Adult Programs

The Rookery offers a variety of programs for adults. Whether you are looking to be more physically active, or socialize over a game of cards, the Rookery has many great options for you. 

Trips & Tours

The Rookery offers exciting day trips for active adults in collaboration with the City of Blaine and Centennial Community Education, providing luxury motor coach transportation and a dedicated Rookery Activity Center escort for each excursion. These carefully curated adventures include cultural experiences like the Million Dollar Quartet musical at the Old Log Theater, featuring the legendary story of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins' historic recording session. Additionally, guided tours such as the Ramsey County Courthouse and St. Paul Conservatory experience offer participants the opportunity to explore the art deco architecture of the 21-story courthouse, learn about government operations, and enjoy the spectacular Spring Flower show at the conservatory. All trips include transportation, meals, and expert guidance, with registration deadlines typically set one month before each trip date to ensure proper planning and coordination for these enriching community experiences.

Education & Enrichment

The Rookery offers diverse educational and enrichment programs designed to keep active adults informed and engaged in their community. Recent topics have included essential sessions on Social Security changes and the differences between Power of Attorney and Legal Guardianship, delivered by qualified professionals who make complex subjects accessible and understandable. Additionally, practical courses like the AARP Smart Driver program help participants aged 50 and older earn auto insurance discounts through comprehensive defensive driving education, with both initial eight-hour courses and four-hour refresher options available throughout the year. All programs take place in comfortable classroom settings at the Rookery, creating opportunities for lifelong learning and community connection among peers who share similar interests and life experiences.

Group Fitness

The Rookery Activity Center is proud to partner with Endurance Fitness of Minnesota. Endurance Fitness offers a variety of group fitness classes.  Endurance offers a wide range of fitness classes, one-on-one and small group training, and an extensive weight area. Endurance Fitness’s dedication to providing quality fitness programs and cutting-edge industry experience seemed to be a perfect choice for the Rookery. 

Cattail Connection

Stay informed about all the exciting opportunities at the Rookery by subscribing to The Cattail Connection, our comprehensive newsletter dedicated to adult programming and activities. This seasonal publication is delivered directly to your mailbox four times per year, ensuring you never miss out on upcoming trips, classes, events, and programs available to both members and non-members of the facility. Each issue provides detailed information about the diverse range of activities offered, from fitness classes and educational workshops to social events and volunteer opportunities, making it easy to plan your participation and stay connected with the vibrant community at the Rookery. The newsletter serves as your essential guide to everything happening at the center, and membership is not required to participate in activities or receive this valuable resource that keeps you up-to-date on all the ways you can stay active, engaged, and socially connected throughout the year.

Open Badminton & Pickleball

The Rookery offers extensive open pickleball opportunities throughout the day to accommodate players of all skill levels and schedules. Open pickleball sessions are available most mornings and afternoons, with additional Open Intermediate Pickleball offered in the evenings for more experienced players seeking competitive play. All open play takes place in the Rookery Gym and welcomes both members and non-members to participate in this popular and fast-growing sport. Players should check the online schedule for exact days and times, as the schedule may vary throughout the week. For those looking to develop their skills further, beginner, intermediate, and advanced pickleball classes are also offered, providing structured instruction to help players progress from basic techniques to competitive strategies in a supportive learning environment.

Swim Lessons

We offer private, semi-private, adaptive, and group lessons to accommodate adult learners with diverse needs and preferences. Private swim lessons provide completely individualized instruction, allowing experienced certified instructors to focus exclusively on your specific goals and skill development at your own pace. Semi-private lessons accommodate 2-3 participants per instructor, creating an engaging environment that balances personal attention with peer interaction and motivation. For adults with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities, our specialized adaptive swim lessons feature dedicated one-on-one instruction with instructors specifically trained to work with diverse abilities and learning styles. Group lessons offer a social and cost-effective option for adults who enjoy learning alongside multiple peers in a supportive classroom setting. 

Virtual Immersive Studio

Experience any of the Les Mills fitness classes when it works in your schedule with our new Virtual Immersive Studio Experience. Virtual classes include cycling, strength, and cardio classes! Workout on your own or with a group of friends/family with video instruction from the top Les Mills instructors.  All equipment is provided. Reservations for the Virtual Immersive Studio classes can be made no more than 24 hours in advance. To reserve your in-studio virtual class in our Cattail Room, call or stop by our Guest Services Desk to make the reservation, 651-982-2468. 

Weekly Games

The Rookery hosts an exciting variety of weekly games that provide opportunities for fun, conversation, and friendship among active adults throughout the community. With sessions running Monday through Thursday, participants can enjoy classic card games like Uno, Contract Bridge, Five Hundred, and Hand and Foot, alongside popular board games including Monopoly, Phase 10, Cribbage, and strategic tile games like Mahjong, Triominos, and Dominoes. All games take place in the welcoming Rookery Activity Center lobby, where game equipment is provided and available at the Guest Services desk for easy access. Pre-registration is encouraged to help staff plan accordingly and ensure adequate space and materials for all participants, creating a well-organized and enjoyable gaming experience that fosters social connections and mental stimulation in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where players of all skill levels can participate and learn from one another.

Volunteering

The Rookery actively seeks dedicated volunteers to help support the diverse range of projects, programs, and activities that make the center a vibrant community hub for active adults. Volunteer opportunities span throughout the year and include seasonal events like the Secret Holiday Shop where helpers assist with gift wrapping and merchandise organization, Santa Letters where volunteers type children's responses, and festive celebrations such as the Royal Ball, Aqua Egg Hunt, Blue Heron Day, and Bobbing for Pumpkins that require assistance with craft tables, check-in, setup, and cleanup. Additionally, ongoing administrative support is needed for in-office filing and organizing tasks that help keep operations running smoothly. All volunteers must maintain a current background check on file, which is updated every six months at no cost, and when opportunities arise, the Rookery reaches out to available volunteers who can then choose which activities align with their interests and availability, creating a flexible and rewarding way to give back to the community while connecting with fellow residents.