The Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center is offering a full slate of fall programs from Montgomery County Recreation. The Loop Team combed through the entire Fall 2025 Guide to pull out every event at this location and summarize them here—so you won’t miss a thing.

This guide is organized with Senior (55+) activities first, followed by Kids & Adult classes, and then Therapeutic Recreation programs for individuals with disabilities. Highlights this season include an expansive 55+ lineup of arts and crafts, cultural dance, Zumba, Bone Builders, tai chi, health screenings, and more—alongside creative and fitness options for younger participants like pottery, ballet, basketball, and pickleball. The schedule wraps up with adaptive sports and skill-building programs designed for those with disabilities.

Led by expert instructors in a welcoming, well-equipped facility, every program is designed to inspire creativity, encourage physical activity, and foster community connection. Whether you’re seeking enrichment, recreation, or wellness, North Potomac’s fall offerings have something for everyone. View the full Montgomery County Fall 2025 Guide here.

How to Register Using the Activity Code
Each program in the Fall Guide includes a unique Activity Code (e.g., R01013-101) that corresponds to a specific class, day, and time.

To register:

Pro Tips:

Evening Crafters – Creative camaraderie after hours
Unwind mid-week with fellow crafty adults in this evening group. Bring your ongoing craft projects or start something new and enjoy the creative camaraderie in a relaxed social setting.

Watercolor Art – Watercolor techniques for all levels
Develop your watercolor painting skills in a friendly daytime class. Practice different techniques and get creative guidance, perfect for beginners or experienced hobbyists looking to refine their art (a small supply fee applies).

Paint and Sip – Relax, paint, and socialize
Enjoy a fun, social art session as you create a painting step-by-step while sipping your favorite beverage. No experience necessary – just come ready to relax, create art, and mingle with friends.

Knit and Crochet Group – Yarn enthusiasts unite
Join a welcoming group of knitters and crocheters to work on projects, share techniques, and enjoy friendly conversation. All levels are welcome in this ongoing crafting circle for yarn lovers.

Chinese Classical Folk Dance – Graceful traditional dance
Experience the beauty and gentle exercise of Chinese classical folk dance. Learn elegant traditional movements and routines in a social setting that celebrates culture while keeping you active and having fun.

Chinese Folk Dancing – Fun & fitness with folk dance
Enjoy rhythmic Chinese folk dances in a friendly group. This class offers light exercise and cultural immersion through traditional dance steps and music – a wonderful way to stay active while learning something new.

Dance for Posture and Elegance (Mandarin) – Improve posture through dance
Taught in Mandarin, this dance class focuses on graceful movements to enhance your posture and poise. It’s ideal for anyone looking to improve balance and elegance in everyday life through dance.

International Ballroom Dancing – Ballroom basics and beyond
Step into the world of ballroom dance with instruction in classic styles. Partners rotate frequently, so you’ll meet new people while learning waltz, tango, and more in a fun, social atmosphere.

International Folk Dance – Dance around the world
Learn folk dances from various countries in this instructional class. Each session introduces new cultural steps and music, providing light exercise and lots of fun in a group of enthusiastic dancers.

Line Dancing – Learn popular line dances
Kick up your heels with line dancing! This class covers a variety of easy-to-follow line dances to country, pop, and soul tunes. It’s a great way to stay fit and socialize on the dance floor.

Martial Arts Health Dance – Tai chi-inspired dance exercise
Blend gentle martial arts moves with dance in this unique fitness class. Based on Asian exercise forms, these routines improve flexibility, balance, and energy flow in a relaxed, music-driven session.

Artificial Intelligence Lecture Series – AI demystified for seniors
Curious about artificial intelligence? This twice-weekly lecture series breaks down AI concepts and trends in simple terms. Stay intellectually engaged by learning how AI is shaping the world around us.

Basic English Conversation (Mandarin Speakers) – English practice with Mandarin support
Practice everyday English in a supportive environment designed for Mandarin speakers. Build confidence in speaking and understanding common phrases, with explanations in Mandarin to help bridge language gaps as you learn.

Bonjour! Basic French Conversation and Culture – Intro to French language & life
Learn basic French greetings, phrases, and cultural tidbits in a fun class for beginners. No prior French needed – just bring curiosity and enjoy a taste of French culture.

Conversational Spanish for Beginners – Start speaking español
Start speaking Spanish from day one. This beginner-friendly course emphasizes simple dialogues and practical vocabulary for everyday situations, helping you gain confidence through weekly interactive practice and fun activities.

Coping with Change – Support for life transitions
Navigate the ups and downs of life changes in a supportive group setting. Discuss strategies to cope with retirement, aging, loss, or other transitions, and share experiences to build resilience together.

