North Reading Parks & Recreation Department

08/31/2026

Do you have a high school student looking for community service hours? Are you a high school student looking for community service hours? Well, Parks and Rec has just the thing for you!! We are having our Pumpkin Festival. We need high school volunteers to help assist with setting up pumpkins and handing out crafts for particular pumpkins. Volunteers will help children decorate pumpkins if parents need assistance. Volunteers will also be asked to do face painting and to stay after the event to help with cleanup. If they could be at the IRP Pavilion at 12:30pm for setup. The event runs until 3:30pm. This is the perfect opportunity to not only get community service hours but also to get out and meet people from your community/ engaging with the public! If this is something you think your teen would be interested in doing, or if you are the teen and you are interested in doing this event, click on our link below to sign up for a slot (we only have 10 slots available). They go fast! Come and Join us for a fun, fall-filled afternoon! 🍁🧡🎃

Pumpkin Festival-2026. Community service volunteers will assist with setting up pumpkins, handing out crafts for particular pumpkins and help children decorate pumpkins if parents need assistance. They will also be asked to do face painting and cleaning up at the end of the event. Event will take pl...

08/31/2026

Are you looking for a program for your kids to do on the weekends this fall that is a non-competitive setting that's perfect for beginners in a small class? Well, we have just the program for you! We are working together with Inclyousion Sports this fall. They are back with two amazing programs which are Track & Field and Flag Football! It's an 8-Week program for children of all abilities to learn the fundamental skills of these two programs. We have two sessions being offered, with the age range of one being 2-4 years old and the other one's age range being 5-7 years old. Looking for more information? Look at the flyer below for more details on the program, and if this is something your child would be interested in, click on our website link below to register for the program. 🏃‍♀️‍➡️🏃‍➡️🏈
https://northreadingma.myrec.com/info/activities/

08/28/2026

Happy Friday, Everyone!! With September coming up very fast and kids going back to school, we are offering four amazing programs for the younger kids in the age group of 3-5 years old! We are also offering a program for the older kids for when they get out of school, and we even have something for the dads to do as well! What we are offering this September for the younger kids is Little Tike Hike, P*e Wee Soccer with Rec, Wolf Pack Club Soccer, Future Football Stars with Wolf Pack Youth Sports. For the older kids, we have Sports Medley Clinic with Wolf Pack Youth Sports. Then, for the dads or any other guy over 30, we have our Men's over-30+ basketball. If any of these programs spark your interest, then take a look below for more information. If you do want to sign your kids or yourself up for these programs, then click on our website link below to register for these programs. 🏀⚽️🏈🥾

Little Tike Hike
Ages: 2-5 years old
Dates: Wed, 9/9-10/7
Time: S1 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Dates: Thurs, 9/10-10/15
Time: S2 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM
Cost: $55
Location: Group meets weekly at Tokyo Steakhouse 10 minutes before the start of class and caravans to the trails
Do you like bugs, plants, birds, and the outdoors? Come hike the woods, along streams & ponds while learning about hiking safety. Gather items from nature in a scavenger hunt, make a bird feeder or trail mix! Each hike will include a craft or activity. Explore the exciting AVIS trails all within minutes from your home! All hikes simple enough for toddlers and their caregivers. 5 Week Session, (Younger siblings below the age bracket for the program are welcome, but are the complete responsibility of the parent and will not receive supplies).

P*e Wee Soccer with Rec
Ages: 3-5 years old
Dates: Wed, 9/9-10/14
Time: S1:12:45 PM- 1:30 PM

Dates: Mon, 9/14-10/26
Time: S2: 12:45 PM- 1:30 PM
No program 10/12
Cost: $75
Location: Town Hall (235 North Street)- Town Hall Field
Join your friends and our coaches for the popular sport of soccer. Enjoy non-competitive group play, including shooting, dribbling, passing, and skill-related games. Not a drop-off program; 6-week sessions.

