best 71 programs in Portsmouth, NH

Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
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.
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.
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.

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?

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.

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.
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!
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.

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.