587 Results
-
At Home with the Gibsons: House Museum TourOut & AboutThe Gibson House Museum in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood served as residence to three generations of Gibson family members and their household staff between 1859 and 1954. This tour invites visitors to explore the house and consider issues of class and culture through the stories and objects of the people who lived and worked here. Note: This tour climbs 5 flights of stairs and is just under an hour longSpring 2026 -
Audubon Habitat Nature Detectives: Signs of SpringSTEM (K-12)Can you feel it in the air? Can you see the signs? Spring has nearly sprung, and nature is telling us that warmth is on its way. Learn to observe the signs, like the arrival of migrating birds, the emergence of insects, and the bursting of buds that are happening all around us. We’ll note animals and specimens, go outside to explore the schoolyard, and discover all the wonders spring brings as we wake up from winter.Spring 2026 -
Auto Repair for EveryoneHome & GardenJoin us for this information-packed lecture and demonstration to build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of the major systems of an automobile from an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We will cover basic maintenance, discuss common problems, and troubleshoot ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems.Spring 2026 -
Avatar: Crafting the ElementsArts & CraftsBend the elements as you create crafts inspired by the four nations of the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Hone your control of water, earth, fire, and air by making waterbender necklaces, firebender headbands, earthbender armor, airbender staffs, technique scrolls, mini Appa figures, and spirit animal masks. We’ll watch episodes of the series to spark ideas from the adventures of Aang and his friends. Master the elements and become an Avatar!SummerFun! 2026 -
BLAST, Babysitting & CPR Training ProgramLanguages & Life Skills (K-12)BLAST! Babysitting & CPR provides training in first aid, household safety, and some fundamentals of childcare. Get prepared to begin babysitting safely and competently, select safe and suitable games and activities, prevent accidents, and interview for babysitting jobs. We will also cover choking prevention and relief and how to call 911. Receive a CPR/AED certification.Spring 2026 -
WaitlistBabysitting BasicsCooking & Life HacksPlease note: This class runs 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Monday–Thursday only. You must be at least 12 years old. You will receive a babysitter’s ID card and a certificate of completion. This program is designed to better prepare you to become a capable, caring, and responsible babysitter. Understand the responsibilities and skills—including basic first aid and what to do in an emergency—and develop confidence in handling situations you may encounter when caring for young children. Upon completion, your services will be in high demand in the neighborhood! August 3-6 (M-Th), 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Ages 12+SummerFun! 2026 -
Backyard Bird Song IdentificationOut & AboutHave you ever wondered if that “tweet” is from a cardinal or a chickadee? Learn the language spoken by our feathered friends. Start with a few basic bird songs as a reference, then add to your repertoire with repetition and practice. You’ll learn the types of sounds birds make and why they make them, and explore common bird songs heard in Massachusetts. Each class will focus on approximately 10–15 different birds. Note: Have handy a notebook, pen, and a bird book if you have one.Spring 2026 -
WaitlistBackyard GamesGet Moving!Go outside and play! Get moving and have fun with tons of different backyard games. Aim flying discs into cans during Kan Jam, try to get bolas to catch onto the rungs of Ladder Ball, and toss bean bags into a classic cornhole board. Hit balls past your opponent off a trampoline net in Spikeball, test your precision in bocce by landing your ball closest to the Pallino, and pitch horseshoes to score a “ringer” on the stake. Enjoy the thrill of friendly competition and the challenge of mastering new games.SummerFun! 2026 -
WaitlistBake ShoppeCooking & Life HacksIf you can bake it, we will make it! Learn how to bake or improve your skills as you measure, mix, bake, and taste wonderful treats from start to finish. Recipes we may try include one-pan cake, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and more.SummerFun! 2026 -
