Finding the right senior center can give an older adult more than a place to spend the day. Senior centers and community programs can provide opportunities for social connection, exercise, meals, recreation, education, transportation, and access to local resources.
For adult children helping an aging parent, these organizations can also be a useful starting point. A senior center may help a parent stay active and connected while providing opportunities to learn about other services available in the community.
Snohomish County has senior centers and community programs serving older adults in communities throughout the county, from Everett and Lynnwood to Monroe, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Arlington, Mukilteo, and surrounding areas.
1. Carl Gipson Senior Center
📍 3025 Lombard Ave, Everett, WA 98201
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Carl Gipson Senior Center is a membership-based community serving adults 50 and older, veterans, individuals with disabilities, underserved communities, immigrants, youth, and families. The center offers opportunities to learn new skills, connect with others, stay active, and participate in the community.
Activities and Programs
- Classes and workshops
- Trips
- Personal services
- Community activities
- Social opportunities
- Room rentals and event space
The center also offers rooms for gatherings and events, including the Cascade View room with a commercial kitchen.
2. Monroe Community Senior Center
📍 276 Sky River Pkwy, Monroe, WA 98272
Phone: 360-794-6359
The Monroe Community Senior Center supports older adults through social connection, recreation, wellness, lifelong learning, and community engagement. The nonprofit offers programs, classes, health and wellness appointments, and professional and personal services throughout the week.
Activities and Programs
- Fitness classes and Chair Yoga
- Tai Chi and walking groups
- Knit, crochet, quilting, and fiber arts
- Canasta, Mahjongg, bridge, and other games
- Grief and loss support
- Transportation
- Art and craft classes
- Book club and legacy writing
- Tech help and SHIBA appointments
- Foot care and massage
- Legal and mental health consultations
- Bingo, poker, chess, and other social activities
Membership is open to all ages. Supporting membership is $40 per year for an individual or $70 per year for a family in the same household.
3. Lake Ballinger Center (LBC)
📍 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Located within the 42-acre Lake Ballinger Park, the Lake Ballinger Center provides activities and services for aging adults and the broader community. The nonprofit operates from the Corso Clubhouse and offers a 6,800-square-foot facility for programs, activities, gatherings, and events.
Activities and Programs
- Recreational activities
- Wellness programs
- Learning opportunities
- Social activities
- Senior services
- Community participation
- Events and gatherings
The center's mission focuses on supporting the physical, emotional, intellectual, and economic well-being of aging adults while providing opportunities for participation, learning, and socializing.
4. Mukilteo Seniors Association at Rosehill
📍 304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo, WA 98275
The Mukilteo Seniors Association works to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in the greater Mukilteo community. The organization provides opportunities for older adults to gather, socialize, and participate in activities throughout the community.
Activities and Programs
- Monthly luncheons
- Social gatherings
- Entertainment
- Restaurant meetups
- Community outings
- Opportunities for friendship and connection
The monthly luncheon includes food, entertainment, and social time. The luncheon is listed as free, with a suggested $5 donation, and advance RSVP is requested.
5. Marysville Community Center – Senior Programs
📍 Marysville City Hall, 501 Delta Avenue, Marysville, WA 98270
Marysville Parks, Culture & Recreation offers free senior social activities and outings designed to help older adults stay active, explore the community, learn new things, and build friendships. Programs are partially funded through a Snohomish County Department of Human Services grant.
Activities and Programs
- Coffee Chat
- Senior Lunch
- New Member/Newcomer Lunch
- Senior social outings and trips
- Bingo and line dancing
- Walking groups
- Cards and games
- Arts and hobbies
- Grief and loss support
- Family caregiver support
- Foot care appointments
- SHIBA and Medicare programs
- First Aid and safety programs
- Cyber safety and fraud workshops
Past and scheduled outings include museums, bowling, movies, painting activities, community events, and local trips. Registration is required for many activities.
6. Lake Stevens Senior Center
📍 2302 Soper Hill Rd, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday except for special events.
The Lake Stevens Senior Center serves adults age 55 and older and focuses on physical, emotional, intellectual, and economic opportunities that support the well-being of older adults.
Activities and Programs
- Balance classes
- Exercise and yoga
- Tai Chi
- Line dancing
- Bingo
- Book club
- Coffee and Chat
- Foot care
- Quilting and crafts
- Pinochle and card games
- Ukulele and Hula
- Watercolor painting
- Lunch programs
- SHIBA Medicare and insurance counseling
Lunch is served Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. Bingo is held Thursdays at 1 p.m., with doors opening at noon.
7. Snohomish Senior Center
📍 506 4th Street, Snohomish, WA 98290
Phone: 360-568-0934
The Snohomish Senior Center has served the community for more than 30 years. Its programs support older adults' physical, social, emotional, and creative well-being, with activities ranging from social gatherings and trips to exercise classes, games, and creative programs.
Activities and Programs
- Senior fitness and balance classes
- Chair Yoga and Tai Chi
- Walking and meditation
- Massage and sound baths
- Alzheimer's caregiver and caregiver support
- Grief and resilient living groups
- Bingo and card games
- Mah Jongg and ping pong
- Line dancing
- Movie socials and local trips
- Book club and creative writing
- Quilting, watercolor, and crafts
- Gardening and woodcarving
- Bible study
- Weekday lunches
- Library
- Foot care
New programs are added regularly.
