Winter in Arizona offers cooler temperatures in the north and mild temperatures in the central and southern parts of the state. Because Sun City is located in the Sonoran Desert, its winters generally feature sunny skies and a pleasant climate that appeals to seniors wanting to enjoy various outdoor pursuits. Staying active during the winter is essential to enhance physical and mental well-being while nurturing social connections. Consider these senior-friendly winter activities to stay energized throughout the season, compiled by Royal Oaks, a Life Plan Community in Sun City.
Outdoor Activities
Arizona offers ample activities to keep you busy if you're seeking ways to get outdoors. Whether it's exploring scenic trails, watching colorful birds or enjoying a round of golf or bocce ball, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active this season.
Nature Walks and Hikes
Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscapes and countless scenic trails and parks make the state ideal for nature lovers. Keep active this winter by taking one of the area's many easy-to-moderate, senior-friendly hikes. These and other popular spots combine natural beauty with various trails to stay invigorated without overexertion:
- Desert Botanical Garden: Located in Phoenix, this 55-acre botanical garden features several nature trails and thousands of species of cacti, flowers and trees from around the world.
- Papago Park: This park near downtown Phoenix offers hiking on smooth trails with minimal elevation. It’s also home to Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo and the Papago Golf Course.
- Sabino Canyon: Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Sabino Canyon is a premier natural area with unique desert vegetation, various wildlife and over 30 miles of trails.
Bird-WatchingWhether you go birding in one of Arizona’s parks or your own backyard, the state is a prime location for watching birds in the winter. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, grab your favorite birding book and binoculars, and visit these popular spots:
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Located in Gilbert, this preserve includes 110 acres with over 300 bird species. Within its wetlands and trails, you can spot waterfowl, warblers and the occasional great blue heron.
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: Situated near the United States-Mexico border about 3 hours from Sun City, this refuge covers more than 117,000 square feet. Its open grasslands and willow-lined riverbanks attract flycatchers, sparrows, hawks, owls, ducks and many other bird species.
Golf and Bocce BallArizona’s winter weather is perfect for outdoor sports, and golf is a favorite pastime for many active seniors. Sun City is known for its numerous golf courses. With the area's eight courses, you can play on a different one each day of the week. No other active senior living community in Arizona offers such variety.Bocce ball is another option for those looking for a fun, low-impact activity. This game is easy to learn and popular in many senior living communities. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air while getting exercise and connecting with friends.Social and Cultural ActivitiesArizona winters are a good time to stay socially engaged while exploring the state’s rich cultural offerings.Local Museums and Cultural ExperiencesWhether you enjoy learning about local history and renowned institutions or visiting historic towns nearby, you’ll have no problem finding museums and cultural experiences of interest when you make this part of Arizona your home. Consider these must-visit spots:
- Del Webb Sun Cities Museum: Located in Sun City, this museum highlights the fascinating history of Sun City and Sun City West, two planned retirement communities. Get a glimpse into the development and growth of these senior communities and Del Webb, the man responsible for both.
- Heard Museum: A renowned cultural institution in Phoenix, this museum showcases Native American art, history and traditions through captivating exhibits.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: This unique museum in Tucson combines a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum and art gallery in one place, offering an immersive experience of desert life.
- Tombstone: Step back in time by visiting this historic Wild West town, famous for the OK Corral and its lively reenactments of one of the most notorious gunfights in history. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark for more than 40 years, Tombstone is also home to museums filled with treasures of the West.
- Sedona: Known for its stunning red rocks and thriving arts community, Sedona offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visit local galleries, such as the Fine Art Museum of Sedona, Sedona Arts Center and Sedona Heritage Museum.
Volunteering and Giving BackVolunteering benefits the community and enriches your life by providing a sense of purpose and social connections. Local charities, food banks and animal shelters are always looking for volunteers during the winter months and year-round. Consider these opportunities to share your time and give back in and around Sun City:
- Royal Oaks Volunteer Programs: As a resident at Royal Oaks, you can participate in various volunteer initiatives on-site and in the surrounding areas. In the community, you can assist with activity clubs or outings or help at the front desk or in the library.
- Sun City Posse: Contribute to community safety by joining the Sun City Posse, which offers patrol services and welfare checks. The Posse also seeks tech-savvy volunteers to help with various computer networking and programming needs.
- Arizona Humane Society: If you're an animal lover, you can volunteer at local shelters, caring for pets, assisting with adoptions and supporting community programs. Opportunities are available throughout the Phoenix area.
- Experience Corps Tutor: Join AARP's Experience Corps to provide one-on-one literacy tutoring to first through third-grade students reading below their grade level. Sessions are held virtually or in person at local schools to accommodate the various needs of the volunteers and students.
At Royal Oaks, we offer year-round activities for residents to ensure they remain as active as they want to be. Contact us at 623-208-6621 to learn more, or schedule a visit to our Life Plan Community, including our Inspirata Pointe Expansion.
