Ipswich MA baseball team from 1894

Ipswich Sports & Recreation: Programs & Activities

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Ipswich Schools Athletic Programs

Ipswich High School Varsity Athletics Programs: Home of the Ipswich Tigers. Director of Athletics:
Tom Gallagher. Email: tgallagher@ipsk12.net. Phone: (978) 356-3137 x. 2193. Under Massachusetts regulations and MIAA policy, all athletes must have a valid physical on file with the athletic department. View a complete list of activities. View the registration page.

Ipswich Athletics Youth Programs: Ipswich High School is proud of the youth programs currently offered, which serve as the first step in preparing for high school athletics. Please click the links located below to learn more about these terrific programs.

Baseball & Softball (Youth & Adults)

Ipswich Little League Baseball: Ipswich Little League is an in-town, instructional baseball league for boys and girls ages 4-12. Games and practices are at Town Hall or Bialek Park. No travel is required for Spring baseball. Shirts, hats, helmets, and bats will be provided. Contact: PO Box 190 
Ipswich, Massachusetts 01938. Email: ipswichlittleleague@gmail.com. Age Ranges/Divisions:

  • Bubba Bat: Little League ages 4-6
  • Coach Pitch: Little League ages 6-8*
  • AAA: Little League ages 9-10
  • Majors: Little League ages 11-12

Ipswich Babe Ruth Baseball. The Ipswich field is at Bialek Park, 17 Linebrook Road. Contact: PO Box 190 01938. Email: ipswichbaberuth@gmail.com

Ipswich Chiefs Baseball, a member of the Intertown Twilight League, was founded in 1929. The Intertown Twilight League is the oldest active amateur baseball league in the country. The league consists of teams from Beverly, Hamilton, Ipswich, Manchester, Rockport, Rowley, & Topsfield to make up the league. Most of the players are college or former college/high school players; a few have had professional experience. Contact info is not available.

Ipswich Travel Softball: We are a non-profit organization and home of the Ipswich youth softball program for players in grades K through 8. Our players are introduced to softball by teaching them the fundamentals in a fun and safe environment while continuously advancing their skills throughout the program. Part of the Ipswich Travel Softball (ITS) program, playing during the spring season. Email: ipswichsoftball@gmail.com.

Ipswich Jaguars, Essex County Women’s Softball League (ECWSL), part of the Ipswich Travel Softball (ITS) program, play during the spring season. 

Ipswich Ladies League Softball -We are an all-abilities league of women 21+ who come together while building community, having fun, and playing ball. We play weekly semi-competitive but fun games throughout the summer. Join us! Email: ipswichladiesleaguesoftball@gmail.com

Men’s Over 30 Softball League: Hitting home runs since 2012. Congratulations to the 2024 champions, the Ipswich Shellfish. Field Information: Doyon Ballpark, 216 Linebrook Rd. Ipswich, MA 01938.

Basketball

Ipswich Travel Basketball: Ipswich Travel Basketball supports Boys and Girls from 4th through 8th grade here in Ipswich, MA. We are an all-volunteer-based board. Our season runs from late November through March via the Cape Ann Youth Basketball League. Teams typically practice 2 days per week, and games are on Saturday and/or Sunday. Contact: PO Box 163, Ipswich, MA 01938. Email: itb@mail.com

Ipswich YMCA Jr. Celtics Rookie Hoops: All our basketball classes and leagues provide young athletes with a dynamic and enjoyable avenue to learn the sport, improve skills, and foster teamwork. Our programs aim to cultivate not only athletic skills but also character and camaraderie among participants. Join us on the court for a fulfilling and enriching basketball experience. View programs.

Ipswich Town Hall Over 40 Pick Up Basketball: There are ongoing scheduled uses throughout the year on weeknights. Time slots are available, however, for certain indoor sports and activities. The gym is not available for use until after 4:00 p.m. without express permission of the COA Director in advance of the booking, since the gym is located directly above the COA area. Location: Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. For reservations, contact Brianne Hale at 978-356-6643.

