Adult Programs

For the most part, Portsmouth Recreation opens Spring/Summer sign ups on Mon, February 2 for Portsmouth residents. Tuesday, February 17 for non residents. However, some program may have different sign up dates. 

Bring the kiddos to run around. Saturdays 8:30am-11:00am at Community Campus. Residents/Nonresidents Welcome.

Runs through mid-May.

Table Tennis for all abilities offered by Seacoast Table Tennis Club. This fun activity welcomes experienced players as well as beginners. Both singles and doubles play on new ITTF Donic Brand Tables. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own equipment or we have a few rackets and balls to borrow. 

THIS PROGRAM RUNS YEAR-ROUND. JOIN ANYTIME.

Location: Community Campus Gym

Ages: Adults (children welcome accompanied by adult)

Date/Time: Every Thursday from 5:30-8:00pm

Fee: $5 pp each Thursday. Under 18 play for free.

Follow on Facebook: @seacoasttabletennisclub

Looking to improve your freestyle and make real progress? Join us for Technique Thursday at the Portsmouth Indoor Pool!

This weekly Thursday night workout is designed to provide swimmers with personalized feedback on stroke improvement. The session focuses exclusively on drills to enhance your swimming technique and is divided into segments targeting:

• Body position efficiency
• Power generation
• Speed development

Led by some of the Seacoast’s most experienced open-water swimmers, our coaches will offer individual feedback to help you refine your skills. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer seeking an edge or a beginner unsure where to start, this program is for you. The theme: “More quality swimming, less volume swimming.” Drop-in class, no registration needed.

Perfect for open-water enthusiasts and those beginning their journey—come join us and elevate your swimming! 

• Thursdays, January 15 - May 21. 5:30 - 6:30pm.

Location: Indoor Pool. Free with pool membership or $10 drop-in (No Splash Passes)

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training: Ages 15+

Lifeguard training, which provides participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. 

• Session 1:
  • Thursday & Friday, February 19 & 20. 5:00 - 9:00pm
  • Saturday & Sunday, February 21 & 22. 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Session 2:
  • Thursday & Friday, May 28 & 29. 5:00 - 9:00pm
  • Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31. 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool. $350 residents | $400 nonresidents. Includes lifeguard manual, resuscitation mask & certification fees

Register Here

Blended Learning Lifeguard Training: Course length: 19 hours & 30 minutes in-person and 7 hours & 30 minutes online. Total - 27 hours
Provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

• Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface and then swim 150 years using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
     
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed)
  • Submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

To successfully complete the Lifeguarding Blended Learning course, the participant must:

• Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios.
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills.
• Pass the final skills scenarios.
• Complete all eLearning content, including the eLearning written exam (CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers; and First Aid).
• Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

Participants who successfully complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

Learn to recognize and respond to first aid emergencies, including burns, cuts, sudden illnesses, injuries, and breathing or cardiac emergencies for adults and children. Successful participants earn an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification valid for 2 years.
Completion Requirements:

• Attend all sessions and complete the online portion.
• Actively participate in skill practice and scenarios.
• Demonstrate competency and pass assessments (80%).

This course combines online learning with an in-person skills session. Online access will be provided prior to the class.

• Session 1: Saturday, February 21. 11:00am - 1:00pm
• Session 2: Sunday, April 19. 11:00am - 1:00pm

Location: Community Campus. $50 residents | $55 nonresidents

Register Here

Learn to teach classes in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program. Participants will have online learning and coursework due prior to first class. This course trains instructor candidates to teach classes in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program.  

PREREQUISITES FOR THE WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR (WSI) CLASS: Demonstrate swimming skills consistent with the Stroke Performance Charts, Level 4, by swimming the following strokes:

• Front Crawl – 25 yards
• Back Crawl – 25 yards
• Breaststroke – 25 yards
• Elementary backstroke – 25 yards
• Sidestroke – 25 yards
• Butterfly – 15 yards
• Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling)
• Tread water for 1-minute

The Blended Learning content consists of 23 hours of in-class work and 7 hours of at home online study. 
Upon successful completion of the Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course, candidates will receive an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification valid for 2 years.

