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Local Activities

Portsmouth, NH, nestled along the scenic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, is an exceptional place for families looking to raise their children in a vibrant and enriching environment. With a population of approximately 21,000, Portsmouth strikes the perfect balance between a tight-knit community and a lively cultural hub. Education is a top priority in Portsmouth, as the city boasts an impressive school system. From highly regarded public schools to excellent private institutions, parents have a wide range of educational options to choose from. The schools place great emphasis on fostering a love for learning and providing a well-rounded education for children of all ages. Beyond traditional education, Portsmouth offers numerous opportunities for entertainment and enrichment. Families can explore the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor historical village that provides immersive experiences about Portsmouth's colonial past. The Children's Museum of New Hampshire offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that inspire creativity and curiosity in young minds. For nature enthusiasts, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides an idyllic setting for hiking, birdwatching, and learning about the region's diverse ecosystems. In addition, Portsmouth hosts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues. Families can enjoy performances at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre or catch a concert at The Music Hall. The city also hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from arts and crafts to seafood and maritime heritage. Safety is of paramount importance in Portsmouth, as it consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in New Hampshire. The community's strong sense of unity and commitment to quality of life make it an ideal place for families to thrive. Overall, Portsmouth, NH, offers a warm and welcoming environment for families, with exceptional educational opportunities, a variety of engaging entertainment options, and a strong sense of community.

Activities in Portsmouth

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a couple of people in scuba gear

In 1989, Portsmouth Scuba was born! With a mission to provide quality customer service, top of the line products, and competitive pricing, Jay’s dream was brought to life. Allowing Jay the opportunity to share his passion for diving with others. Jay was committed to providing exceptional customer service and educational experiences to all who walked through his doors. He built a community of divers that shared in his passion for the underwater world. His vision was to bring the joy of diving to everyone, and Portsmouth Scuba has grown to become one of the premier dive shops in the Northeast.

a group of people in a canoe

Bring your child to explore and experience some of the most pristine, protected and safe backwaters in New England. Our dynamic kayak camp is sure to provide the perfect opportunity for kids to learn the sport of kayaking while also having fun. We'll teach your child all the fundamentals of kayaking, along with important safety and rescue techniques. Plus, our camp has an environmental component, emphasizing the natural and local history of the region. Regardless of their level of experience, all campers will be challenged through adventure-based learning in nature's classroom. So why not give your child a summer to remember with an exciting kayak camp experience?

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Are you looking for an activity that will help your child stay physically fit and develop self-discipline? Look no further than Park’s Taekwondo School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Park’s Taekwondo School offers world-class taekwondo training for students of any age or ability level. Taekwondo is a form of self-defense, but it’s also much more than that – it’s a way of life that promotes mental and physical fitness, and respect for self and others. Under the direction of World Taekwondo Federation Grandmaster Sun Woo Park, an eighth-dan black belt, and a team of experienced black belt instructors, the school provides the highest quality of martial arts training available. Grandmaster Park and his team of fifth- and sixth-dan masters bring a lifetime of knowledge and experience to every class. Park’s Taekwondo School provides an ideal environment to learn the fundamentals of taekwondo while developing self-discipline and physical fitness. With classes for students of any age or ability level, Park’s Taekwondo School is the perfect choice for parents looking for a wholesome activity for their children.

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At Guy Chase Academy of Martial Arts, our mission is to provide quality instruction and training in traditional and authentic martial arts forms, and to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual development of our students. Our instructors are dedicated to helping students gain the highest level of martial arts proficiency, while instilling respect, discipline, and self-control. We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all students, regardless of their age, gender, or ability.

a woman looking at a phone

Welcome to our pottery studio! We have a wide variety of pottery pieces, all with prices that include the paint and firing. With over 100 colors to choose from and available stamps, stencils, transfers and guidance from our creative staff, you're sure to find the perfect project for you! No experience or studio fee required, so bring the whole family and let the fun begin!