Camps & Child Care

Appleton Farms Farm and Nature Camp is on a historic working farm. Our program for ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration. Contact: Michael Walker, Camp Director. email: appletonfarmcamp@thetrustees.org. Phone: 781-259-4624

Audubon Ipswich River Nature Camp: At Ipswich River Nature Camp on Perkins Row in Topsfield, children ages 5–14 discover local habitats, connect with the natural landscape, and develop great friendships. Our knowledgeable staff encourages an educational, non-competitive camp environment for memories that will last a lifetime. Contact: Mass Audubon Headquarters, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773. Phone 781-259-9500 or 800-283-8266. Sign up for information about summer camp.

Brazilian Soccer Summer Camp, Pony Express Playing Fields, Candlewood Rd. Open to all kids aged 7 to 14, regardless of skill level. The camp focuses on developing technical soccer skills through engaging cultural activities, mini-tournaments, and lots of fun. Participants will make friends, learn new skills from professional Brazilian soccer coaches, and receive a customized evaluation card at the end of the camp. Monday to Friday – Full-day or Half-day camp options available.

Crane Beach Summer Quest: The Trustees offers unique summer day camp experiences for children ages 4 to 17 at multiple of our signature properties in eastern Massachusetts. Camps run throughout the summer every week, starting just after school ends the last week in June through late August. For general inquiries, please contact education@thetrustees.org

TTS Campus Ipswich seasonal programs. Open to all area youth ages 5-12. Contact Coach Mike Faye. Email: coachmikefay@gmail.com. Phone (978) 476-6053

Cheerleading

Ipswich Varsity Cheerleading: 2012 and 2013 Undefeated Division 4 Massachusetts State Champions. Cheerleading groups develop a sense of teamwork, and that hard work pays off not just with titles but with learning to be the true definition of a team.

Ipswich-Triton Youth Cheerleading cultivates self-confidence, accomplishes personal and team goals, and prioritizes promoting an athlete’s potential. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring each child has a safe and enjoyable time! Cheerleaders are taught sideline cheers, stunts, tumbling, jumps, and a competition routine. No experience necessary! Cheerleaders participate in both home and away games, and as competitive cheerleaders. A member of the Cape Ann League and the Massachusetts Youth Cheer Alliance. Website:  Www.ityfl.org. Email: Itcheerdirectors@gmail.com

Cycling

North Shore Cyclists is a recreational bike club that draws its membership primarily from the North Shore area of Massachusetts. Our weekly and daily bike rides are routed along the back roads and shorelines north of Boston. Rides questions? email Rides@nscyc.org. Membership questions? email Membership@nscyc.org.

North Shore New England Mountain Bike NEMBA comprises over 30 significant riding areas with many miles of trails open for enjoyable mountain biking. We work with local cities and towns to improve trails and trail access, and we work in partnership with state parks, including Harold Parker, Georgetown-Rowley, and Willowdale, along with properties associated with Essex County Greenbelt and The Trustees of Reservations, to preserve trail access, promote amicable relations with other trail users, and develop trail maintenance programs. Email: northshorema@nemba.org.

Bicycle Rides in and Around Ipswich, Massachusetts (Historic Ipswich site): Recommended road and mountain bike rides from Ipswich.

Dance

Ipswich Community Contra Dance: The event is free & public, and open to all ages, no experience necessary. Similar to Square Dancing, one dances with a partner, but in lines, with music by Egrets Only. Dances called by Anna. Location: Town Hall Gym, 25 Green Street, Ipswich. View the winter 2025 schedule.

