FACILITY HOURS: Monday-Thursday – 10:00am-3:00pm
Activities & Programs
The Waconia Area Senior Center offers activities, classes, and programs for a wide variety of ages, groups, and interests. Registration only required for highlighted events. Please click on the links next to the events to register.
Cribbage: Learn & Play
A card game, usually for two players, in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards. Each player receives six cards, and the score is kept by moving pegs on a narrow rectangular board. Beginners and experts are invited to play.
Tuesdays
10am
Bridge is a four-player partnership trick-taking game with thirteen tricks per deal. The dominant variations of the game are rubber bridge, more common in social play; and duplicate bridge, which enables comparative scoring in tournament play. Each player is dealt thirteen cards from a standard 52-card deck. Open to beginners and experienced players!​​​​
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Thursdays
12:30pm
Weekly Events
BINGO
Join us for classic and Yahoo BINGO. On Nov. 26 we’ll celebrate the birthdays this month by giving away a book with every BINGO!
Wednesdays
12:30pm
Come and enjoy your favorite board games with your friends! Channel your competitive spirit and enjoy the element of chance.
Thursdays
10am
Board Games
Bridge
Games of Choice & Card Games
Drop in to join a variety of card games including: Hand & Foot, 500, and Kings Corner. ​​
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Check out the upcoming new games!​
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Wednesday, Nov. 26 10:30-11:30am Sequence & Cornhole
Mondays & Wednesdays
10am
Mahjong:
Learn & Play
Beginners and experts are welcome! Mahjong is a tile-matching game where players race to create a winning hand before their opponents. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles that depict Chinese characters, symbols, dots, bamboo, winds, dragons, flowers, and seasons. The goal is to form four sets and one pair, also known as a meld and an eye, respectively. Mahjong sets provided by the Senior Center.
Mondays
12:45pm
Mexican Train Dominoes
Mexican Train is a game played with dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the tiles from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or trains, emanating from a central hub or "station". The game's most popular name comes from a special optional train that belongs to all players. Dominoes provided by the Senior Center.
Tuesdays
10am
Sheephead: Learn & Play
Sheepshead is a trick-taking card game, often called American Schafkopf, played with a deck of 32 cards (7-A of each suit). It typically involves 4 players, but variations exist for 2-8 players. The game revolves around trick-taking and point-gathering, with a goal of reaching 61 points to win a hand.
Tuesdays
10am
Monthly Events
Holiday Blues Presentation
The holidays can be a time of joy, festivities, and celebrations. But paradoxically, it can also be a time when people feel sad, depressed, or lonely. Come learn ways to fight off the “holiday blues” this season through discussion and exercises that will strengthen your winter coping toolbox for staying connected and taking care of yourself!
Presented by: Sue Monson-White, LICSW, Ridgeview Hospice Bereavement Coordinator
Monday, Nov. 17th
11am-12pm
Call 651.829.3944 to schedule your appointment at Safari Island.
Healthy feet enable you to maintain mobility and independence. Regular foot care is important for increased comfort and improved overall well-being. Registered nurses provide the following services: assessment of feet and skin, trim toenails, manage fungal nails, reduce corns/callus, and diabetic foot care.
Tuesday, Nov. 18th
8am-4pm
Cost: $65
Foot Clinic
Keep It MOVING
Do you want to remain as functional & independent as possible? MOVEMENT is the key ingredient! Using a varietyof methods, this class will combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training & flexibility. Regular "movement" can reduce the risk of falling, lower the risk of chronic diseases, help strengthen bones, improve energy levels & help reduce the risk of cognitive decline...SO "Keep It Moving" and be a healthier YOU!
Tuesday, Nov. 18th
1:30-2:30pm
Keep In Balance
One of the main risk factors for falling is poor balance! Using a chair for support this 60-minute class will use a variety of exercises that target your balance and lower body strength! (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)
Wednesday, Nov. 19th
10:30-11:30am
Poetry Group
Explore poetry themed around apples & pumpkins! Contributions of Native Americans! A refreshing beverage will be provided for you while sharing the joy of reading poetry aloud, as it is meant to be.
Thursday, Nov. 20th
11:30am-12:30pm
(Oak Room)
Disney Trivia
Join us for our monthly trivia event. Each month we will pick a different theme. This month’s theme...Disney Trivia. This will be an engaging and nostalgic activity that tests fans' knowledge across the vast and magical world of the Walt Disney Company. Questions span a diverse range of topics, appealing to both casual viewers and "super-fans" of all ages.Compete against your friends to get the correct answer in the fastest time. All you need to bring is your phone and your knowledge!
Thursday, Nov. 20th
12:30-1:30pm
Move your body through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support helps you safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility and improve balance and range of motion. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation promote stress reduction and mental clarity. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)​​​​​​​​
SilverSneakers Chair Yoga
Monday, Nov. 24th
11:45am-12:30pm
Birthday Parties
Celebrate all birthdays during the month with an ice cream social!
