Address: Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street
Phone: 831-420-5337
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 2:00 -8:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 2:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Teen Center Supervisor: Robert Acosta
Email: Santa Cruz Teen Center
We can also be reached on our Facebook page.
Follow us on Twitter @SC_TeenCenter
Stop in at the Santa Cruz Teen Center for recreational activities such as basketball, pool tables, Wii, X-Box 360, outdoor activities, foosball, movies, internet, music and a pretty chill space. Also pick up our current calendar to find out what’s happening for teens in Santa Cruz. The Teen Center sponsors dances, band nights, special events, day and overnight trips, sports, and outdoor events in addition to daily activities. Check our monthly calendar and our Facebook for ongoing activities! 
TEEN CENTER BUDGET UPDATE: The Teen Center has been at the current location since January 2010. After the City Council made the difficult decision to close the Teen Center due to lack of funding the Teen Center received a grant from the Packard Foundation which enabled the center to move to its current location. Since moving the Teen Center has received additional funding from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Police Department, a Community Programs Grant, fundraisers and private donations. In addition the city has begun partially funding the teen Center again. All of this has helped us establish and continue our program at our new location here at the Louden Nelson Community Center. We are still seeking funding to help continue operation of this very important program. Donate to Friends of Parks and Recreation in support of the new Teen Center at Louden Nelson.
Computer Lab
Come surf the net on a high speed internet connection, play your favorite computer games, burn a CD or type and print that paper for your history class. Computer use is free so just come on in and sign up for a slot.
Teen Scholarships
Friends of Parks and Recreation (FOPAR) has allocated funds for partial scholarships for limited-income families residing within the City of Santa Cruz. Interested Santa Cruz City residents may pick up scholarship request forms at the Parks and Recreation Office, 323 Church Street and at the Teen Center, 301 Center Street Room 8. Call 831-420-5270.
Seeking Instructors and Volunteers
The Teen Center is always seeking motivated, creative and energetic individuals to bring new and exciting programs to the youth of Santa Cruz. If you have a special talent or strong desire to work with youth please contact us regarding your program. Ages 19 and up are encouraged to inquire. Positive role models with knowledge of serving youth are desired. Activities may include but are not limited to arts, community service projects, skill building, cultural enrichment, dance, music, sports and computers. Program proposal forms are available at the Teen Center at 301 Center Street Room 8 or at the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department office at 323 Church Street. For more information call 831-420-5270.