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Learn-to-Bike for Adults: Basic Skills

Do you want to learn or refresh basic skills, such as starting, stopping, and turning? Bikes and helmets provided. Class open to all genders.

June 4, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Mattahunt School Parking Lot
    100 Hebron Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-06-04T18:00:59 - 2026-06-04T20:00:59

Beginner and Basic Skills (Level 1 and 2)

two photos showing a group of adult learners on bikes

Can't remember the last time you were on a bike? Or never learned to ride? Come to a free learn-to-ride workshop and learn alongside other adults. 

This class is open to all genders, and is appropriate for people who have never ridden a bike before, have not been on a bike for a long time, or can pedal but need to work on basic skills (like stopping, turning, and changing gears). It is taught entirely in a parking lot. Bike and helmets provided for the duration of the workshop, registration required.

June 4, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Mattahunt School Parking Lot
    100 Hebron Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-06-04T18:00:59 - 2026-06-04T20:00:59

Learn-to-Bike for Adults: Street Skills

A group ride designed to practice bike skills on off-street paths, bike lanes, and on low-stress shared streets. Class open to all genders.

June 6, 2026
  • 12:00pm - 2:00pm
  • Mattahunt School Parking Lot
    100 Hebron Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-06-06T12:00:21 - 2026-06-06T14:00:21

Bicycle On-Street Skills (Level 4)

two photos of groups of new cyclists learning how to navigate city streets

If you have mastered the basic skills like starting, stopping, and turning, and you have familiarity with using hand signals and shifting gears, come to a free Street Skills clinic for Boston residents who identify as women or gender expansive. This class builds from the skills practiced in our Road Readiness clinics. We’ll ride as a group on streets with low-speed traffic, learning how to start and stop safely at traffic signals, ride a safe distance from parked cars and moving vehicles, communicate with other road users, and make turns at intersections. This class is open to people of all genders. Participants are welcome (but not required) to take Road Readiness and Street Skills on the same day.

June 6, 2026
  • 12:00pm - 2:00pm
  • Mattahunt School Parking Lot
    100 Hebron Street
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-06-06T12:00:21 - 2026-06-06T14:00:21

ADU Resource Fair

The ADU Resource Fair is a one-stop shop for everything related to Accessory Dwelling Units.

May 16, 2026
Event Date2026-05-16T13:00:00 - 2026-05-16T17:00:00

 From design, to financing, through to construction and permitting: if you have questions, the ADU Resource Fair will have answers. Whether you’re a property owner with room to grow or you're just ADU curious, all are welcome to drop in!

May 16, 2026
Event Date2026-05-16T13:00:00 - 2026-05-16T17:00:00

Learn-to-Bike for Adults: Road Readiness

Gain on-bike confidence skills! We will learn and practice hand signals and advanced bike handling. Class open to all genders.

May 21, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Work Inc parking lot
    25 Beach Street
    Boston, MA 02122
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-05-21T18:00:00 - 2026-05-21T20:00:00

Bicycle Road Readiness Skills (Level 3)

two side-by-side photos showing captures from Level 3 on-bike workshop for adults

If you have the basic biking skills like starting, stopping, and turning, but want to build your confidence to ride in the street, come to a free Road Readiness clinic for adults. Our experienced staff and volunteers will help each participant gain skills and confidence so you’re ready to venture onto the street and keep on rolling! This class is taught entirely in a parking lot. We will run through some fun activities to build skills like using hand signals, shifting gears, and riding in a steady line. You’ll get lots of practice and one-on-one support. This class is open to people of all genders, bikes and helmets provided for duration of the workshop, registration required.

If you cannot yet ride independently across a parking lot, please do not register for this clinic. Our Basic Skills class is more appropriate.

May 21, 2026
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Work Inc parking lot
    25 Beach Street
    Boston, MA 02122
  • Contact:
    Boston Bikes
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
    Learning and lectures
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-05-21T18:00:00 - 2026-05-21T20:00:00

Parks and Recreation Duck Boat Challenge

Let's pull together for youth sports!

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Back for round two! The Boston Parks and Recreation’s Duck Boat Challenge returns for its second year on Saturday April 11, 2026, bringing one of the city’s most unique and exhilarating challenges back to Boston Common. Teams of 10 will battle the clock as they pull a 21,000-pound duck boat down the course. Are you ready to take on the competition?

Beyond the thrill, the Duck Boat Challenge celebrates community spirit and the Boston Parks and Recreation programs that help young athletes grow, stay active, and stay healthy.

This event is in partnership with the Boston Duck Tours.

See the excitement from the 2025 Duck Boat Challenge in the video below.

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Here's How it Works

  • TEAM CHALLENGE: Assemble a team of 10 friends, family, or coworkers (must be 16+ to participate & Teams must have exactly 10 members.)
  • TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE: Compete to pull the massive 21,000-pound duck boat in the fastest time. 
  • HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Your team’s participation directly supports youth sports programs in Boston, helping foster fitness, well-being, and opportunities for young athletes to explore a variety of sports.

How to Participate

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Each team will consist of 10 members, with one appointed as the Team Captain. The Team Captain will be responsible for managing the team’s registration process. 

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

GET ON BOARD

Put your name on the Duck! The Duck Boat Challenge has taken Boston by storm, capturing attention and buzz citywide! This is a fun way to be involved with a high-energy, community-centered event.  If your business, company, or organization is interested in supporting the event or joining the challenge, reach out to Tiffany Clark at Tiffany.Clark@boston.gov or (617) 233-2305.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Can't make it to the event?  You can still support the Recreation Division by making a donation to the Fund at Parks and Recreation in Boston now or any time of year.

DONATE

CHECK OUT THE 2025 DUCK BOAT CHALLENGE

Contact

For more information, please contact Tiffany Clark, Recreation Resource Development Manager, at tiffany.clark@boston.gov or 617-233-2305. 

Thank You Event Sponsors

THANK YOU BOSTON DUCK TOURS

BOSTON DUCK TOURS

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: Dorchester

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

August 7, 2026
Event Date2026-08-07T11:00:00 - 2026-08-07T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

August 7, 2026
Event Date2026-08-07T11:00:00 - 2026-08-07T12:00:00

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: South Boston

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

August 6, 2026
Event Date2026-08-06T11:00:00 - 2026-08-06T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

August 6, 2026
Event Date2026-08-06T11:00:00 - 2026-08-06T12:00:00

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: South End

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

July 31, 2026
Event Date2026-07-31T11:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

July 31, 2026
Event Date2026-07-31T11:00:00 - 2026-07-31T12:00:00

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: Beacon Hill

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

July 30, 2026
Event Date2026-07-30T11:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

July 30, 2026
Event Date2026-07-30T11:00:00 - 2026-07-30T12:00:00

Rosalita’s Puppet Show: Jamaica Plain

Boston’s parks come alive with these whimsical puppet shows that will delight the child in everyone.

July 24, 2026
Event Date2026-07-24T11:00:00 - 2026-07-24T12:00:00

Experience the unique charm of Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore.

Performances start at 11 a.m. The event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The event is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.

This series is weather-dependent. Check our social media pages for updated weather info regarding this series. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on events: Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

July 24, 2026
Event Date2026-07-24T11:00:00 - 2026-07-24T12:00:00
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