Summer Holiday Activities for Seniors

July 15, 2024

Summer Holiday Activities for Seniors

As we look forward to another beautiful summer here in Sun City, it's time to start planning activities and events that make the most of the weather. It's the perfect excuse to relax and unwind with friends and family and host summer events that make memories and get everybody enjoying time together.

Here are some ideas on how to be the perfect summertime host and how to plan an event that everybody will love and remember for years to come. A friendly heads-up — if your event is a big hit, don’t be surprised if everyone asks you to host it again and again!

Backyard BBQ

What better way to signal the start of summer than with a classic backyard BBQ? It's one of the easiest summer events to host. All you need is some delicious food, a fired-up grill and great conversation. When it comes to menu planning, you can't go wrong with burgers, hot dogs and a good slaw. You could also ask guests to bring along their favorite side dish. This gets everyone involved — and you might find some wonderful new recipes to try along the way. Try to incorporate some healthy summer foods into your menu, too. 

Why not create an eye-catching menu on your computer or tablet along with a playlist of songs that get everybody tapping their feet? Invite everyone to submit their favorite songs beforehand to create a personalized and inclusive playlist. To add a fun twist to your summer cookout, encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts or other summer-themed attire. 

Ice Cream Social

Hosting an epic ice cream social is a sweet way to beat the heat and bring friends together. Whether you choose to whip up a batch or two of your own ice cream or stock up on frozen treats and toppings from the local store, your guests will love creating their own masterpieces. Set up an ice cream bar complete with a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. For a more hands-on experience, add an ice cream maker so your guests can see how their favorite treats are made and try making a batch themselves. 

Consider creating fun digital invites to help manage your guest list effortlessly and keep track of any special dietary restrictions or requirements. From dairy-free alternatives to recipes suitable for diabetics, you can ensure you cater to your crowd and include everyone. 

Hosting a Gardening Event

At Royal Oaks, we offer a wealth of outdoor spaces and gardens to explore. From the serene courtyards that grace our wonderful community to the plant-lined pathways at Inspirata Pointe, there are many sights to take in and enjoy. If you've got a green thumb and want to meet like-minded gardeners, why not host a gardening event? Here are some ideas to make your planting party a blooming success: 

  • Decorate Flower Pots: Provide everyone with a plain flower pot, paints and other decorating materials. Residents can personalize their pots before planting something beautiful in them.
  • Miniature Herb Gardens: Set up stations where participants can plant a variety of herbs in small containers. These mini gardens are ideal for keeping in the kitchen window ready for adding to dishes when cooking. 
  • Bird Feeders: Birds are wonderful for the garden as they keep invasive insects at bay. Encourage them to visit by making some simple bird feeders. Pinecones, peanut butter and birdseed are all you need to create a welcome treat for many bird varieties. 

Hosting a Summer-Themed Craft Session

A summer-themed arts and crafts session is a great way to get creative. Set up a table in a shady spot or different stations for different crafts. From creating sun catchers to making summer wreaths, many crafts celebrate the season. Perhaps you have a special skill that you would like to share with others, such as watercolor painting or knitting, or you can use video tutorials to teach everyone something new. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor event, a fun and inspiring crafting session is a great way to make friends and socialize. 

Summer-Themed Trivia

Test everyone's knowledge and keep minds sharp with a fun summer-themed trivia event. Whether you choose to create a formal quiz night or just a few questions to test friends as you chat in the sun is up to you. Here are some questions to give you inspiration. 

  • Question: In what year did the first modern Olympic Games, which are traditionally held in the summer, take place? some text
    • Answer: 1896
  • Question: Which U.S. state is famous for its summer lobster festivals, especially in the town of Rockland?some text
    • Answer: Maine
  • Question: Which flower is commonly associated with summer and is known for its ability to turn and face the sun? some text
    • Answer: Sunflower

For an interactive twist, you could use an app like Kahoot! to build your quiz. Kahoot! allows participants to answer questions on their tablets or mobile phones in real-time, making for a fun and fast-paced event. This can be a fantastic way to engage your guests' minds and competitive spirits. 

Outdoor Exercise Classes

Take advantage of warm and dry days by hosting an outdoor exercise class. Aim for morning or evening sessions so you can avoid the afternoon sun and enjoy exercising in the cooler fresh air. Gentle exercises like low-impact strength training, yoga or tai chi are a good choice during the summer months and help to focus the mind as well as benefit the body. You can choose to partner with a local instructor or lead the classes yourself with the help of fitness-tracking apps to motivate participants and monitor progress. 

At Royal Oaks, residents can stay active and cool during the hottest part of the day by taking advantage of our Evergreen Fitness Center. This state-of-the-art facility features a full gym, a heated indoor pool and a heated outdoor walking pool. These amenities provide a comfortable environment for year-round exercise and wellness, ensuring our residents can maintain their fitness routines even when it's scorching outside.

Schedule a Tour

Summer at Royal Oaks offers many opportunities to socialize, stay active and enjoy the season to the fullest. Schedule a tour today and discover the exceptional amenities and activities we offer. Contact us at 623-208-6621 or book an appointment online to explore your future home.

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