Rochester MN Guide to Youth Sports & Recreation

AccessABLE Recreation

AccessABLE Recreation, run by the City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Department, offers meaningful and enriching activities for children and adults with diverse cognitive and physical abilities. Serving more than 1,700 people annually since 1975, the program includes bowling, dances, holiday events, game and craft nights, fitness and music classes, swim lessons, and the Miracle League for softball and t-ball. Programs are offered for ages 4 and up. AccessABLE Rec also runs an adaptive equipment lending program with specialized bikes, an all-terrain Action Trackchair for the trails at Quarry Hill Park, and a WaterWheels beach buggy at Foster Arend Beach. Registration is held during posted date ranges, and families can sign up for e-notifications to receive program news and details.

Rochester Flyers

The Rochester Flyers Special Olympics Team serves over 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and older, helping them build confidence and celebrate their abilities through sports. The Flyers offer programming year-round at all skill levels, with options including basketball, bowling, bocce, swimming, golf, track, poly hockey, and flag football. Athletes make new friends and grow through accomplishment in a welcoming, supportive community. Volunteer coaches, mentors, and supporters are always needed to help the delegation thrive. Registration and activity details are available on the Flyers website.

Rochester Raiders

The Rochester Raiders are an adapted athletics program for student athletes with disabilities, supported by a 501(c)(3) booster club dedicated to inclusive sports and community engagement. Athletes compete across three seasons of team sports including soccer, hockey, and softball, building skills, confidence, and connection along the way. The booster club supports the program through fundraising, volunteerism, and community events like the Cormack Tournament and an annual breakfast and auction. Donations help fund equipment, uniforms, and other needs for Raiders athletes. Registration details for each sport are posted on the Raiders website ahead of every season.

Rochester Mustangs – Sled Hockey

The Rochester Mustangs are the city’s first sled hockey team, giving players with a wide range of physical disabilities the chance to play competitive hockey. Athletes sit in a sled with two blades and use two shortened sticks with ice picks to skate, control, and shoot the puck, applying standard hockey rules. Beyond the game, being a Mustang means joining a team, making new friends, and growing the sport in Rochester. The Mustangs play out of Graham Arena and are an affiliate of the Minnesota Sled Hockey Program, open to players ages 5 and up with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Bowlocity

2810 N Broadway Ave // (507) 288-2601

Rideability

RideAbility is a nonprofit therapeutic riding program serving children and adults with disabilities in the Rochester area, creating a fun and supportive environment where everyone is able. A PATH International Member Center, the program uses horseback riding and related activities to enhance riders’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health while encouraging their families. Students and volunteers can get involved through applications and pre-registration on the RideAbility website.

Roca Climbing & Fitness

6071 Rome Cir NW // (507) 218-1500

Roca Climbing & Fitness offers Adaptive Climbing that opens the sport to people of all abilities, providing the equipment and technique modifications each climber needs to succeed. The program works with youth, adults, and small groups with cognitive and physical disabilities through group settings, private lessons, and monthly pay-what-you-can events open to new and experienced climbers.

Rochester Youth Baseball Association (RYBA)

RYBA offers summer baseball for kids from Kindergarten through 8th grade across three programs:

• K-2 Development League: Our youngest players form teams by elementary school and meet twice a week for a game or practice.
• Southern Minny (Rec Program): For 3rd through 8th grade, with 12 to 15 regular-season games plus an end-of-season tournament.
• Travel Program (Rochester Tornadoes): Fields AAA, AA, and A teams that practice twice a week and play 12 to 16 Metro Baseball League games, 4 tournaments, and up to 2 state tournaments.

A Fall Season is run by Champions Sports Academy (The Heat).

D-Bat

4430 19th St NW // (507) 722-2042

D-BAT Rochester offers Team Development Programs for youth players in both fall and preseason sessions, with age groups spanning roughly 9U through 13U.

• Fall Program: Guarantees a spot on a team with no tryout required, including weeks of practices and games plus an end-of-season tournament in Rochester.
• Preseason Program: Helps players ramp up for the season with practices, classes, and instructional scrimmages.
• Both sessions include: Two 30-minute private lessons, a team uniform with cap and jersey, training from expert paid instructors, and periodic progress updates for your player.

All games and tournaments are held in Rochester, registration covers uniforms and league fees, and membership discounts apply. Join a fun, positive team environment where players can try new positions, reinforce fundamentals, and extend their playing season.

Champions Sports Academy

The Rochester Heat, open to players ages 8U through 14U, is a development-focused baseball club for kids who want to work hard and grow their game:

• Fundamentals Focus: Emphasis on hitting, pitching, defense, and base running, with younger players encouraged to try every position.
• League & Tournament Play: Teams compete in the RYBA/Heat Sunday League and tournaments, including the Des Moines, Iowa area.
• Sports Classes (ages 2+): Champions Sports Academy also offers classes for younger kids.

Skyhawks – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Skyhawks, offered through Rochester Community Education, offers various baseball opportunities for players of all ages:

• SuperTots (ages 2–4): An early introduction to the game for toddlers.
• Mini-Hawk (ages 5–6): Classes introducing T-ball fundamentals.
• Baseball Camps (ages 6–9): Summer camps focusing on hitting, fielding, throwing, and base running in a positive, skill-building environment.

All program offerings are season-dependent, so availability varies throughout the year.

Rochester Community Youth Basketball Association (RCYBA)

The Rochester Community Youth Basketball Association (RCYBA) advances youth basketball across the city by teaching fundamentals while building teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and self-confidence. Run by a volunteer board representing all three Rochester public school areas, the program serves boys and girls from kindergarten through 8th grade across three tracks:

• Development Program (K-2): A skills camp held over several Sunday afternoons, taught by local high school players.
• League Program (3rd-6th): In-house teams that practice once a week and play games on Saturdays in November and December.
• Travel Program (4th-8th): Competitive teams formed by tryout and high school boundary, practicing twice a week and playing in tournaments that end with the MYAS state tournament in March.