High Street Dance Studio, 125bc High Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. We are honored to be your first dance class experience at any age. We will support you every step of the way. If there’s any hesitation, we do our best to ease you in with a studio tour and encourage participation through observation until a student is ready to dance. Email: info@highstreet.studio. Telephone: 978-206-2682

Marianna’s Dance Studio, 7 Market Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. Offers Dance and Tumbling & Acrobatics programs for all ages and levels; traditional Dance training in Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Tap, and Jazz. We also offer specially-crafted programs, including Twinkle Toes, Recreational, Competitive, and Pre-Professional Dance & Acrobatics. Phone: (978) 948-2416. Email: info@marianasdancing.com

Darts

Ipswich Dart League. See also North Shore Minute Men Dart League. Established in 1974, the MMDL has grown from a handful of teams to become the Largest Dart League in the World, with currently over 300 teams from the North Shore, Boston, South Shore, and Central Massachusetts.  Our members range from the average recreational amateur to nationally and internationally ranked professionals.

Education & Enrichment

Birth To Three Family Center Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, Massachusetts, provides a foundation supporting early learning processes, including free programs, age-specific playgroups, and opportunities for social and emotional growth in a stimulating, safe, child-centered environment. Phone: (978) 471-2180. Email: ​birthto3@ipsk12.net.

Ipswich Museum offers scavenger hunts around Ipswich, craft tutorials, self-guided tours, and history challenges for students of all ages. Tel: 978.356.2811. Email: office@ipswichmuseum.org

Equestrian Sports


Ascot Riding Center: Private and group riding Lessons for children and adults. Over twenty-five school horses and ponies, Boarding available to riders in lesson programs. Contact Kat Kenney, Phone: 978.729.9959. Barn: 978.356.5932. Email: ascotskatkenney@gmail.com

Back Bay Farm: Equitation training and boarding stable. Contact Robin Petersen. Back Bay Farm
50 Candlewood Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938. Phone 978-356-0730

Linebrook Farm: Horse boarding, riding lessons, training, and summer camp programs since 1978. Contact: Christina and Gretchen Mello. Phone: 978-356-9739.

Football

Ipswich-Triton Youth Football & Cheering: Make sure the kids have fun, stay safe, and learn the fundamentals of football. Teach valuable life lessons like teamwork, preparation, determination, good sportsmanship, and how to overcome adversity. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 210, Ipswic,h MA 01938. Email: ITYFLMAIL@gmail.com

Cape Ann Flag Football: for boys and girls ages 3-15, the program provides young players a fun and
exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. The NEFFL runs 4 seasons a year. Phone: (978) 338-4108. Email: admin@newenglandflagfootball.com

Gymnastics, Wrestling & Martial Arts

Mark Werners Martial Arts Studio, 43 Market St., Ipswich, MA 01938. We are a full-time school, so we have classes all day, six days a week. On Saturday afternoons, we offer birthday parties and seminars, bringing in other martial artists from near and far. Email: tashimark@yahoo.com. Phone: 978-356-9800.

River Rival Youth Wrestling: Introduction to the sport of amateur folk-style wrestling to students in grades 5 through 8. A non-profit organization founded to teach the sport of wrestling to youths in the towns of Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimack, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, West Newbury, Salisbury, and surrounding areas. Register: https://riverrivalwrestling.org/registration/

Ace Gymnastics: Phone: (978) 356-8332. Email: fliptime@acegymnasticsinc.com

Pickleball

Ipswich Town Hall Outdoor Pickleball Court. A mixed-use outdoor court, offering a basketball court and one outdoor pickleball court, is available for scheduled use through this reservation system.   Pickleball court may be reserved for a maximum of three hours.  If the court has not been reserved, play is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Pickleball equipment is available for Ipswich residents aged 60+ to borrow by scheduling with the Council on Aging Director. Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street.

Ipswich Town Hall Gym Indoor Pickleball & Basketball Court: There are ongoing scheduled uses throughout the year on weeknights.  Time slots are available, however, for certain indoor sports and activities.  The gym is not available for use until after 4:00 p.m. without express permission of the COA Director in advance of the booking, since the gym is located directly above the COA area.  Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street. Visit the Reservation Calendar.