a boy sitting at a table

The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) has been inspiring and motivating music and art students of all ages since its founding in 2002. We believe that the commitment of our faculty to the highest educational standards, coupled with the dedication of the students, is at the heart of our success. At PMAC, we offer a broad selection of educational programs that meet the needs and ambitions of students regardless of age or ability. Our teaching methodology, regardless of genre or medium, strives to help our students build strong foundations. Our music curriculum has expanded in recent years to cover classical, jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk and rock. Additionally, we regularly welcome guest artists to introduce our students to a variety of culturally diverse traditions. Our visual arts program also focuses on strong foundations via a range of media and cultures. Our goal is always to give our students the opportunity to reach their full creative potential.

a woman doing yoga

GateWay offers a variety of classes to help you find the balance between body and mind. Our experienced and passionate instructors provide classes ranging from Taiji (Tai Chi) Qigong (Chi Kung) to Gentle Yoga and meditation. Our class schedule includes online, in-person, and simulcast classes. Our Gentle and Chair Yoga classes offer a mindful exercise that is safe and gentle on your body. These classes provide a full body stretch and strengthening workout, while still maintaining an “easy” and “gentle” atmosphere. We also have advanced classes such as the Fighting Set which explores the martial intent of the Taijiquan form, and is an interlocked pattern between two players. This class is ideal for those with previous experience in Taijiquan and are looking for a challenge.

two people in white outfits

At Portsmouth Aikido, we strive to foster a safe and supportive environment to help our students learn the art of Aikido. Our certified instructors have been teaching in the New Hampshire seacoast since 1995, and have helped hundreds of students learn this traditional Japanese martial art. We emphasize the development of effective techniques that don’t rely on physical strength or cause harm to either the attacker or the defender. Through this approach, we strive to create a positive learning environment for both children and adults.

a teacher teaching her students

At Music Together of Portsmouth, families come together to experience the joy of music-making. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, big kids and parents alike love playing together in class. It is the perfect environment for parents to be a part of their children’s growth into confident music-makers. Our classes provide an opportunity for all to share in the fun of making music and creating special family memories. The Community Campus building at 100 Campus Drive in Portsmouth is the perfect place to enjoy Music Together of Portsmouth. It is spacious, sunny, and has 2 big windows that open to let in the fresh air. We are so excited to be a part of this building, and can’t wait to see all of the fun and happy families that will join us for Music Together of Portsmouth!

a man with his mouth open and hands up in the air

The Seacoast Rep is a vibrant and inspiring part of the Portsmouth community, located in the historic downtown area. This regional theatre produces award-winning shows that have been featured in the New York Times and shared with audiences around the world via live streams. Their mission is to enrich the culture of the community through the shared experience of live theatre. Seacoast Rep encourages us to take a step back from our individual reality and to embrace a more vast perspective, allowing us to examine the human condition in ways that can broaden our horizons and grow our empathy.

a group of children in white shirts

At Shaolin Kung Fu, we develop mental and physical conditioning and awareness through the study and imitation of animal movements. We emphasize the power of self-defense and the discipline of focus, while emphasizing the power of positive thinking. Through the study of these animals and their movements, we are able to develop inner strength and focus. Our students learn to be more mindful of their body and actions, and how to use their body to achieve higher levels of physical and mental conditioning. We believe that this is the key to becoming the best version of ourselves.

a woman in a white dress

At our dance program, we emphasize proper placement and technique to help build strong foundations for our dancers. We understand that each dancer is unique, and strive to nurture their individual talent and creativity in a caring and professional manner. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment, where every student, from beginner to pre-professional, can explore and enjoy the art of dance and its many rewards. We believe in providing our dancers with the resources to reach their personal best. We use the best methods and instruction available, inspiring our students to strive for excellence while building self-confidence and respect. We also provide performance opportunities and selections competitions, so our dancers can test their skills and gain valuable experience.

a young girl playing tennis

As parents of young children, it’s more important than ever to prioritize time spent outdoors. Experiences outside offer hands-on lessons, valuable social interaction, and much-needed restorative activity that just can’t be replicated through a digital device. Knowing how to make the most of these outdoor opportunities can be a challenge. But there’s good news: you don’t have to be an expert to provide your kids with meaningful outdoor experiences. Taking the first step of simply getting outside is the best place to start. From there, you can explore activities such as nature walks, outdoor games, gardening, or even a picnic. With a little creativity, you can create your own special family moments that are sure to bring smiles.