Wolf Pack Cub Soccer
Ages: 3-5 years old
Dates: Sat, 9/12-10/24
No Program 10/10
Time: S1 9:00 AM- 9:45 AM
S2 10:00 AM- 10:45 AM
S3 11:00 AM- 11:45 AM
Cost: $100
Location: Ipswich River Park, Front Meadow, 15 Central St
Join Coach Lee Wilson and Staff for 45-minute sessions, with optional parent participation, focusing on teaching basic soccer skills through fun activities. For many, it's their first social atmosphere with peers, fostering social interaction and coordination. Join us to ignite their love for soccer in a supportive and joyful environment. Let's kick-start their soccer journey together!
T-shirt included, 6-week program, *Not a drop-off program*

Men’s over 30 Basketball
Ages: 30+
Dates: Wed, 9/9-10/28
Time: S1 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Cost: $165
Location: North Reading High School Gym, 189 Park Street.
A recreational basketball program for men 30 and over. This program is a non-competitive pickup program and consists of games only. Session (1) is 8 weeks at HS. Registration required; space is limited

Future Football Stars with Wolf Pack Youth Sports
Ages: 3-5 years old
Dates: Fri, 9/11-11/6
No Program 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
Time: 12:45 PM-1:45 PM
Cost: $70
Location: Town Hall (235 North Street)- Town Hall Gym
Our Future Football Stars program introduces young athletes ages 3-5 to the fundamentals of football in a fun, active, and age-appropriate environment. Participants learn basic skills including throwing, catching, ball carrying, footwork, agility, and teamwork through drills, games, and structured activities. The program introduces skills that build a foundation for both flag and contact football, while keeping activities safe and appropriate for young beginners. Our focus is on building confidence, coordination, sportsmanship, and a love for the game while keeping every child moving and having fun. T-shirt included; 6-week session.

Sports Medley Clinic with Wolf Pack Youth Sports
Ages: 7-14 years old
Dates: Mon, 9/14-11/9
No Program 10/12,10/19 & 10/26
Time: 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Cost: $75
Location: Town Hall (235 North Street)- Town Hall Gym
Join Coach Lee of Wolf Pack Youth Sports for his Sports Medley program! This program focuses on the core sports of Soccer, Flag Football, and Basketball while also incorporating games in other structured activities. A typical day can start with Soccer fundamentals and end with kickball. Participants are encouraged to contribute game ideas while socializing in a structured atmosphere. All equipment is provided by Wolf Pack! * 6-week session*

See a program of interest, but it is full? Please add your name to the wait list; we will do our best to accommodate!! If you would like to receive emails letting you know what’s happening in Recreation, go online to create an account or give us a call. Check our website for our Spring and Summer brochure with offerings for all ages. Registration is rolling with new programs and activities added regularly!

Choose a program and register online without lining up at the office when registration opens.

08/28/2026

This Morning at Town Hall, we noticed a baby snapping turtle walking across the walkway heading toward the water, so we assumed there was more! There was more coming out of their nest; our amazing Rec director, Nancy, helped save 50 of them and brought them out back towards the woods so they wouldn't get run over in the parking lot and so they could safely make their way to the water. Check out the absolute cuteness of these baby snapping turtles! (If you're curious, snapping turtles can lay up to 20-40 eggs, sometimes over 80) 🐢

08/27/2026

Congratulations to Avery for being the winner of our "Guess how many marshmallows are in the jar." This was a guessing game that we had at our annual Teddy Bear Picnic! In the jar, we had 90 marshmallows, and Avery had the closest guess, which was 94! Congrats again, Avery, and enjoy your new teddy bear friend 🧸

08/27/2026

Have you been curious about learning how to play Mahjong or what Mahjong is? Well, we have something for you! We are offering our Mahjong 101 class with Pink Bamboo Mahjong. The class is meant for beginners, and it will cover the basics of the step-by-step process of Mahjong. What you will learn in this class is:
-What Mahjong is and how a game is structured
-Tile suits and key terms you'll hear at the table
-How to build a hand and read a standard Mahjong card
-How turns work: drawing, discarding, calling tiles (pong/chow/kong), and declaring Mahjong
-Simple strategies for spotting patterns and making decisions faster. Table etiquette and common beginner mistakes (so you feel comfortable playing with others)
How the class works: "We'll start with a clear overview and a guided demo, then you'll practice in small groups with plenty of coaching and time for questions. By the end, you'll have played through real hands and will leave with the confidence to join a game night."
For more information on our Mahjong 101 class, take a look below at our flyer! If you want to do this program, you can also click on our website link below to register!
https://northreadingma.myrec.com/info/activities/