North Shore YMCA Pickleball Court: One of the fastest-growing sports in the country! YMCA of the North Shore members have unlimited access to our playtimes, while community members are able to purchase a monthly pass. Address: 110 County Rd, Ipswich. Phone: (978) 356-0625

Soccer, Hockey, Rugby & Lacrosse

Ipswich Youth Soccer: To develop a love for the game, we provide an opportunity for children to play in recreational and competitive soccer leagues. Our members learn the importance of teamwork, determination, persistence, and hard work in a collegial, nurturing atmosphere. Within this culture, we teach fundamental skills, rules of the game, sportsmanship, and fair play to our coaches, players, and families. Contact: Ipswich Youth Soccer, P.O. Box 586, Ipswich, MA 01938. Email: ipswich@ecysa.org

Ipswich Youth Lacrosse: Our mission is to teach children the core values of sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and teamwork. All players and coaches involved with Ipswich Youth Lacrosse, Inc. are members of US Lacrosse. Our coaches are trained and certified in accordance with league standards. Both our boys’ and girls’ teams participate under the guidance of the Mass Youth Lacrosse League. Contact the Executive Committee: iylaxec@gmail.com.

Agawam Youth Hockey: Agawam Youth Hockey is a nonprofit youth hockey organization serving the towns of Hamilton, Wenham, Ipswich, Essex, and Manchester. Agawam Youth Hockey is part of the Mass Hockey organization and participates in the Valley Hockey League. Email: AgawamYH@gmail.com. Agawam Youth Hockey, Wenham, MA 01984.

North Shore Youth Rugby: Our philosophy at North Shore Rugby is to teach our young players contact rugby at an early age and to develop each player’s confidence. The home Field is Salem High School Rugby Field, 77 Wilson St, Salem, MA. Email nsyouthrugby15@gmail.com

TTS Floor Hockey, Ipswich Town Hall, winter 2025. Download the registration form.

Futsal, Ipswich Town Hall Gym. Grade 4 and 5 Girls Futsal hosted by Matt Kalinowski.

Swimming

Ipswich YMCA indoor pool and swim lessons. Infant & toddler, pre-school, school-age classes, lifeguard certification. The YMCA swim lessons have earned international acclaim and have been proven to be effective. From swim lessons in our Swim Academy and private swim lessons to Masters Swim for adults and Water Wise for children with intellectual disabilities, the best swim school at the YMCA of the North Shore has a swim option for you!  Click here to learn more.

North Shore Swim Club: Our swim experts can assist you in achieving your swimming goals. They can help you learn how to swim, join a top-ranked team, stay fit, or improve your stroke technique. Lifeguard, CPR, first aid, and swim instructor certifications. View facility locations. Mailing Address: NSSC, P.O. Box 2032, Methuen, MA 01844. Program Director Mat O’Brien. Phone: (781) 264-1017. Email: mobrien8146@gmail.com

Boating, Sailing, Kayak & Canoe

Foote Bros. Canoes, 230 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, MA renting canoes from our livery at Willowdale Dam on the Ipswich River since 1955. Our rental fleet consists of both 15’ & 17’ top-of-the-line Grumman canoes, 12’ Perception Prodigy and Perception Joy Ride Kayaks, and 14.5’ Perception Cove tandem kayaks. Phone:
(978) 356-9771. We also provide a shuttle service to several drop-off points upstream, and instruction for beginners. Phone: (978) 356-9771.

Ipswich Junior Sailing: Empowers children and families of Ipswich and surrounding communities through sailing and small boat instruction, regatta racing, and onshore nautical skills instruction. Operates on the grounds of the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club, providing a service to the local community. Families do not need to be members of the Yacht Club to participate in Junior Sailing. Telephone: ‪(978) 238-8073‬. Email: info@ipswichjuniorsailing.org

Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) Floating Classroom: Programs and activities that focus on and highlight the Ipswich River.

Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) Paddle at Riverbend. Members paddle all season long using our kayaks and canoes at our dock in Ipswich.

Skating

Switch Rideable Skate Park, Bialek Park, Linebrook Rd., Ipswich.

Table Tennis (Ping Pong)

Ipswich Town Hall Table Tennis: Time slots are available, however, for certain indoor sports and activities. The gym is not available for use until after 4:00 p.m. without express permission of the COA Director in advance of the booking, since the gym is located directly above the COA area. Location: Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. For reservations, contact Brianne Hale at 978-356-6643.