Partial scholarships are available for families who need them, and registration details for each program are posted on the RCYBA website ahead of the season.

FCA Sports

The Rochester Area FCA Basketball League is designed for boys and girls in grades 1 through 6 who want to improve their skills, compete in a positive environment, and grow as teammates and leaders:

• Weekly Practice: One team practice focused on fundamentals and skill development.
• Saturday Games: Play against teams in the same age division.
• Faith & Community: Each team takes part in a weekly devotional and prayer time.

Registration and more details are available on the Southeast MN FCA Sports website.

Skyhawks – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Skyhawks Basketball, offered through Rochester Community Education, teaches beginners to intermediate players the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding, and defense through a progression-based curriculum that emphasizes sportsmanship and teamwork:

• Mini-Hawk (ages 5–7): Multi-sport camps that introduce young players to basketball basics.
• Ages 6–8 & 9–12: Skill-building camps grouped by age.
• Middle School 3-on-3 (ages 12–14): Game-focused play with added strategy.

Registration is handled through the Community Education website.

{YEL!} – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

{YEL!} Junior Basketball is a fast-paced, inclusive class for grades K through 5 where everyone plays, using YEL’s Teach It, Practice It, Play It approach:

• Teach It: Students learn a new skill each class.
• Practice It: They practice that skill through kid-friendly games.
• Play It: They put it to use in introductory games.

The focus stays on the basics of dribbling, shooting, passing, sportsmanship, and teamwork in a supportive environment. Offered through Rochester Community Education, the class keeps fun front and center while introducing young players to the game.

Minnesota Heat Basketball

Minnesota Heat brings its youth basketball program to southeast Minnesota through its SE Heat branch, serving Rochester and the surrounding communities. The goal is to give student-athletes resources that support academic, social, and educational growth through the game.

• Competitive travel teams formed by tryout, spanning 3rd grade through 11th grade for boys and girls.
• Local squads compete against top programs from across the state, giving Rochester-area families a path to high-level AAU basketball without traveling to the Twin Cities.
• Access to experienced coaching and the wider Minnesota Heat network of tournaments, camps, and practice resources.
• Tryout and registration details for each grade level are posted on the Minnesota Heat website ahead of the season.

Bowlocity

2810 N. Broadway // (507) 288-2601

Open to kids ages 6-17. Two 12-week sessions for Youth Bowling Club run September through March. All skill levels welcome, especially beginners. Kids do not need their own ball or shoes to participate. USBC-sanctioned club offers competitions and events.

Colonial Lanes

1828 14th St NW // (507) 289-2341

Youth, Junior, and adaptive bowling leagues available, open to beginners and experienced bowlers.

Bowling clubs through local high schools are also available for kids in grades 7-12. Current programs:

• Century High School

Midwest Legends Cheer

6215 34th Ave NW, Suite 120 // (507) 272-2374

Cheerleading and tumbling for all ages and skill levels, with options to progress to traveling competitions.

Minnesota Xtreme

1252 60th Avenue NW // (507) 218-5544

High-energy classes for kids of all ages: Tumbling & Cheer Classes, Tumbling for dancers, Competitive Cheer Teams, Preschool Classes, Ninja & Agility Classes, Birthday Parties and more.

RYFA Cheerleading

Open to all kids ages Kindergarten- 8th grade, no experience necessary, all abilities welcome. Spring Cheer season is for the Spring Flag Football program; Summer Cheerleading clinics are available; and Fall Cheer season is for the RYFA Flag & Tackle Football season.

Champion Force Athletics

Offers cheerleading classes for all skill levels, ages 4 to 18, focusing on fundamentals and progressing to cheer competitions and clinics.

Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Cheerleading is offered through Rochester Community Education, run by Minnesota Xtreme All Star Cheer at their facility. Camps are typically open to boys and girls of all ages and experience levels, with coaching focused on stunting, tumbling, and jumps on a spring floor. Registration is handled through the Community Education portal.

Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers in Rochester, MN, are eligible to join their public school’s cross-country teams. There are no club teams for cross-country, or options for runners younger than Middle School.

Rochester Active Sports Community

Serves students in grades 7-12 from Rochester and surrounding areas. The team practices and competes during the winter months, offering rentals and financial assistance for registration and camps. Practice sessions often take place at Quarry Hill Park.

Rochester SkiSparks Club

Gamehaven City Park // rochester@myxc.org

Volunteer-led program to teach and encourage a love of classic-technique cross-country skiing. Open to beginners ages 4+ through high school. Limited supply of classic equipment available for rental.

Quarry Hill Nature Center – Cross Country Ski Rentals

Quarry Hill Nature Center (701 Silver Creek Rd NE): Offers 8 miles of groomed ski trails and provides youth and adult ski rentals. Rentals include boots, skis, and poles. Visit the Quarry Hill Ski & Snowshoe Rentals page for current rates, availability, and grooming conditions.

Curling Club of Rochester

Rochester Recreation Center (North Rink) // 21 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester

Curling Club of Rochester offers Learn to Curl lessons. Must be 15 years of age or older, and any youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. All equipment provided.

Bliss Dance Space

2443 Clare Ln. NE, Suite 300 // (507) 358-6378

Bliss wants their dancers to feel the joy of dancing and movement. With classes for tots to adults in a variety of forms, there is something for everyone. Offerings: ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, and modern/ contemporary, from beginner to advanced.

