Snowbound and bored? Sometimes it can seem like there’s nothing to do. However, we’ve learned that some of the best opportunities are lying in plain sight! An often overlooked treasure-trove of activities lies in your local Recreation Department. We’ve got some ideas and resources for you to check out today to keep you busy!
South Berwick Recreation Department
The South Berwick Recreation Department has a number of offerings throughout the year including Adult Soccer, ski trips to Gunstock, Yoga, and Group Health Coaching. The Community Center is available for rent, and also has a seasonal loan program for sporting equipment! Learn more about their programs and costs on their website.
The South Berwick Rec Department also manages Powderhouse Hill Ski Area (with a tow rope!), the skating rink, and the annual Strawberry Run.
North Berwick Recreation Department
Keep an eye out for upcoming events on their website. They have Boy and Girl Scouts groups as well as BINGO among other events.
The Berwick Rec Department is a great way to get to know your neighbors. They have seasonal events like the Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, Trunk-N-Treat, and community dinners. Save the Date for February 15th, when they’re hosting their Sweetheart Ball (now that’s bringing back fond memories of daddy-daughter dances!)
The Berwick Rec Department also facilitates signups for Berwick Youth Soccer, Noble Squires Football and Cheering and Noble Youth Baseball. Have a child 13 or older looking to get involved? Consider the Counselor in Training opportunities!
Dover has a number of offerings including an indoor pool and ice arena for winter time activities. In the summer, the outdoor Jenny Thompson Pool, as well as park splashpad are open for business. View their robust community calendar here.
Dover Rec also offers day, overnight, and extended travel opportunities locally, and globally! There’s no need to hire a travel agent, just check visit their website here.
Looking for something local and low-key? The Community Senior Center is open to those 50+, from 9am-3pm, and membership is a nominal $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents and good for a year. Bonus? It’s located next door to their beautiful Library and walkable to some of the best breakfast spots!
Portsmouth Recreation Department
Don’t skip their catalog, you won’t believe how many resources are available here! Portsmouth Rec has offerings from soup-making classes to painting, tennis to summer camps, and so much more. The town offers a number of programs for both children, adults and seniors. See what they have to offer and learn something new today!
Somersworth Recreation Department
Sometimes it’s not a league you want to join. Rather, you wish to do one off events. Somersworth has both to offer you. Valentine’s Day Dance (February 7th!) and National Night Out are just two examples of the fun to be had in Somersworth. Sign your little ones up for Biddy Basketball lessons, or take advantage of the Senior Social Hour every Tuesday from 11-12, for those 50+. The Hilltoppers Walking/Hiking Program is available to those 50+ looking for a more active way to connect on 1-2 mile hikes (weather permitting).
Rochester Recreation Department
Lace up those skates, Rochester Arena offers affordable indoor skating at $7/person (plus rentals).
Youth and Teen programs include sports, learn-to-skate, and even February Vacation camps! Adult and Senior offerings include sports, yoga, cribbage, line-dancing, and Veteran meet-ups. The town holds events throughout the year like Skate with a Cop in the winter and Yoga in the summer. Unique to Rochester is the Family & Community Calendar, including (you guessed it!) another Valentine’s Day Dance 2/8, Open Gym, Pickleball and Toddler Play Groups.
York has something for everyone, from road races to craft fairs, art shows to holiday dances, their calendar is chock-full for every season! Enroll your youths in sports or activities like Hot Wheels Garage and swimming lessons. School Vacation Camps are also available. Age-appropriate activities for your Teens include group trips to see the Celtics, go-kart racing, intro to beekeeping and a bake-off challenge to name a few! The Center for Active Living caters to those 50+ with all sorts of activities, trips, and creative endeavors.
Kittery Adult Ed & Marshwood Adult Ed
Don’t let the names fool you, these two programs offer a diverse selection of training, education, arts and enrichment classes for all. Often taught by local residents, these courses are a great way to meet people in your community, deepen relationships with friends and family, and learn new skills! Catherine is a huge fan, and has taken quite a few “classes” with Adult Ed, including cold-press soap making, watercolor painting basics, and sgraffito plate making (pottery). Need a fun date-night idea, or want to teach your kids something new? Cooking classes are often on the menu. Catherine and Caleb did a date-night sushi class where they reconnected with a classmate’s mom, and her grandson. It was a great way to rekindle lost connections and make new ones!
