Active Seniors

The City of Ryde is the largest council provider of subsidised seniors’ programs in NSW with capacity for over 750 seniors per term to be taking part in a range of physical activities across the city’s many parks, open spaces and recreational facilities. With multiple classes to choose from, seniors are offered a range of activities that help improve physical health, mental fitness, and create a sense of community and belonging. Each term consists of 9 Weeks, and all classes are charged per person, per term at the beginning of the term period. All non-dance classes are facilitated by a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist and are claimable with your receipt from most Health Insurance Providers.

Where possible, we aim to make our programs accessible and inclusive of all abilities, however some minimal fitness levels are required, and we ask all participants speak to their health care provider before undertaking any new exercise program. If you have any questions about physical access or inclusion in any of our programs, please email activerecreation@ryde.nsw.gov.au or call 9952 8222. Where possible, participants who currently hold an active Carers Card can attend with or without their carer also participating.

All participants attending the program must have closed toe shoes and a water bottle, for outdoor programs we also suggest sunscreen and a hat. Aqua programs are facilitated inside Ryde Aquatic and Leisure Centre, pool entry is for free for eligible participants with the correct health/pension cards, ineligible participants will be required to pay pool entry upon arrival.

Term 3 2026

City of Ryde’s programs are extremely popular and often have waitlists so booking early is essential. If you would like to join any of the seniors’ classes for Term 3, 2026 bookings will open at 10:00am on Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Bookings can be made online anytime from 10:00am on 1 July 2026 or in person on Wednesday 1 July only at Council's Customer Service Centre, 1 Pope Street, Ryde (below the library) from 10:00am – 12:00 noon.

Term 3 runs for 9 weeks from Monday 20 July until Friday 18 September 2026.

All participants much have a registered and confirmed bookable account. To create a bookable account you can visit Bookable. We suggest completing your account registration prior to Term opening day as it can take up to 48 hours for your profile to be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is classed as a ‘senior’?

City of Ryde’s Seniors programs are open to those aged 55 and over, City of Ryde’s Intergenerational programs are for those 35 and over.

Do I have to be a Ryde resident to attend?

No, City of Ryde Seniors classes are open to both Ryde residents and those who live in neighbouring Council Areas. However, additional fees may apply.

How much are City of Ryde Seniors classes?

All classes are booked on a term-by-term basis and are $55 per term for Ryde Residents and $65 per term for non-Ryde Residents. Each class runs once a week for 9 weeks. (Except Lift for Life, which is twice a week for $85).

What if I can’t attend a class? Can I get a refund?

Missed classes cannot be refunded. However, where possible, make-up classes will be made available by request.

Are classes claimable on my Health Insurance?

Yes, the majority of our classes are claimable with most Healthcare Insurance Providers. However, each provider requests different details to be listed on your receipt. If you would like to make a claim, and need your receipt adjusted, please contact Customer Service on 9952 8222.

Can I try a class before attending?

As most of our classes are now regularly fully booked before the term begins, trial classes may not be available. If you would like to visit a class, meet the instructor, or watch a session before booking in for the following term, this can be arranged by request.

How do I find out if I qualify for free pool entry?

Aqua programs are facilitated inside Ryde Aquatic and Leisure Centre, pool entry is for free for eligible participants with the correct health/pension cards, ineligible participants will be required to pay pool entry upon arrival.