Spring Session Dates (attendance required at all dates):

• Friday, March 6. 6:00 - 8:00pm
• Saturdays, March 14 & 21. 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Sundays, March 15 & 22. 10:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Indoor Pool. $400 residents | $450 nonresidents

Register Here

Recertification course for those with a current lifeguard certification that remains valid through June 14, 2026. Digital lifeguard manual, resuscitation mask, and certification fees included. Must submit a copy of your certification during registration. Registration deadline is Thursday, May 28, 2026. No late registration will be accepted. Blended Learning Access links will be sent out on Friday, May 29, 2026. Approximately 6 hours of blended learning.

• Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14. 11:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool. $250 residents | $300 nonresidents

Register Here

• Every Sunday at 1:00pm

Ages: 15+

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool

Free with pool membership or $10 drop in

*Double check pool schedule before heading out - swim meets and holidays can adjust the schedule. https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/recreation/indoor

A coached Masters program for adults, providing adult competitive swimmers an opportunity to continue swimming, with structured swim workouts and on-deck coach. Age 18+. Pre-registration Required – No walk-ins.

• Spring: April 6 - June 17, 2026  $168 Portsmouth residents | $189 nonresidents
• Summer: June 22 - July 29, 2026  $96 Portsmouth residents | $108 nonresidents
• Daily Pass Available after the first 2 weeks of the season - must pre-registration online is required by 4:00pm on day of practice – NO Walk-ins
  • $10 Portsmouth Residents | $11 Nonresident

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool

Register Here

Led by USTA coaches, participants will have fun and get great exercise while developing the skills to serve, rally, and play tennis. The program is perfect for first-time and beginner players, as well as returning novice players. Ages 18+.
SPRING

• Learn & Play: Mondays, May 4 - June 15. 5:00-6:30pm (No lesson 5/25) - Rain Date 6/22
• Learn & Play: Saturdays, May 2 - June 13. 8:30-10:00am (No lesson 5/23) - Rain Date 6/20
• Practice & Play: Saturdays, May 2 - June 13. 10:00-11:30am (No lesson 5/23) - Rain Date 6/20

Location: Portsmouth High School Tennis Courts. $80 resident | $85 nonresident

SUMMER

• Learn & Play and Practice & Play: TBD

Register Here

If you’re looking to play more tennis and socialize with people in your area, you've come to the right place. In our leagues, the focus is FUN. It's a great place to meet new people and improve your tennis game. 

Spring registration opens April 1 at playtennis.usta.com/NESocialTennisLeague/SocialLeagues

SPRING:

• Intermediate: Tuesdays, April 28 - June 9 (rain dates June 16 & June 23). 7:00 - 9:00pm
• Recreational: Thursdays, April 30 - June 11 (rain dates June 18 & June 25). 7:00 - 9:00pm
• Ages 60+ Recreational: Fridays, May 1 - June 12 (rain dates June 19 & June 26). 9:00 - 11:00am

SUMMER:

• Intermediate: Tuesdays, June 30 - August 11 (rain dates August 18 & 25). 6:00 - 8:00pm
• Recreational: Thursdays, July 2 - August 13 (rain dates August 20 & 27). 6:00 - 8:00pm
• 60+ Recreational: Fridays, July 3 - August 14 (rain dates August 21 & 28). 9:00 - 11:00am

Location: South Mill Pond Tennis Courts

Register Here with USTA Tennis

Includes the South Beds, the Anchor Bed, the Flag Pole Bed, the Dock Bed, the Marcy Steet Beds, and the Formal Garden; about 15,000 flowers altogether. Flower ID, proper soil preparation, and flower maintenance routines are all discussed. In addition, the interns may cover other interconnected subjects including the value of milkweed to the monarch butterfly, its life cycle, how to attract our pollinators, ID of weed edibles, invasive plant displacement of our native plants, and general urban sustainability concepts. 

• June 26 thru August 21. Fridays at 11:00am and 1:00pm. One-hour tour.

Location: Meet at the Liberty Pole on Marcy Street. Free. No preregistration required.

These clinics are designed to teach participants who have never tried the popular sport of pickleball.  You will learn the rules and skills to begin playing the game.  Each session is limited to 8 participants, so please only sign up for one clinic.  Wear sneakers and bring a water bottle. If you don’t have a paddle we will have one to borrow.

