Visit Cambridge Community Center: Hours, Youth Programs & Space Rentals
Cambridge Community Center (CCC) is a nonprofit neighborhood center at 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. It provides after-school care, summer enrichment, teen programs, food assistance, community activities and rentable event spaces. The center primarily serves Cambridge families, particularly the Riverside and Cambridgeport neighborhoods.
Details reviewed October 29, 2026. Program openings, fees, eligibility and schedules may change.
Contact, Office Hours & Location
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Cambridge Community Center, Inc. |
| Address | 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 |
| Phone | 617-547-6811 |
| info@cambridgecc.org | |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday / Sunday | No regular public office hours confirmed; scheduled programs or rentals may differ. |
| Official website | cambridgecc.org |
| Organization | Independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization, not a City of Cambridge recreation department. |
The center has operated since 1929. It was founded by Black community leaders and has long supported education, recreation, family services and neighborhood connection.
Programs & Services Available
After-School Care
Out-of-school activities emphasizing self-care, respect for others, community responsibility, creative learning, recreation and social-emotional development.
Cowemoki Summer Enrichment
Full-day programming for children from kindergarten through eighth grade, with sports, swimming, creative activities, local trips and other structured enrichment.
Teen Programs
Youth activities including The Hip Hop Transformation, Dottin University Basketball and the Mental Health ACCESS initiative.
Food & Supply Pantry
Community food and essential-supply support for households. Distribution times, availability and current participation arrangements must be confirmed.
Community Events
Neighborhood gatherings, cultural activities, community celebrations, seasonal events and opportunities to connect with local residents.
Rooms & Gym Rentals
Gymnasium, common room, smaller classrooms and kitchen access for approved parties, meetings, classes and recurring activities.
After-School Program: Schedule, Fees & Enrollment
Cambridge Community Center’s out-of-school program provides supervised opportunities outside regular school hours. Its current 2026–27 enrollment page lists the following tuition and deposit requirements.
| Program | Published Details |
|---|---|
| Regular school-day program | 2 PM–6 PM |
| Early-release school days | Noon–6 PM |
| School holiday / vacation days | 8 AM–5:30 PM on the program schedule; check specific session times before booking. |
| 2026–27 after-school tuition | $225 per week or $50 per day |
| 2026–27 school-break tuition | $400 per week or $100 per day; enrollment page specifies 8 AM–5 PM for these paid sessions. |
| Reservation deposit | $150 per child, nonrefundable |
| Tuition payment | Remaining balance before the child begins; subsequent tuition due Friday for the following week. |
| Financial assistance | EEC vouchers/subsidies accepted; private scholarships may be available for qualifying families. |
Note: The general school-break operating hours and paid-session hours are not identical on the center’s published pages. Confirm pickup arrangements and any extended-time options with the program director.
How to Enroll a Child
- Open the center’s official enrollment page.
- Select the new-child or returning-child registration form, as appropriate.
- Complete the application and required enrollment packet.
- Review the parent handbook, pickup rules, medical forms and payment terms.
- Schedule a meeting with the Director of Out-of-School Time Programs, as directed by the center.
- Bring completed and signed documents to the arranged meeting.
- If seeking assistance, ask about EEC vouchers or the private scholarship application before paying.
- Complete the required deposit and tuition arrangements using the center’s authorized payment method.
- Confirm the child’s approved start date and dismissal/pickup plan.
Required Childcare Forms & Documents
The official enrollment page provides downloadable documents. Prepare the applicable forms before your family meeting instead of arriving with only an online registration.
| Document | When It Matters |
|---|---|
| Enrollment packet | Required intake and program registration information. |
| Parent handbook | Program expectations, behavior, supervision and family responsibilities. |
| Late pickup policy | Pickup expectations and procedures after scheduled closing time. |
| EEC medication consent | For children who receive medication during program hours. |
| Meal benefit form | Separate versions are listed for Cambridge Public Schools students and other students. |
| Individual health care plan | For children with diagnosed chronic medical conditions. |
| Scholarship application | For families applying for the center’s private financial assistance. |
Only submit children’s medical details, authorized pickup information and other sensitive documents through the center’s approved enrollment process.
