen gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. Interactive songs and music classes introduce rhythm, language development, and early listening skills, while storytime and sensory play classes spark imagination and cognitive growth through hands-on exploration. For children ready to move and groove, we offer preschool soccer and beginner ballet classes, which help build teamwork, body awareness, and self-expression in a supportive setting.
Our popular swim lessons for infants and toddlers provide essential water safety skills while increasing comfort and confidence in the water. Early swim instruction not only promotes physical development and coordination but also supports lifelong safety and wellness habits.
Early enrichment classes play a critical role in childhood development. Through structured play, guided activities, and peer interaction, children strengthen fine and gross motor skills, develop language and communication abilities, and learn valuable social skills like sharing, listening, and following directions. Just as importantly, these programs create meaningful opportunities for parent-child bonding and help young children feel secure as they begin navigating new environments.
Whether you’re searching for infant classes in Ridgewood, NJ, toddler enrichment programs, or preschool activities that support socialization and early learning, the Ridgewood YMCA’s spring programs provide a strong foundation for growth — all in a welcoming community where families feel connected and supported.
New! Tumble + Play Classes | Ages 10-26 Months
These caregiver-and-child programs are designed for babies and young toddlers to build early movement skills through safe, playful exploration. |
TINY TUMBLERS | AGES 10-18 MONTHS |
Tiny Tumblers is designed for babies who are crawling, cruising, or just beginning to walk. Each week includes one tumbling-based class that introduces early skills like rolling, climbing, and supported balance, and one sensory-focused class that encourages gentle movement, exploration, and body awareness. |
MIGHTY MOVERS TUMBLING | AGES 19-26 MONTHS |
Mighty Movers is for active toddlers who are walking confidently and eager to explore. One class each week focuses on tumbling and balance skills such as climbing, jumping, assisted rolls, and low beam work. The second class emphasizes obstacle courses, sensory experiences, and imaginative movement. |
Lil' kickers soccer | Ages 3-5
Experienced coaches will help your child learn core skills to becoming a soccer player. Through playing fun games, drills, and exercises, they will learn how to dribble, pass, and shoot like a pro. Whether they have played before or this is their first time taking the field, your player will have fun and learn a lot!
Intro to Ballet | Ages 3-4
This class allows beginners to start to develop their basic skills by learning the fundamentals of dance and body motion. Creativity is explored by having fun with movement, music, games, and props.
Early introduction to the creative arts is beneficial for self-expression and emotional development, but children will also improve motor skills, including balance, coordination, proprioception, and flexibility, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy physical activity.
Ballet slippers are encouraged but not required.
Spanish | Ages 4-5
Set your little explorer off on the right path with our Spanish Language Program. These classes are designed to teach kids Spanish as well as introduce them to cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries. Learning another language is not only a practical life skill, but it also encourages openness to new experiences and fosters an appreciation and acceptance of other cultures.
Our Spanish Language Program utilizes TPR (Total Physical Response) and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodologies to help students make easy connections to new words, phrases, and sentences in a second language by using movement, music, stories, and more.
Swim Lessons | Ages 6+ MOnths
Our swim instruction starts at 6 months old with an intro to the water and progresses to learning how to lap swim for exercise and competition.
BABY + ME (ages 6mo-3yo)
Focuses on water acclimation, submersion, and safety skills.
LEVEL 1+ (ages 3+)
Swimmers will be placed in leveled classes appropriate to their skill level.
Our facility has two heated indoor pools as well as changing stalls, day lockers, a family locker room, gender-neutral bathrooms, and showers.
NJ Ready 2 Play | Ages 1-3
NJ Ready 2 Play is thrilled to bring early childhood programming to the Ridgewood YMCA! This season, families can join StoryPlay & Sensory Exploration for ages 1–3, a joyful class that blends songs, storytelling, imaginative play, and rich sensory exploration to nurture early literacy foundations and social development through songs, simple stories, and playful sensory experiences. Babbles & Books, a baby language and sensory class, supports early communication and bonding through rhymes, simple stories, early language modeling, and gentle sensory play. All classes are research-informed, developmentally appropriate, and built on our core belief that children learn best through play.
