Published February 6, 2020

NORTH READING — The staff of North Reading Parks and Recreation have announced the following programs. Do you see a program of interest but it’s full? We strongly encourage adding your name to the wait list. We will try our best to accommodate. North Reading Recreation offers programs for and welcomes all ages and abilities from tots to adults, residents and non-residents alike. For full details on all programs, visit us online at www.northreadingma.gov/parks-recreation or give us a call at 978-664-6016.

Small Fries Cooking – for ages 4-6 on Thursdays, Feb. 6 to April 9 from 12:45-1:45 p.m. for a cost of $72. The program is held at the Rec Center at Ipswich River Park (IRP). A fun, creative hands-on cooking class. Kids learn to measure, stir and cook kid friendly recipes. Have fun cooking anything from quesadilla’s to apple crisp and everything in between. A guaranteed fun time.

Bitty Bouncer – for ages 18 months to 3 years on Tuesdays, Feb. 11 to April 7 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. for a cost of $72. Held at the Rec Center at IRP. This program has it all.  Each week we’ll experience a different age-appropriate class. Get cooking and enjoy a related story with Little Spuds Cook n Book; Spend the morning climbing, balancing and bouncing on tumble week; have fun with songs, puppet play and dance to the music as we Wiggle and Giggle with our friends … and more. So much fun all in one program.

Shake it Up Café – for ages 5-11 on Thursdays, Feb. 13 to April 2 from 3:45-5 p.m. for a cost of $75. Kids have a blast when they Shake it Up in our P&R kitchen. This fun, creative class combines cooking and some related crafting. All supplies included for recipes and crafts. A popular program with our kiddos and instructors alike.

Wicked Cool Science Mysteries – for ages 5-11on Tuesdays, March 3-31 from 4-5 p.m. for a cost of $120. How did you do that? Solve awesome science mysteries by becoming a super science sleuth. Identify mystery powders and unknown concoctions using chemical tests. Use a chemical to create crazy atomic worms that glow. Dig deep to decode geological clues to see how the earth has changed over time. Solve the amazing mystery of the color changing liquid and disappearing water using the power of science. Please note: early registration deadline of Feb. 18.

Elementary February Vacation Week Fun – for ages 5-11 from 1 – 3 p.m, at the Rec Center at IRP.

Canvas Drip Art – on Tuesday, Feb. 18 for a cost of $25. Elementary school kids will get very creative in this fun and relaxing paint class. Work with different mediums to create a truly unique work of art.

Funny Food – on Wednesday, Feb. 19 for a cost of $20. Who doesn’t like food? Well it gets better when it’s funny food. Kids enjoy making all kinds of funny recipes that make no sense. Our recipes are April Fool’s recipes that can trick your family and friends. The most fun kids can have in the kitchen.

Blankets for Project Linus – on Thursday, Feb. 20 for a cost of $20. It’s so much fun to make these fuzzy fleece blankets but it’s more fun to know they are going to children in the hospital who need some comfort. Recreation has donated over 60 of these blankets over the past year made by the kids coming to these programs. Kids will pattern, cut and make blankets to donate. We will supply all materials including snacks, drinks and a good time. Just bring a big heart.

Sponsor a Child – Want to give the gift of fun to a child in need? We believe all children benefit from a camp/program experience; especially those who may otherwise be unable to attend due to financial constraints or family situations. Your donation goes directly towards sending a child to one of the many camps/programs run through NRPR. The purpose is simple, to give children an experience that might otherwise be out of reach. Minimum donation is $10 which may be increased at checkout should you choose.