a group of people dancing

Seacoast Rep is a vibrant nonprofit regional theater located in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Through their mission of enriching the culture of the community, the theater has established itself as a bold innovator on the American theater scene. Their award-winning productions have been applauded in the New York Times and have been streamed live to audiences around the world. By providing a platform for shared experiences, the theater encourages its audience to take a walk in someone else’s shoes, deepening their understanding of the human condition and fostering a more empathetic society.

a child in a pool

Established in 1854, The Granite YMCA has been part of the state for over 166 years. We have branches in six locations across the state – Manchester, Goffstown, Concord, Londonderry, Portsmouth, and Rochester – and provide a range of youth development, healthy living, family strengthening, and social responsibility services. We also offer camping programs to help foster growth and development in young people. Our commitment to the community extends beyond our programming. In 2020, The Granite YMCA provided over $1 million in assistance to 5,144 individuals across New Hampshire. This included a sliding scale fee structure to ensure those in need had access to our services, free use of facilities to various non-profits, camp scholarships, and reduced fee or free child care services.

a group of girls in swimsuits on a pool

Children of all ages and abilities can learn to swim at Peirce Island Outdoor Pool! The pool is divided into sections by depth, allowing all swimmers to access water that is appropriate to their skill level. The shallow end of the pool is eighteen inches deep, and the deep end is six and one-half feet deep. Lessons are offered two days per week for four weeks, as well as Saturdays for eight weeks. Each lesson is one-half hour long, with five time slots available each morning from 9:30am to 12:00pm. With this flexible schedule, children of all ages can learn to swim in a safe and supportive environment.

a person and a boy standing in a room with boxes and a window

This excellence has been noted and commended; most recently being featured in the New York Times and live streaming performances around the globe.

a group of people wearing life vests

Gundalow Company's programs are the perfect way to enjoy the summer sun and the Piscataqua Maritime Region! Kids can explore the beauty of the region by participating in a variety of camp experiences on and around the water. These experiences are run aboard the Gundalow PISCATAQUA, at Creek Farm, owned by the Society for the Protection of NH Forest, and at other partner organizations. Parents can rest assured that their children are under the best possible supervision with Gundalow Company's camps. The Gundalow PISCATAQUA, Creek Farm, and other partner organizations all provide a safe and unique environment for kids to enjoy all that the Piscataqua Maritime Region has to offer. Whether it is sailing, kayaking, or learning about the history of the region, Gundalow Company's camp experiences will give children the chance to learn something new and have some fun in the sun! With these programs, kids can explore the beauty of the Piscataqua Maritime Region in a safe and exciting way.

a group of girls in a gym

Gymnastics is an exciting activity for preschoolers, recreational athletes, and competitive gymnasts of all ages. At our facility, we offer instruction for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced levels of the sport. Our experienced, certified instructors are passionate about helping each of our students reach their individual goals. For our youngest members, we offer preschool gymnastics classes that teach the basics of the sport while also fostering physical strength, coordination, and body awareness. Our recreational classes are designed for athletes who want to stay active and have fun while doing so. We have a wide range of options that suit different skill levels and interests. Finally, our competitive program is tailored to those who are looking to take their skills to the next level. We offer a comprehensive training program that teaches the fundamentals of gymnastics while also providing the opportunity to hone the skills needed for competitive success. Our dedicated instructors and coaches are committed to helping each athlete reach their highest potential.

a group of people in a room

At GCAMA, we have nearly four decades of experience in providing top-notch martial arts training and education programs. Our commitment to excellence is why we take pride in our academy and its members. We want you to know that your investment in us will bring you lifelong value. For those looking for the best martial arts instruction and education, look no further than GCAMA. With almost 40 years of experience, we offer you the assurance that your investment in us will be a worthwhile endeavor. Our commitment to providing the best quality martial arts programs is what sets us apart and why we are proud of our academy and its members.

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