The Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department has an assortment of fall activities and trips to choose from, but many are filling up quickly. Check them out here:
Adventure Trip – This day trip filled with activities, food and fun for kids 12-16 years old happens on Dec. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. It includes escaping out of a room at Atomic Escape Rooms, jumping at Get Air, and more. The cost is $50 for residents or $63 for non-residents and includes snacks, dinner and admission to activities.
The group departs from the Hermiston Community Center. The signup deadline is Dec. 26 – but space is very limited so register soon.
Casino Night – This trip to the Wildhorse Casino for those ages 55 and up is planned for Oct. 16 from 1 to 8 p.m. The cost is $20. The parks department will take care of transportation and dinner reservations at the buffet. The group departs from the Harkenrider Senior Center. Bring your friends for this fun evening.
Hermiston Children’s Theater Presents Robin Hood – This theater program, sponsored by the Desert Arts Council, is open to kids at least 9 but not yet 18 years old. Actors will prepare for an on-stage performance of Robin Hood. They’ll learn stage presence, voice control and acting techniques while gaining speaking confidence and meeting new friends.
The cost is $30 for residents or $38 for non-residents. Rehearsals take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 24-Nov. 17, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center. A mandatory parent meeting will be on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Performances will be on Nov. 16-17. The signup deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Children’s Dance Class – These classes provide an introduction to very basic techniques and performance for children ages 3-6 years. Session 1 is full, but there are a few spaces left for Session 2 in October and Session 3 in November.
The cost is $30 for residents or $38 for non-residents. Classes take place on Thursdays from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center. Children will perform at the end of each session. No additional costume costs are needed. The signup deadline is one week prior.
Dance Class: Country 2-Step & 4-Step Swing, and West Coast Swing – Classes are for those 14 and older and take place on Wednesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24 in the Hermiston Library basement. Country Swing is 6:15-7:15 p.m., and West Coast Swing, 7:30-8:30 p.m. The signup deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 26.
The cost is $30 for residents and $38 for non-residents. Those 14-17 must have an adult participating or watching the class. No partner is required. Wear shoes that allow for ease in taking turning steps.
Dog & Puppy Training – This session is already in progress, but registrations are still being accepted. Owners must bring their dogs’ vaccination records to the first class. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded at the last class.
Age requirements are 0-6 months for puppies and 6 months and older for adult dogs. The cost is $50 for residents and $63 for non-residents. All classes are on Saturdays, through Oct. 6 (no classes on Sept. 1) at Highland Hills Elementary School. Puppy classes are 9-10 a.m., and adult dog classes are 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children 10 and older can participate in the training classes but must be supervised by a parent.
Exploring Painting – Kids ages 13-17 can explore different painting techniques, including marbling and watercolor, and spend some time using acrylic paints during these free classes at the Hermiston Community Center. Each class will feature a different project with room to explore your own ideas and creativity. No art experience is necessary. Classes and supplies are provided by Pendleton Center for the Arts.
Classes are on Wednesdays, Sept. 5-26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Register online to confirm your spot.
Intro to Linocut – Printmaking is a great way to make multiple originals from a single block. In this class you will design, transfer the image, and carve onto a linoleum block. You will be introduced to the basics of relief printing and will go home with a copy of your completed print and your carved linoleum block, which you can print over and over again. All materials and tools required will be provided by Pendleton Center for the Arts.
These free classes at the Hermiston Community Center are for kids 13-17 years old and take place on Tuesdays, Sept. 4-25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Register online to confirm a spot, and so that PCA knows the attendance. Call 541-278-9201 for more information.
Laser Tag Night – The parks department will transform the community center into a laser tag arena and have a night of fun, food and games for kids 12-16 years old on Friday, Nov. 9 from 4 to 7:00 p.m. The cost is $25 each.
Two slices of pizza and a drink will be provided, and kids can bring money to purchase more.
Meet the Coaches – This meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at the Hermiston Community Center will cover rules and other information and allow players and parents to meet the coaches. Schedules and jerseys will be passed out.
Meet the football coach from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., and the volleyball coach from 6:15 to 7 p.m.
Scarywood Theme Park – Scarywood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho is the Halloween-themed version of Silverwood. This trip on Saturday, Oct. 20 is for kids 12-16 years old. The cost is $60 each and includes transportation, admission and a sack lunch.
The group will depart from the Hermiston Community Center at 2:30 p.m. and will spend 7-10:30 p.m. at the park, then arrive back at the community center around 2 a.m. Sunday. Please see the description for Scarywood here: www.scarywoodhaunt.com.
Tennis Afterschool Zone – This program from RecTennis for grades K-5 combines kid-friendly tennis equipment, fun activities, and lessons in leadership, teamwork and other important concepts and principals. No previous tennis experience is required.
The cost is $65 each. Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5:00 p.m. at the Sunset Elementary tennis courts. Register at https://rectennis.com/city/hermiston. For more information, contact Elece Fiocchi at 509-221-0823 or email efiocchi@pnw.usta.com.
Treats on Main and Beyond – The parks department invites everyone to come downtown on Wednesday, Oct. 31 for a safe, fun, free Trick-or-Treat activity on Main Street. Participating businesses will have signs in their windows inviting you in to collect treats from them. Work your way around Downtown Main Street by following the specially marked pumpkins. Afterward, head to the Hermiston Community Center for carnival games, bounce house, haunted house, giant pumpkin, prizes, and much more for all ages.
Downtown activities go from 3 to 5 p.m., and community center activities from 4 to 7 p.m. Opportunities for volunteering are available. The event is sponsored by Rogers Toyota of Hermiston.
Violin Classes – There’s only one space left for Beginning Violin classes in the September-November sessions, but plenty available for Intermediate students (those who have previous playing experience or have completed the Beginning Violin class). Instructor approval is required for entry into Intermediate classes.
Students must be at least 9 years of age. All classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center. Call the parks department for pricing.
For more information about these activities or to register, visit the parks department website or call 541-667-5018.