08/26/2026

Thank you for inviting Jordan and Nancy to this amazing, eye-opening experience!! The class was extremely helpful and taught by the best instructors that the NRPD has working for them, as well as the community impact team!

Last week, over 25 North Reading coaches and Parks and Rec staff attended a full-day training of Mental Health First Aid, an unprecedented investment in the wellness of North Reading Youth. We cannot thank enough the commitment of the attendees, Superintendent Dr. Daly, Athletic Director Campobasso, North Reading Parks and Rec, and our amazing facilitators Jen Ford, Laura Miranda and Lt. Howe (Ret.).

08/26/2026

So we hear you, and we hear how much you love pickleball!! We are offering 8 Adult Pick-Up Pickleball sessions that are Beginner- to Intermediate base levels. We have one Monday & one Tuesday session, then we have multiple Thursday and Friday sessions. Our beginner sessions are for people who have some experience or have experience from taking one of our instructor-based pickleball programs. Intermediate sessions are for players who are established in the game of pickleball. The beginner sessions are for people to get more experience playing with others who are at the same level. These sessions are meant to be fun and to improve your game skills! These pickup programs have no instructions, and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED due to how fast spots fill up! Below you will see multiple flyers providing details of each session. Each flyer is different, so please pay close attention when deciding which one you would like to sign up for. You can also click on our website link below to register for one of these pickup sessions. It's always pickleball season, so come join NR Parks & Rec this fall for some pickleball fun! 🎾
https://northreadingma.myrec.com/info/activities/

08/21/2026

Happy Friday, everyone!! The last week of August is coming up soon, which means we're heading into September. Coming up in September, we have a lot of amazing programs that might interest you or your kids! We are offering our Babysitter Course, Archery with OSA, Kids Karate with Cervizzi Martial Arts Academy, Adult Self-Defense with Cervizzi, Inclyousion Sports Track & Field and Flag Football and lastly Tennis with USTA. If any of these programs spark in an interest in you, then take a look below for more information on these programs! If you do want to register yourself or your children for these programs, click on our website link below to register & there are plenty of spots available, but they do fill up fast! 👩‍🍼🏹🥋👟🏈🎾

Babysitter’s Course
Ages: 10-15 years old
Dates: Sat, 9/26
Time: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Cost: $65
Location: Town Hall (235 North Street)
This basic babysitters course will include instruction on how to interview the parents, diapering and feeding techniques, creative reading, activities for young children, appropriate snacks, bedtime issues, age appropriate toys, learn to perform the basic first aid, choking, cuts, puncture wounds, bruises, eye injuries, nosebleeds, tooth injuries, burns, seizures, poisoning, bites, tips on safe babysitting including setting up a "code" with parents in case of emergency. Course Instructor, Debbie LaFlamme, is a licensed day care provider with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 20 years of experience in caring for children of all ages in her home. This is a four-hour, ONE DAY program. *Students are not certified in first aid or CPR*

Archery with OSA
Ages: 9-17 years old
Dates: Thurs, 9/17-10/15
Time: 3:30-4:30 PM
Cost: $160
Location: Town Hall Field, 235 North St 01864
The program is led by Bob Wait, a USA Archery-certified coach. The first day starts with our range safety orientation. Participants will learn the fundamentals of target archery, including proper shooting form, range safety and procedures, scoring, and much more.
No – Equipment – No problem! OSA provides everything that is needed for you to participate. Come join us for lots of shooting and fun!