About the instructor:
Designed by a local Ridgewood mom, Allyse Bader is excited to bring her Montclair-based classes to her own community. Allyse graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has had a long career in early childhood education. She has consulted in hundreds of school districts nationwide on best literacy practices, coaches teachers, and leads workshops on reading and writing.
Songs for Seeds | Ages Newborn to 5
Named “Best Kids’ Music Class” by New York Magazine and “Most Magical Music Class” by Red Tricycle, Songs for Seeds is a weekly interactive class that encourages children, newborn to 5 years old, to sing, dance, and play along with their grown-up AND very own rockstar teacher.
In each Songs for Seeds class your child will hear music from a different region of the world, be exposed to a variety of rhythm patterns, and be given the opportunity and space to experiment with singing and playing real instruments. These classes reinforce knowledge of colors and shapes, focus on single-digit numbers, and practice counting. Additionally, they highlight animal recognition through animated impressions of their sounds and movements.
Most importantly, in Songs for Seeds, you play and have fun. Get ready for your favorite time of the week!
Show your Ridgewood Y pride–shop our new merch store!
THANK YOU! | Ridgewood Y Annual Grand Gala
CONGRATULATIONS 2025 Y TRI ATHLETES!
Y TRI: INDOOR TRIATHLON
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!
Congratulations to all our athletes on an incredible day of racing! We loved hosting you and had an absolute blast cheering you on alongside your friends and families. And an extra special shoutout to everyone who completed their very first triathlon—you did it, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Be sure to check out the gallery below for some unforgettable race day moments. Feel free to download and share your favorites.
Thank you for being part of the 2025 Ridgewood Y TRI—we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026!
Sign up to receive our newsletters and stay informed!
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive newsletters from the Ridgewood YMCA that are relevant to your interests. We will not share your address with anyone. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the UNSUBSCRIBE link in the newsletter.
WE'LL SEE YOU IN 2027!
Thank you to everyone who has become a part of our Ridgewood Y TRI community. Your enthusiasm, sportspersonship, and energy have helped make this event such a special day for our athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike, and an event that we are excited to grow into an annual tradition for years to come!
As we look ahead, the Ridgewood Y TRI will be taking a short break in 2026. We’re using this time to rethink and refine the event so we can bring you an even better, smoother race experience when it returns in 2027 while also ensuring it remains sustainable for the staff and volunteers who make it all possible.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay informed and be the first to hear when 2027 registration opens. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the (new and improved) starting line!
Sign up to receive our newsletters and stay informed!
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive newsletters from the Ridgewood YMCA that are relevant to your interests. We will not share your address with anyone. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the UNSUBSCRIBE link in the newsletter.
2025 TRIATHLON DATE:
SATURDAY MAY 3, 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete, or looking to toe the line for the very first time, our indoor sprint triathlon is a great addition to your race calendar. With individual and relay options along with multiple age groups, there’s a race for everyone! Make it a family day with a family relay team and kid’s races too!
NEW FOR 2025! DUATHLON OPTION FOR INDIVIDUAL AND RELAY TEAMS!
THANK YOU TO OUR RACE SPONSOR
RESULTS
AGE GROUP WINNERS
U19
Micheal Strelnikov
20-29
Santiago Ramirez Uran
Toniann Feigel
30-39
Mary Mantell
Thomas Srienc
40-49
Kyrsten Musich
Ron Miller
50-59
Ariel Malabanan
60-69
Barry Morse
70-79
Erica Dunckley
Mahmoud Hamza
OVERALL WINNERS
Micheal Strelnikov | Mary Mantell
FASTEST LEGS
Fastest Swim
Santiago Ramirez Uran
Fastest Cycle
Alex Raimo
Fastest Run
Allison Killinger
REGISTRATION
CLOSED FOR NOW. SEE YOU IN 2027!
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 1
RACE INFO
- Check-in will be 30 minutes before your wave start.
- First wave will begin at 8:00AM, with each successive wave beginning every 30 minutes.
- This is a super sprint triathlon. Segments will consist of a 400yd swim, 6.5mi cycle, and a 2mi run.
- Duathlon participants may choose to compete in the two legs of their preference upon registration.
- Swim and cycle segments will take place indoors in our pool and cycle studio, while the run segment will take place outside on the sidewalk between the YMCA building and Glen Ave.
- Transitions are not timed for this competition to allow for safe travel between the pool, cycle, and run areas. However, there is a time cap of 10 minutes between each leg in order to keep the waves together. Results will be a cumulative time of your three segments.
- Competitors will be mixed for competition, however, results will be separated by age group and gender. Duathlon results will be tallied separately from triathlon and will consist of one open category of all ages and genders for each duathlon combo (swim/bike, bike/run, etc.) The Y TRI welcomes competitors of all gender identities. Please compete in the gender category in which you are most comfortable.
- Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age group, the relay team division, and to individuals with the overall best times. There are no awards for the duathlon categories, however, the top finishers in each duathlon combo will be acknowledged.
- Y TRI participants must be 12 years of age or older to participate. All participants between the ages of 12 and 14 must take a deep water safety test before competing in the race. Please contact Meaghan Donnelly at [email protected] to schedule a deep water test.
- Stay and Play will be available for childcare while guardians are racing. Children must be dropped off and picked up no more than 30 minutes before/after their wave start/finish.
Questions? Please contact Sherry Danna at [email protected]
NEW FOR 2025! DUATHLON OPTION!
We are excited to include duathlon categories for both individuals and relay teams! Duathlon participants may choose to participate in the two legs of their preference upon registration—choose your own adventure!
Duathlon results will be tallied separately from triathlon and will consist of one open category of all ages and genders.
age | COMPETITION groups
mens + womens categories in the following age groups:
19 and under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
age groups apply to individual competitors; there are no age groups for the relay team category.
The Y TRI welcomes competitors of all gender identities. Please compete in the gender category in which you are most comfortable.
relay teams
Grab some friends and make it a group event!
Our relay category lets you split the load and go head-to-head against other relay teams. Each relay team will consist of three competitors, one for each of the segments. There are no age groups or restrictions in the relay category, and results will comprised of the cumulative time of each team’s three segments.
REGISTRATION NOTE: The registration fee covers all three competitors on a relay team, so only one team member needs to register and pay. The remaining two participants can register using the no fee option. They will be prompted to identify their team based on the paying participant’s name.
CLUB perks
WIN A ONE-HOUR OPEN WATER SWIM CLINIC FOR YOUR TRI TEAM!
Calling all tri clubs! Sign up and compete—the club with the highest combined cumulative score wins a one-hour open water swim clinic for your team at Darlington Lake!
Clinic is coached by Meaghan Donnelly. Coach Meaghan is a highly accomplished coach, holding certifications from ASCA, USA Swimming, and WOWSA at Level 4. She currently leads the Ridgewood Y Breakers Swim Team as head coach and has the distinguished honor of coaching a world record holder in open-water swimming.
FUN for the whole familY!
Register a family team to compete in our relay category!
All mini-athletes aged 11 and under can register for the Fun Run—a lapped obstacle race around our outdoor track.
Stay and Play will be available for childcare while guardians are racing. Children must be dropped off and picked up no more than 30 minutes before/after their wave start/finish.
sign up to volunteer
Looking to participate without all the training? From segment timing to directing competitor foot traffic to check-in, we need volunteers to help the day run smoothly!
Interested? Contact Megan Nayden at [email protected] to sign up and volunteer!