Welcome to Durham Parks & Recreation

Our Mission

Durham Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities.  Together, with the residents of Durham, we celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

Community Needs Assessment

SUMMER Youth & Adult Programs

SUMMER Program Registration
 
Please click HERE for information on YOUTH programs and to register.
 
Please click HERE for ADULT programs, trips and classes and to register.
 
**Please continue to check in on programs, as we add to this list when a new program becomes available**

DPR Programs & Registration

Durham Parks & Recreation has a full slate of programs for all ages! Visit the Programs Tab to check out all that we have to offer and to Register!

Downtown Durham Day- A Community Celebration of Durham

Join us downtown Main Street on Aug. 6th from 6:00-8:30pm for Downtown Durham Day! Live music, games, activities and info tables and booths highlighting local businesses, organizations and Town Committees. The annual ice cream eating contest is back for another year- be sure to register early at the Parks & Rec table to participate as spots are limited.

All are welcome to this FUN family friendly event! Participation is FREE!!
 
 
 
Participate in Durham Day! 
Join us for the Downtown Durham Day event! We invite all local businesses, organizations, committees, and commissions to participate in Durham Day on Thursday, August 6, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Downtown Durham Day is a great opportunity to connect with the community, promote your business, share information about your organization, and let residents know about the great work and initiatives your committee or commission is undertaking. Set up an informational table, interactive game, or activity to engage with the community—be creative and have fun! Participating groups are responsible for bringing all supplies needed for their setup, including tables, pop-up tents, giveaways, and other materials. A detailed event map and setup information will be distributed to all participating groups prior to the event.

 

Adult Field Trips

Come travel with us and make your next trip an adventure! Join us for these three engaging adult field trips to New England destinations, blending exploration, learning, and social connection in a relaxed, enjoyable setting!
Register online for each trip: HERE or contact the P&R office at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us or (603) 817-4074 to reserve your spot on a trip.
 
 

Trot In The Trees 5K Trail Race & 1 Mile Fun Run

Trot In The Trees 2026:

Registration is Now Open!! The Oyster River Youth Association, Durham Parks & Recreation and Madbury Recreation Commission have teamed up again for the 6th Trot in the Trees 5K Trail Race and 1 mile Fun Run.  The race will be held on Sunday Oct.4th, 2026 at 9:30 A.M. (1 mile fun run) with the 5k trail race starting at 10:00 A.M. at Tibbetts Field in Madbury, NH. The trail will wind through local trails surrounding Tibbetts Field, including a 2-mile loop through Powder Major Forest, giving participants a great fall experience. Runners will have to negotiate natural terrain, roots, mud, plenty of fall leaves and the “hay-bale hurdle” to finish the race! The 1-mile Fun Run course will test our younger participants giving them a real trail running experience.
 
Register for the Trot:  

You can pre-register for the race or register in-person between 9:00-9:45am the morning of the race to participate.  Race shirts will be given to all 5K registrant who sign up by 9/6/26. We look forward to seeing you on the course!!
 
 
 

2026 Summer Camps with Durham P&R!

We are excited for another great summer and look forward to seeing our returning campers from previous summers and welcoming  many new faces this summer.  
 
**View our 2026 Durham Parks & Recreation detailed Summer Camp Guide. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
**View the detailed 2026 REACH Catalog for AM REACH, PM REACH & Friday Field Trips.