Rec & Parks Holiday Programs and Winter Mini Camp 2025-26
The Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department is ringing in the holidays with special programs, including Winter Mini Camp! Click here to see the full brochure, which includes events happening during the school break and on New Year's Eve.
S'Mores with Santa
We will have free s’mores for kids to make as well as hot chocolate and popcorn, while supplies last. For children of all ages.
- When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Living Memorial Park, lower softball field
New Year's Eve
View the full line-up of New Year's Eve activities here.
Winter Mini Camp
Join the Rec & Parks staff for a fun-filled morning packed with games, sports, activities, arts, crafts & more! Snacks will be provided, but we ask that you please bring a drink and lunch.
Pre-registration is required by Dec. 20, 2025. We will meet at the Nelson Withington Skating Facility on Monday, Dec. 29. Please bring skates if you have them, a sled, and warm clothes.
- When: Dec. 26, 29, 30 & Jan 2
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Stay for our FREE extended open gym from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
- Where: Gibson-Aiken Center
- Age: Children 5-11 years old. (Maximum 20 and minimum of 6 to run the program).
- Cost: $15 per day for Brattleboro resident; $18 per day for non-resident
Open Gym and Game Room
Note: Open Gym on Dec. 26, 29, 30 and Jan. 2 will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for school ages K-12 only.
Open Gym and Game Room is a supervised and unstructured program that offers a safe and fun environment for children after school. This program provides a space where participants can shoot hoops, do homework, and use the game room to play bumper pool, foosball, air hockey, and table tennis.
Those under the age of 7 must be signed in, and an emergency number must be left with staff if a parent does not plan to stay.
The basketball court is for basketball only. Sneakers must be worn on the gym floor. Other activities include board games, Legos, chalk wall, Giant Connect Four, drawing, and more.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Brattleboro Outing Club has miles of well-groomed ski trails for beginners to advanced skiers, as well as over three miles of well-marked snowshoe trails. The Brattleboro Outing Club trails are located at the Brattleboro Country Club, 58 Senator Gannet Drive. Brattleboro Outing Club will be offering the use of their trails on New Year’s Eve.
Ski & Snowshoe rentals are available at the BOC Ski & Snowshoe Hut (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or snowshoes may be loaned for free from Brooks Memorial Library.
This event is weather dependent and will be canceled if there is little or no snow.
For more information about the Brattleboro Outing Club, as well as trail conditions, please visit their website or our Facebook page.
- Where: Brattleboro Outing Club Trails at 73 Senator Gannet Drive
- Time: Dec. 31 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost: Suggested donation $10/single & $20/members of same household
Basketball Clinic
Looking to improve your basketball skills and have fun? This is the place! Come join Coach Jason Coplan & the BUHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team.
Pre-registration is required. A minimum of 8 participants is required to run each group and the maximum is 24 per age group.
- When: Monday, Dec. 29, 2025
- Time: 10 to 11:15 a.m. Grades K-2 Coed; 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Grades 3- 6 Coed
- Where: Gibson-Aiken Center Gymnasium
- Cost: $5 per participant
- Note: Open Gym will immediately follow from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Free Movie Matinee
Featuring Wonka (rated PG), a 2023 musical fantasy film. It is a prequel to the 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Where: Gibson-Aiken Center
Bowling
Join the Rec & Parks Department for a special bowling event at Brattleboro Bowl! This event is for children and adults of all ages (kids under age 10 must be with an adult).
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 30
- Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Brattleboro Bowl, Putney Road
- Cost: $12 (for two games, shoes, hot dog & drink)
Public Skating Updates
The Nelson Withington Skating Facility will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Mondays: 7 to 09 p.m. (Dollar Night)
- Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. to noon (Adults Only)
- Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. to noon (Adults Only)
- Fridays: 10:30 a.m. to noon (Adults Only); 7 to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays: 1:30 to 4 p.m. (Dollar Day); 7 to 9 p.m.
- Sundays: 1 to 4 p.m.; 7 to 9 p.m.
There will be additional public skating hours during the holiday season.
- Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31 & Jan. 2: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 to 9 p.m.
Other Programs
Register for other programs online or in person at the Gibson-Aiken Center during its regular hours.
ONGOING YOUTH PROGRAMS: Indoor Soccer, Fencing, Chess, Free Parent/Tot Open Gym
ONGOING ADULT PROGRAMS: Indoor Soccer/Futsal. Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Pickleball, Swords and Boards