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Fun Outdoor Activities for Seniors This Summer

Seniors outside taking a photo

Croquet, anyone? Lawn games are a sure sign summer has arrived.

And with it, all kinds of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. If you like to golf or fish, this is probably your favorite time of year.

But if you’re looking for fun outdoor activities for seniors that don’t require a membership or license, we’ve got some ideas. Check out the suggestions below to have more fun in the sun this summer.

9 Outdoor Activities for Seniors Sure to Brighten Your Summer

1. Exercise Your Green Thumb

Tending a garden, even if it’s just a few container plants on the patio, can make you happy. The exercise alone will boost your mood. The sun’s rays also increase serotonin levels, a happy neurotransmitter in your brain. If you’re new to gardening, consider joining a gardening club. It’s a great way to make new friends and learn how to grow plants that do well in your climate. At Laurel Circle, many residents enjoy growing (and sharing) flowers and vegetables in our community garden.

2. Take a Hike

Whether you’re walking around the block or hiking a trail, walking is an easy way to enjoy the great outdoors.  You can breathe in fresh air, see what’s happening outside the walls of your home, and get some exercise. Establishing a regular walking routine can do wonders for your health. At Laurel Circle, residents love to stroll the paths that wind through our beautiful campus. If you need motivation or just want company, enlist a friend or join a walking club in your area. You could also sign up to walk for a cause. It’ll give you added motivation as you prepare for the event.

3. Watch the Birdie

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of bird has landed in your backyard, it can be a fun exercise to identify what species of bird it is. Learning the names, appearances and calls of local birds is good exercise for your brain. If you go bird-watching on a nature walk, it will reduce your stress level and help you connect with the natural world. You may even find yourself wanting to photograph your feathered friends so you can share their distinctive beauty with like-minded birders in your flock.

4. Get in the Swim

It may have been a while since your last cannonball, but jumping in a pool in summer can still be a ton of fun. Swimming is both invigorating and relaxing. It offers a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints. Just floating in water helps relieve stiffness in the muscles, and swimming can be as stress-relieving as a long soak in the bath. So why not head for the pool or the nearest beach this summer? It could take years off your body and make you feel like a kid again.

5. Attend a Concert Outdoors

The arts are making a comeback this summer. Outdoor theater, outdoor concerts and other musical events are coming to a park near you. Everything from Shakespeare festivals and symphony orchestras to jazz festivals and pop artists will be taking the stage under the stars. Bring some snacks and a blanket, and enjoy the sounds and scenery.

6. Watch a Ball Game

If you’re lucky enough to have a pro baseball team play nearby, head for the stadium. In Bridgewater, we have the Somerset Patriots who play at TD Bank Ballpark. If you have grandkids who play Little League or softball or soccer, show your support and cheer them on to victory. Win or lose, an ice cream cone after the game will ensure their effort doesn’t go unrewarded.

7. Go Berry Picking

Whether you’re picking berries growing wild along a path or picking your own at a farm, summer is peak fruit-picking time. Strawberries, cherries and blueberries kick off the season around Bridgewater. Fruit picking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Best of all, you can take your pickings and turn them into flavorful jams, pies and crumbles that put store-bought versions to shame.

8. Visit a Farmers Market

If you don’t have time to pick your own, your local farmers market is a good source of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. In addition to the fresh produce, you’ll often find farm-fresh milk and eggs. Some markets also offer local crafts and live music so you can bop while you shop.

9. Go on a Picnic

Why not pack a picnic basket and head to a scenic spot for an al fresco meal? You could invite the whole family, ask everyone to bring a dish, and make your get-together a family affair. The kids can play games or go for a hike while the adults fire up the grill and enjoy some adult beverages. If the sun’s blazing overhead, look for a spot that offers shade and a place to sit, such as a shelter at a local park.

There’s Always Something Fun to Do at Laurel Circle

You don’t have to look far for interesting things to do at Laurel Circle. You’ll find everything from bocce and Wii bowling to painting and quilting. Want to help others and make new friends? There are volunteer opportunities, social events and happy hours to help you stay connected, plus guest lectures, musical performances, and outings to historic and cultural sites. To learn more, visit our Activities page or contact us for the answers you need.