These are some of the classes we have targeted for our participants who are over 55 years young. We encourage you to register for the classes in the Adult section or the Wellness section as well. Also, we encourage you to let us know about other activities that interest you. We will do our best to match your interests with an opportunity to participate.
The Hays Recreation Commission intends for all of its programs to be accessible to everyone. If you require reasonable accommodation for a service or program please notify the HRC office with sufficient notice so that arrangements can be made. For any of the trips we offer, please note that some of the destinations are not as accessible as others. Please call Gail at the HRC office if you have questions before signing up for a trip.
TRIP REFUND POLICY
No refunds will be issued for trips with advance ticket purchases – see trip description.
Trips with no advance tickets - full refund if canceled by the deadline date. After the deadline no refund unless your spot can be filled.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES - Join us for these great ongoing activities.
WEEKDAY DROP-IN PICKLEBALL
NEW PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
What is Pickleball? Think badminton court, with an oversized ping pong paddle, and a whiffle ball. Just that simple. We have limited paddles to check out or bring your own. We have balls for play if needed. We have groups that just hit the ball around for fun and others that play by the rules. The idea is just to get out, have fun, and exercise!
Held on: Monday - Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
(depending on court availability)
Age: 18 & older
Location: Recreation Center Gyms
MONDAY NIGHT PINOCHLE
All you have to do is show up for a great night of Pinochle. Bring your partner or come alone and pair up with someone. We will meet each Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Hays Recreation Center in the Marcy Allenbaugh Conference Room. The HRC will provide pop and cards. You supply the FUN!!! This program is open to anyone aged 18 & older. The program is free of charge although donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of supplies.
TUESDAY BRIDGE TIME
Are you over 18 and love playing Bridge? If you are, come on out to the Recreation Center and play. Get together with your friends and meet some new ones while you play this great card game. This program will meet every Tuesday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., in the Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room.
WEDNESDAY DROP-IN PICKLEBALL
Same as daytime pickleball, but this time the court is reserved on Wednesday evening just for pickleball. Come give it a try. There are people of all skill levels who play.
Drop-In Fee: $1.00
Held on: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Recreation Center Gym #3
THURSDAY NIGHT PITCH
Join us on Thursday nights for a fun evening of playing pitch. This program will meet from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center in the Dale Allenbaugh Conference Room. This program is open to anyone aged 18 & older
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TEN PIN KNOCK OUT
Roll a die, knock down the pin, score points, roll a 6, gutter ball, zero points. Add up your points, let’s see who wins. Snack will follow.
Entry Deadline: September 17
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, September 24
Times: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
RELAX AND DINE SUPPER
Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Join us for a relaxing evening where dinner is on us! Enjoy a delightful meal of BBQ ribs, potatoes, and western beans prepared just for you. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food and great company without lifting a finger.
Entry Deadline: September 24
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
BREAKFAST BINGO
Start your day with a flavor-packed breakfast prepared by Gail, whose cooking never fails to delight! As you savor Gail’s delicious creations, test your luck with exciting bingo games and a chance to win prizes. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a morning filled with fun, food, and friendship.
Entry Deadline: Wednesday before
each session
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Session 1: Monday, October 6
Session 2: Monday, November 3
Session 3: Monday, December 1
Session 4: Monday, January 5
Session 5: Monday, February 2
Session 6: Monday, March 2
(White Elephant)
Session 7: Monday, April 6
Times: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitation: Min. 5 Max. 30
BOOM! SALINA MURAL
ART FEST
Boom! Salina has an annual mural festival in the heart of downtown Salina. The larger vision is to bring in street artists and muralists from around the world to enhance the visual landscape of their city. We will enjoy the downtown area of stores, food trucks, museums, and so much more. Lunch is on your own.
Entry Deadline: October 1
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Saturday, October 4
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
BEER & DONUTS
UNDERACHIEVER RACE
(Online Registration Under Adult Wellness and Races)
Do you hate running?? Then do we have the Race for you! 1/2 mile of Beer, Donuts, and whatever it takes to finish, run, jog, or walk. Start with a drink of beer, stop at a station for a donut break, and finish with another beer at the finish line. Anyone can join the fun, from never stepping on a race track to sprinting to the finish line. This will be a morning of laughs. Families welcome under 21 will enjoy root beer as their drink.
Entry Deadline: October 8
For guaranteed shirt - October 6
Entry Fee: $10.00 - Includes shirt
Held on: Saturday, October 11
Time: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Ages: All Ages, 21 & older to drink
Location: Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex
GAME DAY
Join us as we set out to find ways to bring board games back to life. We will boost our cognitive function while playing games involving strategy, memory, and quick thinking. Dessert will follow.
