Community Recreation

Community Recreation primarily serves the citizens of Central Columbia but targets low-income families and “at-risk” youth. The majority of the programs are offered to the public at little or no cost.

The offices of Community Recreation are located at the Armory Sports Center, 701 E. Ash Street. For more information about programs offered, staff can be contacted at 573.817.5077opens phone dialer. (Click for information about youth and adult financial assistance).

Armory Summer Camp 2024

Daily camp activities include arts and crafts, computer activities, science experiments and sports. Weekly events include: visits from local organizations, swimming at Douglass Family Aquatic Center, field trips and lunch in the park. Please call Jay at 573.874.6379opens phone dialer for more information. Note: your spot in camp is secured by payment.

Activity # Date Time age Price
303916-01 Monday-Friday, Jun 10-Jul 5* 8 am – 5 pm 6-8 $125
303916-02 Monday-Friday, Jun 10-Jul 5* 8 am – 5 pm 9-12 $125
303916-03 Monday-Friday, Jul 8-Aug 9 8 am – 5 pm 6-8 $175
303916-04 Monday-Friday, Jul 8-Aug 9 8 am – 5 pm 9-12 $175

*Skip 6/19, 7/4 and 7/5

Adult drop-in basketball

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and older 
Price: $10 per month, or $2 per visit 
Location: Armory Sports Center Gymnasium

Kids Paint Night 

If you are a kid who loves to paint, this night is for you! Learn fun techniques such as blowing paint through a straw, string art or regular painting. 
Location:
 Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

Activity # Date Time Age Price
302911-01 Th: May 18 5:30-6:30 p.m. 6-12 $30

After school recreation

Activities, computer lab, and quiet classroom are available on a regular basis.
Monday – Friday during the school year, 2:30-7 p.m. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when school is not in session)
Ages: 6 and older 
Free
Location: Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

After school homework assistance

Tutors from the University of Missouri’s Office of Service Learning are available. Call 573.817.5077opens phone dialer for more information.
Monday – Friday during the school year, 3 – 7 p.m.
Free
Location: Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

Armory Science Klub (ASK)

ASK is a club for young scientists who want to learn more about the world through science. 
Location: Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

Activity # Date Time Age Price
313900-01 Thursday, Mar 16-Apr 27, 2023 (no class 3/30 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 8-10 $36

School’s Out Day of Play Tournaments

Don’t sit at home on your early out/day off from school. Come to the Armory and participate in a Day of Play! Free, just drop in and play! 
Location: Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

Activity # Date Time Age Price
Drop in  Fri, Mar 3, 2023 (Pool) 3 p.m. 8+ Free
Drop in  Wed, Mar 15, 2023 (Ping Pong) 3 p.m.  8+  Free
Drop in Wed, Apr 12, 2023 (Foosball) 3 p.m.  8+ Free
Drop in  Wed, May 10, 2023 (Air hockey) 3 p.m. 8+ Free

NBA 2K23 Playoffs 

Are you the King of the Court? Prove it during our annual NBA 2K23 playoff tournament. Pick from a pool of NBA playoff teams in this single-elimination tournament. The champion will take home their own trophy. Must register in advance, refreshments provided. Contact Jay at 573.874.6379opens phone dialer.   
April 13, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
Ages 10-17 
Price: Free
Location: Armory Sports Center

Computer lab

Use is first-come first-served. When there are people waiting, time is limited to 30 minutes.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Ages: 18 and older 
Price: $5 per month, or $1 per visit
Location: Armory Sports Center

Downtown Poetry Club 

Join our club to write, critique, share, hold discussion groups, and even perform if you wish. No experience necessary, and available to adults and teens. Please call 573.874.6378opens phone dialer.
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m. 
Ages: All 
Free
Location: Armory Sports Center downstairs

Youth Art Gallery

Are you an aspiring young artist? Maybe you just want to show off your doodles. Either way, the Youth Art Gallery will be open for you! Submissions will be accepted from all skill levels. Just send us a copy of your artwork and we will display in in the month of August. For more information or to submit your artwork, contact 573.874.6379opens phone dialer.
Location: Armory Sports Center downstairs classroom 

Activity # Date Time Age Price
NA Aug 1-31 8 am-6 pm 17 and under Free

Watercolor Painting 

Learn basic watercolor techniques and have fun using your imagination and creativity! No experience required. 

Activity # Date Time Age Price
302920-01 Friday, Mar 10 – Apr 28, 2023 (no class 3/31) 3:30-4:30 pm 6-12 $25

Little Bulldogs cheer and dance 

Free program for kids.  Learn the basics of dance and cheer routines and meet some new friends! Pre-registration is required as space is limited. 

Activity # Date Time Age Price
310908-01 Wednesday,  Mar 15-May 10, 2023 (No class 3/29)  5 – 6 p.m. 5-12 Free
310908-02 Wednesday, May 17-Jun 28, 2023 5 – 6 p.m. 5-12 Free

Mini-workout program

Come in and take advantage of Nautilus multi-station unit, treadmills, elliptical machines, recumbent and stationary bicycles, free-weights and other workout equipment.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6  p.m.
Price: $20 for 8 weeks, or $2 per visit 
Location: Armory Sports Center – Workout Room

Youth Italian 

Learn about the culture, language, music, movies and food of Italy with us! This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to become immersed in the language and culture of Italy. Beginner class, pre-registration required. 
Location: Armory Sports Center – Downstairs

Activity # Date Time Age Price
313919-01 M, W, Mar 13-Apr 26, 2023 (no class 3/27, 3/29) 4-5 p.m. 8-12 $40

Youth Spanish

Learn basic Spanish vocabulary, conversation skills and Spanish culture, including food and holidays. Taught in a variety of styles (interactive lessons, flash cards, videos, etc.). Pre-registration required.
Location: Armory Sports Center

Activity # Date Time Age Price
313918-01 T and Th, Mar 7-Apr 20, 2023 (no class 3/28, 3/30) 7 – 7:30 p.m. 8-10 $25

Qigong

Use practices of Qigong and Tai Chi for alignment of breath, movement, and awareness for exercise and health. Learning form, postures and movements promote longevity and balance. Call 573.817.5077 for more information.  
Tuesdays, Thursdays 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Ages 18+, FREE

Shorin-Ryu Karate

Shorin-Ryu Okinawan style karate is a very serious martial art form. Free, beginning and advances classes are offered for youth ages 7-14 and teen/adult (14 and up). For the full listing, check our Leisure Times activity guide.  Call  573.874.7460opens phone dialer to register and find out about advanced sessions.
Location: Armory Sports Center, Aerobics Studio

Silver & Gold Seniors Club

The Silver & Gold Club is a mature adults group that meets to enjoy each other’s company.  If you are interested in fun and interesting activities such as bingo, pokeno, card games, arts & crafts, field trips or movies, then join us. For more information, call 573.874.6378opens phone dialer.
Tuesdays, 2 – 4 p.m.
Ages 55 and older
Free
Location: Armory Sports Center 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi, as it is practiced in the West today, can be best thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Please call 573.874.6378opens phone dialer.
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 
Ages: 18 and up
Free
Location: Armory Sports Center gymnasium

Smaller Ballers (returning in the fall)

Get an early start with this youth basketball skills development program for 4-7 year olds. Each session consists of skills training, and then using the skills learned. It will be followed by scrimmage time on lowered goals. This is an instructional youth basketball program that focuses on the basic fundamental skills of the game.

Toys for Columbia’s Youth (2023 details coming in the fall)