Tennis

Ipswich Junior/Middle School Tennis Courts. Athletic fields and courts can be used for non-contact sports, such as tennis and pickleball. The Ipswich High School, located at 134 High Street, offers six outdoor tennis courts. Information regarding reservation requirements for these courts is available. You can contact the school’s Director of Athletics, Tom Gallagher, at tgallagher@ipsk12.net or by phone at (978) 356-3137 ext. 2193.

Ipswich Country Club has six tennis courts and offers tennis lessons and tournaments for its members. To join, contact the Membership Director, Alex DeSaulnier, at 978-356-4822.

Trails, Walking & Hiking

Town of Ipswich Open Space properties. Complete list with maps, etc., Historic Ipswich site.

Historic Ipswich trails page: Comprehensive list with an interactive map of hiking trails in Ipswich and the surrounding area.

Essex County Greenbelt: Greenbelt conserves farmland, wildlife habitat, and scenic landscapes throughout Essex County, Massachusetts, ensuring free access to nature for all — now and forever. Come explore Greenbelt’s conserved properties. Whether you want to hike, kayak, run, paint or bird, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect spot at one of our reservations. Headquarters: 82 Eastern Avenue, Essex, MA 01929. Phone: 978-768-7241. Email

Appleton Farms & Appleton Farms Grass Rides: More than six miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads, some of which are part of the Bay Circuit Trail. Six miles of trails perfect for walking, hiking, or running are available at the connected Appleton Farms Grass Rides, where dog walking is also allowed. Trails are open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. You can download a Property Trail Map here.

Essex County Trail Association: Since 1982, Essex County Trail Association has worked to protect and preserve hundreds of miles of trails in Essex, Hamilton, Ipswich, Topsfield, Wenham, and West Newbury.

Willowdale State Forest: Boating (non-motorized), Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Hunting, Mountain biking. There are 2 turnouts for parking along the side of Ipswich Road. There is a third turnout on Linebrook Road on the opposite side of the park. Parking is free.

Wednesday Walkers go to a different destination each week, leaving Town Wharf at 9:30 and returning before noon. Various sites in Ipswich, including parts of the Bay Circuit Trail and other nearby communities, are announced weekly based on weather conditions as well as the interests of the participants. Contact Betty Dorman, 978-356-3459, for more information.

Walking Tours of Historic Ipswich are provided by Gordon Harris. Visit the site.

Multisport, Adult & Senior Recreation

Council on Aging (COA) advocates for Ipswich senior citizens and designs, implements, and promotes programs and services that support their independence, health, and well-being. All senior residents of Ipswich are invited to participate in the many scheduled activities and programs that have been developed for your enjoyment and benefit. View this month’s Recreation & Activities Calendar. Phone: 978-356-6650. Email: coa@ipswichma.gov.

Ipswich Family YMCA: 100 County Road, 978-356-9622. Swimming, basketball, yoga, and gymnastics. pickleball, weight-lifting, personal fitness, and more activities for all ages.

Ipswich Bay Cornhole League. Phone: 978) 626-2221. Email: ipswichbaycornhole@gmail.com

Disc Golf (three holes). Ipswich Town Hall Athletic Fields, Green Street, when available. View on YouTube

Other Youth Programs

Lego Engineering Joanne Gurelle: Price per program: $130. Location: Ipswich Town Hall, Bottom Floor, 25 Green Street, Ipswich Email: gorrellconsult@gmail.com

Other Opportunities and Events

TTS Players is a community theatre organization serving the Triton, Newburyport, Cape Ann, and Merrimack Valley communities with venues in Byfield, Ipswich, Beverly, Bradford, and Andover. Call or text: (978) 476-6053. Email: coachmikefay@gmail.com

Ipswich Illumination: Each evening, bonfires blaze on the Ipswich River. Ipswich Illumination features a collection of interactive art installations, live music, poetry, projection, bonfires, and more.