Vernon Parks and Recreation is hosting a new Friday night program for Vernon middle school-aged students from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Teen Center at 375 Hartford Turnpike.

Called “Friday Fun,” the program is open to 6th through 8th graders and will feature “minute to win it” games, a supervised open gym for basketball and other sports, and opportunities to hang out with friends, all with a Halloween theme. Snacks such as pizza and drinks will be available for purchase. (Cash only on snacks.)

Participants are asked to leave their cell phones at home or, if they must bring them, leave them in their pockets. A fun get-together for Vernon teens without the distraction of electronic devices is a priority of the program.

The cost is $5 and preregistration is required at www.vernonrec.org. The event is open only to Vernon residents.

“Our goal is to provide a fun, safe place for Vernon teens to socialize, join in activities, shoot hoops and generally have a good time,” Recreation Supervisor Julie Halpin said, adding that appropriate Halloween costumes are welcome too. (No full-face masks or weapons.)

“Friday Fun” is a new effort by the Parks and Recreation Department to offer safe, fun programs for Vernon teenagers.