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Classes & Programs
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New Registration Platform Update
As of 2025, Barrington Recreation has moved to a new registration platform, Civic Rec. To learn how to create an account on Civic Rec, click here. For a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for classes and programs, click here.
Open Enrolling Classes & Programs
Mindfulness Meditation with Reiki
Join us for a meditation class to help reduce stress and move into a peaceful state of mind and body. Including Reiki energy healing for each participant at the end of class. This class is facilitated by John LaCross, retired Chief of the Barrington Police Department. A Usui Reiki Master and Level II Reconnective Healing Practitioner, John is trained in Qi-Gong and Mindfulness Meditation through UMass and Brown University.
Instructor: John LaCross
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: First Tuesday of the Month | 3:00–4:00 PM
Fee: $5 per session
To sign up for Mindfulness Meditation with Reiki, register here.
Power Up! Strength Class
Power Up! is a strength training class designed to build muscle and improve overall fitness. Sessions focus on strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility, and are suitable for different fitness levels.
Winter 2026 Session 1
Instructor: Deana LaPage
Location: Peck Center
Date(s)/Time(s): Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 & February 4, 11, 18 | 4:00–4:45 PM
Fees: $65 for all 7 classes or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
To sign up for Power Up! Strength Class, register here.
Pilates
Mat Pilates is a full-body practice that uses your body weight to build strength and flexibility. It is suitable for all levels, ages, and experiences.
Winter 2026 Session 1
Instructor: Deana LaPage
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 & February 4, 11, 18 | 4:45–5:30 PM
Fees: $65 for all 7 classes or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
Other Important Info: Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
To sign up for Pilates, register here.
Qi Gong
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese practice that uses gentle movement, mindful breathing, and focused awareness to support balance, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. This class welcomes all levels and helps cultivate calm, strength, and centered energy.
Instructor: Ni Ketut Tirta
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Fees: $50 for all 6 classes or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
To sign up for Qi Gong, register here.
Salsa & Bachata Dance Classes
Beginner Salsa and Bachata classes are designed to help new dancers build confidence, rhythm, and connection from day one. Each week, we alternate styles so you can explore the energy of Salsa and the smooth flow of Bachata. No partner or experience needed- just bring your curiosity and a willingness to move. Join us and discover how fun learning Latin dance can be.
Instructors: From Del Alma Dance Company
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Thursdays in January | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Salsa Lessons: January 8 & 22, Bachata Lessons: January 15 & 29
Fee: $15 per session
Other Important Info: Please bring dance shoes or shoes designed for comfort and athletic movement, comfortable and appropriate clothing, and a positive mental attitude.
To sign up for Salsa & Bachata Dance Classes, register here.
SAT Prep Course
This two-month SAT Prep Course prepares students to take the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT. Key math, reading, and writing concepts will be reviewed, along with the structure of the test and effective test-taking strategies. Students should expect to complete multiple full-length practice exams throughout the course.
Instructors: Robert Marley & Katherine Schoppel
Location: Barrington Middle School, Classrooms 1202 & 1218
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, February 3–April 7 | 7:00–9:00 PM
No class during February vacation on Tuesday, February 17.
Fees: $300 for all sessions
To sign up for the SAT Prep Course, register here.
Zumba
Get ready for a 60 minute cardio dance party set to Latin and international music. This high energy class is all about moving your body, feeling the rhythm, and having fun. Keiko will guide you through easy to follow choreography with visual cueing so you can jump right in without needing verbal instruction. Suggested choreography intensity ranges from medium to medium high.
February 2026 Session
Instructor: Keiko Furuya
Location: Peck Center
Date(s)/Time(s): Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Fees: $25 for all 3 sessions or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if the session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
Other Important Info: Please wear sneakers and bring water.
To sign up for Zumba, register here.