Dance Connection

1618 Hwy 52 N, Hillcrest Shopping Center // (507) 259-4312

Dance Connection offers classes in conjunction with Community Ed to provide dance instruction to kids of all skill levels, starting at age 3 and up. Find Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Kickline, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop, plus combination classes.

Just For Kix

2130 S Broadway // (507) 398-4030

Just For Kix offers a wide variety of dance classes for kids of all ages. From Parent & Toddler classes to elite performance levels, in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, pom, hip-hop, kick, and more. Rec and competition-level classes available.

The Dance Lab

2625 Highway 14 West, Suite C-D // (507) 218-5014

Offers dance instruction in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and creative for children of all ages. Baby & Me classes, preschool, to advanced/elite levels and adults.

Paradigm Dance Project

1300 Salem Rd. SW, Suite #700 // (507) 272-6099

Offers an inclusive atmosphere for dancers of all ages and abilities. Classes include Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theater. Paradigm’s competition team has won five National Championship Titles and numerous honors.

Platinum Studios Dance

937 37th Ave NW // (507) 923-2509

Platinum Studios Dance offers ballet to hip-hop, jazz to musical theatre, and tap to lyrical, accepting children of all ages and skill levels. Platinum believes “Dance is for everyone” and strives to offer quality dance instruction at low prices, making dance more accessible to all.

Rochester Dance Company

Offers dance students opportunities to perform in professional-quality programs and to participate in a serious training program. RDC holds open auditions each spring to select company members for the following season. Auditions are open to ballet students from any Rochester-area dance studio with at least 2 years of ballet training. RDC produces two productions a season, providing company members with the opportunity to grow in technique and artistry.

Ballet Rochester

125 Elton Hills Dr NW // (507) 535-9426

With classes held at 125 Live, Ballet Rochester offers pre-ballet classes for preschoolers ages 3 and up, as well as advanced ballet/pointe classes for teens and adults.

Rochester has a solid range of options for kids getting into disc golf, from beginner-friendly practice spots to full courses. Looking to play with others? Join the Rochester Area Disc Golf Association (RADGA) Facebook Group.

Best for young kids and first-timers

Eagle Frisbee Golf Course is the gentlest starting point. It’s a small setup with four baskets rather than a full course, making it great for little kids and learning the basics without the pressure of a long round.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is a flat 9-hole course with no water hazards and two sets of tees, so kids can play the short tees while adults use the long ones. The layout signage can be confusing for first-timers, so grab a photo of the map at the start.

Slattery Park (11th Ave SE) is a relaxed, wide-open 9-hole course next to a creek with few obstacles.

Step-up courses

Driftless 9 (Gamehaven Reservoir) is a well-maintained 9-hole course, mostly under 300 feet with slight elevation changes and actual restrooms. It takes about 40 minutes and works well as a warm-up before the larger course on-site.

For older kids and teens ready for a challenge

Driftless 18 (Gamehaven Reservoir) is the standout full course, but it’s a real commitment. Playing all 27 holes there covers close to 3.8 miles of hiking with significant elevation changes, long 700- to 900-foot holes, and water in play. Better suited to fit teens or families who want a longer outing.

Welch Village

26685 County 7 Blvd, Welch // (651) 258-4567

Welch Village Ski and Snowboard Area offers ski lessons for all ages and abilities as the only licensed PMTS Direct Parallel ski school in the country, teaching balance-based movements without the traditional wedge or snowplow:

• Learn to Ski: Group lessons covering the basics for kids ages 4 and up and adults.
• Kids 2 & Adult 2: Next-step lessons that help skiers move to parallel turns.
• TEAM WELCH Junior D-Team: An 11-week development and racing league for strong intermediate skiers ages 7 through 17.

Lessons and programs require online registration, and space is limited.

Rochester Ski Club – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Public Schools offers a youth downhill ski and snowboard club through Rochester Community Education for students in grades 5–12. The program features after-school bus transportation to Welch Village for 6 Friday afternoon – evening sessions in January and February.

Learn2Skate – Rochester Figure Skating Club

21 Elton Hills Dr NW // (507) 328-2500

The Rochester Figure Skating Club (located at the Rochester Recreation Center) offers year-round Learn2Skate lessons for all levels, starting at age 4 and up. They also offer specialized Learn2Skate for Hockey classes and adaptive skating for children.

Olmsted Medical Center – Athletic Performance

5155 55th St NW // (507) 535-1977

The Learn to Skate Stride Program at Olmsted Medical Center helps young athletes ages 6 and under build confidence on the ice. This six-week beginner program meets once a week for one-hour sessions and teaches the basics of skating and hockey fundamentals, with a focus on balance, stride, and foundational skills. Designed for new and developing skaters, it uses OMC’s Blade skating treadmill and synthetic ice surface for year-round practice under expert coaches.

Rochester Figure Skating Club

21 Elton Hills Dr NW // (507) 328-2500

The Rochester Figure Skating Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an affiliate of U.S. Figure Skating, offering classes and programs for skaters of all ages and abilities:

• Learn2Skate: Introduces children and adults to the ice through beginner group lessons.
• Contract Skaters: More advanced skaters develop their singles, dance, or synchronized skating with skilled professionals and coaches.
• Rhythm Blades & Testing: Synchronized skating teams and testing programs give competitive skaters a path to keep growing.

SYFA Fencing Club

6254 34th Ave Unit C // (507) 202-4027

A foil-focused fencing club that trains and develops young athletes, from beginners to elites. Club classes, practices, and private lessons are all available. SYFA operates southern Minnesota’s only dedicated fencing studio and has a track record of developing Junior Olympians and college-level competitors.

Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Fencing is offered through Rochester Community Education, coached by SYFA. During the school year, fencing runs as 6 to 8 week sessions, and in summer it shifts to multi-day camps. Programs are beginner-friendly and open to a wide range of grades, with all equipment provided. They also serve as an entry point into SYFA’s year-round club for fencers who want to keep going.

