best 16 programs in Reading, MA

Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.

At the YMCA of Greater Boston, we're committed to helping individuals and families reach their full potential. We strive to offer programs, services, and spaces that are open to everyone, regardless of income, faith, or culture. Our programs help to improve physical, mental, and spiritual health, allowing our members to lead healthier, happier lives. We also seek to create a community and nation free from racism, inequities, and inequality, through our bridges program. This program connects diverse groups of people and helps to ensure equity and safety for all. We're proud to be a part of this journey towards a better future.

At the 5 Senses School, we are proud to offer a unique educational experience for toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-K students. Our ranch-style school is nestled in a residential area in a tranquil environment. Our flexible drop-in schedule ensures that families can find the perfect schedule for their needs. We strive to provide a nurturing, family-oriented setting with a ratio of 6 teachers for every 30 children. Our commitment to the environment is a key part of our educational philosophy. We promote reducing, reusing, and recycling materials and strive to be a green school. Our classrooms are equipped with individual cloth towels, spill towels, compost, and paper and other recycling containers. We are proud of our efforts to fill recycling bins instead of trash barrels.

Margaret LaPierre opened her studio back in 1968 with a mission to bring the art and joy of dance to young children. She strove for every student to have a strong ballet foundation and this is still upheld by the school today. One of Margaret’s earliest students was Sue Burns (Marroni), who danced at the studio from the age of ten all the way through high school. After graduating, Sue continued her journey with LaPierre as a dance instructor and in 1999 she took over ownership and direction. Mrs. LaPierre’s legacy lives on under Sue’s leadership. LaPierre is one of the most respected, popular, and comprehensive dance studios in New England, offering a wide range of dance styles and opportunities for all ages.

in the classroom. At CCP, we recognize that play is an essential part of a child's development. Through play, kids learn to make sense of their environment and build important skills like physical coordination, emotional maturity, and social skills to interact with other children. We also understand the importance of providing a stimulating learning environment that follows the Massachusetts Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences. Our classrooms are designed to appeal to a child's natural curiosity, and feature a wide array of activities that foster cooperative learning. Additionally, we adhere to the Reading Public Schools guidelines on enrollment age for our classrooms. With our curriculum, kids will have the opportunity to learn and practice in a variety of formats.

. Our founding in 2008 brought Irish Dance to the South Shore and North Shore of Boston, Massachusetts and we started with just seven dancers. Since our opening, the academy has grown in size, but we have managed to maintain the sense of community and family that has been integral to our success. Our students, teachers and parents have formed a tight knit bond that allows us to provide a unique learning experience for our dancers. Keane O'Brien Academy is proud to be part of the Boston Irish Dance community and our commitment to excellence is reflected in our students' success. We are dedicated to continuing to provide the highest quality instruction in Irish Dance and we look forward to the next ten years.

Our highly qualified faculty offers personalized instruction that fits each student’s individual goals and needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced artist, our instructors can provide you with the guidance and support you need to reach your full potential. Our certified Suzuki program and one-to-one lessons are designed to give you an immersive learning experience that will help you reach your creative goals. At Creative Arts we believe that creativity is a lifelong learning opportunity. With our experienced instructors, we strive to help our students develop their creative skills and reach their highest potential. We provide a variety of private instruction options, including our certified Suzuki program and one-to-one lessons, to help our students of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals.

Since 1948, the North Shore Skating Club has been a leader in the ice skating world. Starting as an ice dance club at the Lynn Arena, the club has since grown to include recreational and competitive skating and has moved to Beverly, Danvers and Saugus before finding its current home at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading, Massachusetts. The North Shore Skating Club offers something for everyone, with programs for all ages and levels. Our Learn-to-Skate program is led by experienced, professional instructors and follows the standards set forth by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). Skaters can advance through the Basic Skills and Freeskate levels. We also offer competitive skating and adult and open Theatre on Ice Teams. With more than 100 club members and 600+ skaters in our Learn-to-Skate program annually, the North Shore Skating Club is the premier skating club of the area.

We offer an array of programs including Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten Transition and After-School programs. We strive to provide a positive learning experience for all our children by encouraging their natural curiosity about the world around them. Our goal is to instill a love of learning in our students that will last a lifetime. At Little Treasures Schoolhouse, we believe in the power of community. We strive to create a family-style atmosphere where children feel valued and loved as they learn and make friendships. Our low teacher to child ratios, small class sizes, and low staff turnover all contribute to this environment. We provide our students with a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and explore the world around them.

In a world where technology is increasingly integrated into our lives, Code Wiz provides kids with the essential skills they need to become 21st century innovators. With their fun, flexible programs, Code Wiz makes coding accessible to all kids, no matter their age, tech proficiency, or personal interests. Through their cutting-edge curriculum, Code Wiz students develop programming skills along with invaluable approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving. By learning to code, kids are able to take control of their future and master the skills they need to become successful in any industry. With Code Wiz, kids become the tech innovators of tomorrow, and gain a deep understanding of the world around them.