KIDS NIGHT OUT
At Kids Night Out, your child will enjoy an evening of pizza dinner and a movie. Other activities may include games, activities and crafts. Parents have two kid-free hours for dinner dates, errands, or a long, long bubble bath!
Space is limited; early registration recommended.
Date: Friday, April 14   Time: 5:30-8pm
•    Grades K-5
•    $20 per child
•    Location:  Community Campus

Register Here

Portsmouth Rec's April Vacation Camp

Join Portsmouth Rec for a fun-filled week of activities including field trips. Grades K-6. Location: Connie Bean Center.

$200 per week for Portsmouth residents / $220 per week for nonresidents

• February Break: Monday, February 27 - Friday, March 3. 8:00am-5:00pm - REGISTER NOW
• April Break: Monday, April 24 - Friday, April 28. 8:00am-5:00pm - REGISTRATIONS FEB 1 RESIDENTS / FEB 15 NON RES

REGISTER HERE

Let Portsmouth Recreation teach your children the basics of America's pastime! Program held at Campus Drive Athletic Field. Volunteer coaches needed.
Age: 4 - 5
Dates: 05/04/2023 - 06/08/2023
Day/Time: Thu 4:30PM - 5:15PM
Fee: Res: $40.00 Non-Res: $60.00 (for 6 sessions)

REGISTER HERE

First Push Syndicate's "Get On Board" is an introduction to skateboarding program. Using a proven instruction method, the goal is to have participants skateboard in a controlled manner from point A to B by the end of the session. Everything for the program is provided including helmets, pads, and skateboards. Participants are encouraged to bring closed-toed shoes and a water bottle. Takes place at the Community Campus.

Session 1: K-2
Dates: 03/14/2023 - 03/21/2023
Day/Time: Tue 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Fee: Res: $10.00 Non-Res: $10.00 (for 2 sessions)
Session 1: 3-5
Dates: 03/14/2023 - 03/21/2023
Day/Time: Tue 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Fee: Res: $10.00 Non-Res: $10.00 (for 2 sessions)
 

Session 2: K-2
Dates: 05/09/2023 - 05/16/2023
Day/Time: Tue 4:00PM - 5:00PM
Fee: Res: $10.00 Non-Res: $10.00 (for 2 sessions)
Session 2: 3-5
Dates: 05/09/2023 - 05/16/2023
Day/Time: Tue 5:00PM - 6:00PM
Fee: Res: $10.00 Non-Res: $10.00 (for 2 sessions)

Register Here

Visual art education is more than learning to color between the lines. Recent research found that it “significantly improves students’ academic, social, and emotional outcomes.” So, we are excited to provide a new level of enrichment programming to our young people at Portsmouth Recreation Center.

Accomplished artists and long-time, devoted public school educators, Brian and Jayne McPherson have designed a series of programs aimed at inspiring and cultivating creativity, communication and problem-solving skills, while also building confidence and empathy through the visual arts.

Brian is a National Board-certified art educator and, in 2014, was named Maine’s Elementary Art Educator of the Year. Jayne has worked in a variety of educational settings as an early childhood education expert. She is a watercolor painter and crafter who exhibits her work locally.

Art Workshop (March Session)
This class is designed for older students who will be encouraged to follow their individual interests and choices. Artmakers will receive direct and guided instruction. Using a workshop approach, students will learn about the elements of art and principles of design and integrate it into their work and conversation. Varied media and techniques will be introduced each week as students gradually build skills and knowledge, while preparing to display their work at a culminating event.
Grades: 3 - 5
Dates: 03/13/2023 - 04/17/2023
Day/Time: Mon 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

Kandinsky Colors
Color is the focus of this class! Wassily Kandinsky, is a mid-century modern artist, well-known for his bright colors and bold shapes. His work will be used as a source of inspiration to create paintings and collage. Children will develop art skills using paint, paper, glue, brushes, and scissors. Imagination will guide the creative process in conjunction with line, shape, and color mixing techniques.
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 03/14/2023 - 04/18/2023
Day/Time: Tue 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

