Open Recreation is your opportunity to get moving whenever you have time. With multiple facilities where you can play, swim, run and workout all you have to do is get here! Check our open recreation schedules regularly for the most accurate times.
Our 50 meter pool at the Z Center and our 25 yard pool at Alumni/Wang are both great places to swim a few laps. While the Z Center Pool also accommodates MIT Varsity Athletics, Club Teams and special events, during Rec Swim hours you have the freedom to follow your personal routine without additional instruction.
Women’s only Rec Swim is offered during the academic year at the Alumni/Wang Pool on Tuesdays from 9:30pm – 10:30pm. Members and MIT Students have free access, pricing for non-members is listed below.
Interested in Women’s Only Learn to Swim or Beginning Swim Classes? Take a look at our Instructional Programs or sign-up for updates on all women’s only programs here.
Women’s Only Rec Swim Rates
| *Non-Members (w/ student ID) | **Non-Members (non-students) | |
| 1 Pass | $5 | $10 |
| 5 Passes | $25 | $50 |
| 10 Passes | $45 | $95 |
*Student passes must be purchased in person.
**Non-Member, non-student passes may be purchased online as a “series sale” or in person.
Play Badminton at your own pace on one of our 3 courts in Rockwell Cage. Just find a partner, set-up the nets and get moving! We have raquets and shuttlecocks that you can purchase from our Pro Shop, but you’re always welcome to bring your own.
Shoot around, play a game of horse or go full-court! Basketball can be played in Rockwell Cage or DuPont Gym when our courts are available. At our equipment checkout, you are welcome to swap your I.D and borrow a men’s or women’s basketball.
The Johnson Ice Arena operates seasonally from October – March. Members and guests are welcome to participate during our General Skate and Recreational Hockey times based on our monthly schedules. Stop by our main member service desk at the Z Center for ice skate rentals or ice skate sharpening.
The Wood Sailing Pavilion grants access to MIT Students and our members who hold an active 6-month or annual membership. The facility is open from April 1st through November 15th and offers a Learn to Sail Program for beginners. Those with experience can obtain a Sailing Card and rent boats for recreational sailing. Open sailing hours are 12:00pm to sunset Tuesday – Sunday and 3:00pm to sunset on Mondays.
For more information visit sailing.mit.edu
The Pierce Boathouse grants access for recreational sculling to adults with an MIT Recreation membership. Those without experience or seeking to develop skills are encouraged to register for our Sculling Instructional Program offered during the summer.
Those with rowing or sculling experience may be cleared for unsupervised recreational sculling April 1 through September 30. In order to use our sculling shells an individual must: a) have a current fitness center membership, b) pass the swim/boat test, c) pass both a written and practical exam of sculling knowledge, and d) pay the annual fee. If you are interested in rec sculling, but unable to complete any part of the requirements, you may consider a private lesson to help establish competency. Please contact summerrowing@mit.edu for more information.
Day/Time: Weekdays, during boathouse open hours
Dates: April 1 (or when the river becomes safely accessible) – September 30
Cost: $150
Location: MIT Pierce Boathouse (W8), Charles River
Find an open court and get moving! It’s that easy for our members and guests to play or practice squash at our facilities. The Z Center has 6 squash courts available for open recreation where you can drop-in and play or reserve space for matches with friends.
Serve up a good time on our tennis courts any time of year. Our Outdoor Tennis Courts are available as long as the weather permits while the Indoor Tennis Bubble season runs September through May. Indoor Tennis Bubble drop-in rates are listed below:
Indoor Tennis Drop-In Rates
| Member | Non-Member | DAPER | |
| PT | $41/hr | $43/hr | $40/hr |
| Non PT | $26/hr | $27/hr | $25/hr |
*PT = Prime-Time, Non PT = Non-Prime-Time
Indoor Tennis Times
| M-F | Sat/Sun | |
| Prime-Time | 7pm – 10pm | 8am-2pm |
| Non-Prime- Time | 7am – 2pm | – |
For reservations, choose your location and call:
Summer/Outdoor: 617.253.9485
Winter/Indoor: 617.253.1451