Recreational Adult Badminton
For beginners and experienced players alike, this co-ed class welcomes all skill levels. Play is spirited, but the emphasis is on fun and exercise—not the final score. The program will provide some practice shuttlecocks (nylon and feather). Open to 35 participants plus the instructor (36 total). Please bring your own racket.
Winter/Spring 2026 Session
Location: Barrington Middle School Gym, 261 Middle Highway
Dates: Thursdays, February 5 - May 28 (17 sessions)
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fee: $85 ($5/session)
To sign up for Adult Recreational Badminton, register here.
Sign up for the Waitlist
Adult Recreational Volleyball
This co-ed program is for players with some prior volleyball experience. The emphasis is on fun, fitness, and spirited play rather than the final score. Individual instruction is available upon request. Registration is limited to 16 participants.
Winter/Spring 2026 Session
Instructor: Roy Mishra
Location: Barrington Middle School Gym, 261 Middle Highway
Date(s)/Time(s): Wednesdays — January 7 - May 27 — 6:30–9:00 PM | 21 Sessions
Fees: $105 total ($5 per session)
Adult Recreational Volleyball is currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
Recreational Adult Badminton
For beginners and experienced players alike, this co-ed class welcomes all skill levels. Play is spirited, but the emphasis is on fun and exercise—not the final score. The program will provide some practice shuttlecocks (nylon and feather). Open to 35 participants plus the instructor (36 total). Please bring your own racket.
Winter/Spring 2026 Session
Location: Barrington Middle School Gym, 261 Middle Highway
Dates: Thursdays, February 5 - May 28 (17 sessions)
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fee: $85 ($5/session)
Recreational Adult Badminton is currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
Mah Jongg Lessons
Due to popular demand, we've added a new session of Mah Jongg lessons this winter! Designed for beginners, this class introduces the fundamentals of this classic tile game of strategy, skill, & luck. Discover why Mah Jongg has captivated players for generations as you learn the rules, practice hands, & build confidence to play with others.
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Thursdays, January 22 - March 12, 2025 | 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Fees: $70 for all 8 classes
Mah Jongg Lessons are currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
T'ai Chi
T’ai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that gently strengthens and massages the body while calming the mind. This peaceful practice promotes balance, flexibility, and overall well-being, an excellent way to stay healthy and centered during the busy holiday season.
Instructor: Ni Ketut Tirta
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12 | 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Fees: $50 for all 6 classes or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
T'ai Chi is currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
Trips
Cape Ann
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Explore Cape Ann with Bloom Tours. These picturesque oceanfront New England towns are located north of Boston and home to many shops and art galleries. We will start the day with lunch at Finz on Pickering Wharf in Salem. After lunch, we will have a Step-on-Guide meet us for a 2 hour guided tour of Rockport and Gloucester. You will have free time in downtown Rockport before departing for home. Shop in the quaint stores, admire the art galleries or just sit by the water and take in the beauty that is the Massachusetts Coast.
$159.00 PER PERSON - MAXIMUM PASSENGERS: 54
Trip Details
- Departure: 9:15 AM - Park and Ride, County Road, Barrington
- Return: 7:15 PM
- Full payment is due at the time of booking and is nonrefundable.
- If you need to transfer your trip to another participant, please notify us
- For questions, contact the Recreation Department: 401-247-1926 ext 201
Registration is now open and closes April 19, 2025
To sign up for Cape Ann, register here.
Tall Ships return to Boston!
Tuesday, July 14th, 2026
Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure! Join us in celebrating America's 250th anniversary as the majestic Tall Ships return to Boston. Step aboard for an extraordinary harbor cruise offering breathtaking panoramic views of awe-inspiring vessels as they glide through the water in a dazzling display of history and beauty.
Savor a delicious buffet while you take in the sights, sounds, and spirit of maritime tradition. Feel the excitement, embrace the history, and experience the magic. There's no better way to see the Tall Ships than from the harbor itself.
