7 Fall Activities for Seniors

From crafts to cooking, enjoy these seasonally-inspired things to do in the fall.

Every season comes with unique traditions, and for many, autumn is their top pick. In fact, most Americans report fall as their favorite season, according to a 2013 survey. With so many things to do in the fall, you might feel like the season is too short to fit them all in! But part of the fun is choosing your favorites as you explore your interests and make new memories with friends and family.

Here are our favorite fall activities for seniors:

1. Making DIY decorations
2. Exploring fall colors
3. Apple picking & pumpkin carving
4. Autumn planting
5. Attending a fall festival
6. Catching up with friends
7. Cooking fall recipes

Keep reading for specific suggestions about these things to do in the fall.

1. Making DIY decorations
Autumn is undeniably the season of coziness. Hand-crafting decorations is a fun way to make your home extra warm and inviting in anticipation of the holidays. From corn husk wreaths and leaf bowls to feather-adorned candle holders and mini pumpkin table decor, there are plenty of simple and beautiful fall crafts you can make.

What type of crafter are you? Take our quiz to help with fall crafting ideas that suit your personality and preferences.

2. Exploring fall colors
Enjoying the beautiful scenery and weather is a classic, fun, and free fall activity for seniors – and ride-alongs of all ages. Bundle up and explore your local area or take a trip to one of these scenic hearing loss-friendly places to travel in the fall – and don’t forget to bring your camera! Even setting aside time to take a stroll or just relax in your backyard, porch, or a local park gets you out and enjoying nature.

Check out this interactive fall foliage map to see where you can still catch a glimpse of the season’s beauty around the country. Just slide the round marker to your ideal dates and look for areas that are near or at their peak.

3. Apple picking & pumpkin carving
Now is the season when you’ll find fall fruits galore! Take an orchard trip with your family or friends to hunt down the crispest apples and plumpest pumpkins. While you munch on juicy apple slivers or dip them in melted caramel, transform your pumpkins into festive fall decor for your porch. If you’re not a fan of traditional carving, use other crafting materials, like paint or fabric to decorate no-carve pumpkins.

4. Autumn planting
If you have a green thumb or would like to cultivate one, spring isn’t the only season with planting opportunities! Flower bulbs like tulips and daffodils must be planted in the fall in many areas of the country to bloom in the spring. A myriad of food-producing plants grow best in the fall, including broccoli, garlic, carrots, kale, and more. Plant them within the right window of time, and you might be able to make fall and winter soups full of your own home-grown vegetables.

Check out the health benefits of gardening here.

5. Attending a fall festival
Many communities have local festivals in the fall where attendees can enjoy apple cider, baked goods, hayrides, corn mazes, live entertainment, handmade crafts, and more. Check your local event listings to find one near you. There are also bigger harvest festivals across the country that can make a great day trip with a group.

6. Catching up with friends
Fall is a great time to reach out over the phone and touch base with friends and family near and far before the holidays. Whether you’re sharing memories, recipes, or good wishes, staying connected to those you care about can be a heartwarming way to celebrate the new fall season. If hearing loss makes phone calls difficult, use a CapTel captioned telephone to catch every word.

Find out how CapTel captioned telephones work here.

7. Cooking fall recipes
From baked apples to pumpkin pies and a thousand (or more!) different kinds of soup, the only hard question to answer is: which fall recipes are on your must-make list? If fueling your body with good nutrition is on the menu this season, discover many delicious ways to prepare seasonal vegetables that will make healthy eating a joy. Add a sprinkle of extra flavor and nutrients to your dishes with these healthy herbs and spices for cooking.

Whether you’re welcoming the cooler weather or sorry to see summer go, these festive fall activities for seniors will help you embrace the new season. For more tips on senior living, keep reading our blog here.