• Summer clinics: June 2, 4, July 7, 9, August 4, 6. 11:30am - 12:30pm

Location: South Mill Pond Courts. FREE

Register Here

OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL

• South Mill Pond, Junkins Ave: 8 dedicated pickleball courts
• Community Campus, 100 Campus Dr:  8 dedicated pickleball courts

INDOOR PICKLEBALL

• Spinnaker Point Adult Recreation Center
  • Mon/Wed/Fri 10:30am-12:30pm, Tues & Thurs 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Spinnaker Members play free or $5.00 drop-in fee
• Community Campus (2 newly lined courts in gym)
  • Pickleball Open Gym Schedule or call 603-427-1547
  • $3 drop-in fee for all
  • Some equipment available to borrow, if needed

• Open Gym at Spinnaker Point: Designed for those 18 & over to use the gym. During the Open Gym times, one court is always reserved for basketball. Free to members or $5 daily fee. Monthly open gym calendar posted online.
• Pickleball Open Gym at Spinnaker Point: Three nets are set up for rotational play. Free for members or $5 daily fee. Monthly open gym calendar posted on online.
• Pick-up Volleyball at Spinnaker Point: Pickup time with fun, competitive games. Free to members or $5 daily fee. Monthly schedule posted online.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SPINNAKER POINT SCHEDULE

• Open Gym at Community Campus Gym: Designed for all ages to use the gym for basketball and running around. Free. Monthly open gym calendar posted online. Limited times in the fall.
• Pickleball at Community Campus Gym: Three nets. $3 daily fee. Monthly open gym calendar posted on online. Limited times in the fall.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITY CAMPUS GYM SCHEDULE

• Adult Lap Swim at the Indoor Pool: Designed for those 18 & over to swim laps. Free for members | Residents $5 | Nonresidents $10.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INDOOR POOL SCHEDULE

The Indoor Pool offers many aquasize and swimming programs for ages 15+.

AQUA-FITNESS I: Water exercise class and a total body workout.
AQUA-FITNESS HIIT: HIIT (high-intensity interval training) adapted for the pool. All fitness levels.
WATER POWER WORKOUT: Combination of different styles using the water as resistance.
ZUMBA: Dance fitness class that incorporates popular music with dance movements, which creates an exciting, effective fitness program - all in shallow water!
TRI-GROUP: Basic triathlon training for the beginner to experienced swimmer. Tuesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm.
FITNESS CLASSES AT THE POOL ARE FREE WITH MEMBERSHIP OR $10 DROP-IN

 Click Here to visit the Indoor Pool Programs Page. 

Gain comfort and independence in the water. Supported by volunteers from Great Bay Masters.

• Mondays & Wednesdays, March 30 - April 8. 6:30 - 7:00pm

Location: Portsmouth Indoor Pool. $25

Register Here

Push your limits in this high-energy, two-hour Masters workout! Designed for experienced swimmers, this session blends endurance, speed, and stroke work. Optional socializing at a local restaurant after each practice on your own. Sign up for each session individually.

• Fridays, March 20 - April 10. 5:30 - 7:30pm

Location: Indoor Pool. Priced per session: $20 residents | $25 nonresidents

Register Here

Local natural history walks with Steve Miller. An experienced guide with 40+ years as an environmental educator, scientific diving officer, and a Masters in Ecosystem Ecology. 20 person limit per walk. Free but pre-registration is required. Ages 12+ welcome.

The Sagamore Headlands: Explore the trails, discuss past land use, visit a variety of wetlands, and admire special old trees. Location: Meet at Jones Ave Recreation Land parking lot

• Saturday, April 18. 9:00 - 11:00am

The Urban Forestry Center mirrors the Sagamore headlands along Sagamore Creek and offers many opportunities to explore the trails and focus on tree identification and natural history. Location: Meet in the parking lot of the Urban Forestry Center near visitor center.

• Saturday, May 16. 9:00 - 11:00am

Pierce Island and the Piscataqua River are part of what makes Portsmouth...well, Portsmouth. Learn about tides, explore the trails, and harbor. Location: Meet in the parking lot by the Portsmouth Outdoor Pool on Pierce Island Road.

• Saturday, June 27. 9:00 - 11:00am

Class calendars updated monthly. 

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SPINNAKER POINT SCHEDULE

Adult Golf Lessons Small group beginner golf lessons that include the full swing and short game, taught by Tim Riese, PGA Head Professional at Pease Golf Course. Class is limited to six participants. 

• Stay tuned for Fall 2026