RYF

Various Locations // ryf.fencing@gmail.com

Volunteer-operated, providing opportunities for youth in grades K-12 to learn, train, and compete in fencing in a safe and supportive environment. USA Fencing Member Club

Rochester Youth Football Association (RYFA)

RYFA (Rochester Youth Football Association) has been the city’s home for youth football since 1958 and runs the area’s only tackle program alongside a full slate of flag options for boys and girls. Registration includes financial aid for qualifying families, and the association added a cheerleading program that runs sideline support across the seasons. Football offerings break down as follows:

• Tackle Football — 3rd–6th grade, fall. Weight-rule flexibility for 5th graders and Guardian Cap rentals available.
• Spring Flag Football — boys and girls, K–8th grade, NFL Flag-affiliated. Recreational (K–5th) and Competitive (4th–8th) divisions, Sunday afternoons.
• Fall Flag Football — a K–3rd in-house league on Saturday mornings, plus a smaller 4th–6th traveling team that plays nearby towns.

FCA Sports

The Rochester Area FCA Youth Flag Football League offers a faith-based fall option for boys and girls in grades 1 through 8, grouped into divisions by grade. Weeknight games at McQuillan Fields pair skill-building with a short devotional, and the Applause-Only League model keeps sidelines positive. Registration includes a jersey and top-team awards, with scholarships available on request.

Skyhawks – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Skyhawks Flag Football, offered through Rochester Community Education, teaches the fundamentals of passing, catching, running routes, and defensive positioning through fun drills and games, with an emphasis on skill development, strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship:

• Ages 6–12: Core flag football skills through drills and games.
• Ages 8–12: Continued skill-building with added strategy.

Each camp culminates in a game-day experience where players put their skills to the test.

First Tee of Rochester

First Tee of Rochester, offered through the City of Rochester, uses the game of golf to build character, confidence, and life-enhancing values in young people. Sessions run through the summer and progress by level, from Wee Tee for 5 and 6 year olds through Beginner, Birdie, Par, and Player levels grouped by age and skill. All participants new to the program start at the Beginner level, where they learn fundamentals alongside First Tee’s core values and Nine Healthy Habits. Scholarships are available.

Willow Creek Golf Course

1700 48th St SW // (507) 285-0305

Willow Creek Golf Course in Rochester offers golf lessons for all skill levels with Assistant Golf Professional Joe Scripture, a PGA associate. A Summer Junior League is also available for young players looking to build their game. Scheduling and pricing can be arranged by contacting Joe directly, and junior league registration is handled online.

Youth on Course

Youth on Course gives young golfers in the Rochester area affordable access to the game, letting members ages 6 through 18 play rounds for $5 or less at participating courses locally and worldwide. In Minnesota, the annual membership runs $40 and includes an official handicap through the Minnesota Golf Association. Rochester-area courses are available through the Rochester District Golf Association’s junior membership, and members can find local courses and availability using the Course Directory or the Youth on Course app. Beyond low-cost play, the program opens doors to scholarships, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

ROGA- Rochester Gymnastics Academy

292 Penny Lane NE // (507) 322-6997

Rochester Gymnastics Academy gives kids a fun, active place to build confidence, coordination, strength, and friendships. Families can start with Parent & Me and preschool gymnastics, then grow into girls and boys recreational classes, ninja/parkour, homeschool programming, camps, and competitive team pathways. Whether your child is brand new, high-energy, or ready for a new challenge, ROGA offers programs for a wide range of ages and skill levels. It’s a welcoming place for kids to move, learn, and find their fit.

ONE Athletics & Gymnastics

4173 11th Ave SW // (507) 258-5588

ONE Athletics offers a unique fitness and gymnastics experience in southeastern Minnesota. Whether you are new to fitness or a high-performance athlete, you will find programming that fits your needs and your budget. Located in a brand-new 20,000 sq ft facility on 4 scenic acres, ONE Athletics offers a full-scale girls’ gymnastics program, fitness classes for children and teens, and a large fitness zone for teens and adults ages 14+.

Rochester Youth Hockey Association (RYHA)

Rochester Youth Hockey Association is the community’s hockey program for skaters ages 4 to high school and is associated with USA Hockey.

Hockey levels are strictly age-based, with programs focused on skating and skills and non-competitive games for the youngest players. As kids move up in age and skill, tryouts and traveling teams become options. Hockey season runs October to early March.

Getting Started:

Mite Hockey

Kids typically start as Termites (ages 4-6) and progress to Supermites (ages 7-9).

Want to try hockey without the commitment? RYHA offers Try Hockey for Free days for boys & girls ages 4-10. All equipment is provided.

Rochester Bandits Hockey

Developmental programs for youth hockey. Offers hockey skills practices and camps in spring, summer, and fall for players from the Mites level up to Bantams and AAA to prepare for hockey season.

Defenders Sports

Rochester Area Homeschool (RAHS) Defenders Sports gives homeschool student athletes in the Rochester area the chance to compete while being encouraged to glorify God in all they do. Based in Rochester, MN, the program currently offers three sports: basketball, soccer, and volleyball, with teams spanning youth through varsity levels.

Jaguars Cross Country

The Jaguar Cross Country team is Rochester’s homeschool cross country program, helping area students in grades 7 through 12 build fitness, improve their running, and compete in high school meets across southeastern Minnesota. The season starts with optional captains’ practices in early summer and moves to official practices in August, alongside team traditions and a supportive, encouraging environment. Each August, the Jaguars also host a Mini Cross Country Run for homeschooled students from preschool through sixth grade. All skill and experience levels are welcome, and team details are available on the Jaguar Cross Country website.

Red Gate Riding

2000 County Road 121 NE // (507) 226-3270

Red Gate Riding is a riding school and boarding facility focused on building confident horse people in a fun, safe environment, with knowledgeable instructors who help students develop good horsemanship both in the saddle and on the ground.

The Stables Equestrian Center

6489 51st St NE // (507) 261-7393

The Stables Equestrian Center offers riding lessons and training in dressage, jumping, and western dressage, led by owner and head instructor Eliese Klennert, a certified instructor with over 20 years in the equine industry. Along with lessons for a range of ages and levels, The Stables offers summer camps, clinics, a US Pony Club program, and a High School Equestrian Athletic Lettering Program.

Bearbower Versatility Horses

10226 65th St NE, Elgin // (507) 251-6267

Bearbower Versatility Horses offers high-quality, accessible, and affordable riding education for children and adults, with a welcoming barn-family approach that involves customers in all kinds of activities. Lessons range from youth and adult group lessons to semi-private and private instruction, along with day camps, clinics, and trail rides.

The Meadows Equestrian Center

5645 Meadow Dr. SE

Sits just 6 miles southeast of downtown Rochester. Along with indoor and outdoor boarding, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, and other amenities, The Meadows offers riding lessons for most levels. Lesson horses are available, or students may bring their own. For lesson inquiries, contact Verona Klimek at (320) 815-8483.

Lita’s Equitation

5872 65th Ave SE // (507) 830-0902

From brand-new riders wanting to learn about horses to experienced riders looking to compete and show, Lita is there every step of the way to help you achieve your goals. Lessons are available on your own horse or on one of their lesson horses.

Turn Crest Stable

26947 County Hwy 34, Kasson // (507) 634-4474

Turn Crest Stable is an active lesson and show barn, offering year-round riding lessons for all skill levels under owner and lead instructor Vicki Holst. A United States Hunter Jumper Association Recognized Riding Academy, Turn Crest covers Hunt Seat, Jumping, Dressage, and Western Horsemanship, along with summer camps for young riders.

Rochester Area La Crosse

Discover one of the fastest-growing sports in America with Rochester Area Lacrosse. The organization offers affordable youth programs for boys and girls of all experience levels from preschool through high school. Rochester Area Lacrosse creates a positive environment where athletes build skills, confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of the game.

4Kicks Family Taekwondo

4915 Hwy 52 N // (810) 623-1853

Taekwondo is a fun, family activity and great for students of all ages! Under the instruction of 5th-degree Black Belt Patricia Young of the American Taekwondo Association, kids will improve their coordination, balance, strength, and agility, while adults will benefit from improved memory, balance, and flexibility. 4Kicks is a female-owned business that’s open to everyone aged 4 and older, including teens and adults. 4Kicks provides a free class to those interested in Taekwondo.

Martial Arts Fitness Center

2849 South Broadway // (507) 358-3484

Martial Arts Fitness Center offers a variety of martial arts for kids and adults. A free trial class is available. Registration is open year-round.

• Tae Kwon Do: Ages 5+
• Tai Chi Chuan: Ages 12+
• Hapkido: Ages 13+
• Karate & Weapons, Aikido, Muay Thai: Ages 16+

Park Institute of Tae Kwon Do

3155 Wellner Dr. NE // (507) 322-6242

Offers lifelong Tae Kwon Do instruction for students from young kids (ages 4-6) to adults, from beginners to black belts. Competition options available through their Tae Kwon Do team. Free trial class available.

National Karate

2711 Commerce Dr. NW, Ste 600 // (507) 204-2467

Teaches karate fundamentals, elements of jiu-jitsu, and practical self-defense strategies for kids ages 5+, progressing to weapons and sparring.

Stock Martial Arts

Hillcrest Shopping Center – 1608 US-52 // (507) 512-7181

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offered at age-appropriate levels. Little Legends is for kids ages 3-7 and focuses on game-based instruction, mat work, and safety. Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a structured program for kids ages 7+.

Team Mario Roberto – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

4915 Hwy 52 N Suite B // (507) 202-0036

Youth Anti-Bullying class available for kids ages 3-12. No experience required. Teaches self-defense, realistic martial arts skills, confidence, discipline, and focus.

Imperial Training Center

2571 Clare Ln NE, Unit 102 // (507) 923-0473

Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners and up. Focuses on self-defense, discipline, confidence-building, and more.

Rochester Mountain Bike Team

Rochester Mountain Bike Team is open to students entering grades 6 through 12. The season runs from summer through early fall, with practices three times a week on trails around Rochester. Competitions are available for those looking to race, and loaner bikes can be provided. The RMBT GRRLS girls mountain biking team offers development and support for girls looking to join the sport. Registration opens each year on April 1.

Rochester Athletic Club

3100 19th St. NW // (507) 282-6000

Junior pickleball group lessons are available for youth ages 12-16 during the winter months. RAC members only.

Skyhawks – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Skyhawks Pickleball, offered through Rochester Community Education, is a fun, skill-building introduction to the sport for new and intermediate players ages 8 through 12, teaching core fundamentals across groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, with a free paddle included.

Roca Climbing & Fitness

6071 Rome Cir NW // (507) 218-1500

Roca Climbing & Fitness offers classes and activities for climbers of all ages and abilities:

• Climbing Classes: Youth ages 5 and up, plus Parent + Child classes for youth ages 5-13. Sessions run 3 weeks long, year-round, with registration open year-round.
• Adaptive Climbing: Programming for climbers with disabilities.
• Youth Climb Team: Ages 8 and up, with recreational to competitive options across progressive skill levels. Registration open year-round.