English Reading & Writing (Mandarin Speakers) – Bilingual literacy boost
Improve your English reading comprehension and writing skills with help in Mandarin. This class is tailored for Mandarin-speaking seniors, offering bilingual guidance as you practice and improve your English literacy.

Jai Ho Discussion and Social Group – Lively Indian cultural circle
Join a lively group of Indian seniors for discussions, socializing, and cultural exchange. Share stories, celebrate traditions, and make friends in a welcoming environment (chai included!)

Chinese Mahjong (Wed) – Mahjong social (Wednesday mornings)
Challenge your mind and make friends with the Wednesday Chinese Mahjong group. Beginners and experienced players alike can enjoy this traditional tile game that keeps you sharp and socially engaged.

Chinese Mahjong (Fri) – Mahjong social (Friday afternoons)
End the week with strategic fun at the Friday Chinese Mahjong table. It’s a perfect afternoon activity to exercise your brain, enjoy friendly competition, and bond with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts.

Chinese Karaoke – Sing your heart out in Chinese
Join fellow music lovers for weekly Chinese karaoke sessions. Whether you enjoy classic Mandarin tunes or the latest hits, this fun singing group lets you belt out songs, lift your mood, and make friends through music.

Cardio Fit – Total-body aerobics
Stay in shape with this energetic cardio workout designed for older adults. Enjoy easy-to-follow aerobic exercises that improve heart health, endurance, and coordination, all set to motivating music in a supportive group atmosphere.

Heart Plus Exercise – Heart-healthy workout
Engage in a heart-healthy exercise routine that’s gentle on the joints. This class combines low-impact aerobic moves and light strength training, helping you improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle tone at a comfortable pace.

Stretching Exercises – Stretch and flex routine
Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness with guided full-body stretching exercises. Meeting three times a week, this class helps you maintain your range of motion, prevent injury, and start your mornings feeling limber.

Zumba – Dance party workout
Join the Zumba fun with Latin-inspired dance moves and music! This upbeat class feels more like a dance party than exercise. Burn calories and boost your energy while enjoying salsa, merengue, and other world rhythms.

Wellness Wednesdays (with UMD Nursing Students) – Weekly wellness clinic
Every Wednesday, nursing students from the University of Maryland host a wellness clinic at the center. Drop in for health screenings, get your questions answered, and learn tips to improve your well-being in a friendly setting.

Mindfulness Art – Creative mindfulness practice
Combine art and meditation in this unique class that uses simple art activities as a form of mindfulness practice. Reduce stress and express yourself creatively while learning techniques to stay present and calm.

Slow Flow Yoga – Gentle yoga for flexibility
Practice a slow-paced yoga sequence focused on gentle movements and deep breathing. Ideal for beginners or those with tight muscles, this class helps improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation in a supportive environment.

*Bone Builders is an ongoing free program that runs twice weekly throughout the fall; participants can join any time between Sept. 2–Nov. 26.

Bone Builders (Mon/Wed) – Build bone strength on M/W mornings
A volunteer-led workout to improve bone density and overall strength. Using light weights and simple exercises, this free program helps prevent osteoporosis in a supportive group that meets every Monday and Wednesday morning.

Bone Builders (Tu/Th 10:40) – Build bone strength on Tu/Th
This Bone Builders class meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:40. Enjoy a regular routine of weight-bearing exercises proven to maintain bone health, all at no cost to participants (stay strong and steady!)

Bone Builders (Tu/Th 11:50) – Build bone strength on Tu/Th
If late mornings suit you, join this second Tues/Thurs Bone Builders group at 11:50. The focus is on improving bone density and balance through regular guided exercises. Stay healthy and fracture-free with peers by your side.

Intro to Qigong Flow – Gentle Qigong for beginners
Discover the gentle art of Qigong, a Chinese practice combining slow movement and breathing. Perfect for beginners, this class introduces basic Qigong exercises to reduce stress and improve balance and vitality.

Tai Chi – Chen 18 Form (Intermediate)
Learn the Chen-style 18 Form of Tai Chi, one of the original styles of this ancient martial art. Move through a series of flowing postures that build strength, enhance balance, and calm the mind.

Tai Chi – Yang 37 Form (CMC)
Delve into the Cheng Man-Ch’ing 37-move Yang Style Tai Chi form. This class provides step-by-step instruction in the popular Yang style, known for its smooth, gentle movements that improve balance and inner calm.

Tai Chi Practice Group – Keep your Tai Chi skills sharp
Already familiar with Tai Chi? This practice group offers a space to refine your form and enjoy Tai Chi with peers. It’s a great way to keep up your skills and stay active year-round.

