Youth Programs

 

Fall Sign-ups

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  • Sign ups for fall/winter activities begin on Monday, August 18 at 9:00am for residents. Nonresident sign ups begin on Monday, August 25 at 9:00am.
  • Basketball sign ups begin on Tues, September 2 at 9:00am.
  • Sign ups for The Big E have already started.

Portsmouth Recreation Fall Soccer

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Portsmouth Recreational Youth Soccer is an instructional league for boys and girls from Pre-K to 4th grade. League is designed for kiddos to learn the sport of soccer and good sportsmanship, have fun playing and make friends. 

Registration begins Mon, June 2 at 9:00am for Portsmouth Residents. June 16 for non residents.
Volunteer coaches needed.

  • Pre-K (Ages 3-4): Saturdays only 9:00-9:45am
  • Grades K-1: Tuesday Practice between 4:00-6:00pm; Games on Saturday between 10:00am-1:00pm
  • Grades 2-4: Thursday Practice between 4:00-6:00pm; Games on Saturday between 12:00-3:00pm

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXACT PRACTICE AND GAME TIMES WILL BE DEPENDENT ON ENROLLMENT AND TEAM**

Location: All games and practices at the Recreation Athletic Complex (Campus Drive)

Fee: $50 resident | $70 non resident. Shirts, socks & shin guards provided with registration fee.

Portsmouth Rec Basketball 2025-2026 Season

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Sign-ups begin September 2 at 9:00am.

We need volunteers coaches at every level! There will be no practices or games during school's winter break.

  • PRE-K and K (co-ed) Skills & Drills
    • Saturdays, December 6 - January 17 

Location: Connie Bean Center. Residents $45 | Nonresidents $65

  • Youth Girls & Boys Divisions
    • December 6 - February 7
      • Boys Grades 1&2: Practices Mondays, Games Saturdays
      • Girls Grades 1&2: Practices Tuesdays, Games Saturdays
      • Boys Grades 3&4: Practices Wednesdays, Games Saturdays
      • Girls Grades 3&4: Practices Tuesdays or Thursdays, Games Saturdays

Location: Practices at Community Campus, Games at Connie Bean. Residents $55 | Nonresidents $75

  • Teen Girls & Boys Divisions
    • December 9 - February 12, with playoffs to follow.
      • Team placement try out dates: Everyone makes a team.
        • Girls Grades 7-12: No tryouts
        • Boys Grades 7-8: Wednesday, December 3, 6:30-8:00pm
        • Boys Grades 9-10: Tuesday, December 2, 5:00-6:30pm
        • Boys Grades 11-12: Tuesday, December 2, 6:30-8:00pm
      • Regular Season:
        • Boys Grades 7&8: Games Wednesdays
        • Girls Grades 7&8: Games Tuesdays
        • Boys Grades 9-12: Games Thursdays
        • Girls Grades 9-12: Games Tuesdays

Location: Games at Connie Bean. Residents $70 | Nonresidents $90

Register Here

Mad Science After School Programs

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  • Fall - Science Surprise: Learn about exciting and specialized areas of science, including forensics, geology, meteorology, entomology, and mechanical engineering. They gain foundational science knowledge that will help them in their future science endeavors. 3:00-4:00pm.
    • Grades K-2: Thursdays, September 18 - November 6
    • Grades 3-5: Fridays, September 19 - November 14 (No class October 17)
  • Winter - Ready, STEM, Go: Learn foundational science and find out how STEM is at work in the world around them! They learn about the animal kingdom, both on land and under the sea. They make mixtures and explore the science of motion and energy. They also discover the technology that powers our modern world. 3:00-4:00pm.
    • Grades K-2: Thursdays, January 8 - March 5 (No class February 26)
    • Grades 3-5: Fridays, January 9 - March 6 (No class February 27)

Location: Community Campus. Residents $195 | Nonresidents $200

Register Here

Snapology After School Programs

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  • Attack Bot Robotics with Spike Prime: Grades 2-5 In this exciting program, students will build a variety of military-inspired robots that will respond to their programmed commands. While working with a partner to solve the various challenges, students will be challenged to understand how to effectively utilize a sensor, how different mechanical components can alter the power and speed of their machine, and how programming is a challenging but rewarding skill they can master with just a little practice.
    • Mondays, September 15 - November 3. 3:00-5:00pm. $119 (No class October 13)
  • Fortnite-Minecraft Mash-up Mania: Grades 1-5 Come join Snapology for our after-school mash up of Fortnite & Minecraft. Students will build and explore the world of Minecraft and Fortnite as they create their own versions of these two popular online worlds! Previous knowledge of Minecraft and Fortnite is not required! New fans are welcome.
    • Thursdays, September 11 - October 16. 3:00-5:00pm. $119
  • How the Grinch Stole Robots, A Grinchy Holiday Adventure: Grades K-5 Students will immerse themselves in the city of Whoville and the story of the Grinch! They will design machines to help the Grinch with his sneaky mission to ruin Christmas, build the city of Whoville, and create sleds to get from the top of Mt. Crumpet down to the city of Whoville! Students will also learn about other winter holidays while working together to build winter holiday-inspired robotic models.
    • Mondays, December 1 - 22. 3:00-5:00pm. $89

