ASHLAND — As fall gets into full swing, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is inviting Ashland-area families, children, teens and adults to make the most of October with a variety of programs, classes and special events designed to encourage connection, creativity, learning and active living.
From family nights and youth sports to fitness classes, aquatics programs and creative workshops, October’s schedule offers something for nearly every age and interest.
Adult Creative Workshops
Those looking to get creative can join the Seasonal Signs & Sips Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants ages 16 and older will create a seasonal sign while enjoying hot apple cider. Step-by-step instruction, materials and seasonal refreshments are included. The workshop costs $25 for members and $45 for community participants.
Learn how to turn simple sugar cookies into beautifully decorated treats at our Cookie Decorating Class on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. with Alayna Brater, owner of A&B Cookie Co.! This beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop will teach you the basics of icing consistency, outlining and flooding, simple piping techniques. Ages 14+ are welcome and members are $25 and $35 for community members.
Family Activities
Families looking for a fun way to spend a Friday evening can enjoy Family Fun Night on Oct. 2 and Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Activities vary each month and may include laser tag, bounce houses, the LU interactive system, games, crafts and karaoke. Admission is free for Kroc members, $7 for community participants, or $20 for a family of four or more. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
On Friday, Oct. 23, families can roll into the weekend with Family Skate Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free for members, $7 for community participants, or $20 for a family of four or more, with skate rental included.
Young families can also enjoy Bounce ‘n Play, offered Fridays from 9-10 a.m. through Dec. 4. The program features games, activities, music and bounce houses, giving children ages 0-7 an opportunity to play and burn energy while guardians enjoy time together.
Youth Sports & Activities
For youth interested in sports and competition, the Kroc Dodgeball League begins Oct. 1 and runs Thursdays through Nov. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The co-ed league is open to ages 10-16, with teams assigned after the first week based on skill levels. The $30 member/$50 community registration fee includes a T-shirt.
October also brings opportunities for youth to simply have fun and burn off some energy. NERF Night takes place Tuesdays, Oct. 6 through Nov. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring open-play games for all ages as well as ranked play for ages 10-16. Children under age 10 must have adult supervision.
For homeschool families, Homeschool Gym begins Oct. 6 and meets Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. through Nov. 17. The program provides structured physical education classes for students in grades K-6, followed by an open-play session.
Adults and teens can build confidence and learn practical skills through Self Defense with Ted Weaver, beginning Oct. 5. The eight-week program runs Mondays through Nov. 23, with youth classes from 5-6:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6:30-8 p.m. Weaver brings a background in martial arts and incorporates self-defense fundamentals, situational awareness and confidence-building techniques.
Middle School Night returns Friday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event provides middle school students with a safe, structured environment to enjoy sports, video games, crafts and other activities. Pre-registration is required at least two days before the event. Admission is free for members and $7 for community participants.
October is also the final month for Kroc Soccer 2027 regular registration, which runs through Oct. 31. Participants can register for $70 for members or $100 for community participants. The season begins with practices in January and runs through March 2027.
Aquatics
The Kroc’s aquatics schedule also continues throughout October. Riverwalk, a low-impact workout in the heated lazy river, is offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m. for adults ages 18 and older. Mini & Me Swim for children ages 0 to 4 and their guardians is offered Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m., while Sensory Swim provides an inclusive, quiet swimming experience for all ages Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m.
“The Kroc Center is designed to be a place where people can find something that fits their interests, their family and their season of life,” said Dan Lawson, Ph.D., Director of Community Relations and Development. “October is a great example of the variety we offer, whether you’re looking for a new activity for your child, a way to stay active, a creative outlet or simply an opportunity to spend time together as a family.”
Additional information and registration
To see the full offering of classes and activities at The Ashland Kroc Center now through December, please go to the Program section of The Ashland Kroc Center’s website and download a digital version, or stop by one of the Welcome Desks during regular business hours and pick up a hardcopy.
Unless otherwise noted in the program descriptions, online registration is available at https://ashlandkroc.usaeast.
If you have any questions or would like to register for a class over the phone, please feel free to call The Ashland Kroc Center at 419-281-8001.
To stay up-to-date on the latest classes and events, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.