Seniors Kickball Fun
A casual, social kickball game designed for older adults. Lighthearted activity to stay active and connect with friends.

Outdoor Pickleball
Casual pickleball play for seniors in an outdoor setting. Great for exercise, fun, and friendly competition.

Pickleball Beginners Clinic
An intro session for seniors to learn pickleball rules, strokes, and court etiquette.

Senior Soccer
Regular soccer meet-ups for seniors. A great way to enjoy teamwork, fitness, and fun in a friendly setting.

Walking Soccer
Soccer without the running — perfect for those wanting a safer, slower-paced game while still enjoying the sport.

65+ Men’s Soccer League – Adult men
Full-field matches for experienced senior players. Stay active, build camaraderie, and enjoy high-level soccer.

Draw and Clay
A fun blend of drawing and clay projects that spark imagination and improve fine motor skills. Kids explore shapes, textures, and colors while creating unique art pieces to take home.

Drawing with Young Rembrandts
Guided lessons teach kids to draw with confidence, focusing on technique, creativity, and self-expression. Each week features a new theme, keeping young artists engaged and inspired.

Learning Art from the Masters
Students explore the styles of famous artists, then create their own masterpieces. A fun introduction to art history and creative techniques in painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Beginner Pottery Wheel and Hand Building
Learn pottery basics using both wheel and hand-building techniques. Students craft functional and decorative pieces while developing shaping, trimming, and glazing skills.

Handcrafted Pottery Open Studio
Studio time with instructor guidance for potters to work on personal projects. Ideal for practicing skills, exploring new forms, and completing custom pieces.

Handcrafted Pottery Open Studio / Hand Built Pottery
A combination of hand-building instruction and open studio time. Great for developing new skills or refining existing pottery techniques with expert feedback.

Introductory Pottery
A welcoming class for beginners to explore wheel and hand-building methods. Students learn the foundations of pottery while creating personalized pieces.

Pottery Workshop: Ornaments!
Craft unique clay ornaments in this focused, seasonal workshop. Students design, shape, and glaze creations perfect for gifting or decorating.

Pottery Workshop: Serving Platter and Spoon
Create a custom serving platter and matching spoon in this two-session workshop. Perfect for adding handmade charm to your kitchen or table.

Safe Sitter
A one-day training that covers babysitting safety, first aid basics, and activity planning. Students leave confident and prepared to care for younger children.

Adult Ballet and Stretch
A gentle introduction to ballet technique for adults, paired with stretching to improve flexibility, posture, and core strength.

Children’s Ballet
Ballet basics for young dancers, developing coordination, balance, and rhythm. Classes build skills in a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Creative Movement for Kids
A playful mix of movement and music for children. Builds confidence, coordination, and self-expression through creative dance activities.

Ballet Tap Jazz
A high-energy introduction to ballet, tap, and jazz. Kids learn rhythm, coordination, and performance skills in a lively setting.

Pop Stars
Kids move and groove to popular songs, learning choreography, timing, and stage presence in this upbeat dance class.

Toddler and Me
Parents or caregivers join toddlers for a fun, music-filled class that encourages motor skills, coordination, and early social interaction.

Yoga for Vitality
A yoga practice designed to boost vitality, flexibility, and balance. Gentle yet energizing, suitable for all experience levels.

Basketball - Train Like a Pro Juniors
An upbeat clinic that builds basketball fundamentals through drills, games, and skill challenges for younger players.

Basketball - Train Like a Pro Skills & Drills
For older kids ready to elevate their basketball game. Focus on shooting, passing, defense, and court awareness.

Pickleball - Advanced Beginner Skills and Drills
For players ready to go beyond the basics. Focus on consistency, strategy, and positioning to improve match performance.

Pickleball - Drop Shots (Pickleball Clinic)
A one-day session focused entirely on mastering the drop shot, a key skill in competitive pickleball.

Pickleball - Intermediate Volley
Players refine volley techniques and control at the net for more competitive gameplay.

25+ Women’s Soccer League – Adult women
Join a team or sign up as a free agent for spirited, friendly soccer competition with fellow adult players.

Adaptive Athletes Basketball Skills & Drills
For youth with disabilities, these clinics focus on skill development, teamwork, and confidence in a supportive environment.

Bake and Take
Participants bake delicious treats to take home, learning kitchen safety, basic cooking skills, and recipe-following.

Zam Dance
A Zumba-inspired workout for individuals with disabilities. Upbeat music, fun routines, and a welcoming atmosphere for all abilities.