Kick off the New Year with the City of Boston’s Free Winter Fitness Series starting January 4

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are pleased to announce the 2026 Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The series will offer free weekly classes in City of Boston parks from January 4 through April 4, 2026.

This season, Bostonians can enjoy a variety of healthy activities both indoors and outdoors, including Walking Group, line dancing, Bota Foga, Kids Dance Fitness, Strength and Balance, Tai Chi, Yoga, and more. Classes are designed for all skill levels and ages, with options that are family-friendly, age-friendly, and welcoming to those who may be new to fitness.

"Throughout the winter months, our parks remain active and welcoming places for Bostonians to move, connect, and care for their well-being," said Cathy Baker-Eclipse, Interim Commissioner of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. "We're grateful for our partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, which help bring free, accessible fitness programming and community connection directly into our neighborhoods this winter."

"The Winter Fitness Series is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in Boston to get moving and participate in free and accessible activities that can improve health and well-being," said Bisola Ojikutu MD, MPH, FIDSA, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. "Resources like these free classes help reduce the risk of chronic disease, which is one of the goals of Live Long and Well, our citywide population health equity agenda. By encouraging everyone to engage in physical activity, we are ensuring that Boston is a city where all residents can thrive."

Through this citywide initiative, the Parks Department and BPHC aim to reduce barriers to active living and provide more opportunities for Boston residents to stay healthy and active throughout the winter months. Continuing on the success of the 2025 Parks Fitness Series, the winter series offers the opportunity for residents to stay active during shorter daylight hours while enjoying safe, accessible outdoor options. All classes are free and open to the public.

"We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the City of Boston to offer Winter Fitness, bringing free and accessible fitness opportunities to Boston neighborhoods," said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "The Boston Park Fitness series offers year-round in-person classes that support the physical and mental well-being of residents."

For up to date information, including weather-related cancellations for outdoor fitness classes, visit boston.gov/fitness.

ABOUT BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) stewards over 2,200 acres of public open space across 288 properties, including the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace park system. Our parks feature walking trails, playgrounds, courts, natural areas, and historic sites, as well as 29 urban wilds, four high school athletic fields, two public golf courses, and more than 40,000 street trees. BPRD offers free cultural and recreational programming for people of all ages, helping to create welcoming, active, and connected communities. Learn more at boston.gov/parksand sign up for updates at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails. Follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

ABOUT THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is the country's oldest health department. We envision a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy and fulfilling lives. To accomplish this, BPHC works in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. Learn more about our work at boston.gov/bphc.