June 12, 2024

‍Summer Activities for Seniors

Summer is finally here, and it's a great time to connect with family and friends. Whether you're planning to spend time outdoors  or indoors exploring a new hobby, this season brings endless opportunities to try something new. Here are some ideas to add to your summer bucket list.

1. Plant an Indoor Garden

If pulling weeds in the summer sun isn't your idea of a good time, try planting an indoor garden. You get all the benefits of gardening without having to worry about the weather. Keeping plants indoors also improves air quality and makes it easier to recover from mental fatigue.

To add beauty to your living space, start with bamboo or spider plants. You can even grow herbs indoors, making it easier to prepare flavorful meals with fresh ingredients.

2. Visit Colonial Williamsburg

In the 1700s, Williamsburg served as the capital of Virginia, making it one of the most influential cities in the United States. Step back in time with a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, a collection of museums and historic sites dedicated to preserving the colonial way of life. During the summer, Colonial Williamsburg also hosts a spectacular Independence Day celebration.

3. Build a Birdhouse for Your Porch

Eastern meadowlarks, ruby-throated hummingbirds and Carolina chickadees call Williamsburg home, making the city a bird-lover's paradise. Make your summer fun by building a birdhouse for your porch. You just need some wood scraps, paint and tools.

Vibrant colors make your yard more beautiful, but they also attract raccoons and other predators. Stick with brown, gray or green to keep your bird friends safe. When you're ready to hang your birdhouse, keep it about 5 feet from the ground.

Some birds prefer to nest in concealed areas, while others prefer open areas. If you want to attract a particular species, find out what it prefers and then mount your birdhouse accordingly.

4. Starting a Book Club

WindsorMeade offers many group engagement opportunities for residents, including book clubs. Reading enthusiasts gather regularly to share their opinions and participate in discussions on the themes covered by their favorite authors. If you love to read, start a book club of your own. Follow these steps to make the experience a positive one:

  • Determine the purpose of your book club. Do you want to make new friends or have deep discussions?
  • Set rules regarding book content. Some readers aren't comfortable with profanity or adult themes.
  • Choose a book to discuss. Your selection should match the theme of your club. If you're a mystery enthusiast, pick something like the latest entry in the Stephanie Plum series or one of Karin Slaughter's standalone titles. Clubs focusing on classic titles might want to tackle The Catcher in the Rye or To Kill a Mockingbird.
  • Invite potential members. If you want to keep the group small, stick with friends and family members. If you’d like to meet new people, you can also advertise your group online or put up a poster at your local grocery store.
  • Hold your first meeting. Provide comfortable seating, tasty snacks and an assortment of beverages.

5. Explore a New Area

At WindsorMeade, the English Garden is beautiful in the summer. Residents enjoy the colorful flowers and lush greenery as they change across the summer months. Explore a new area of Williamsburg this summer if you want to experience beautiful scenery. 

Williamsburg has ten well-maintained parks, providing visitors with plenty of places to relax. Head to Waller Mill Park for a day of kayaking or a picnic with your favorite people. Kiwanis Park has outdoor exercise equipment, making it the perfect place to work on your fitness. You can even explore new fishing holes at College Landing Park.

If you're a history buff, head to the archaeology museum at Historic Jamestowne or stop by the Governor's Palace. The palace has authentic 18th-century furnishings, making it a great place to learn about the history of Virginia. Finish off your trip with a ride on the Jamestown-Scotland ferry, which offers views of the ships anchored at the historic settlement.

6. Try a New Hobby

If you have free time this summer, expand your experiences by trying a new hobby. As suggested above, building a birdhouse offers a chance to learn new skills while turning your yard into a paradise for local birds.

To keep your body moving, take a water aerobics class at your local swimming pool. Residents participate in both of these activities at WindsorMeade.

7. Visit Outdoor Spaces Around Your Community

You don't have to buy anything or learn a new skill to enjoy the summer months. Simply visit a few of the outdoor spaces around your community. WindsorMeade has an English Garden and a courtyard with well-maintained walking paths and stunning landscaping features.

Schedule a Visit

WindsorMeade residents enjoy a variety of on-site amenities and engagement opportunities. Visit us today to learn more about our community and additional resident engagement planned for this summer!