Explore the art of puppetry as you design original characters and bring them to life through movement, voice, and storytelling. Experiment with a variety of styles, from finger and rod puppets to imaginative “junk” creations and expressive shadow silhouettes, while trying new ideas and refining your designs. Leave with a small collection of unique puppets and a deeper sense of how performance and craft work together.

Enjoy learning the fundamentals of playing and painting with watercolors, including proper brush selection and application techniques. We’ll learn about cool and warm tones, how to add dimension with hues and texture, and so much more. We will also experiment with surfaces, resists, stencils, and styles to immerse ourselves in the wonders of watercolor.

Become a quick master of code with this beginner-friendly introduction to Python. Build practical skills in core language fundamentals and advance to applications such as data visualization, simple GUIs, and object-oriented programming. The instructors’ The Curious Zombie’s Guide to Python online platform supports your learning in and outside of class—and makes picking up Python so easy, even a zombie could do it.

Living with a reactive dog can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This class for humans only (no dogs in class!) provides practical strategies, emotional support, and a community that understands the challenges of caring for a reactive dog. You’ll learn to read your dog’s body language, manage triggers, set up successful training sessions, and strengthen your bond while reducing stress for both of you. Beyond training, you’ll gain actionable tools, realistic expectations, and support from others on the same journey, leaving you confident, empowered, and equipped to create a calmer, happier, and more fulfilling life with your dog.

Visit the Massachusetts State House for a tour with Arlington’s own State Representative, Sean Garballey. This guided tour is a walk through history, not just of the building but of the Commonwealth itself. Established by an act of the legislature in 1969, the State House Tours Division now guides approximately 90,000 visitors annually through the halls of the state’s capitol building. Experience democracy in action at this landmark full of significance to both our state and our country. Children ages 8+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult. Proceeds from this class go toward the ACE Scholarship Fund to help make our classes accessible to all Arlington residents.

Please register each person individually Visit the Massachusetts State House for a tour with Arlington’s own State Representative, Sean Garballey. This guided tour is a walk through history, not just of the building but of the Commonwealth itself. Established by an act of the legislature in 1969, the State House Tours Division now guides approximately 90,000 visitors annually through the halls of the state’s capitol building. Experience democracy in action at this landmark full of significance to both our state and our country. Ages 8+ Proceeds from this class go toward the ACE Scholarship Fund to help make our classes accessible to all Arlington residents.

Please note: Students who are enrolled in Hardy's after school program should enroll in Session 2 Step into the action like a reality TV show contestant or a video game hero. Jump, hang, climb, and balance through Ninja Warrior-style challenges and tackle Survivor-inspired obstacle courses. Race on the Mario Kart track, battle the Angry Birds, and get moving in this high-energy creative competition.

Use a camera to capture epic battles and create whimsical worlds. You will make miniature scenes starring your own toys and learn how to photograph them so they look life-sized. Bring your creativity, your imagination, and your toys, and be prepared to master the magic of scale. We’ll transform the ordinary into the extraordinary! iPads will be provided.

Creative thinking meets engineering in this makerspace class. Explore gravity, momentum, and clever design as you build inventive contraptions. Projects include parachute drops, 3D illusions, roller coaster rides, and more, each designed to challenge your problem-solving and ignite your creativity.

Explore the folklore, history, and hidden currents behind belief in magic. Travel through narratives of early modern life in the Alps and uncover the practices of witchcraft and folk magic from four centuries ago. Learn about spells used for protection, healing, and influencing fate—and why such practices often led to trial and persecution. Discover what these spells reveal about Renaissance society and the cultural forces that continue to influence modern witchcraft and healing traditions today.

This optional, welcoming half-day program is designed just for incoming 6th graders to explore Gibbs before the school year begins and is offered by ACE at no cost. You’ll get familiar with the building, see old friends, meet new classmates, and get introduced to some of your teachers. Play interactive games, go on scavenger hunts, and experience an advisory meeting. Start learning what it means to be Understanding, Unified, and Unstoppable as you begin your Gibbs adventure. Please note: Parents are invited to attend an optional meet-and-greet with Gibbs Administrators during the first half hour. Please note: Register for ONE SESSION ONLY. Spaces are limited. While the program is free, registration is required. No walk-ins will be allowed on the day of the program. Lunch is not part of the program.

Unlock the power of AI and Google Apps to streamline your travel planning. Learn how to find the best flight deals with Google Flights, craft seamless itineraries with ChatGPT or other AI sites, and share your travel plans easily using Google Maps. You’ll master budget-friendly strategies and efficient organization to make travel stress-free. Practice using AI to create and refine itineraries for both domestic and international trips, and equip yourself with the digital tools to travel smarter. Course requirements include a smartphone with internet access (for ChatGPT/AI, Google Maps, Google Flights, and Google Translate applications) and optional, but encouraged use of laptops. Get ready to optimize your travel planning and create memorable adventures with the power of technology.

The ukulele is easy to learn, fun to play, and perfect for making music in no time—whether you’re picking it up for the first time or building on your skills. Beginning: Learn how to tune and hold your ukulele, then move on to simple chords so you can begin playing songs you love right away. For absolute beginners only. Continuing: Expand your chord vocabulary, improve rhythm and strumming, and try fingerstyle with tab for riffs and melodies. For those already comfortable with basic chords and strumming. Please note: Bring your own ukulele. A clip-on tuner is recommended but not required.

Ultimate frisbee is a super fun, non-contact game that combines the qualities of football, basketball, and soccer. We will practice different frisbee throwing and catching techniques and learn route-running skills for when you don’t have the frisbee. Ultimate frisbee has no referee, so you’ll learn about good sportsmanship too.

What is art? Explore this question by turning everyday objects into creative masterpieces. Cardboard, crushed cans, and scraps of fabric transform into paintings, collages, and sculptures as you experiment with texture, form, and imagination. Each day brings a new adventure in making art your own way.

This one-evening class, led by a state-certified Medicare counseling professional, is designed for those who are either planning to enroll in Medicare or are already on Medicare and would like to better understand this valuable but complex program. You’ll learn how the four parts of Medicare work together, including information about when and how to enroll in Medicare or change the coverage you already have. We’ll address how much Medicare costs, what benefits are covered, and the possibilities of getting financial assistance with this program. Each student will receive a SHINE Information Pack about Medicare with listings of the different options available in Massachusetts.

Embark on a fun foodie adventure through Somerville’s bustling Union Square, a vibrant neighborhood bursting with culture, historical significance, and a dynamic food scene. History abounds in this place where George Washington raised the first American flag in 1776. The birthplace of Marshmallow Fluff and home to the iconic “What the Fluff” Festival, quirky Union Square celebrates its diversity with many community events and creative new food concepts. We’ll spend the afternoon sampling a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including Boston’s best quesadilla, Indian street food, yummy Peruvian classics, and inventive small-batch ice cream. All ages are welcome.

Tasty wild plants grow abundantly all around us. Join a plant expert for a walk through an urban wild and develop your foraging skills. You’ll learn to identify dozens of edible plants and how they can enhance your culinary and nutritional repertoire. We’ll also cover cooking options, seasonal availability, and guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging. You’ll be amazed at the greens, nuts, roots, and mushrooms you can find now and over the next few months. Sampling in the field will be encouraged! Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.