Location: Community Campus. 

Register at www.snapology.com/programs

Kids Test Kitchen - Grades K-5

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The kitchen becomes a classroom! Students will work together to create a delicious dish, learn about healthy eating, and leave with a recipe to try at home. 3:00-4:00pm.

  • Mondays
    • Session One: Mondays, September 15 - October 27 (No class October 13)
    • Session Two: Mondays, November 10 - December 15

Location: Community Campus. Residents $195 | Nonresidents $200

  • Tuesdays
    • Session One: Tuesdays, September 16 - October 21

Location: Community Campus. Residents $195 | Nonresidents $200

  • Tuesdays
    • Session Two: Tuesdays, November 18 - December 9

Location: Community Campus. Residents $140 | Nonresidents $145

Register Here

Chess Kidz After School Program

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From beginners to chess wizards, kids learn this classic game with hands-on instruction from a chess expert in a fun, competitive environment. 3:00-4:00pm. Early release (September 24 & October 29) class is held 1:00-2:00pm. Coach Jacob.

  • Session One: Wednesdays, September 10 - October 15
  • Session Two: Wednesdays, October 29 - December 10 (No class November 26)
  • Session Three: Wednesdays, January 7 - February 11

Location: Community Campus. Residents $85 | Nonresidents $90

Register Here

The Players Ring Drama Club - Grades K-5

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An introductory theater workshop that focuses on storytelling, character development, and teamwork. The group will plan and produce a show for family and friends to enjoy on the last class. 3:00-4:30pm. Early releases (September 24 & October 29) class is held 1:00-2:30pm.

  • Wednesdays, September 10 - November 5

Location: Community Campus. Residents $215 | Nonresidents $220

Register Here

USTA Tennis in the Parks - YOUTH Learn & Play

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Led by a USTA-approved coach, the program will focus on developing the skills to serve, rally and play - so it’s perfect for beginners and first-time players. We focus on FUN and learning the basics. This program uses modified tennis balls, age-appropriate rackets and the latest engaging activities that help players successfully learn and play the game quicker. Maximum 14 players per age group. All players, in their first session, receive and keep a new age-appropriate racquet and ball.

For more information regarding Tennis in the Parks, including scholarships, parent support guide and volunteer opportunities, visit their website: www.usta.com/newengland/tennisintheparks

Rain dates are the Sunday of same week of missed class.

  • Saturdays, September 13 – October 18 (No class Oct 4 - instead moving to Sun, Oct 5)
    • Grades 1-2: 9:00-10:00am
    • Grades 3-5: 10:00-11:00am
    • Grades 6-8: 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Portsmouth High School Tennis Courts. Residents $75 | Nonresidents $85

Register Here

NEW! Piscataqua Pre-Team - Swim Skills Program - Ages 6-14

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Perfect for young swimmers looking to bridge the gap between swim lessons and competitive swim team participation! The Swim Team Skills Program focuses on developing stroke technique, endurance, starts, turns, and swim team readiness in a supportive and energetic environment. This is not a learn-to-swim class - participants must be able to swim one length of the pool independently. Ideal for swimmers who are considering joining a local swim team or want to improve their skills during the off-season.

Program Focus:

  • Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly refinement
  • Flip turns and racing starts
  • Interval training and lap swimming stamina
  • Swim etiquette and basic race rules

Prerequisite:
Swimmers must be comfortable in deep water and able to swim at least 25 yards unassisted.

  • Mondays, October 20 - February 9. 4:45-5:30pm (No class December 22, 29 & January 19)

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool. Residents $300 | Nonresidents $350

Register Here

NEW! Wee Flip - Mobil Gym for Preschoolers

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  • Thursdays, September 4 - October 2
    • Ages 18 months-3 years (Caregiver & Child): 9:30-10:00am
    • Ages 3-5 years: 10:05-10:35am

Location: Community Campus. Fee: $93 resident | $98 non resident

Register Here

Girls on the Run - Grades 3-5

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Inspiring participants to be joyful, healthy and confident using evidence-based lessons that combine relationship building, community strengthening and goal setting along with physical movement. This program boosts girls’ self worth when they need it most! 