Cowemoki Summer Enrichment Program
Cowemoki is Cambridge Community Center’s full-day summer program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The program focuses on recreation, enrichment and social development.
Examples of Activities
- Swimming and swim lessons
- Soccer, gym classes and active recreation
- Art, cooking and computer activities
- Interactive mathematics games
- Gardening through CitySprouts
- Playground activities
- Field trips to local parks and attractions
The center has previously included outings such as Spectacle Island, Castle Island and Salem Willows. These are historical examples, not a confirmed itinerary for the next summer session.
Enrollment tip: Complete the official registration and ask when the next Cowemoki session opens, whether spaces remain, what the weekly schedule includes and how transportation or field-trip supervision works.
View Cowemoki Program DetailsTeen Programs: Basketball, Music & Mental Health Education
| Program | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| The Hip Hop Transformation | Cambridge teenagers learn about hip-hop culture and create original music through writing, recording and performance. |
| Dottin University Basketball | Basketball programming for boys in grades 7–10, with practices and tournament participation according to the current season. |
| Mental Health ACCESS | Education about mental health, reduced stigma and exploration of related education and career opportunities for Black teens in Cambridge. |
How to Join
- Visit the official teen programs page.
- Choose the activity that matches the teenager’s age and interests.
- Check the current session, age eligibility and participation requirements.
- Contact the organizer using the program’s official contact method.
- Complete any requested guardian consent, registration or additional paperwork.
Food Pantry & Community Support
The Cambridge Community Center opened a food and supply pantry in April 2020 to support local households. The center has reported assisting approximately 750 households weekly through the program, although distribution volumes and arrangements may change.
Before Going to the Pantry
- Confirm current distribution days and hours.
- Ask whether an appointment or registration is required.
- Check if proof of address or household information is needed.
- Ask what groceries and essential supplies are currently distributed.
- Check whether there are pickup limits or accessibility accommodations.
The center has also hosted a winter farmers market aimed at improving access to fresh local food. Its community-program page includes a postponement notice for some market activities, so do not assume an event is currently operating based only on historical descriptions.
Cambridge Community Center Rentals: Rooms, Gym & Kitchen
The center accommodates one-time events, such as birthday parties, and recurring rental arrangements, such as basketball leagues, classes and community meetings.
| Rental Space | Published Size / Capacity |
|---|---|
| Full-size gymnasium | Approximately 5,500 square feet; can seat up to 250 people depending on the event arrangement. |
| Common room | Approximately 900 square feet; seats up to 75 people. |
| Four classrooms | Various sizes for small gatherings, instruction and meetings; confirm room-specific capacity. |
| Kitchen | Available for an additional fee, including stove access subject to the rental agreement. |
For a fuller explanation of deposits, capacities, cleanup charges and booking terms, see our community center room rental planning guide.
How to Request a Space
- Choose the gym, common room, classroom or another appropriate space.
- Decide the event date, backup date, expected attendance and required hours.
- Read the center’s rental terms, including any separate conditions for teen events.
- Email rentals@cambridgecc.org with the event details.
- Ask for the available dates, final quoted fees, deposit and permitted use.
- If you want to inspect the space, arrange an advance tour by email or phone.
- Complete the contract and required payment only through CCC staff.
- Keep the written booking confirmation.
Important: The center currently books rentals through staff and does not accommodate walk-in rental tours. Arrange your viewing before arriving.
Getting There: Transit, Walking & Parking
Cambridge Community Center is in the Riverside neighborhood at the corner of Callender Street and Howard Street. It is within approximately a ten-minute walk of either Central Square or Harvard Square on the MBTA Red Line, according to the center’s official directions.
| Travel Method | Useful Information |
|---|---|
| MBTA Red Line | Use Central Square or Harvard Square, then walk to Callender Street. Check current service alerts and accessible station routes. |
| Cambridge resident parking | Resident parking is available on Callender, Magee and Howard streets, subject to local permit restrictions and posted signs. |
| Nonresident parking | Limited metered spaces are listed on Western Avenue, River Street and Massachusetts Avenue. |
| Driving | Use the exact address: 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. |
| Accessible arrival | Contact the center for the appropriate entrance, access route and any accommodations needed for your program. |
Street parking is limited and subject to posted Cambridge rules. A reserved public visitor lot at the center has not been independently confirmed.