Kids Karate with Cervizzi Martial Arts Academy
Ages: 5-15 years old
Dates: Mon-Sat, 9/14-10/26
Times: 8:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Cost: $150
Location: Cervizzi Martial Arts, 6 Washington St, 01864
Proudly serving families on the North Shore since 1995, Cervizzi has partnered with NRP&R to bring their Kids’ Karate program to our community at an affordable cost.
This structured six- week program designed for children ages 5-12 focuses on promoting physical fitness, personal development, and positive character building in a safe and engaging environment. *Attend as many or as few times a week as you like, Monday through Saturday!!
Uniform & Belt Included

Adult Self-Defense With Cervizzi
Ages: 18+
Dates: Mon-Sat, 9/14-10/26
Times: 8:00 AM-8:00PM
Cost: $150
Location: Cervizzi Martial Arts, 6 Washington St, 01864
Proudly serving adult students on the North Shore since 1995, Cervizzi has partnered with NRP&R to bring their Adult Self-Defense program to our community at an affordable cost. This six-week program is designed for those 18 and over to learn practical self-defense skills for everyday life. It's a great workout as well! Uniform & Belt Included . *Attend as many or as few times a week as you like, Monday through Saturday!!

InclYOUsion Sports
Track & Field and Flag Football
Dates: Sun,9/13-11/15
Ages: 2-4 years old
Time: Fall Session 1:9:00-9:50 AM

Ages: 5-7 years old
Time: Fall Session 2:10:00-10:50 AM

Cost: $250
Location: Ipswich River Park,15 Central Street, North Reading, MA 01864.-Meadow
Join us for a fun 8-week sports program for children of all abilities to learn the fundamentals of Track & Field and Flag Football! Classes are non-competitive and are perfect for beginners or for children who are looking for small class sizes taught by well-trained coaches. InclYOUsion Sports provides all equipment, and children only need to bring water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. This program is designed for children with and without disabilities to learn and play together. Skill building is modified to each child’s experience level. *No Program Dates: 9/20 & 10/11*

Tennis with USTA
Dates: Thurs, 9/17-10/15
Ages: 6-7 years old
Time: Fall Session, Grades 1-2: 3:30 PM- 4:30 PM

Ages: 8-10 years old
Time: Fall Session, Grades 3-5: 4:30 PM-5:30 PM

Ages: 11-14 years old
Time: Fall Session, Grades 6-8: 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

Cost: $90 for Res, $95 for Non-Res
Location: High School Tennis Courts- 189 Park Street, North Reading
The tennis program where kids play while they learn! Led by an approved USTA (United States Tennis Association) tennis coach, the program will focus on developing skills to serve, rally, and play - perfect for beginners and first-time players. Once 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! 6-Week Session: Red Ball: Grades 1-2, Orange Ball: Grades 3-5, Green Ball: Grades 6-8.

See a program of interest but it is full? Please add your name to the wait list; we will do our best to accommodate!! If you would like to receive emails letting you know what’s happening in Recreation, go on line to create an account or give us a call. Check our website for our Spring and Summer brochure with offerings for all ages. Registration is rolling with new programs and activities added regularly!

Choose a program and register online without lining up at the office when registration opens.

08/20/2026

Yesterday, we had our annual Teddy Bear Picnic at IRP!! Let's just say we think it was a great time for everyone. We had a lot of tables with different activities going on for the kiddos. We had the nurses' stations/ weighing station being run by our amazing senior volunteers, Carol and Fran, and we had our lovely admin assistant, Michelle, helping out as well! The table with the Fruit Loop bracelet-making was being run by our awesome Rec Director, Nancy! Our Craft tables and face paint table were being run by the best NR high school volunteers we had, who did an amazing job with setup, doing the activities, as well as cleanup for us. We had a goodie bag station set up at one of the tables. At the table was a guessing game for the kiddos as well, to see how many marshmallows were in the container, and they wrote it down for us. We also want to say thank you to our sponsor who sponsored the event for us. So thank you to PDA Dental Group for coming out to the event and being our sponsor!!
Check out below for teddy bear Picnic fun 🧸🩷