Sign ups start August 1. Register: www.girlsontherunnh.org/programs | contact: jessica.therriault@girlsontherun.org

Program Start Date announced on Girls on the Run website. Max 15 participants.

  • Tuesdays & Fridays: 3:00-4:30pm. 

Location: Community Campus

Register at www.girlsontherunnh.org/programs

Making the Team: A Co-Ed, Pre-season Basketball Clinic

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Making the team requires more than just skill; it requires focus, respect, and hustle. This clinic will be led by Rec staff alongside local basketball instructor Keith Friel. In this clinic, you will learn what coaches are truly looking for when fielding a select school squad. Hustle, respect, and work ethic matter just as much as pure skill! Grades 7-12.

  • Friday, November 7. 6:00-7:30pm

Location: Connie Bean Gym. Residents $10 | Nonresidents $15

Register Here

Portsmouth Winter Basketball Clinic

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Two-day clinic to brush up on your basketball skills and learn new tips (and have fun). Led by Coach Dwayne Knepshield (Coach Fuzz). Co-Ed program.

  • Monday, December 29 & Tuesday, December 30
    • Grades 1-2: 9:00-10:15am
    • Grades 3-4: 10:30am-11:45am

Location: Connie Bean Gym. Residents $25 | Nonresidents $30

Register Here

American Red Cross Swim Lessons

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Portsmouth Indoor Pool is proud to be a Gold Level Learn-to-Swim Provider with the American Red Cross. The pool offers lessons for infants through teens. The session schedule is available online the week before resident registration begins. Lesson registration starts at 9:00am on the days listed below.

Register Here

NEW! Aqua Buddies - Ages 18m to 4y

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Make a splash with an in-water toddler play group! Meet other families, socialize, and play in the pool. Adults are required to be in the water with their little one. Pre-registration required.

  • 3rd Monday of the month: September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15. 2:00- 2:45pm.

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool. $5 per class (includes both adult and toddler)

Register Here

American Red Cross Babysitter Training with Pediatric First Aid/CPR - Ages 11-15

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American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training program is designed to provide youth who are planning to babysit with the knowledge & skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. Participants will learn leadership skills, tips to develop a babysitting business, how to keep themselves and other safe, helpful hints to help children behave and learn basic childcare. This class includes Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification. Attendance at all classes is required.

  • Saturday, September 13 & 20, 1:00-4:00pm

Location: Community Campus. Residents $50 | Nonresidents $60. All Supplies Provided.

Register Here

Middle School Cooking Class (Afterschool Snacks) - Grades 6-8

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Learn and prepare your own healthy and easy-to-make afterschool snacks! This program will be facilitated by Mrs. Monique Berky. 3:15-4:15pm (Late bus will be an option at 4:00).

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 30 - October 23

Location: Portsmouth Middle School. Residents $65 | Nonresidents $70

Register Here

Arts in Reach - Middle School & High School

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  • PODYSSEY (High School): Wednesdays, September 24 – November 13 from 4:00 pm – 6:00

Hit record and dive into the world of podcasting.

  • LEGENDCRAFT (Middle School): Thursday, September 25 – November 13 from 4:00-6:00pm

Dive into live-action role play through immersive creativity. Design larger-than-life creatures, sketch mythic maps, and craft bold costumes.

Register with Arts in Reach: www.artsinreach.org/register

LIFEGUARD TRAINING - American Red Cross (Ages 15+)

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$350 residents | $400 nonresidents. Includes lifeguard manual, resuscitation mask & certification fees.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum age: 15 years;
  • Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
    • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface and then swim 150 years using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
    • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
    • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
       
  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed)
    • Submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

To successfully complete the Lifeguarding Blended Learning course, the participant must:

  • Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
  • Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.
  • Demonstrate competency in all required skills.
  • Pass the final skills scenarios.
  • Complete all eLearning content, including the eLearning written exam (CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers ;and First Aid).
  • Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
Location: Indoor Pool
Ages: 15 and over

For next training session dates, please email Indoor Pool 

Funstuff February Vacation Camp - Grades K-5

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Fun-filled week of activities and field trips.

  • Monday-Friday, February 23 - 27. 9:00am-5:00pm

Location: Connie Bean. Residents $250 | Nonresidents $275

Register Here

Tumble Time - Open Play

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Resumes Saturday, November 1, 2025
 

Pre-K Music Together

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Register Here