Adult Leisure

McDonnel Street Community Centre

Discover a world of leisure at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, one of Peterborough's newest recreation hubs! Unleash your competitive spirit with our exciting calendar of drop-in recreation programs, including: darts, shuffleboard, and short mat bowling. If you're looking to add more fitness to your regimen, consider joining a drop-in chair exercise class, or stomp into the line dancing registration! Designed for adults but appealing to the young at heart, these activities provide the perfect combination of fun, fitness, and socialization. 

McDonnel Street Community Centre is located at 577 McDonnel St. just east of the Monaghan Road intersection. 

Read more about:

  • Drop-in programs including short mat bowling, shuffleboard, group fitness, table tennis
  • Registered programs including painting workshops, darts, qigong, line dancing, and education opportunities

Drop-In Programs

All drop-in programs cost $3.50 per participant, per visit. Please plan to bring exact cash, only. 

  • Participants are encouraged to bring clean, indoor shoes.
  • Doors open at times listed. Play begins within 30 minutes of doors open. Plan to arrive within this 30 minute window to sign-in, pay your fee, learn the rules, meet other participants, and receive your play assignments (i.e. teammates or opponents, court or board to play on, etc.).
  • If there are no participants within the first 30 minutes of the scheduled doors open, the activity will be cancelled for that day. 
  • Membership at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre does not waive drop-in fees for Adult Leisure activities.
  • All Adult Leisure drop-in programs listed are currently located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre. 

Short Mat Bowling is an indoor sport in which players attempt to score points by rolling a biased ball (bowl) along a flat surface, trying to land it closer to the jack than their opponent. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bowls, although extra sets are available for use.

Short Mat Bowling will resume in October 2026. 

 

The object of shuffleboard (indoor, floor) is to propel discs using a cue onto a target shaped like a pyramid at the opposite end of the court - to score, to prevent opponent from scoring, or both.

Tuesdays

  • Doors open at 9 a.m., play begins at 9:30 a.m.
  • Approximately two hours of play

Test your precision and aim in friendly competition with fellow Darts enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice, we encourage all skill levels to join. Enjoy camaraderie, improve your game, and aim for the bullseye in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. A Typical drop-in will involve playing a couple rounds of the traditional "501" dart game, followed by a round of "Cricket". Participants are encouraged to bring their own set of darts, although many spare sets are available to borrow.

  • Thursdays
    • Doors open at 12:30 p.m., play begins at 1 p.m.
    • Approximately 2 hours of play

If you have enjoyed drop-in darts, and would like something more competitive, consider joining one of our leagues on Monday or Friday nights. More info is listed below under registered programs. 

Zumba Gold

Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Zumba Gold is led by fitness instructor Jasmine Murray, and the class is hosted by Community Care Peterborough. It is a lower intensity version of the traditional Zumba class. Jasmine leads a fun, energy filled fitness class choreographed to upbeat, popular music geared to the older adult demographic. The goal of this class is to get moving and have fun! The class is free to participate in, and is a drop-in (no registration required).

Warm up and Weights

  • Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (Standing)
  • Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (Seated) - New as of June 2026

Warm Up and Weights is an all-around fitness class for older adults. The 10 a.m. timeslot is mostly standing, with some seated exercise. The 11 a.m. timeslot is mostly seated, with some standing exercise. Through bodyweight and dumbbell exercises, this class will help you improve your muscle strength, endurance, stability, and mobility. Please bring your own weights if you have them.

Serve up some fun in our Drop-In Table Tennis program—no registration required! A drop-in fee of $3.50 must be paid at the customer service desk, where you'll receive a receipt as proof of payment, which is your ticket to play. Need gear? Paddles and balls are available at the front desk for your convenience. Whether you're working on your spin or just here for a friendly match, all skill levels are welcome.

Tuesdays & Thursdays:

  • Miskin Law Community Complex
  • 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • $3.50 per player, payable at the front desk
  • Tables can be found just off the walking track, southwest corner

Registered Programs

Each of the programs listed below require advanced registration. Participants can choose to register online, register over the phone by calling 705-742-0050, or register in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or Miskin Law Community Complex during regular operating hours.

Dart League - Adult Mixed returns for Fall 2026! Enjoy friendly competition, good conversation, and plenty of laughs in our Mixed Dart League. Whether you're an experienced player or picking up darts for the first time, you'll feel right at home in this welcoming and supportive league. It's a great way to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy a fun social outing each week.

Monday Night Dart League - Adult Mixed

•    $90.86 + tax for 11 sessions, registration required
•   
Sessions are Monday's from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (starting September 14, 2026)
•    Registration opens September 2
•    Course ID: 00089230 to register

Friday Night Dart League - Adult Mixed!