The Wonderful World of Watercolor
Watercolor is not only wonderful, it can be spontaneous and unpredictable. Well-known artists Winslow Homer and Mary Cassatt will be the inspiration for this class. We’ll explore a variety of techniques including, wet on wet, dry brush, layering, watercolor washes and mixed media. Students will develop painting skills with different kinds of brushes and with transparent and opaque watercolor paints. Paintings will be produced in still-life, landscape, and abstract styles.
Grades: 3 - 5
Dates: 03/15/2023 - 04/19/2023
Day/Time: Wed 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

Art Exploration (March Session)
This class is designed for our younger students to explore and make new artistic discoveries with a variety of art materials. As new ideas emerge the children will develop them within a guided workshop environment. Media specific techniques will be introduced and refined by the young artists. The joy of art making will be the focus of this workshop!
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 03/16/2023 - 04/20/2023
Day/Time: Thu 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

It's Raining Cats & Dogs!
Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw cats and dogs? Well, here’s your chance! Our four-legged friends come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. You will learn to draw cats and dogs using basic shapes. Colored pencils and markers will be used to create a drawing of your favorite feline or canine. Animal sculptures will be constructed and decorated using a variety of colorful collage materials and paint.
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 05/01/2023 - 06/12/2023 No class May 29
Day/Time: Mon 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

Art Workshop (May Session)
This class is designed for older students who will be encouraged to follow their individual interests and choices. Artmakers will receive direct and guided instruction. Using a workshop approach, students will learn about the elements of art and principles of design and integrate it into their work and conversation. Varied media and techniques will be introduced each week as students gradually build skills and knowledge, while preparing to display their work at a culminating event.
Grades: 3 - 5
Dates: 05/02/2023 - 06/06/2023
Day/Time: Tue 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

Art Exploration (May Session)
This class is designed for our younger students to explore and make new artistic discoveries with a variety of art materials. As new ideas emerge the children will develop them within a guided workshop environment. Media specific techniques will be introduced and refined by the young artists. The joy of art making will be the focus of this workshop!
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 05/03/2023 - 06/07/2023
Day/Time: Wed 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00 (for 6 sessions)

Found Object Sculpture: Let the Materials Talk!
New Hampshire artist Jill Nooney says she listens to her materials before embarking on an artistic adventure to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture. Our students will learn to stop, look, and listen to the materials as they take inspiration from recycled items and create three-dimensional art, letting creativity be their guide. Cardboard tubes, popsicle sticks, bottle caps, and milk cartons are just some of the junk they’ll turn into gems while investigating the concept of form, incorporating the three spatial dimensions of width, height and depth. Start collecting your paper, cardboard, wire and wooden recyclables now.
Grades: 3 - 5
Dates: 05/04/2023 - 06/08/2023
Day/Time: Wed 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $160.00 Non-Res: $160.00

Register Here

Challenger Sports: Tiny Tykes Soccer: 2-3yrs (Tuesdays)

TinyTykes is an innovative program, created by childcare specialists that introduces children aged 2 to 5-years to the basic skills of soccer. Both our Cubs (2- 3 years) and our Lions (4-5 years) modules use fundamental soccer activities, games and stories to develop their skills in the following areas: Balance, Agility and Coordination, Technical Skills, Gross motor skills, Physical Development, Social skills, Self confidence, Communication, & Teamwork. Cost includes a t-shirt and soccer ball.
Location: Recreation Athletic Field Complex
Age: 2 - 3
Dates: April 25-May 30
Day/Time: Tue 9:30AM - 10:15AM
Fee: Res: $85.00 Non-Res: $85.00 (for 6 sessions)

Challenger Sports: Tiny Tykes Soccer: 2-3yrs (Saturdays)

TinyTykes is an innovative program, created by childcare specialists that introduces children aged 2 to 5-years to the basic skills of soccer. Both our Cubs (2- 3 years) and our Lions (4-5 years) modules use fundamental soccer activities, games and stories to develop their skills in the following areas: Balance, Agility and Coordination, Technical Skills, Gross motor skills, Physical Development, Social skills, Self confidence, Communication, & Teamwork. Cost includes a t-shirt and soccer ball.
Location: Recreation Athletic Field Complex
Age: 2 - 3
Dates: April 29 - June 3
Day/Time: Sat 1:00PM - 1:45PM
Fee: Res: $85.00 Non-Res: $85.00 (for 6 sessions)

