Let these ideas inspire you to head outside for some fun and adventure.
With the warm air of summer comes the chance to enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer. Whether you’re a music lover, sports buff, or someone who relishes the opportunity to get out and move in nature, these outdoor summer activities for seniors have something for everyone:
- Attend an outdoor concert
- Take a dip at the lake or ocean
- Identify plants and birds on a nature walk
- Go for a bike ride
- Cheer on a local sports team
- Hit the water on a canoe or kayak
- Get up to catch the sunrise
Learn more about these outdoor summer activities for seniors below.
Attend an outdoor concert
If you check your local listings, you’ll often find that libraries, parks, and other venues host open-air concert events in the summer. What could be better than enjoying a warm evening with your spouse, family, or friends as you’re serenaded by relaxing classical music, smooth jazz, or lively tunes that make you want to get up and dance? Depending on the venue, you can even bring a blanket, snacks, and refreshments to turn it into a picnic! Before you get out and enjoy this summer activity for seniors, be sure to use these concert hearing protection tips to help prevent the effects of noise-induced hearing loss.
Take a dip at the lake or ocean
Few summer activities for seniors – or anyone – scream “summer” more than a day by the sand and water. If you live near a natural body of water, plan a day trip out to your nearest swimmable lake or a weekend at the seashore. Or, if your community has an outdoor pool, spend an afternoon relaxing with family and friends. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat!
Identify plants and birds on a nature walk
Engage both your body and brain by combining a trail walk with flora and fauna exploration. You can carry a pocket-sized identification book along, or even combine nature with technology by downloading a plant identification app. You may also want to check around to see if your area offers guided hikes and nature tours that you can enjoy with a group. Use these social wellness tips for seniors to check out more ideas to enhance your health and wellbeing by spending time with others.
Go for a bike ride
A leisurely bike ride is an active yet relaxing way to enjoy the summer weather. Before setting out, look for bike-friendly trails, paths, and low-traffic roadways in your city. For safety, be sure to wear a bike helmet and install a rear-view mirror so you can see fellow riders or other traffic who may want to pass. Check out more on the basics of biking and bike safety for boomers here.
Cheer on a local sports team
Whether you have a grandchild in Little League or a local stadium hosting professional or semi-professional events, watching sports is another exciting outdoor activity to do in the summer. If you are able to, be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and pack some healthy snacks if there are no vending services available – then u-rah-rah your heart out!
Hit the water on a canoe or kayak
Explore the nooks and crannies of a local lake or river by paddling around it in a kayak or canoe. In addition to being fun, this summer activity for seniors is also good for you. Kayaking is shown to strengthen muscles, improve joint health and flexibility, and reduce stress. Check out these free workout apps for seniors for even more inspiration to get out and move.
Get up to catch the sunrise
Sunrise walks are perfect for anyone who enjoys nature photography or simply wants to bask in the beauty of a new day. Set your alarm early enough to make coffee or tea to take in a thermos, and head to a good lookout point facing east. Or, if you’re the type who would prefer not to drag yourself out of bed before dawn, sunsets might be more your style. Either way, walking comes with a host of excellent health benefits – and enjoying the natural world at the same time is one of the best ways to do it!
To make the most of these summer activities for seniors, make sure to read up on our tips for staying safe in the summer heat. For more articles on senior living and independence, head to our blog.