Wednesday, Nov. 26th
Senior Strength Exercise Classs
This is a total body workout with a focus on strengthening the core and limbs while amplifying the body’s movement through stretch, improving overall balance, posture, muscle tone and mobility. By learning how to move the body in a healthy way, one can reduce pain, improve body awareness, avoid injury and reinforce proper movement principles. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)
Monday, Dec. 1st
11am-12pm
Craft: Living Green Arrangement
Come & enjoy craft therapy, socializing and discover your creativity! Let the wonderful scent of the holiday season fill your home by making your own “living pine” centerpiece for Christmas! All materials will be provided. Limited to 12 people. Please bring your fee with you the day of the event!
Tuesday, Dec. 2nd
10am-12pm
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Estate Planning Presentation
ESTATE PLANNING IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE! More than just drafting a Will, it involves financial, tax, medical, and business-succession planning during your lifetime -- as well as determining how your property will be distributed after your death. Not normally a do-it-yourself task, estate planning requires the professional skill and advice of your attorney. It may also require the assistance of your accountant, financial consultant, insurance professional, and/or personal banker. During the seminar, you will be provided an overview of some of the basic issues involved in estate planning. We look forward to seeing you!
Wednesday, Dec. 3rd
10:30-11:30am
(Oak Room)
Class of '65
Meet other “65ers” to connect and reminisce!
Thursday, Dec. 4th
10am
Thursday, Dec. 4th
11:30am-12:30pm
SAIL (Stay Active & Independent for Life)
SAIL is an evidence based strength, balance,
and flexibility fitness program for adults 65+ focusing on falls prevention. You’ll be stronger, have better balance, feel better, and it will help you stay independent and active and prevent falls. The fitness class includes warm-up, aerobics, balance, strength training, and stretching exercises that can be done in a
seated or standing position. The instructors are experienced and skilled and exercises have bene tested with seniors!
Personal Technology Support
Volunteers from Senior Community Services’ Technology Education, Connection & Help (TECH) Services team can help you:
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Troubleshoot device settings or errors
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Find and use helpful device features
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Manage online security and safety
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Download and manage applications
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Virtually connect via Zoom or Facetime
There is no cost, but you must sign up for an appointment. Bring your device with you. (If this is your first time using this service, please complete the registration form with Senior Community Services: https://bit.ly/3VZAY76)
Thursday, Dec. 4th
12:30-3pm
Intro to AI Presentation
Curious about A.I.? Want to know more about Chat GPT? This lecture will introduce some of the basic ideas around artificial intelligence. We’ll talk about how A.I. is being used today, what its current limitations are, and how it will shape the future!
Thursday, Dec. 4th
1-2pm
(Oak Room)
Quilting Group
All quilters, including beginners, are invited to join this group each month.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Monday, Dec. 8th
10-11:45am
SilverSneakers Chair Yoga
Move your body through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support helps you safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility and improve balance and range of motion. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation promote stress reduction and mental clarity. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)​​​​​​​​
Monday, Dec. 8th
11:45am-12:30pm
SideKick Theather: A Christmas Carol
A wonderfully fresh look at the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghostly visits he receives one Christmas Eve, this new musical rendition of the beloved Christmas tale is sure to provide a memorable experience for audiences of all ages. Narrated and accompanied by Brian Pierce as Jacob Marley and featuring some of the most talented performers and musicians in the Twin Cities, this magical production blends music, storytelling, humor, and a joyous holiday spirit.
Bussing will be provided for this event, leaving the Waconia Senior Center at 10:30am. Please arrive a little early to board the bus. Lunch will be served at 11:30am and the show runs from 1-3pm, including an intermission. Prices include the dinner, show, and gratuity. The bus will bring you back to the Senior Center after the show, around 3:45pm.
Registration is required by November 28th. Reserve your spot, since space is limited!
Tuesday, Dec. 9th
10:30am-3:45pm
Poetry Group
Explore poetry themed around the Joy & Love of Christmas past and present! A refreshing beverage will be provided for you while sharing the joy of reading poetry aloud as it is meant to be.
Thursday, Nov. 11th
11:30am
(Oak Room)
Line Dancing
Grab your friends and let’s get together for a little fun and exercise! Line dancing is a low impact activity which provides an excellent therapeutic exercise for our body, mind, and soul. You will learn a variety of line dancing steps to current and classic country music, as well as pop and rock! You will progress from basic to more advanced steps. Reserve your spot online today. Classes are offered by Jane Breeggemann. Jane has taught for over 10 years, to beginners of all ages. She loves to share her passion of line dancing. “Remember life may not be the party that we hoped for...but as long as we are here we should dance.”
Thursday, Dec. 11th
1:30-2:30pm
Call 651.829.3944 to schedule your appointment at Safari Island.