8. Lynnwood Senior Center
📍 19000 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
The Lynnwood Senior Center provides health, wellness, social, and recreational opportunities for older adults. The center encourages participants to stay active, learn new things, spend time outdoors, and connect with others.
Activities and Programs
- Fitness and wellness programs
- 62+ wellness activities
- Outdoor recreation and hiking
- Classes and discussion groups
- Games
- Trips and excursions
- Presentations and events
- Social activities
- Blood pressure checks and other services
Ongoing games include Bingo, Canasta, Cribbage, and Mexican Train. The center also offers trips and excursions throughout the Pacific Northwest.
9. Mill Creek Senior Center
📍 4111 133rd St. SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012
The Mill Creek Senior Center is located on the ground floor of the Vintage Mill Creek Apartments and provides access to senior center programs for residents and the broader community. The location also includes a connected annex for fitness programming.
Activities and Programs
- Fitness programming
- Men's Coffee group
- Women's Coffee group
- Social activities
- Community gatherings
- Opportunities for conversation and connection
The center is designed to make senior programming more accessible to people living at Vintage while also serving the surrounding community.
10. Stilly Valley Center
📍 18308 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, WA 98223
Stilly Valley Center provides services and programs intended to enhance quality of life for older adults, reduce isolation, and help people remain connected to their communities. Its program areas include health, nutrition, social services, housing, recreation, education, and transportation.
Activities and Programs
- Book club
- Canasta and Samba
- Cribbage
- Chair Dancercize
- Diamond Dot group
- Food Room
- Foot clinic
- Ice cream social
- Sewing and quilting
- Mexican Train
- Line dancing
- Scrabble
- Gentle yoga
- Writers Group Workshop
- Muscle and Bone Strength
- Library
The Food Room is available Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. and is free for registered participants age 55 and older. The center also offers foot clinic appointments, exercise classes, social activities, and other programs throughout the week.
How Senior Centers Can Support Older Adults in Snohomish County
Senior centers offer different combinations of services, but many share a common purpose: helping older adults remain connected, active, and engaged in their communities.
For some older adults, the most valuable resource may be a weekly lunch or coffee group. For others, it may be an exercise class, transportation service, caregiver support group, or connection to Medicare and other community resources.
Social Connection
Activities such as bingo, card games, Mahjong, crafts, book clubs, dancing, coffee groups, lunches, and trips can give older adults regular opportunities to meet people and build friendships.
Meals and Nutrition
Several organizations provide senior lunches, meals, food assistance, or other nutrition resources. Community meals can also give older adults who live alone a regular opportunity to get out of the house and eat with others.
Exercise and Wellness
Senior centers offer activities ranging from chair yoga and Tai Chi to walking, balance classes, strength training, dance, and outdoor recreation.
Transportation
Transportation can become increasingly important when an older adult stops driving. Some organizations provide transportation directly, while others offer group outings or connections to transportation resources.
Caregiver and Resource Support
Some centers also provide caregiver support, Medicare counseling, technology assistance, legal consultations, health services, and connections to other community resources.
For an adult child helping an aging parent, these programs can be a useful place to start learning what is available locally.
What to Consider When Choosing a Senior Center
The closest senior center may not always be the right fit for your parent. Consider what they enjoy, what they need, and what will make it easier for them to participate regularly.
Location
Start with centers that are reasonably close to home. A convenient location can make regular attendance easier, particularly if transportation or driving has become a concern.
Activities
Look for activities your parent is likely to enjoy. Someone who loves cards may be more interested in a center with regular game groups, while someone who wants to stay active may prefer exercise, walking, or fitness programs.
Meals
If nutrition or social isolation is a concern, ask about community lunches, meal programs, and food assistance.
Transportation
If your parent no longer drives, ask whether transportation is available and whether there are eligibility or registration requirements.
Health and Wellness
Consider whether the center offers activities that match your parent's interests and abilities, such as:
- Exercise
- Balance classes
- Tai Chi
- Walking
- Yoga
- Strength training
- Health screenings
- Foot care
Social Connection
Sometimes the biggest benefit is simply having somewhere to go and people to see. Look for activities your parent would enjoy enough to attend regularly.
Senior Centers Are One Piece of the Bigger Picture
A senior center can be an important part of an older adult's support system, but it is not designed to replace services such as in-home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, or personal care.
Instead, it can be one piece of a larger network.
For an older adult who is becoming isolated, needs more opportunities for activity, has stopped driving, or wants help finding local resources, a senior center can be a practical place to begin.
For adult children, these organizations can also make the process of finding local resources feel more manageable.
You do not necessarily have to figure everything out at once. Sometimes the first step is simply finding one place where your parent feels comfortable, connected, and welcome.
A Note Before You Visit
Senior center schedules, meal programs, fees, and activities can change. Some programs also require registration or appointments.
Before visiting, call the organization or check its current schedule to confirm hours, program availability, meal times, fees, and any requirements.