•    $107.38 + tax for 13 sessions, registration required
•    Sessions are Friday's from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (starting September 18, 2026)
•    Registration opens September 2
•    Course ID: 00089398 to register

Qigong involves the cultivation of energy and awareness through movement, posture, and breathing.  The overarching goal of our Qigong practice is to enhance long-term quality of life. Qi refers to the bio-magnetic energy found within all living things. It circulates in natural patterns through channels called meridians and vessels. Qigong leads energy through these channels helping to open up points blocked by physical, mental, or emotional stress. We move to generate heat, stand to activate qi, and sit to quiet the mind. In so doing, our Qigong practice helps us to counter the negative effects of sedentary living and stress.

September 8 - October 27

  • 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $67.68
  • Lower Games Room at McDonnel Street Community Centre
  • Course ID: 00089964 to register, or register online here

November 3 - December 22

  • 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $67.68
  • Lower Games Room at McDonnel Street Community Centre
  • Course ID: 00089965 to register, or register online here

The shuffleboard league will resume in the near future. Check back for more information.

 

You're invited: Monthly Hot Lunches & Social Hour for Seniors!

A special adult leisure program designed with older adults & seniors in mind. Each month, we'll serve a hearty, chef-prepared lunch featuring classic favourites and seasonal specialties - made to nourish both body & soul. But it's more than just a meal - it's a chance to reconnect, relax, and enjoy some meaningful conversation with friends old and new in a welcoming, social setting. We'll also have cards and games available to enjoy over coffee or tea when you're done eating. Whether you come for the food, the laughter, or the friendly faces, you'll leave feeling full in every sense of the word.

Hot lunches will return to the Fall 2026 program calendar

 

Unlock new skills and confidence with our enriching workshops designed especially for adults 55+. Whether you’re looking to stay safe online, get comfortable with everyday technology, or try out popular communication apps, our sessions make learning approachable, enjoyable, and empowering. Each workshop is guided by friendly instructors who meet you where you are, creating a supportive space to explore, ask questions, and grow. Step in with curiosity—step out with knowledge you can use every day.

Workshop: Living and Aging Well: Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain, Facilitated by Self-Management Program, Central East

  • Free to attend, registration required
  • Tuesdays, September 8 to October 27, 9:30 a.m. - 12 noon (Excluding September 15 & October 6)
  • Course ID: 00086071 to register, or register online
  • Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain is a free six week workshop series that helps people with chronic pain to better cope with pain symptoms and activities of daily life. All participants will receive the Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain resource book and "Moving Easy Program" CD or MP3 download. Caregivers are welcome to register. We suggest that participants attend all six sessions of the workshop, where possible. All sessions are 2.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. This workshop series is facilitated by Self-Management Program, Central East which is one of 14 programs across the Province of Ontario. Funding for this program is provided by the government of Ontario. 

Workshop: Everything Osteoporosis, Facilitated by Peterborough Community Health Care

  • Free to attend; registration required
  • Thursday, September 17, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Course ID:  00089558 to register, or register online
  • Everything Osteoarthritis is a free, one-hour educational session designed to increase awareness of osteoarthritis, the risk factors, prevention strategies, and available self-management options. The presentation will focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to maintaining mobility, increase self-confidence and reduce pain. This presentation will be facilitated by Jared Barrieau (Health Promoter) and Ellie Henry (System Navigator), from the Peterborough Community Health Centre.

Workshop: Living and Aging Well: Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Facilitated by Self-Management Program, Central East

  • Free to attend, registration required
  • Tuesdays, September 24 to October 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Course ID: 00086072 to register, or register online
  • Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. This free six week workshop is a highly effective, evidence-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers to build the skills caregivers need to take better care of themselves as they provide care for others. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is offered in two versions: one for adults caring for adults and the other version for adults caring for children with special physical and behavioural needs. We suggest caregivers attend all six sessions of the workshop, where possible. All sessions are 1.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. This workshop series is facilitated by Self-Management Program, Central East which is one of 14 programs across the Province of Ontario. Funding for this program is provided by the government of Ontario. 

Workshop: Concussion in Seniors, Facilitated by Peterborough Community Health Care

  • Free to attend; registration required
  • Friday, October 23, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Course ID:  00089559 to register, or register online
  • Concussions after a fall are common as we age and can make everyday tasks more challenging. This session offers clear, evidence-based guidance to help you or a loved one better understand and manage a concussion. This presentation will be facilitated by Jared Barrieau (Health Promoter) and Ellie Henry (System Navigator), from the Peterborough Community Health Centre.

Workshop: Living Choices for Seniors, Facilitated by Homestead

  • Free to attend; registration required
  • Fridays, October 30, November 6 & 13 (3-week series)
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Upper Level Banquet Hall
  • Course ID:  00090474 to register, or register online
  • Explore the ideas, experiences, and conversations that can help you feel more prepared when living choices change. This engaging three-week workshop draws on the life wisdom of centenarians and introduces the 40–70 Rule—a simple approach to starting important conversations before they become urgent. Through the ACT: Assess, Consider, Talk framework, you’ll reflect on how life changes may affect your needs, consider different living choices, and explore ways to talk openly with family about the future. Each week includes guided exercises, group discussion, and practical conversation tools to help you think through your choices with greater confidence and clarity.

