7 Fun and Affordable Activities for Seniors This Summer

Summer is a great season to spend time with family and friends, and there are plenty of fun and affordable activities seniors can enjoy. If you’re looking for fun ways to pass the time and make memories this summer, here are a few activities you should put on the calendar.

1. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens is the perfect summer outing for seniors. Just a short drive out of Connecticut, this conservatory in South Deerfield, Mass. is home to more than 4,000 butterflies. Not only are you able to witness butterflies enjoying this beautiful habitat, they are free to fly around throughout the conservatory, which means one might even land on you! The 8,000-square-foot indoor conservatory is perfect for those hot summer days, while the outdoor area is ideal if you want to soak up a little sunshine. As with any move, transitioning your senior loved one into assisted living comes with moving costs. However, when you’re focusing on the cost of a new living facility, new furniture, medical care, and more, it’s easy to overlook moving expenses. Depending on the distance and the number of possessions your loved one is bringing along, this moving expense can be quite high. You also need to consider the cost for storage if your loved one is only bringing a few possessions along but wants to store the rest.

The conservatory is also home to beautiful flowers, which attract and sustain the butterflies. This location is wheelchair accessible, as well. You can even enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site food court. Admission is only $14 for seniors over 62 years old, and if you go on Wednesday, that rate is discounted even further to $12.50. It’s affordable for the rest of the family, too. Adults are $16, children are $10, and children under 3 are free.

Address: 281 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373
Website: www.magicwings.com

2. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Few places are better in summer than the beach. Fortunately, a beautiful and well-maintained beach is located in Madison, CT. Hammonasset Beach State Park features a 2-mile long beach that’s free to the public. You can pack a picnic basket and dip your toes in the water.

Hammonasset Beach is wheelchair accessible, and they even offer free beach wheelchair rentals, so you don’t have to worry about getting your wheelchair sandy. You can sit in the shade under one of the beach pavilions if you need a break from the sun. Also, be sure to visit the Meigs Point Nature Center to learn more about the history of the state park and the native creatures that live there.

Address: 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
Website: www.ctvisit.com/listings/hammonasset-beach-state-park

3. Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens

If you love flowers and beautiful scenery, Elizabeth Park is a must-visit location this summer. The park has a variety of gardens that bloom throughout the year but are wonderful to enjoy in the summer. The best garden for your summer visit is the Heritage Rose Garden, which is in bloom from June to October. Elizabeth Park is wheelchair accessible, and admission is free. They also have the Pond House Café located within the gardens, which is the perfect spot for a summer lunch.

Address: 1561 Asylum Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117
Website: www.elizabethparkct.org

4. New Britain Museum of American Art

On a hot summer day, you want to find a great indoor activity to enjoy. The New Britain Museum of American Art is the perfect location. As the first museum in the country to showcase only American art, the New Britain Museum features several exciting rotating exhibits, in addition to resident pieces by famous American artists like Rockwell Kent, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Chuck Close, and many more.

The museum is completely wheelchair accessible, and benches are located throughout if you need a break. Admission for seniors is $12, adults are $15, children ages 13 to 17 are $10, and children under 12 are free.

Address: 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052
Website: www.nbmaa.org

5. Connecticut River Cruise

River cruises allow you to enjoy the weather and take in the beautiful natural sights of Connecticut and are an ideal summer outing. There are numerous options, many along the Connecticut River, and each cruise offers a different experience. Some cruises are focused on specific landmarks, like lighthouse cruises, while others take advantage of the natural beauty of being out on the water. Here are a few options to consider:

Lady Katherine Cruises (http://ladykatecruises.com/)

Thimble Island Cruise (http://thimbleislandcruise.com/)

Cross Sound Ferry Lighthouse Cruises (www.longislandferry.com/Common/Help.aspx?page=lighthousecruise)

RiverQuest (https://ctriverquest.com/)

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat (http://essexsteamtrain.com/)

6. Jones Winery

Jones Winery, locae Homestead Farm, allows you to walk around the grounds while you enjoy a glass of wine. In addition to ted at thtastings of the winery’s different selections, you can visit the farm gift shop, selling everything from local and fresh foods to homemade goods.

If you’re worried you don’t know much about wine, the winery staff will be happy to help. Staff members are on-hand to make recommendations, describe the different wines available, and explain more about their winemaking process. You can enjoy a cheese platter or other snacks while you take sips and learn more.

Address: 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT 06484
Website: www.jonesfamilyfarms.com

7. Gardening

What better place to spend your summer than in the garden? Many seniors love gardening and this is a great time to nurture seasonal plants. Whether you’re planting a large garden or a few blooms in a garden box, a trip to your local garden center yields all the supplies you need. Plus, your beautiful plants can be enjoyed beyond summer, and you can plant additional blooms as the seasons change. Many senior living communities have gardening clubs and activities. This is a great way for seniors to enjoy a favorite hobby while spending time with friends in their community.

If you’re a senior, Connecticut is a great place to live. In addition to all of these exciting activities, you also have access to wonderful assisted living communities, full of entertainment, social opportunities, and more.

Want to learn more about life in an assisted living community? Schedule a community visit now.