Senior Activities in Northeast Florida — Always-On Guide

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Why this list?

Looking for activities that don’t expire next weekend? This guide focuses on recurring options—weekly classes, ongoing clubs, and programs that run year‑round. Perfect for staying active, social, and connected in NEFL.

Pro tip: Call ahead the first time. Schedules shift for holidays, weather, and instructor availability.

Quick Map

  • Duval (Jacksonville): City senior centers + public library system + UNF OLLI

  • St. Johns (St. Augustine): Council on Aging (COA) centers & River House

  • Nassau (Amelia Island/Fernandina, Yulee, Hilliard): Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) centers

Duval County (Jacksonville)

City Senior Centers (Multiple Locations)

Frequency: Daily/weekly recurring programs.
What you’ll find:

  • Chair Exercise, Tai Chi, Line Dancing, Ballroom Dance

  • Brain Games, Puzzles, Card Games, Bingo

  • Arts & Crafts (crochet/knitting, watercolor), Spanish class, Bible study

  • Walking clubs & beach strolls (weather permitting)

Good to know: Most centers publish a monthly calendar; many activities repeat weekly. Some programs are free; others have a small fee.
Accessibility: Most centers are ADA‑friendly with ample parking.

How to join: Visit your closest center’s calendar and drop in, or call to register where required.

Jacksonville Public Library (All Branches)

Frequency: Weekly book clubs, tech help, ESOL/citizenship classes, author talks (monthly+).
Why it’s great: Free, air‑conditioned, and a reliable set of recurring groups.

OLLI at UNF (Ages 50+)

Frequency: Multi‑week courses running throughout the year.
What to expect: Short courses in local history, arts, wellness, tech, travel, and more.
Tip: Seats fill fast—join the email list and register early.

St. Johns County (St. Augustine)

Council on Aging (COA) – River House & Community Centers

Frequency: Weekly & session‑based.
Activities: Functional fitness, chair yoga, dance, line dancing, art, language classes, meditation, support groups, clubs, and lectures.
Access: Many classes require COA membership or a nominal class fee; scholarships sometimes available.

St. Johns County Public Library

Frequency: Book clubs, crafting circles, genealogy and tech help run on repeat across branches.

Nassau County (Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Hilliard)

Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA)

Frequency: Weekly recurring classes; most run every month.
Activities: Fitness & toning, chair yoga, beginning ballet/barre, balance classes, art/craft workshops, tech tutoring, social hours.
Membership perks: Many classes included or discounted with membership.

Nassau County Public Library System

Frequency: Recurring clubs (book clubs, knitting/crafting), author chats, adult learning.

Sample Weekly Planner (Mix & Match)

Monday: Chair Yoga (Nassau) • Book Club (Jax Library)


Tuesday: Line Dancing (Duval center) • Watercolor Workshop (St. Johns COA)


Wednesday: Brain Games (Duval) • Balance & Stability (Nassau)


Thursday: Tai Chi (Duval) • Lifelong Learning Lecture (UNF OLLI)


Friday: Ballroom Dance (Duval evening) • Craft Circle (St. Johns Library)


Weekend: Nature Walk (weather permitting) • Author Talk (library)

Costs & Registration

  • Free options: Public library programs, many walking groups, some city‑run classes.

  • Low‑cost: Most senior center classes ($), with punch cards/passes.

  • Courses: OLLI at UNF runs by term ($$/course).

Bring: Water, closed‑toe shoes for fitness, and a light sweater (indoor AC!).


Transportation & Accessibility

  • Many senior centers partner with county transit or volunteer ride programs. Ask about eligibility and routes.

  • Facilities typically include ramps, accessible restrooms, and nearby parking.

How to Get the Exact Times

Because schedules shift, the latest class times live on each organization’s calendar. Search for:

  • “Jacksonville Senior Centers calendar”

  • “Nassau County Council on Aging classes”

  • “St. Johns COA River House calendar”

  • “Jacksonville Public Library events”

  • “UNF OLLI catalog”

(Or message me and I’ll grab this week’s highlights.)

FAQs

Do I need to be a resident of that county? Often no—many programs welcome all area residents; some perks may be resident‑only.

Can caregivers attend? Usually yes; confirm with the host.

Are there beginner‑friendly options? Absolutely—look for “chair,” “gentle,” or “beginner.”

Is there a waitlist? For popular art/fitness classes and OLLI terms, yes—join early.


Keep Exploring

  • Walking Trails & Strolls: Try beach boardwalks and shaded park loops; look for “paved” or “boardwalk” for mobility‑friendly routes.

  • Social + Sips: Morning coffee socials pop up at most centers weekly.

  • Creative Corners: Knitting/crochet circles and adult craft nights happen across library branches.


Local Help (Free, Friendly)

Want a human to help you pick classes near your neighborhood—or even plan a week for you? I’m happy to help.

Thinking about rightsizing or moving closer to family? I offer low‑pressure guidance for seniors and caregivers across Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and St. Augustine.

Call/Text: 904-601-2216
Email: realtor@carrieannkilpatrick.com
Newsletter: Events & Activities Sign‑Up 

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