Healthy feet enable you to maintain mobility and independence. Regular foot care is important for increased comfort and improved overall well-being. Registered nurses provide the following services: assessment of feet and skin, trim toenails, manage fungal nails, reduce corns/callus, and diabetic foot care.
Tuesday, Dec. 16th
8am-4pm
Cost: $65
Foot Clinic
Keep In Balance
One of the main risk factors for falling is poor balance! Using a chair for support this 60-minute class will use a variety of exercises that target your balance and lower body strength! (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)
Wednesday, Dec. 17th
10:30-11:30am
Christmas Arm Chair Travel Adventure
Come and experience the wonderful world of travel. Armchair travel will take you places throughout the world to learn about their culture, landscape, customs and celebrations! This month’s travel adventure we will be heading to the North Pole, followed by a festive trip to Europe experiencing a variety of Christmas traditions. To wrap up our travel adventure, bring a baked good from your ancestral country to share as we sing some traditional Christmas Carols!!
Thursday, Dec. 18th
11am-12pm
Food Trivia
Join us for our monthly trivia event. Each month we will pick a different theme. This month’s theme...Food Trivia. From famous dishes and global cuisines to quirky food facts and culinary history, this event is packed with fun questions for every kind of foodie. Gather your team, grab a snack, and get ready for a deliciously good time filled with laughs, prizes, and friendly competition. Perfect for anyone who loves food and a little friendly challenge!
Thursday, Dec. 18th
12:30-1:30pm
SilverSneakers Chair Yoga
Move your body through a series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support helps you safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility and improve balance and range of motion. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation promote stress reduction and mental clarity. (Classes are provided by Safari Island Community Center. Members of Safari Island can attend class for free. Non-members pay a $5 fee. Not registered as a member of Safari Island? Most insurances provide a FREE membership. Please contact Kristi Sherlock at 952.442.3105 or ksherlock@waconia.org to see if you qualify!)​​​​​​​​
Monday, Dec. 22nd
11:45am-12:30pm
Keep It MOVING
Do you want to remain as functional & independent as possible? MOVEMENT is the key ingredient! Using a varietyof methods, this class will combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training & flexibility. Regular "movement" can reduce the risk of falling, lower the risk of chronic diseases, help strengthen bones, improve energy levels & help reduce the risk of cognitive decline...SO "Keep It Moving" and be a healthier YOU!
Tuesday, Dec. 30th
1:30-2:30pm
Birthday Parties
Celebrate all birthdays during the month with an ice cream social!
Wednesday, Dec. 31st
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra: Express Concert
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra Express Concert: Bach's Second Orchestral Suite: This one-hour concert bubbles with life, from sparkling flutes to spirited strings. Featuring music that dances and delights, the program highlights the lively energy of Baroque music, including the virtuosic influences of Italian contemporaries like Scarlatti, Geminiani and Corelli on the development of Bach. With a playful energy akin to a flute concerto, Bach’s second orchestral suite, one of the musical throughlines of our 2025.26 season is paired with Geminiani’s violin sonata. Originally written for violin and harpsichord, this program features a new, captivating arrangement by SPCO Concertmaster Steven Copes. Whether you're new to Baroque music or a longtime fan, this program offers an invigorating dose of beauty, motion and joy.
Bussing will be provided and will leave the Senior Center at 10am and bring you to Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. The concert will start at 11am and last approximately one hour. You will depart Wooddale Church at 12pm for lunch at Lion's Tap. Lunch is not provided in the cost of this event. The bus will leave the restaurant at 1:15pm and arrive at the Senior Center at 2pm. Tickets are limited to 15! Make sure to reserve your spot today by January 23rd. (Price includes tickets to the concert and transportation.)
Friday, Feb. 6th
10am-2pm​
Chanhassen Dinner Theater: Guys & Dolls
For the first time in over 35 years Chanhassen Dinner Theatres brings you a thrilling and electric staging of Guys and Dolls! From the gritty streets of New York to the colorful cafes of Havana, Guys and Dolls is a grand spectacle of music and comedy to delight audiences of all ages. This fresh production is set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City in a perfect balance of story, dance, music and romance!
Bussing will be provided for this event, leaving the Waconia Senior Center at 11am. Please arrive a little early to board the bus. Lunch will be served at 11:30am and the show runs from 1-3pm, including an intermission. Prices include the dinner, show, and gratuity. The bus will bring you back to the Senior Center after the show, around 3:30pm.
Registration is required by March 11th. Reserve your spot, since space is limited!
Wednesday, Mar. 25th
11am-3:30pm​
COMING SOON...
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January 13: MN State Capitol Tour
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February 6: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra
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March 25: Chanhassen Dinner Theater - Guys & Dolls
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April 2026: MIA Art in Bloom
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May 2026: Barn Quilt Tour
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June 2026: Hocokata Ti Museum