$199.00 PER PERSON - MAXIMUM PASSENGERS: 50
Trip Includes
- Round-trip motor coach transportation from Barrington
- Guided harbor cruise with narration and music
- Buffet meal onboard
- Gratuities for the bus driver
- Fun games and prizes during the bus ride
Trip Details
- Departure: NOON SHARP - Park and Ride, County Road, Barrington
- Return: 6:30 pm
- Full payment is due at the time of booking and is nonrefundable.
- If you need to transfer your trip to another participant, please notify us
- For questions, contact the Recreation Department: 401-247-1926 ext 201
Registration opened December 1st, 2025 and closes April 2nd, 2026.
To sign up for the Tall Ships Trip to Boston, register here.
Nantucket High Speed Ferry
Tuesday, September 15
Get away to beautiful Nantucket. We will board the Steamship Authority Traditional Ferry in Hyannis for a scenic crossing to this iconic island destination. Upon arrival, guests will have the day free to explore Nantucket at their own pace before regrouping for the return ferry.
Known as “The Faraway Land,” Nantucket is approximately 14 miles long and 3½ miles wide and offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty and historic charm. With more than 40% of the island preserved as conservation land, Nantucket features plentiful public beaches, picturesque streets, unique shops, and inviting dining options. Enjoy a relaxing day discovering all that this special island has to offer.
$145.00 PER PERSON - MAXIMUM PASSENGERS: 50
Trip Details
- Departure: TBD - Park and Ride, County Road, Barrington
- Return: TBD
- Full payment is due at the time of booking and is nonrefundable.
- If you need to transfer your trip to another participant, please notify us
- For questions, contact the Recreation Department: 401-247-1926 ext 201
Registration opened TBD and closes TBD.
Check back for registration link here.
Charles River Boat Cookies & Carols
Tuesday, December 8
Enjoy the relaxing and scenic Charles River Boat Cruise, a 70-minute fully narrated tour hosted by Charles Riverboat Company. This leisurely cruise offers a unique perspective of Boston and Cambridge from the water, highlighting historic and iconic sights along the Charles River. Guests will cruise past landmarks ranging from Beacon Hill to Harvard University, all while enjoying engaging narration that brings the city’s history and architecture to life.
Before boarding, participants will enjoy lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, making this a complete and memorable Boston-area experience.
$145.00 PER PERSON - MAXIMUM PASSENGERS: 50
Trip Details
- Departure: TBD - Park and Ride, County Road, Barrington
- Return: TBD
- Full payment is due at the time of booking and is nonrefundable.
- If you need to transfer your trip to another participant, please notify us
- For questions, contact the Recreation Department: 401-247-1926 ext 201
Registration opened TBD and closes TBD.
Check back for registration link here.
Youth
No current youth classes are being offered. Please check back here for new classes.
Waitlist Programs & Trips
Mah Jongg Lessons
Designed for beginners, this class introduces the fundamentals of this classic tile game of strategy, skill, & luck. Discover why Mah Jongg has captivated players for generations as you learn the rules, practice hands, & build confidence to play with others.
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Thursdays January 22 - March 12, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Fees: $70 for all 8 classes
Mah Jongg Lessons are currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
T'ai Chi
T’ai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise that gently strengthens and massages the body while calming the mind. This peaceful practice promotes balance, flexibility, and overall well-being, an excellent way to stay healthy and centered during the busy holiday season.
Instructor: Ni Ketut Tirta
Location: Peck Center
Dates/Time: Tuesdays, December 2, 9, & 16 | 5:30-6:30 PM
Fees: $25 for all 3 classes or $12 (credit/check/cash) per class at the door if session is not full. Call ahead (401) 247-1926 ext. 3 for availability.
T'ai Chi is currently full. To sign up for the waitlist, register here.
New Courses
Interested in Teaching a Course?
Have an idea for a class or workshop you’d love to lead? We’re always looking to expand our offerings at the Barrington Learning Center, held at the Barrington Recreation Department’s Peck Center.
Submit your course proposal using this form!