Rochester Rowing Club

The Rochester Rowing Club junior/youth program offers two teams, Varsity and Junior Varsity, open to students in grades 7 through 12. Both teams help athletes build fitness, mental toughness, discipline, and teamwork. No experience is necessary, though all rowers must pass a swim test. Along with on-water rowing technique, rowers learn boat handling, water safety, and erg technique on a rowing machine. Rowing is divided into four seasons, and new rowers may join at the start of any one:

• Spring (April – May): The only season in which rowers can earn a Varsity letter. Rowers must attend both regattas to qualify.
• Summer (June – mid-August)
• Fall (September – early November)
• Winter (December – March): Open to any athlete looking to cross-train and improve general strength and fitness. Non-rowers are encouraged to join.

Southeast Scuba Escape

1741 2nd St SW // (833) 773-3483

Southeast Scuba Escape is a woman-owned PADI 5-Star Dive Center in Rochester offering scuba training, gear servicing, and guided dive travel for divers of all levels. Classes range from first-time open water certification through advanced and rescue diver courses, along with a PADI Seal Team summer camp for kids. The center also provides professional gear servicing and inspection, equipment rentals, fun dives, and curated global dive travel experiences.

North Star FC

380 Woodlake Dr SE // (507) 280-7584

North Star FC is Rochester’s community youth soccer organization, with 140 recreational teams and 94 competitive teams:

• Recreational Soccer (age 3 through 8th grade): Spring, summer, and fall seasons are grouped by school grade, with weeknight practices around the community and Saturday games at Watson Sports Complex. The winter season is indoor league play grouped by birth year. Registration deadlines vary by season, with fall 2026 running May 15 through July 20.
• Rec Classes (age 3 through 6th grade): Age-appropriate classes where young players learn soccer fundamentals and skills.
• Competitive League (ages 6 through 19): Year-round programming where teams compete in leagues around Minnesota and beyond. Players can move from rec to competitive league at any age.

Rochester FC

Rochester FC is Rochester’s semi-professional soccer club, offering youth programs with both recreational and competitive leagues built to help players progress to higher levels of play:

• Recreational (MLS GO, ages 4 through 17): Rochester FC partners with Major League Soccer’s youth program, MLS GO, as its rec league structure, with seasons in spring and fall plus indoor futsal in winter to build skills and fundamentals year-round.
• Competitive (ages 4 through 18): Teams travel throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, with a direct pathway from the academy up to Rochester FC’s USL W and USL League Two pre-professional squads. Players can move from rec to competitive at any age.

Skyhawks – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Skyhawks Soccer, offered through Rochester Community Education, helps young players build technical skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control while learning teamwork and sportsmanship:

• Soccer Tots (ages 2–4): An introduction to the game with parent participation.
• Mini-Hawk Soccer (ages 5–6): Early fundamentals for young beginners.
• Skyhawks Soccer (ages 6–12): Skill-building classes in a fun, positive environment.

Registration is handled through the Community Education website.

Rochester Youth Fast Pitch Softball Association

The players, coaches, volunteers, and parents of the Rochester Youth Fastpitch Softball Association (RYFSA) welcome all youth to discover the sport of fastpitch softball. Whether you are brand new to the game and interested in learning softball or a player with years of experience, we welcome you to RYFSA and look forward to seeing you on the field! We have programs for all ages, from elementary school to high school. Go to our website to learn about our Summer and Fall seasons, read the latest news, and discover how to get involved as a player, coach, umpire, or volunteer.

Olmsted Medical Center – Athletic Performance

5155 55th St NW // (507) 535-1977

Athletic Performance at Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester offers expert-led training for youth, high school, adult, and tactical athletes, powered by OMC’s sports medicine team. Athletes of all abilities train to build strength, speed, agility, and endurance through personal training, small-group sessions, and sport-specific programs, along with specialized hockey training and tactical programs for first responders and the military. Sessions take place in a 15,000-square-foot facility with a turf area, strength-and-conditioning equipment, and a Blade hockey treadmill with synthetic ice. Open to the community with no referral required, OMC offers a complimentary first training session to get started.

D-Bat

4430 19th St NW // (507) 722-2042

D-BAT Rochester is a 15,000-square-foot indoor baseball and softball academy in Rochester, MN. The climate-controlled facility features 11 batting cages, four with pitching machines that throw real baseballs and softballs at speeds from 30 to 70 mph, with the rest open for tee work, soft toss, and batting practice. D-BAT offers private lessons, cage rentals, camps and clinics, and team development programs led by professional instructors. Members get discounts on lessons, camps, and Pro Shop merchandise, and the facility hosts birthday parties too. Open seven days a week, it is a year-round space to train regardless of the weather.

Rochester Batting Cages

7726 100th St NW, Pine Island // (507) 316-4712 (text)

Rochester Batting Cages is a membership-only facility located just a few miles north of Rochester, south of Oronoco, MN. Open 24 hours, it features four climate-controlled batting cages that work for both baseball and softball, making Minnesota winters an afterthought. The facility also offers hitting, pitching, and performance training, along with beginner classes for newer players. Members enjoy added amenities including flat-screen televisions, internet access, a game room and waiting area, beverages, and more.

The Yard Sports Training

2443 7th St NW // (507)533 5319

The Yard Sports Training is a membership-based indoor baseball and softball facility located in Rochester, MN. Members get 7-day-a-week access to multiple batting cages and pitching areas, a full weight room, a throwing area, HitTrax and Rapsodo technology, radar guns, and self-feeding pitching machines. The Yard offers hitting, pitching, and performance training, along with Yard Dog University classes for ages 6U through 12U. New members also receive a free 30-minute hitting or pitching assessment plus 20% off Wilson gear. Single and family membership options are available, and members can sign up for additional lessons, camps, and group training.