Workshop: Patient Self-Advocacy & Health Engagement, Facilitated by Peterborough Community Health Care

  • Free to attend; registration required
  • Friday, November 20, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Course ID:  00089560 to register, or register online
  • Everyone deserves respectful, inclusive, and high-quality health care, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experience. Your voice matters, and you have the right to ask questions, share your concerns, and participate in decisions about your care. This seminar empowers participants to become active partners in their health care by building confidence in self-advocacy, learning how to ask effective questions, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and communicating their health goals and needs with care providers. This presentation will be facilitated by Jared Barrieau (Health Promoter) and Nakara Smith  (Social Worker), from the Peterborough Community Health Centre.

Workshop: Getting a Good Night Sleep, Facilitated by Peterborough Community Health Care

  • Free to attend; registration required
  • Friday, December 18, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Course ID:  00089561 to register, or register online
  • Discover practical, evidence-based strategies to improve your sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed. This free, one-hour session explores healthy sleep habits, common barriers to quality sleep, and proven techniques to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and improve overall well-being. Leave with simple, effective tools you can start using right away. This presentation will be facilitated by Jared Barrieau (Health Promoter) and Ellie Henry (System Navigator), from the Peterborough Community Health Centre.

Join us for a welcoming series of creative art workshops designed for older adults, led by an experienced educator from the Art Gallery of Peterborough. Explore a variety of hands-on activities including painting, zine-making, and felting in a relaxed, supportive environment that is open to all skill levels and abilities. These workshops are a great opportunity to connect with others, express your creativity, and enjoy learning something new together.

Join Instructor Thom Whitby as he leads you through the process of creating your own work of art! Using an original painting as a guide, participants will learn various skills and techniques for working with acrylic paint. Each participant will receive their own brushes and palette to use and canvas to paint and bring home. Aprons and easels are not provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Doors open 30 minutes prior to start time, with workshop instruction beginning 30 minutes later. The final 30 minutes of each class will be utilized by the instructor to provide tips and tricks for final touches.

Painting Workshop: Tire Swing

  • Friday, September 18
  • 2 - 4:30 p.m.
  • $25.88 + tax
  • Upper Level Banquet Hall
  • Course ID: 00090210 to register, or register online

Painting Workshop: Apparitions

  • Friday, October 16
  • 2 - 4:30 p.m.
  • $25.88 + tax
  • Upper Level Banquet Hall
  • Course ID: 00090213 to register, or register online

 

Explore, experience, and enjoy more with our exciting bus trip excursions for older adults and seniors. Travel with us to discover theatrical performances, museum exhibitions, holiday markets, fall colour tours, and other special destinations and events. With transportation, planned activities, and opportunities to socialize along the way, each trip makes it easy to enjoy a day out without the hassle of planning the details. Come along, make new memories, and enjoy great experiences with friends and fellow travellers!

The Adult Leisure Program and the Art Gallery of Peterborough are teaming up to bring accessible art experiences to the McDonnel Street Community Centre! Join us for creative beginner sessions that provide simple, accessible introductions to artmaking in a welcoming and supportive environment. Creative activities can offer a meaningful way to slow down, support wellbeing, and foster connection with others in our community. Come together with friends and neighbours to explore creativity, try something new, and enjoy the shared experience of making art. If you are interested in further developing your art skills, check out the Art Gallery of Peterborough for more advanced workshops in a studio setting.

The cost for all Creative Wellness Studio workshops is $9.07 + tax.

Intro to Weaving

Discover the creative possibilities of weaving! In a beginner-friendly introduction to weaving, participants will use table looms to explore how colour and texture work together. 

Colourful Self-Portraits

Create a playful self-portrait! This activity encourages personal expression and fun. No drawing or painting experience is needed.

Embroidery Basics

Experience the relaxing and meditative art of hand embroidery in a welcoming, beginner-friendly setting. Learn a few basic stitches while creating simple embroidered designs. 

September 14 to November 16

  • 6 - 7 p.m.
  • $73.84 + tax (prorated if registering late)
  • Excluded dates: October 12 & 26
  • Upper Level Banquet Hall
  • Course ID: 00089296 to register, or register here

Discover the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi in this welcoming class designed for beginners while offering opportunities for experienced participants to continue developing their practice. You'll learn the first 16 movements and gradually build on them as the program progresses, improving balance, flexibility, coordination, strength, and overall well-being in a supportive, inclusive environment. While this class is especially well suited for older adults and seniors looking to stay active, this program is open to anyone 18+ and will help reduce stress, build confidence, and foster meaningful social connections. This program will be facilitated by George Kerr who has over 30 years experience instructing Tai Chi.

These programs are produced by the Adult Leisure Program Seniors Active Living Centre with support from the Government of Ontario.

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
cityptbo@peterborough.ca