Have an Idea for a Class You’d Love to Take?
We're always listening to our community as we plan future offerings! If there's a class or workshop you’d be excited to see at the Barrington Learning Center, we’d love to hear about it. Whether it’s a hands-on art course, a unique hobby, or something fun for kids, teens, or adults — share your wish list with us!
Past Classes – May Return Soon!
Acing the ACT
This course, which was taught in the Spring and Fall of 2024, is designed to introduce students to the ACT exam, the more student-friendly college entrance exam that is time-tested and accepted by all colleges and universities throughout the United States. There have been new “enhancements” (e.g., fewer and shorter questions, longer time to answer, optional Science Section) that will make the overall test shorter and more student-friendly. The ACT will be offered both online and on paper, and it will NOT be adaptive—all students will be taking the same test. This class will prepare students for both formats.
Cindy Kaplan (experienced math teacher/test prep tutor/college advisor) is President of Kaplan Tutoring Services Inc. and is the technical editor of 1,001 ACT Practice Questions for Dummies and English Grammar for Dummies. She will introduce general test-taking, reading, and science strategies while providing a thorough review of grammar and math concepts.
Please check back for the next class date.
The Art of Okonomiyaki: Japan’s Savory Pancake
Discover the art of making okonomiyaki, one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods. Often described as a savory pancake (but not sweet), okonomiyaki combines fresh cabbage, protein, and a flavorful batter, topped with tangy sauces and garnishes. In Japan, it’s a dish often enjoyed when family and friends gather around the table, making it as fun to prepare as it is to eat. This family-friendly class will focus on the Osaka-style, where all the ingredients are mixed into the batter and cooked into one hearty pancake. Participants of all ages can join in the fun as we cook together, share cultural insights, and learn tips for recreating this versatile dish at home.
Please check back for the next class date.
Crafting the College Essay
Join this course to take your college essay from idea to final edit. The first session covers key elements like topic selection, tone, and narrative detail, with sample essays for analysis. Afterward, students will draft their essays and receive personalized feedback during two one-on-one sessions with instructor Katherine Schoppel, an experienced English teacher and owner of Authentic Applicant.
Please check back for the next session.
Meditation
Yoga and sound healing meditation are excellent practices for calming the body and mind. Through gentle bending and turning exercises paired with coordinated breathing, yoga not only strengthens and massages the body but also promotes relaxation. Sound healing meditation and alternative therapy utilize sound vibrations from instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, and the human voice (mantras) to foster relaxation and healing. The vibrations from these instruments aid in releasing stress, tension, anxiety, and negative thoughts, providing a holistic sense of tranquility and balance for the practitioner. These practices are highly effective for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Take a moment for you - relax, recharge, and restore your inner peace.
Please check back for the next class date.
Pickleball 101 - Adult Beginner Classes
Intro to Pickleball - see you in the spring!
Join the fastest-growing sport! This beginner pickleball course for adults (18+) covers basic skills, rules, strategies, and court positioning for doubles play.
- Instructor: Cliff Teixeira, USA Pickleball District Ambassador of RI
- Location: Kent Street Courts, Barrington
- Dates: Monday & Wednesday evenings
- Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Fees: $110 Barrington Resident | $120 Non-Resident
- Paddles Provided
Please check back for the next class date.
The Harmony of Yoga
This yoga class blends gentle stretching, breath work, active poses, and restorative practices, all done on the yoga mat. The focus is on mindful movements that encourage awareness and exploration of poses to support overall wellness. Sessions also include relaxation and stress-relief techniques such as Sound Healing Bowls, drums, and meditation. Taught by Marie Brennan-Chasin.
Please check back for the next class date.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is done on our Yoga Mats. It is a quiet, Yoga practice and meant to de-stress and re-educate our bodies and nervous systems to become passive and allow the stillness to support us and find comfort. This practice is highly beneficial to restore and renew folks towards their well being. Sound Healing, breathing and meditation exercises will be introduced. Class size is limited. Please bring a yoga mat, water, sweater, and socks.