WaitlistBallet & BeyondIn the SpotlightJeté your way through this week that’s all about dance. The primary focus will be on ballet, but we will also try modern, contemporary, and jazz, and do yoga stretches. We’ll also get inspired by famous dancers through listening to stories and doing crafts such as wire dancer sculptures and paper dolls with layered tutus. Learn short routines and collaborate with your classmates to choreograph your own.SummerFun! 2026 -
Ballroom DanceFitness & DanceEnjoy some of ballroom’s most popular social dances. Whether you want to float like Fred and Ginger or put a little sexy hip action into those Latin dances, come join in the dancing fun. Couples and singles are welcome. Beginning: We will break down the basics of footwork, musicality, and partnering in swing, salsa, rumba, and more. Two left feet? No rhythm? No problem! Once you learn the basic steps, you’ll be able to spice up any dance floor you step on. Continuing: Ready to move past the basics? We will cover a variety of moves, like crossovers, turns, and combinations, to up your dance game. We will also dive into styling and technique to give you a more polished look.Spring 2026 -
Banjo for Continuing PlayersMusic, Theater & FilmImprove your banjo-playing skills in the old-time clawhammer style. If you can already play at least a handful of tunes, dive deeper into G, G modal, and double C tunings. We’ll continue refining right-hand technique to help you get the best possible sound. Note: Students must bring their own banjo. Please note: There will be no class on April 29Spring 2026 -
Basic Electronics with ArduinoSTEM (K-12)Build and tinker as you explore the basics of electricity and coding. Use real electrical components, like breadboards, LEDs, resistors, and sensors, to build creative, interactive projects. Starting with block-based coding in mBlock, you’ll write programs to control lights, play music, simulate traffic lights, and detect motion. Step by step, you’ll gain confidence using both hardware and code.Spring 2026 -
Basics of Earth ScienceHome & GardenExplore the captivating geological features of our planet. We will delve into different geological formations and processes, learning more about mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers, deserts, and more, and highlight stunning examples like the Himalayas, Iceland’s tectonic activity, and the Grand Canyon. Online interactive tools such as Google Earth, the USGS Earthquake Map, and EarthViewer will help us visualize geological concepts and track recent global earthquakes. No prior knowledge or materials are required—just bring your curiosity about the complexities of the natural world.Spring 2026 -
WaitlistPhil Roeder (flickr) (CC BY 2.0)Basketball Hoops SquadGet Moving!Shoot some hoops! Beginning and recreational basketball players will practice dribbling, shooting, passing, and ball handling while also focusing on teamwork and supporting each other. We will review game rules, practice essential skills, and learn the art of offense and defense. Each day will include drills and a friendly game.SummerFun! 2026 -
WaitlistBatter Up! BakingCooking & Life HacksStep into the kitchen and go on a fun journey through the baking process. You’ll learn all about ingredients, measurements, and flavors as we make cookies, muffins, brownies, and cupcakes together. Discover the science behind each recipe, experiment with different combinations, make new friends, and enjoy lots of delicious treats along the way. Please note, this class is not gluten-free.SummerFun! 2026 -
Beginner Green Wood CarvingFine Arts & CraftsCarving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, and satisfying hobby. We will cover an overview of “green” woodworking, including tools, materials, process, technique, and safety. We will talk through the early part of the process of turning a log into a rough carving blank with an axe. Then you will learn safe, effective knife grips so you can carve your project. We’ll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches, decoration possibilities, and how to continue in the craft. Class fees include all materials needed, as well as use of loaner tools. Butter Spreader/Cheese Knife: Wooden spreaders, present in nearly every Swedish kitchen, were traditionally hand-carved. Yours will be great for spreading butter and also soft, medium, and crumbly cheeses. This single-session class is perfect for complete beginners. Wooden Spoon: The serving spoons we’ll make have an extra-large bowl for generous helpings and a stout handle for ease of use. No prior experience is required, but some familiarity with woodworking, carving, or other handcrafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.Spring 2026 -
WaitlistBeginning PotteryFine Arts & CraftsIMPORTANT: Due to exceptionally high demand for this class, we ask that you DO NOT register if you have already taken this class two or more times. This will allow new students to experience the class. Thank you for your understanding. Also, please do not register for this class unless you can commit to attending all sessions. Due to the focused nature of this class, it is disruptive if students miss (or are late) for classes. Pottery is one of the oldest expressions of human inventiveness and creativity, dating from before the Neolithic period and discovered in various locations around the globe. In this class for beginners, explore the potentials of clay by creating both functional vessels and sculptural forms. Learn basic handbuilding, wheel throwing, and surface decorating techniques. All work will be glazed and fired, resulting in vibrant, durable, waterproof, and food-safe pieces of art.Spring 2026 -
WaitlistBest of Boston DayTrippersField TripsExplore Boston with five full days of exciting adventures. Activities may include a boat ride to George’s Island in Boston Harbor, where you’ll discover the island’s rich history. Get hands-on at the Museum of Science, visit the MIT Museum, and experience the mind-bending fun at the Museum of Illusions. Walk the historic Freedom Trail, exploring iconic landmarks like the State House. Take in a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Skywalk Observatory. We’ll also visit the Mapparium, a stunning three-story glass globe at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, and tour the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the U.S. Please note: Each day will begin and end at Thorndike Field in East Arlington in order to take the T from Alewife Station.SummerFun! 2026 -
Bicycle Maintenance & Safety BasicsOut & AboutRide with confidence, save money, and become more self-reliant. Learn how to keep your bicycle rolling by doing your own routine maintenance and tackling basic repairs on the side of the road. You’ll fix a flat tire, adjust brakes and gears, and keep your chain running smoothly. We’ll also cover how to stay safe on the road, reduce the need for repairs, choose the right gear for different conditions, and address any other topics of interest to the group. No experience necessary. Bring your non-electric bike, small tools (a list will be provided), and optional gloves.Spring 2026 -
Birdwatching 101: Field TripsOut & AboutObserve local birds on these birdwatching field trips. We will focus on different strategies for locating and identifying birds based on their appearance, songs and calls, behavior, and habitat. To get the most out of field trips, attendance at the Birdwatching 101 class is highly encouraged. Binoculars are highly recommended.Spring 2026 -
Birdwatching 101: What to Know Before You GoOut & AboutMaximize your enjoyment and appreciation of birds in their local environment. We’ll discuss necessary and recommended tools (binoculars, scopes, bird books, and phone applications); how to pick a place and a time for ideal birdwatching; and strategies for identifying birds using their appearance, flight patterns, songs and calls, and the habitats where they live and migrate through.Spring 2026 -
Board Game Design & PlayFantasy & GamesPut on your designer’s hat and create a board game. You’ll pick the look, the illustrations, and the highlights and pitfalls of the play. Design the movement, reward, and resource management systems and then combine them so that they work together. We’ll take breaks for group trivia, riddles, logic puzzles, and indoor and outdoor games.SummerFun! 2026 -
Boat America: Safety & CertificationOut & AboutLearn to navigate the water safely and confidently while earning your NASBLA Massachusetts boating certificate. Explore boating laws and navigation rules, required safety gear, trailering basics, and how to handle emergencies from man overboard to sudden weather changes. The in-person format keeps it hands-on and engaging, as you practice radio calls, see demonstrations of safety equipment, and get answers tailored to your boating interests. Connect with fellow boaters and Coast Guard Auxiliarists who will share their experience and answer your questions. Completing the course may even qualify you for discounts on boating insurance. Please note: Students 16+ may register and attend solo; students 12-15 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration covers one exam/certificate fee and immediate family members who wish to observe the class. If additional certificates are needed please register individually. In MA, ages 16 and 17 are allowed to operate a PWC alone, but must pass this course. Ages 12 through 15 can operate a boat as long as (a) they have passed this course and (b) an adult over 18 is onboard and has also passed the course.Spring 2026