Entry Deadline: October 8
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
STRATACA UNDERGROUND
SALT MINES
Step onto the hoist that will lower you down 650 feet below ground to enjoy the Permian room filled with historical artifacts and the Mining gallery to experience what it was like to be a miner in the day. We will take a ride on the dark side and a journey into a raw portion of the salt mine. After our journey, we will enjoy lunch at Carriage Crossing before heading back home. Meal not included.
Entry Deadline: October 15
Entry Fee: $33.00
Held on: Saturday, October 18
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
LUNCH DATE
Savor a delightful midday break at our Lunch Date Social, featuring Gail’s famous home-cooked delights. Bring a friend or come alone to enjoy light games and a delicious lunch crafted by Gail herself. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and make new friends in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Entry Deadline: October 22
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Friday, October 24
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
SHUT THE BOX
This is a fun, easy game to play with a pair of dice and a flip of the card. Turn all the cards over and you win! Snacks to follow.
Entry Deadline: October 22
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 29
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
SHOPPING TRIP
Travel with us to Salina for a day of shopping. If you need something for yourself or maybe the family for Christmas, this is the day for you. Before we head back, let’s stop at Aldi’s grocery store to find some unique and different items. Your meal is not included.
Entry Deadline: October 29
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Saturday, November 1
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 22
LET’S DO LUNCH
Entry Deadline: Session 1: Nov. 19
Session 2: January 14
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Session 1: Friday, Nov. 21
Session 2: Friday, January 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 20
MIND GAMES
Join us for a lighthearted game of brain teasers that are a great form of learning and entertaining. These are playful yet challenging activities. Snacks to follow.
Entry Deadline: November 19
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, November 26
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
CHRISTMAS ON THE INSIDE
Sit back and enjoy the season with music from The Spiritual Life Center at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.
Entry Deadline: December 3
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Sunday, December 7
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Celebrate the season at our Christmas Party! Gather with friends for a festive lunch complete with all the holiday trimmings. Enjoy lively games like “Pass It On” and other fun holiday-themed activities. It’s the perfect way to spread cheer and enjoy the warmth of community this holiday season.
Entry Deadline: December 10
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, December 16
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
HIGH TEA SOCIAL
Step into the charm of yesteryear at our High Tea Social! Relish an assortment of tea-size treats and savor a selection of finely flavored teas, all while enjoying classic, old-fashioned games. This elegant gathering promises an afternoon of relaxation and fun, perfect for socializing and indulging in a touch of nostalgia.
Entry Deadline: January 14
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, January 20
Times: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
TRAVEL LUNCH TRIP
Explore the culinary delights of our neighboring communities on our Travel Lunch Trip! Bring your friends and your appetite for adventure—we’ll handle the driving. Sit back, relax, and enjoy good food and great company without the hassle of navigating. A perfect day trip for food lovers looking to try new tastes!
Entry Deadline: February 11
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Friday, February 13
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
DOMINOS
Join us for an entertaining afternoon of dominoes featuring the popular game of Chicken Foot! Test your skills and enjoy some friendly competition. Stay after the game for snacks and socializing—it’s a perfect way to spend your afternoon!
Entry Deadline: February 11
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 18
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
TALL TALE
Let’s play a game to see how well everyone knows each other. Answer the questions whether true or not, and we will guess the answer. Snacks are provided to keep the game spirit going strong!
Entry Deadline: February 18
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 25
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
WALHMEIER FARM
VINEYARD TRIP
First, we will stop at the 24-acre Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby, which includes a 1930s farmstead, sod house, one-room school, and the Cooper Barn. Second stop will be for lunch before heading to Walhmeier Farm Vineyard, a small vineyard located Southeast of Jennings. They produce sweet and dry wines and meads, as well as jellies and jams. Come enjoy a wine tasting with some Kansas cheese from the Alma Creamery. Lunch is on your own.
Entry Deadline: March 11
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Friday, March 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
LITTLE SWEDEN
Step back in time as we explore the charming Historical Heritage Square Village, featuring a one-room schoolhouse, train depot, the town’s first courthouse, a quaint telephone workshop, a beautifully restored 1898 flour mill, and the impressive 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. Our journey continues downtown, where we’ll savor a delicious traditional Swedish meal. Before heading home, we’ll make a final stop at the Red Barn Studio—once the creative space of artist Lester Raymer, known for transforming everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. Lunch is on your own.
Entry Deadline: April 15
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Friday, April 17
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
