Active 55
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
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. All skill levels are welcome!
Drop-In Fee: $1.00
Held on: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Age: 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.
Active 55 Programs
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 prepared just for you. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food and great company without lifting a finger.
Entry Deadline: September 16
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
JEOPARDY
Senior Jeopardy is designed to recall memories, bring friendly competition, and a whole lot of laughing. Snacks will follow.
Entry Deadline: September 23
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, September 30
Times: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
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 5
Session 2: Monday, November 2
Session 3: Monday, December 7
Session 4: Monday, January 4
Session 5: Monday, February 1
Session 6: Monday, March 1
(White Elephant)
Session 7: Monday, April 5
Times: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitation: Min. 5 Max. 30
UNDERGROUND MISSILE TOUR
Step into history at Atlas Ad Astra an underground missile silo turned into an Airbnb. We will take 60 steps down to uncover the story of the Atlas F Missile program and the remarkable engineering of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This adventure will take us to Wilson Kansas with lunch and other adventures. Lunch is on your own.
Entry Deadline: October 7
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Saturday, October 10
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
GOLDEN DAYS
Join us for some great conversation and beautiful memories. Roll the dice and learn important facts about the people you’re around. Dessert will follow.
Entry Deadline: October 7
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
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.
Entry Deadline: October 21
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Friday, October 23
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
GIVE IT A TWIST
Not your regular game of twister. Toss your penny onto a circle and see what prize you get. Add up your points to become the overall big winner of the game. Snacks to follow.
Entry Deadline: October 21
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 28
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
HISTORICAL ABILENE TRIP
We will start our day with a tour of the Dickinson County Heritage Center followed by lunch before heading to the Historic Seelye Mansion which was built in the early 1900’s.
Your meal is not included.
Entry Deadline: November 11
Entry Fee: $20.00
Held on: Friday, November 13
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 22
LET’S DO LUNCH
Take a break and join us for a relaxing lunch at the Recreation Center, where Gail’s delightful cooking awaits. Enjoy a leisurely meal in good company, perfect for recharging in the middle of a busy day.
Entry Deadline: Session 1: Nov. 18
Session 2: January 13
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Session 1: Friday, Nov. 20
Session 2: Friday, January 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 20
NAUGHTY OR NICE
Be ready to draw a card that tells you to be naughty (give away money) or nice (collect money), or just stir up chaos with the wild card. We are sure things will get crazy. Snacks to follow.
Entry Deadline: November 18
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, November 25
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: November 25
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Sunday, December 6
Time: 11:15 a.m. - 4:30 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 9
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, December 15
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 in 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 13
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, January 19
Times: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
PUZZLE SHOWDOWN AND SWAP
Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere while you race against the clock and other teams for the ultimate puzzling bragging rights. Form a team of two or four to work together on a puzzle provided for you. You will have 1½ hours to complete or see who can get the most finished before the time is up. Snacks will be provided to keep your brain fueled and your energy high. Bring in your puzzles for a swap at the end. (Need a place for the kids? Look into our kids night out program happening the same night!)
Entry Deadline: Session 1: January 13
Session 2: March 3
Entry Fee: $15.00 a team
Held on: Session 1: January 15
Session 2: March 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 18 & older
Location: Marcy Allenbaugh
Conference Room
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!
Lunch is on your own
Entry Deadline: February 10
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Friday, February 12
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
KINGS IN THE CORNER
Looking for a new way to play the classic game of solitaire! Kings in the Corner offers excitement, strategy, and fun. Card game and snacks are included.
Entry Deadline: February 10
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 17
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
NAME THAT CAKE
How many different types of cake do you know? Listen to the riddle and see if you’re correct. Tasty cake will follow this game.
Entry Deadline: February 17
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 24
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
FINISH THE PHRASE
Can you find the words to finish the phrase? Listen carefully, this game is easy to follow and easy to answer. Dessert will follow.
Entry Deadline: March 3
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, March 10
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
HOMETOWN TREASURES TOUR
First, we will set our sights on the Goodnow House, which is a two story stone house built in 1857. We will stop for lunch before heading to Midwest Dream Car Collection for a guided tour. All of this in the great town of Manhattan.
Lunch is on your own!
Entry Deadline: March 10
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Friday, March 12
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
LEFT, RIGHT, CENTER
Join the HRC seniors as we play a game of dice. Lose your chips, you’re not always out. Always a great time. Snacks will follow the
activity.
Deadline: March 24
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, March 31
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
ADVENTURES IN MARION
Travel to the small town of Marion, where we will explore the Historical Museum and tour the Historic Elgin Hotel, where Victorian charm meets modern luxury and it remains a staple in Marion, Kansas. If time permits, antique shopping will be added to the list. Lunch is on your own.
Entry Deadline: April 14
Entry Fee: $25.00
Held on: Saturday, April 17
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20