Challenger Sports: Tiny Tykes Soccer: 4-5yrs (Tuesdays)

TinyTykes is an innovative program, created by childcare specialists that introduces children aged 2 to 5-years to the basic skills of soccer. Both our Cubs (2- 3 years) and our Lions (4-5 years) modules use fundamental soccer activities, games and stories to develop their skills in the following areas: Balance, Agility and Coordination, Technical Skills, Gross motor skills, Physical Development, Social skills, Self confidence, Communication, & Teamwork. Cost includes a t-shirt and soccer ball.
Location: Recreation Athletic Field Complex
Age: 4 - 5
Dates: April 25-May 30
Day/Time: Tue 10:30AM - 11:15AM
Fee: Res: $85.00 Non-Res: $85.00 (for 6 sessions)

Challenger Sports: Tiny Tykes Soccer: 4-5yrs (Saturdays)

TinyTykes is an innovative program, created by childcare specialists that introduces children aged 2 to 5-years to the basic skills of soccer. Both our Cubs (2- 3 years) and our Lions (4-5 years) modules use fundamental soccer activities, games and stories to develop their skills in the following areas: Balance, Agility and Coordination, Technical Skills, Gross motor skills, Physical Development, Social skills, Self confidence, Communication, & Teamwork. Cost includes a t-shirt and soccer ball.
Location: Recreation Athletic Field Complex
Age: 4 - 5
Dates: April 29 - June 3
Day/Time: Sat 2:00PM - 2:45PM
Fee: Res: $85.00 Non-Res: $85.00 (for 6 sessions)

Register Here

Kids Yoga - Grades K-5

Come and practice yoga! We'll connect with the outside world and our inside nature through poses, mini walks and quiet times. Sometimes the world feels too big to handle, so we'll learn some poses so we are calm, clear-eyed and ready to practice kindness. The class will be held outside at Langdon Park across the street from City Hall lower parking lot. Bring a mat and a water bottle!
Location: Langdon Park

$20 for 5 classes. 5:00-6:00pm.

• Grades K-2: Tuesdays, May 9-June 6
• Grades 3-5: Thursdays, May 11-June 8

Register Here

Mad Lab Medley - Spring 2023 -  FULL

Join us in discovering the many ways science helps us explore our world! “Mad Lab Medley” is full of exciting sampler “courses” aimed to meet the varied interests and imaginations of today’s young minds! Unravel the mystery of chemistry by watching crystals form in a water glass. Experiment with hovercrafts, foaming concoctions, and Technicolor Blenders. Grab your ticket to the stars with your own pocket sky map. Walk in the shoes of detectives and examine fingerprints, mystery powders, and ink samples. Learn about how different animals adapt to their environments, and get bug-eyed with Insect-A-Vision take-homes sure to challenge your perspective. From telescope to microscope and everything in between, this class will leave you inspired by the wonders of science! Visit the Mad Science website for more information: https://www.madscience.org/

Grades K - 2 is FULL

Dates: 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 (7 weeks)
Skip Dates: 4/24, 5/29
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Resident: $99 | Non resident: $99

Grades 3 - 5 

Dates:4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 5/2, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24 (7 weeks)
Skip Dates: 4/26, 5/31
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Resident: $99 | Non resident: $99

Register Here

Forest Kids April Vacation Camp

“Spring Sparrows” Open to children ages 4-12

@Sagamore Creek Lands on Jones Ave, Portsmouth

Monday-Thursday, April 24-April 27 from 10:30am-3:00pm

$240 ($200 per child for siblings)

REGISTER HERE

Forest Kids Wild Wednesdays

“Wild Wednesdays” Open to ages 5-12

@Community Campus Forest, 100 Campus Dr, Portsmouth 

Spring Nature Immersion with Forest Kids 

Wednesdays, April 5 - June 7 (total 9 classes, no class April 26th)

2:45-5:30pm (12:00-3:00pm class on April 12 and May 10 due to early release)

Afterschool BUS SERVICE from all 3 Portsmouth elementary schools

$365 per child ($320 per child for siblings)

