Whether you prefer warmer or cooler weather, we can all agree that autumn is lovely. With its crisp mornings, colorful leaves, jolly pumpkins, and beautiful chrysanthemums, it’s easy to fall for fall. To truly make the most of this frustratingly short season, you need to be proactive, and we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of fall activities for seniors. Choose some stand-outs to add to your own to-do list, invite your friends and family to join you, and savor this cozy, comforting season.
Things to Do in Autumn
Enjoy the fall foliage at a local park.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of fall is the gorgeous leaves. In vibrant shades of red, burgundy, orange, and gold, they’re hard to miss! To ensure you get your fill of the beautiful leaves this year, consider going for a nature walk at a local park. Leaf peeping is a lovely, peaceful way to appreciate autumn. You could also bring along a camera to take some photos, collect some leaves to display at home, or sit for a while to rest your legs and enjoy the fresh air.
Go apple picking.
Apple picking is a wonderful activity for the whole family. Search for orchards in your area that offer pick-your-own apples — southwest Missouri has a variety to choose from. Keep in mind that the varieties of apples available will depend on the farm and also the exact week, as different apples ripen at different times. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labor! You could also make apple pie, applesauce, apple chips, and more.
Watch spooky movies — or read horror novels.
Grab some friends, stick some popcorn in the microwave, and watch a scary movie to get in the mood for Halloween. You have a wide range to choose from, from petrifying horror movies to more cute and cozy spooky flicks. Or, head to the library and grab a spooky book to read.
Paint pumpkins.
Carving pumpkins can be tricky for seniors due to arthritis and dexterity issues. Instead, try painting pumpkins! Use acrylic paint, which is readily available at craft stores. Just keep in mind that the paint will wash off in rain, so you’ll need to display it indoors or on a covered porch. For a little extra fun, add glitter, accessories, or even googly eyes. And if you’re searching for more fall activities for seniors, consider visiting a local pumpkin patch to purchase your pumpkin.
Celebrate the start of football season.
If you’re a sports fan, the advent of football season might be one of your favorite parts of fall! Celebrate by inviting some friends to watch a game. Snack on your favorite appetizers and dips, and encourage everyone to wear apparel from their favorite sports team.
Complete an autumnal jigsaw puzzle.
Sometimes the simplest activities are the best. Grab a cup of warm apple cider, find a fall-themed puzzle, and get to work! Try working in a communal area so others can join you — this is a great way to make new friends. After all, who doesn’t love chatting over a puzzle?
Visit a local fall festival.
Engage with your wider community by attending a local fall festival. If you look, it’s highly likely you’ll find a seasonal fair happening in your town or a neighboring town. Here in southwest Missouri, we’ve got a variety to choose from:
- Cider Days in Springfield
- Japanese Fall Festival in Springfield
- Ozarks Fall Farmfest in Springfield
- Cedar Fest in Ridgedale
- Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage
- Apple Butter Makin’ Days in Mt. Vernon
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Which of these fall activities for seniors strikes your fancy? Wherever the season takes you, we hope that it brings you comfort, joy, and lots of quality time with your favorite people.
At Springhouse Village, we encourage our residents to explore their interests and offer a wide range of activities and events so that there’s always something interesting happening. We make it easy for our residents to participate in our community. Whether that means encouraging residents to join an exercise class or assisting them in starting a garden club, we strive to help our residents thrive. To learn more about the amenities and services we offer, contact Springhouse Village today by sending us a message online or calling 417-708-3403.