ETS Performance

3708 N Broadway Ave #100 // (507) 361-1276

ETS Performance is a sports performance training facility in Rochester, MN, for athletes ages 8 and up. Programs build speed, strength, power, and confidence, scaled to each athlete’s experience level, with options from youth speed development to combine prep and pro training. Small-group sessions run on a 30-plus-yard turf field and use VALD technology to track progress, with experienced coaches leading a positive, challenging environment. Open Monday through Saturday, ETS offers a free evaluation to get started.

Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center – Mayo Clinic

565 1st St SW // (507) 266-4688

Sports Performance Training at Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center in Rochester offers customized coaching for all ages and ability levels, in person or virtually. Built on proven techniques trusted by athletes worldwide, the program serves individuals, teams, and organizations. Dynamic one-hour classes combine coaching, community support, and motivation, with coaches incorporating mobility work, strength training, interval cardio, and nutrition support to help participants reach their fitness and sport-specific goals. Minimum age is 15, at coach discretion.

Rochester Athletic Club

3100 19th St NW // (507) 282-6000

The Rochester Athletic Club offers Kids Sports & Fitness classes that introduce young players to a range of sports in a fun, skill-building environment. Baseball classes cover hitting for ages 5 through 12 and pitching for ages 8 through 12, basketball classes and clinics serve ages 5 through 18, and soccer classes for ages 2 through 6 are taught by North Star FC coaches. Private one-on-one and group lessons are also available for members. Classes are open to RAC members.

Sports Headquarters

1201 Broadway Ave S, Ste 20 // (507) 282-3424

For more than 30 years, locally owned Sports Headquarters has outfitted athletes of all ages in Rochester. It carries new and used equipment and apparel for many of the sports featured in this guide, including baseball and softball, hockey, golf, disc golf, wrestling, and figure skating, as well as paintball gear. Customers can also sell their older equipment for cash or store credit through the trade-in program, and the store offers repair services like skate sharpening, golf club regripping, and custom sportswear.

D-Bat

4430 19th St NW // (507) 722-2042

The Pro Shop at D-BAT Rochester carries everything players need to gear up, including Rawlings gloves, Easton bats, batting gloves, helmets, and a range of accessories. Demo bats are available to try, and members receive discounts on merchandise throughout the shop.

SCHEELS

1220 12th St SW // (507) 281-2444

SCHEELS, located at Apache Mall in Rochester, is an all-sports retailer carrying gear, apparel, and equipment for nearly every sport featured in this guide, from soccer and baseball to hockey, golf, and climbing. With specialty shops staffed by knowledgeable associates, it’s great for outfitting athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Rochester Swim Club

21 Elton Hills Dr NW // (507) 328-2500

Rochester Swim Club is a USA Swimming competitive team offering programs for swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners through elite-level athletes:

• Introductory Groups: New swimmers start in the Red and Discovery groups to build water skills and stroke fundamentals.
• Competitive Groups: Swimmers progress through a series of levels from Ripples up through the junior and senior groups as they develop and compete.

A nationally recognized Club Excellence program, RSC emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and a love of the sport, with scholarships available for families who need them. Registration and group placement details are available on the Rochester Swim Club website.

Rochester Aquatics

21 Elton Hills Dr NW // (507) 328-2500

Rochester Aquatics offers swim and water safety lessons for anyone ages 6 months and up, with a level-based curriculum that emphasizes correct technique, strength, and water safety at the Rec Center:

• Parent/Tot Lessons: Introduce infants and toddlers to the water alongside a caregiver.
• Group Lessons: Instructor-led lessons for children ages 3 through 12 in small groups of 4 to 1 or fewer, progressing through water safety and stroke levels.
• Prep Squad: A bridge for swimmers preparing to move toward competitive swimming.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for personalized progress.

Community water safety and adaptive lessons are also available, along with scholarships through the Hope Floats Foundation. Because the program is popular and indoor pools are limited in Rochester, spots fill quickly, so registration can be competitive. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified of registration dates, which are handled online through Captyn.

Goldfish Swim School

104 17th Ave NW // (507) 580-7356

Goldfish Swim School in Rochester offers indoor, year-round swim lessons for children ages 4 months through 12 years, using its child-centered Science of SwimPlay method to build water safety, confidence, and skills in a warm indoor pool. Small class sizes and regular progress tracking give each swimmer a personalized experience:

• Mini (4–35 months): Parent-assisted lessons to help babies get comfortable in the water.
• Junior (3–4 years): An introduction to swimming independently.
• Glider (4–12 years): Core skills like floating, kicking, and basic strokes.
• Pro (4–12 years): Focus on improving technique and building endurance.
• Swim Force (5–12 years): Competitive-style training for future swim team members.

Goldfish also offers family swim, water safety presentations, jump start clinics, and parties, with flexible membership options. A complimentary swim assessment helps place new swimmers in the right level.

Rochester Athletic Club

3100 19th St NW // (507) 282-6000

The Rochester Athletic Club offers youth swim lessons designed to build confidence and water safety, taught by certified Starfish Aquatic Institute or Red Cross equivalent instructors:

• Parent/Child (6 months – 4 years): Crab, Duck, and Frog classes introduce little ones to the water with a parent’s support.
• Preschool (3 – 5 years): Manatee through Seahorse levels move children into instructor-led lessons, building independence and beginner strokes.
• School Age (6 & up): A progression from Swim School (Levels 1–3) into Stroke School and endurance levels, developing all major strokes and self-rescue skills.

Private and semi-private lessons are also available for members of all ages and abilities, along with a Lifeguard Training class for ages 15 and up. Classes are open to RAC members, with registration through the Activities Desk or member login portal.