These all-outdoor nature immersion classes include engaging, interactive lessons on wildlife, tree, mushroom and plant ID, hiking, forest exploration, fort, building, science with a nature, focus, tree climbing, confidence and collaboration-building games and more! Learn more at www.ForestKidsSeacoast.com or contact lead ForestKids Educator, Sarah Brown at 603-817-4694 

Registration - CLICK HERE

Snapology STEM Programs - Spring 2023

Snapology brings their creative and fun STEM programs to Portsmouth! Learn about engineering, building, science and more while doing awesome projects with some cool themes. Snapology offers a variety of activities designed to reinforce the core competencies and curricula being taught at each grade level. Their activities offer students an environment where they are encouraged to create and interact with technology and explore the world around them through a hands-on approach that promotes playful learning. The programs will be held at the Community Campus. Cost of camp includes supplies and a t-shirt. 

Register Here directly through the Snapology website. 

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION STUDIO - Create amazing movies with stop motion animation using LEGO® bricks. Students will work in teams to produce their very own movie complete with dialogue and sound effects. Choose Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Muppets or create your own characters for your stop-motion movie. Movies are uploaded to a secure site for family and friends to see! 

6 Weeks - Mondays, February 6-March 20 (No class February 27) 

Ages 7-11 / $89.00

BEST FRIENDS CLUB - Would you like to make new friends while creating with LEGO® bricks?! In this fun-filled Snapology program, students will get to create their own jungle adventure, go to the beach, help with the ranch, and mix up fruits at the juice bar!  Join us at Snapology and meet the 5 best friends of LEGO Friends!

3 Weeks - Thursdays, February 9 - February 23 (These dates are correct - brochure is wrong)

Ages 5-9  / $38.00

SUPERHEROES - To the Batcave, LEGO® brick fans! In this program, students will create their very own superheroes, design secret hideouts, and build epic battle scenes with their classmates. Everyone is sure to have a blast creating a fantasy world full of their favorite characters and planets from both the DC and Marvel universes. Students will unleash some of their own superpowers in this super program!

6 Weeks - Thursdays, March 9 - April 13

Ages 5-9 / $89.00

GAME-BOTS - Calling all gamers! Have a blast creating robotic games each week while learning about robotics. Students will learn about gear ratio, sensors, programming, and pulleys as they create fun to play games. Whether creating a robotic hockey player, pinball machine, or a ring toss, everyone is sure to have fun building, learning, and playing.

4 Weeks - Mondays, March 27-April 17

Ages 7-11 / $65.00 

Register Here directly through the Snapology website. 

Tennis in the Parks - Orange Ball (Grades 3-5)

Tennis in the Parks - The tennis program where kids play while they learn!
Led by an approved USTA Net Generation tennis coach, the program will focus on developing the skills to serve, rally and play - so it’s perfect for beginners and first-time players. Once the skills are there, participants will play fun matches with other players in the program. This program uses modified tennis balls, age-appropriate rackets, court sizes, and the latest fun and engaging activities that help players successfully learn and play the game quicker!
All players in their first session receive and keep a new age-appropriate racket, and a program t-shirt!
Location: PHS Tennis Courts.
Age: Grades 3-5
Dates: May 6 - June 3 (no class 5/27)
Day/Time: Sat 9:00AM - 10:30AM
Fee: Res: $65.00 Non-Res: $65.00 (for 6 sessions)

Tennis in the Parks - Green Ball (Grades 6-8)

Tennis in the Parks - The tennis program where kids play while they learn!
Led by an approved USTA Net Generation tennis coach, the program will focus on developing the skills to serve, rally and play - so it’s perfect for beginners and first-time players. Once the skills are there, participants will play fun matches with other players in the program. This program uses modified tennis balls, age-appropriate rackets, court sizes, and the latest fun and engaging activities that help players successfully learn and play the game quicker!
All players in their first session receive and keep a new age-appropriate racket, and a program t-shirt!
(Classes will take place over Memorial Day Weekend)
Location: PHS tennis courts.
Age: Grades 6-8
Dates: May 6 - June 3 (No class 5/27)
Day/Time: Sat 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Fee: Res: $65.00 Non-Res: $65.00 (for 6 sessions)

Register Here

* CLICK ON ADULT PROGRAMS for Adult Tennis

CLASS IS NOW FULL. 