Safe Sitter
Safe Sitter is more than just a babysitting course; it advocates for safe childcare, good parenting skills and responsible adolescents. Instructors are enthusiastic and committed to teens, and all are certified to teach Safe Sitter.
The Safe Sitter program offers children in grades 6-8 (ages 11-13) infant and child CPR and choking rescue, first aid, how to manage emergencies, babysitting as a business, injury prevention & management, behavior management, safety for the sitter, and childcare essentials. Students also receive a Safe Sitter student handbook that will serve as a reference for them.
Please check back for the next class date.
Backyard Astronomy
Have you ever looked up at the nighttime sky and wondered what it all means? What is that bright star? Is that really another planet? In this “hands-on” course, you will develop a better understanding of our universe and a familiarity with the night sky. The emphasis is upon getting out under the stars and visually observing using a combination of naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes ranging from small to large professional systems. Weather permitting, you will typically view satellites, constellations, planets and their moons, asteroids, a comet, stars and star clusters, nebula, distant galaxies, quasars and more.
Fall 2026 Session
Instructor: Pete Peterson, Experienced Astronomer
Location: Wishing Star Observatory
Date(s)/Time(s): Tuesday evenings, 6:30–8:30 PM
Fees: Barrington Resident | Non-Resident
Other Important Info: A 5-session schedule is guaranteed.
Wellness by the Water
Back by popular demand, we’re continuing to bring movement and mindfulness to the shoreline with Wellness by the Water — a calming series of sessions designed to support your well-being, all set to the peaceful backdrop of Barrington Beach.
This series will guide you through yoga postures and mindfulness techniques you can incorporate into your daily life—even if you only have a few minutes to spare. (After all, those who feel they don’t have the time often are the ones who need it the most!) Let us nurture your well-being during this vibrant season. No experience is needed. Just bring yourself, a towel or blanket, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen if necessary. All proceeds will be donated to the Senior Services Department at the Barrington Peck Center!
Those interested can also drop in to classes for $5 cash at the beach and must sign a waiver in person.
Please check back for the next class date.
Zumba 15/15/15
Exercise Class taught by Deana LaPage of Nest Wellness! This unique format combines 15 minutes of Zumba’s high-energy cardio dance, 15 minutes of Zumba Toning’s targeted body-sculpting, and 15 minutes of core exercises…ALL choreographed to music to create a calorie-burning Zumba fitness party!
Light hand weights provided or bring your Zumba Toning sticks along with a mat and water bottle.
Please check back for the next class date.
Past Special Events
Bike Safety Event
On October 4, 2025, families joined the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s Bicycle Education Team for a fun and educational bike safety program! Kids had the chance to practice safe riding in a guided course, learned proper helmet fitting, and got their bikes checked for safety. Participants brought their bicycles and helmets to take part.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
On October, 10, 2025, we celebrated a vibrant evening of dancing, music, food, and culture! Guests enjoyed salsa lessons by Del Alma Dance Company, music by a local Argentinean DJ, a variety of culturally inspired foods from area restaurants, and interactive activities exploring Hispanic Heritage knowledge. The event was presented by The Friends of the Bay Spring Community Center, in partnership with the Barrington Recreation Department and the Peck Center.
Donations Welcome
Would you like to sponsor a program or event? Contact the Recreation Department via phone or email. Thank you for your consideration.
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Jean Bellm
Director of Recreation & Peck CenterPhone: 401-247-1926 Ext. 202
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Lisa Portier
Project ManagerPhone: 401-247-1926 Ext. 206
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Peck Center for Adult Enrichment
Physical Address
281 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806
The Peck Center is located in the Lower Level of the Peck Community Center at 281 County Road. Parking and the main entrance are located to the south of the building. The Peck Center is ADA accessible.
Hours
Monday through Thursday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM