Arlington Community Education

Step into the landscapes that inspired Henry David Thoreau and experience the restorative power of nature through forest bathing. Led by a certified forest therapy guide, this walk will deepen your connection with the natural world. Through gentle, sensory-based invitations, you’ll slow down, engage mindfully with nature, and find a sense of calm and renewal. Rooted in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, this experience offers a chance to unplug, recharge, and immerse yourself in Thoreau’s beloved landscapes. No experience necessary—just a willingness to be present. The location will be somewhere in Concord MA. A week before the program Nadine will email with the precise location and parking instructions.

Castle Island isn’t just about stunning views of Boston Harbor, scenic walking paths, and sandy beaches—it’s a treasure trove of history and local flavor. Take a guided tour through the island’s forts, dating back to 1634, and learn how the MWRA’s Deer Island wastewater treatment plant helped revitalize the harborfront. Discover Logan Airport’s vital role in New England commerce and uncover Edgar Allan Poe’s surprising 1820s connection to the island. After the tour, stick around for an optional casual seafood lunch at Castle Island’s iconic seasonal spot, Sullivan’s. Because what’s Boston history without a lob-stah roll?

“Donut” miss out on this mouthwatering adventure through Cambridge’s iconic Harvard Square. Sample an irresistible array of artisanal donuts crafted with passion and precision by four local bakeries as your friendly guide shares stories about donuts and the historic sights you’ll see. Try uniquely flavored donuts such as Greek donuts, mochi donuts, and churros. All ages welcome. Please Note: Unfortunately allergies cannot be accommodated.

Learn local history and all about chocolate. Throughout this walking tour, we’ll make four stops, including a lesson in how to taste chocolate. We’ll sample delicious local ice cream from an independent store and try unique chocolate desserts such as baked goods and specialty hot chocolate. Sip cacao juice directly from the chocolate fruit and sample roasted cacao beans. All ages are welcome.

So you’ve run a 5K—now what? You liked training for a three-mile race and are ready to take your running to the next level, but don’t know how? Whether you want to run a five-miler, a 10K, or a half-marathon and beyond, this course will teach you how to safely achieve your fitness goals by balancing strength, speed, hills, and endurance into your week. Coach Gaggi will give you a custom training program based on your running goals and check in with you weekly to keep you on track. Most classes meet at Spy Pond. Prerequisite: For the 3 months before the start of the class, you need to have consistently run 3 times a week with at least 2-3 non-stop miles per run, totalling at least 6-9 weekly miles. If you don’t have a solid base for this course, you may get injured. Start logging your miles today!

There’s more to running than just “left, right, left, right, left, right.” Stretching, strengthening, and core control are all important parts of a healthy and balanced running regimen. But it really starts with your mind. We’ll show you how easy and simple it can be to establish a daily fitness routine. Classes stress proper running form, focusing on the lower back and core muscles. Learn how to track miles using your device or an old-fashioned notebook to achieve your fitness goals. Most classes meet at Spy Pond. Fit to 5K: Get strong and stay injury-free in this slow-moving, safely-progressing, and endurance-building nine-week running program, which builds up to a 5K (3.1 miles) we’ll run together. No class 10/2 Fit to 4K: Not ready to commit to a 5K? This class focuses on overall fitness and concludes with a 4K (2.5 miles). No class 9/23, 11/11

Tasty wild plants grow abundantly all around us. Join a plant expert for a walk through an urban wild and develop your foraging skills. You’ll learn to identify dozens of edible plants and how they can enhance your culinary and nutritional repertoire. We’ll also cover cooking options, seasonal availability, and guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging. You’ll be amazed at the greens, nuts, roots, and mushrooms you can find now and over the next few months. Sampling in the field will be encouraged! Children ages 10+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

The South End, one of the more under-explored neighborhoods of Boston, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for having the highest concentration of late-Victorian brick bow-front row houses. Luckily for us, it also has a lot of chocolate! Come along on this afternoon chocolate tour of Boston and sample delectable chocolate cuisine while touring an eclectic mix of local cafes, shops, restaurants, and boutiques in this truly charming and historic neighborhood. Please note: Meeting location and safety guidelines will be emailed one week prior to the course. Tuition includes tastings.

Discover new places to hike and hear tales about Native American settlers and esteemed writers such as Alcott and Emerson. We’ll walk five to six miles each week, rain or shine. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers as we learn and have fun, all while taking in the beauty of nature and local history. Please note: Locations vary each week and details will be emailed. All walks meet rain or shine, please dress for the weather.

Get outdoors and enjoy the natural world. Hike local wilderness areas such as the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Walden Pond, and the Western Greenway, led by an experienced guide. Engage your curiosity, seek out adventure, build camaraderie, and increase your stamina on hikes of varying distances and challenges. Gain confidence as you learn how to read trail maps, use a compass, and employ other navigation techniques, as well as read the forest for clues about the non-human life around us. Our club will culminate in an optional full-day hike in the White Mountain National Forest. Transportation from Gibbs/OMS and all necessary equipment will be provided for both the club and the hike. Location: Pickups and dropoffs from Gibbs and Ottoson Schools Hike Locations: Initially, Middlesex Fells, with other local options available All necessary equipment (including hiking backpacks, microspikes, snowshoes and headlamps) will be provided for both the club and the hike. Note: The full-day hike is on Sunday, Nov 2 and is open to Hiking Club members only, register separately.