Develop foundation skills through fun activities: run, jump, balance, throw, catch, and more. Free. (Day change from brochure, now on Thursday afternoons.)
Age: 2 - 7
Dates: 03/23/2023 - 05/18/2023 No class Apr 27
Day/Time: Thu 4:30PM - 5:30PM
Fee: Res: $0.00 Non-Res: $0.00 (for 8 sessions)

Please contact Bryan Rogers if you have any questions: brogers@sau52.org

This fun, beginners program introduces children to the world of acting and theater. Each week NHTP Teaching Artists will use new theater games, creative exercises, improvisation, storytelling and imagination exercises to guide the exploration and practice of acting, and learn basic acting techniques and stage directions.
At the end of the six-week program, children will also have experience building characters, working with environments and costumes, reading and writing scripts, and performing. Teaching artists will develop short scenes based on the students' interests, which will be rehearsed and performed on the final day for family and friends.

Tuesdays
Grades: 3 - 5
Dates: 03/14/2023 - 04/18/2023
Day/Time: Tue 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $180.00 Non-Res: $180.00 (for 6 sessions)

Wednesdays
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 03/15/2023 - 04/19/2023
Day/Time: Wed 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $180.00 Non-Res: $180.00 (for 6 sessions)

Thursdays
Grades: K - 2
Dates: 03/16/2023 - 04/20/2023
Day/Time: Thu 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Fee: Res: $180.00 Non-Res: $180.00 (for 6 sessions)
 

Register Here

WOOM-Owner Christine McKenney is a NH Native, nurse childbirth educator, prenatal/toddler/baby yoga instructor, lactation consultant, and mama of three. She brings over a decade of experience and a passion for empowering and supporting new and expecting families to provide programming to our community. Programs take place at the Community Campus.

Spring Dates:

Toddler Yoga with WOOM 
Toddler yoga is a fun and engaging class for parents & toddlers (walking to 3 years old). Come move, sing, laugh, and connect with other local families.

Session One

Dates: 03/15/2023 - 04/19/2023
Day/Time: Wed 9:15AM - 10:00AM
Fee: Res: $108.00 Non-Res: $108.00 (for 6 sessions)

Session 2

Dates: 05/03/2023 - 06/07/2023
Day/Time: Wed 9:15AM - 10:00AM
Fee: Res: $108.00 Non-Res: $108.00 (for 6 sessions)

Register Here

OTHER CLASSES BY WOOM:

Mama & Me Yoga (and tea) with WOOM 
Join us for movement, community, and connection for you and baby. Come meet other local mamas in a warm and supportive environment. Class includes 45 minutes of gentle yoga and guided relaxation followed by 30 minutes to converse and connect with other moms, ask questions, and enjoy tea and light snacks. Sleeping, feeding, and changing babies during class time is normal and welcomed. Ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling.

Session One

Dates: 03/15/2023 - 04/19/2023
Day/Time: Wed 10:15AM - 11:30AM
Fee: Res: $120.00 Non-Res: $120.00 (for 6 sessions)

Session Two

Dates: 05/03/2023 - 06/07/2023
Day/Time: Wed 10:15AM - 11:30AM
Fee: Res: $120.00 Non-Res: $120.00 (for 6 sessions)

Register Here

PreK Music Together - Spring/Summer 2023

Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? Experience Music Together pf Portsmouth and find out how important--and how fun--your role can be! Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. Music Together of Portsmouth helps children learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning. Our Music Together classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement! Music and Movement for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers and the Grown-ups who love them! Register Here directly through the Music Together website. 

Location: Community Campus
Age: Infant - Preschool

Day/Time: One day per week; Monday through Saturday sessions; 9:00-9:45AM or 10:15-11:00AM classes

Spring 10-week semester begins the week of April 10th

Summer 6-week semester begins the week of July 10th

10-week session $180.00 

6-week session: $130.00 

Music Together is an early childhood music and movement program for ages infant - PreK. Help little ones develop their innate musicality. Located at the Community Campus. Register online at the Music Together website.

Register Here