Super Swimmers

5653 Colonial Ln // (507) 319-7946

Super Swimmers offers professional swimming and water safety instruction led by Julie, an American Red Cross Authorized Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard with over 30 years of teaching experience. Lessons follow the American Red Cross Learn to Swim curriculum in a comfortable, encouraging environment where every swimmer works at their own pace:

• Group Classes: Small groups of three students with the instructor in the water.
• Private & Family-Private: Choose your own family bubble, from one swimmer up to four, with the instructor in the water. Children under 3 need prior approval.

Classes take place at an indoor heated pool in Southeast Rochester, and session details and registration are posted on the Super Swimmers website.

Rochester Table Tennis Club

Rochester Regional Sports Center

The Rochester Table Tennis Club (RTTC) is a welcoming place for young players to pick up the sport, with a Junior Development Program that builds skills through coaching and practice. Founded in 2003 and affiliated with USA Table Tennis, the nonprofit club offers training clinics, individualized lessons, open play, and tournaments at University Center Rochester on16 professional-quality Butterfly tables. Day passes are available for drop-ins.

City of Rochester

Rochester Tennis Center – Outdoor Site

The City of Rochester’s Outdoor Tennis Center at Kutzky Park features 14 hard courts and offers racquets for use, making it an accessible spot for players of all experience levels. Summer programming for ages 4 through adult runs through Rochester Tennis Connection, covering group classes, private lessons, and semi-private lessons. Junior group programming spans three tracks:

• Quickstart (ages 4–6): An introduction to tennis for the youngest players.
• Junior Development: Progressive classes from beginners through advanced.
• Advanced Player Development: For juniors competing at the JV and varsity level.

Private lessons with a teaching professional are available in both 30-minute and one-hour options, with member and public rates. Seasonal memberships include court fees and reservation privileges, guest fees are available for non-members, and special events and tournaments run throughout the summer.

Rochester Tennis Connection

2700 Country Club Rd SW // (507) 288-4851

Rochester Tennis Connection offers year-round tennis at its indoor site, with lessons and junior training programs for kids ages 4 and up (its outdoor site, operated through the City of Rochester, runs seasonally). Junior programming progresses through three tracks:

• Quickstart (ages 4–6): 45-minute classes using foam or low-compression balls, introducing forehands, backhands, volleys, and hand-eye coordination across two levels.
• Junior Development: Progressive classes from Beginner through Advanced, moving players from basic strokes and serves into point play and strategy.
• Advanced Player Development: For committed juniors playing high school tennis, from the Tournament Group up through Excellence, Big Dog, and invitation-only Elite Big Dog.

Private lessons and parties are also available. Registration for all sessions begins in early August, with sign-up handled by phone or in person at the indoor site.

Rochester Athletic Club

The Rochester Athletic Club’s ROGY Tennis program develops young players through progressive stages, from Red to Orange to Green-dot to Yellow balls, combining the USTA Net Generation Curriculum with age-specific drills. Classes focus on athletic skills like movement, balance, and sending and receiving, along with teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship:

• Red Ball (ages 3–8): Parent/child classes and beginner-through-rally levels on a smaller court with a lower-bouncing ball.
• Orange Ball (ages 7.5–10): A larger court and faster ball, blending instruction, games, and non-elimination competitive play.
• Green & Yellow Ball (ages 11–16): Full-court play with strokes, rules, and singles and doubles strategy for pre-teens and teens.

Advanced players can move into the invitation-only RAC Tennis Academy, which offers both a tournament pathway and a high school pathway. Private and semi-private lessons are also available. Classes are open to RAC members

Structured Track & Field does not start for kids until middle school, when they are eligible to join the high school track team. Various track & field camps are offered in the summer as an intro.

All Comers’ Track Meets

Soldier’s Field Track // Select Tuesdays in June & July each year

A Rochester favorite for over 50 years, the All Comers’ Track Meets are the perfect way to introduce little ones to track. Meets are FREE for kids 2-15+ years old and open to the public. Para-athlete/wheelchair inclusion – independent or parent-assisted are encouraged to participate. Kids can run in as many races as they want, plus try the long jump and hurdles.

No sign-ups needed!

Wind Chill – Community Education, Rochester Public Schools

Ultimate Frisbee, when offered, runs through Rochester Community Education, often as a summer camp led by the Minnesota Wind Chill, the state’s professional ultimate frisbee team. The camp introduces boys and girls ages 6 through 14 to the fast-paced, non-contact sport through games, drills, and scrimmages, with players grouped by age, experience, and skill level. Since offerings change throughout the year, check the Community Education website for current availability and registration.

Rochester Youth Volleyball – RYVA

The Rochester Youth Volleyball Association (RYVA) organizes youth volleyball for children ages 5 through 18 in Rochester and the surrounding communities, based out of the National Volleyball Center:

• Volley-Tots & Mini-Ball (grades K–6): Spring and fall sessions introducing basic skills and game-like play.
• Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV): RYVA’s Junior Olympic club, with elite teams that travel to regional tournaments and club teams that play locally while building skills.
• Summer Camps & Clinics: Seasonal skill-building for a range of ages.

Registration and tryout details are available on the RYVA website.

Rochester Youth Wrestling Associations

Youth wrestling in Rochester is organized through three nonprofit clubs, each serving a different part of the city based on Rochester Public High School boundaries:

• Rocket Wrestling Club: For athletes within the John Marshall High School boundary.
• Mayo Youth Wrestling Association: For athletes within the Mayo High School boundary.
• Rochester Panthers Wrestling Club: For athletes within the Century High School boundary.

Private and homeschooled athletes are welcome to join the club matching their boundary or future high school. All three programs welcome brand-new and experienced wrestlers of any age, from pre-K through 8th grade. Registration takes place in the fall, with the youth season running from after Thanksgiving to before spring break.