Volunteering, Donations & Community Involvement
Cambridge Community Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Volunteer opportunities may support youth programs, food distribution, events, building maintenance and other neighborhood services.
Ways to Help
- Assist with community food and supply distribution.
- Support youth activities and educational events, where approved.
- Help with maintenance or neighborhood activities.
- Donate funds to the center’s programs.
- Ask whether currently needed supplies can be donated.
For donations in kind, call first because the center accepts items according to current need. Donations can also be made through its official website or by mail following the published instructions.
Other Massachusetts Community Centers to Compare
If your main need is fitness, sports or recreation rather than Cambridge’s youth and family services, different community centers may be more suitable. The Curley Community Center in South Boston focuses on fitness and community activities with Boston-residency restrictions.
For skating, indoor courts and youth recreation on Cape Cod, compare the Hyannis Youth and Community Center. These are separate facilities with their own membership, eligibility and program policies.
Our broader community recreation center guide explains how to compare activity schedules, fees and access requirements across facilities.
Before You Visit: Quick Checklist
- Confirm the exact program and operating time.
- Check whether registration or an appointment is needed.
- For a child, prepare completed enrollment forms and emergency contacts.
- Ask about tuition, deposit and scholarship eligibility before paying.
- Confirm whether a rental room or gym is reserved for your date.
- Check current food pantry distribution details if seeking supplies.
- Plan transit or legal parking near Callender Street.
- Ask about accessible entrances or accommodations when needed.
- Keep a registration receipt or rental confirmation.
Cambridge Community Center: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Cambridge Community Center located?
Cambridge Community Center is at 5 Callender Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, in the Riverside neighborhood near Central Square and Harvard Square.
2. What are Cambridge Community Center’s office hours?
The official contact page lists Monday through Friday, 9 AM–6 PM. Individual programs and events may have different hours.
3. What is the phone number for Cambridge Community Center?
Call 617-547-6811. The general email address is info@cambridgecc.org.
4. Does Cambridge Community Center offer after-school programs?
Yes. Its out-of-school programs operate from 2 PM–6 PM on regular school days and noon–6 PM on early-release days. School-break schedules vary.
5. How much is the after-school program for 2026–27?
The published 2026–27 tuition is $225 per week or $50 per day. A nonrefundable $150 per-child reservation deposit is required at registration.
6. Are scholarships or childcare vouchers accepted?
Yes. The center accepts EEC vouchers and subsidies and offers private scholarships to eligible families, subject to current funding and approval.
7. Can I rent the gym or a room at Cambridge Community Center?
Yes. The center rents a 5,500-square-foot gym, a 900-square-foot common room and four classrooms. Kitchen access may be available for an additional fee. Email rentals@cambridgecc.org.
8. Does Cambridge Community Center have a food pantry?
Yes. The center operates a food and supply pantry supporting local households. Contact the center to confirm current distribution times and participation requirements.
9. What is Cowemoki Summer Enrichment Program?
Cowemoki is a summer program for kindergarten through eighth-grade children. Its published 2026 tuition was $400 per week or $100 per day. Future session fees and dates must be confirmed.
10. How do I reach Cambridge Community Center by public transportation?
The center reports that it is within a ten-minute walk of Central Square or Harvard Square on the MBTA Red Line. Check current MBTA service and walking directions before leaving.
Official Sources & Final Contact
- Cambridge Community Center — Contact, address, hours and transportation
- Cambridge Community Center — After-school schedules and program details
- Cambridge Community Center — 2026–27 tuition, documents, subsidies and registration
- Cambridge Community Center — Rental spaces, policies and booking
- Cambridge Community Center — Food pantry and community activities
- Cambridge Community Center — Teen programming
Independent visitor guide. Reviewed October 29, 2026. Cambridge Community Center is a separate nonprofit organization. Program schedules, attendance requirements, fees and availability can change. Confirm final arrangements directly with the center.