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.
See the complete refund policy on page 4.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES - Join us for these great ongoing activities.
DAYTIME DROP-IN PICKEBALL
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: Wednesday
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.
RELAX AND DINE SUPPER
Don't feel like cooking tonight? Join us for a relaxing evening where dinner is on us! Enjoy a delightful, surprise meal prepared just for you. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy good food and great company without lifting a finger.
Feeling lazy and don’t want to make dinner?
Entry Deadline: September 18
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, September 24
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
ELLSWORTH PRISON AND MUSEUM
Your Driver’s License number must be given at enrollment; it is required to enter the prison! Explore the historic Ellsworth Prison and Museum, where you’ll step inside the storied walls of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and discover fascinating exhibits. This outing is perfect for history buffs and those curious about Kansas’s heritage. Lunch is not included.
Entry Deadline: September 25
Entry Fee: $15.00
Held on: Friday, September 27
Time: 7:15 am – 3:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
HIGH LOW
Step into an afternoon of excitement and friendly rivalry with our High Low card game! Test your luck and strategy against your peers, share hearty laughs, and indulge in delicious snacks. This isn't just a game—it's a chance to connect, enjoy good humor, and make new friends. Join us for a delightful and lively session that's sure to brighten your day. Don’t miss out on the fun—come and play!
Entry Deadline: September 25
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 2
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
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.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast while trying your luck with a few games of bingo. Win a prize or just have fun!
Entry Deadline:
Session 1: October 2
Session 2: October 30
Session 3: November 27
Session 4: January 1
Session 5: January 29
Session 6: February 26
Session 7: April 2
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on:
Session 1: Monday, October 7
Session 2: Monday, November 4
Session 3: Monday, December 2
Session 4: Monday, January 6
Session 5: Monday, February 3
Session 6: Monday, March 3
Session 7: Monday, April 7
Times: 9:00 - 10:00am
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitation: Min. 5 Max. 26
FORT RILEY APPLE DAYS
Step back in time and enjoy a day filled with fun and nostalgia at Fort Riley's Apple Days! This beloved event is set amidst the historic backdrop of Fort Riley, Kansas, offering a unique blend of historical re-enactments, cavalry and military dog demonstrations, and military displays. Join the community in celebrating with delicious apple pies—made from a recipe dating back to 1866—and a variety of vendors. Meal not included.
Entry Deadline: October 2
Held on: Saturday, October 5
Entry Fee: $10.00
Time: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
BEER & DONUTS UNDERACHIEVER RACE
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 9
for guaranteed shirt October 7
Entry Fee: $10.00 - Includes shirt & cup
Held on: Saturday, October 12
Time: 8:00 – 9:00 am
Ages: 21 & older to drink
Location: Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex
JOHNNY APPLESEED NEW
Join us for an apple-themed afternoon where you'll enjoy delicious apple pie and ice cream followed by engaging trivia games. This celebration is a delightful nod to Johnny Appleseed, offering a sweet treat coupled with fun facts and laughter. Gather with us for a tasty and entertaining experience!
Entry Deadline: October 16
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
TRICK OR TREAT NEW
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with us, whether in costume or as you are! Enjoy an hour packed with festive games and delightful treats. This event promises a fun and light-hearted atmosphere perfect for laughter and good times.
Entry Deadline: October 23
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, October 30
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
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 in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Bring a lunch buddy with you or come and meet new our friends. Enjoy the day with a quick game and finish with a light lunch.
Entry Deadline: October 16
Entry Fee: $6.00 per person
Held on: Friday, October 18
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
SWEET SLICE ROAD TRIP NEW
Embark on a delightful journey in search of the perfect pie! We’ll travel to a special, yet-to-be-discovered location for a taste of exceptional pies. The day will be filled with more than just delicious desserts; other activities will spice up our adventure. Join us for a day of culinary exploration and unexpected delights! The meal is not included.
Entry Deadline: November 6
Entry Fee: $18.00
Held on: Saturday, November 9
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
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. 13
Session 2: January 15
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on:
Session 1: Tuesday, Nov. 19
Session 2: Friday, January 17
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 6 Max. 20
SOUND OF MUSIC (MUSICAL) TRIP NEW
Travel back with us to Salina’s Theatre for the upstanding musical The Sound of Music. In Austria 1938, Maria serves as governess to the seven von Trapp children, bring music and jo to the household. Don’t miss this classic live on stage performance. We will stop for lunch first at Martinelli’s for lunch first then onto the show. Meal is not included.
Deadline: November 20
Entry Fee: $30.00
Held on: Sunday, November 24
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 22
WORDS UP NEW
Join us for a lighthearted game of Words Up, where we challenge you to build new words from simple ones! It's all in good fun, with no pressure—just laughs and wordplay. After the games, we'll enjoy some treats together. Perfect for anyone who loves a good word challenge!
Entry Deadline: November 20
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, November 27
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
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 11
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, December 17
Time: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
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 15
Entry Fee: $6.00
Held on: Tuesday, January 21
Times: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure 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 12
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 19
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
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 12
Entry Fee: $10.00
Held on: Friday, February 14
Time: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 20
PENNY PASS NEW
Find a penny pick it up. How many games can you play with a penny? Join in to find out! Great games to play and teach to the kids. Snacks are provided to keep the game spirit going strong!
Entry Deadline: February 19
Entry Fee: $3.00
Held on: Wednesday, February 26
Times: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Ages: 55 & older
Location: Leisure Center
Limitations: Min. 5 Max. 15
THRIFT SAFARI TRIP
Join us for a treasure-hunting adventure as we tour local second-hand stores in nearby towns. It's a perfect day out for bargain hunters looking to give pre-loved items a new home while saving a few pennies. Don't forget to bring your spirit of adventure and an eye for unique finds!
Entry Deadline: March 19
Held on: Saturday, March 22
Entry Fee: $10.00
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
TRAVEL WEST NEW
Travel back in time. Nicodemus has been a national historic site since 1996, which is the oldest surviving town west of the Mississippi established by African Americans following the Civil War. We will start with a guided tour of the limestone Township Hall and travel through the small town and learn about the history. On the days' adventure, we will also travel to Damar to step into one of the most beautiful church St. Joseph’s Church. Lunch will be somewhere on the way. Lunch not included
Deadline: April 23
Held on: Saturday, April 26
Entry Fee: $20.00
Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Age: 55 & older
Depart from: Recreation Center
Limitations: Min. 10 Max. 20
