With the warm weather here, it’s the perfect time to plan some delightful outdoor activities for your senior loved ones. New York City offers a variety of options that cater to different interests and mobility levels. Now that the warm weather is reliably here, your senior patient will be eager to get outside. Consult your calendar, have a discussion and plan appropriate senior summer outings. Parks are a popular choice, but there are many other venues that can provide a relaxing afternoon and even reduce caregiver stress! Here are some suggestions for senior summer outings along with specific links to help you organize the perfect outing for seniors from Jamaica Estates and all of New York.
Boating
Boating is an excellent way to enjoy the summer scenery without the physical strain of walking. If you are near a river or a lake, boat tours are an easy way to enjoy the scenery. Some include dinner and music. Large cities with a river often offer architectural cruises so you can enjoy the landscape and the skyline from the comfort of a boat instead of walking all over the city. If your senior enjoys fishing, now is the time to seek out prime fishing spots, either from a boat or from the shore. In fact, many areas allow seniors to fish without a license. Whether it’s a scenic cruise or a peaceful fishing trip, NYC has several options to offer for senior summer outings.
1. Boat Tours
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- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: Offers various cruises around Manhattan, including sunset and architecture tours. [Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises](https://www.circleline.com/)
- New York City Dinner Cruises: Enjoy a meal on the water with the NYC skyline as a backdrop. [City Cruises](https://www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/)
2. Fishing Spots
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- Sheepshead Bay: Known for its fishing charters, it’s a great place for a fishing trip. [Sheepshead Bay Fishing](https://www.nycgo.com/venues/sheepshead-bay)
- Prospect Park Lake: Offers fishing in a serene park setting. [Prospect Park Fishing](https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/things-to-do/fishing/)
Local Summer Festivals
Summer is festival season in many towns. They offer a vibrant mix of music, food, and crafts. They are perfect for a fun day out, provided the physical demands are manageable for your senior.
Check your town’s website and to see if any festivals are of interest to your senior. Also, verify the physical demands of navigating a festival. How far is it from the parking lot? Are there ample benches and restrooms? Do they offer a trolley or golf cart service so you can get around the attractions? Festivals often include musical performances, so if the music is a genre your senior enjoys, find out the show times! Arrive at the venue early to ensure a good seat. Here are some New York options:
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- Lincoln Center Out of Doors: An annual free festival with music, dance, and spoken word performances. [Lincoln Center Out of Doors](https://www.lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home/series/lincoln-center-out-of-doors)
- Harlem Week: Celebrates the rich culture and history of Harlem with events throughout the summer. [Harlem Week](https://harlemweek.com/)
- Queens Night Market: Features food vendors from around the world, art, and performances. [Queens Night Market](http://queensnightmarket.com/)
Outdoor Museums
A temperate day is ideal for enjoying an outdoor museum. Outdoor museums provide a unique way to enjoy the weather while learning about history and culture. Pioneer museums are popular with all ages, and many have volunteers who perform indoor and outdoor tasks such as soapmaking and butter churning. Most outdoor museums are ADA (Americans with Disabilities) compliant and are designed with accessibility in mind. Trails are manageable for people who have mobility problems. Most museum areas are wheelchair accessible, and stairs have slip-proof treads and handrails. Again, here are some great choices in and around the New York City area:
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- Historic Richmond Town: A living history village on Staten Island where visitors can learn about the past through exhibits and demonstrations. [Historic Richmond Town](https://www.historicrichmondtown.org/)
- The New York Botanical Garden: While not a traditional museum, the garden features exhibits and is fully accessible. [New York Botanical Garden](https://www.nybg.org/)
- Wave Hill: A public garden and cultural center in the Bronx with beautiful grounds and accessible paths. [Wave Hill](https://www.wavehill.org/)
Enjoy a Picnic
Everyone loves a picnic, but find a spot with beautiful scenery. Picnics are a timeless way to enjoy a beautiful day. Choose a scenic spot and prepare a meal that incorporates your senior’s favorite foods.
To ensure your senior’s comfort on any outing, bring an extra sweater for well air conditioned venues and an umbrella if the clouds begin to roll in. Take bottled water and snack food. Offer restroom breaks and time to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Here are some timeless classic picnic spots for senior summer outings. Your senior loved one might even have enjoyed them as a kid!
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- Central Park: With numerous lawns and gardens, it offers endless picnic spots. [Central Park](https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/guides/picnic-areas)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Offers stunning views of Manhattan and several picnic areas. [Brooklyn Bridge Park](https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/)
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park: A large park in Queens with picnic areas and scenic views. [Flushing Meadows Corona Park](https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park)
Tips for a Comfortable Outing
Seniors are more sensitive to weather than when they were young. Decreased blood circulation often means that they get colder than their younger companions. Also, they are more susceptible to adverse effects from dehydration. To ensure your senior’s comfort on any outing, consider the following:
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- Bring an Extra Sweater: For well-air-conditioned venues or cooler evenings.
- Carry an Umbrella: In case the weather changes unexpectedly.
- Take Bottled Water and Snacks: To stay hydrated and energized.
- Offer Restroom Breaks: Ensure frequent breaks and time to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a peaceful boat ride, an engaging festival, an educational outdoor museum visit, or a relaxing picnic, New York City has plenty to offer the elderly for a perfect summer outing. By considering your senior’s interests and mobility level, you can plan enjoyable and memorable activities that everyone will appreciate.
Enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful city!
Need Care? Contact David York Agency
David York Agency Homecare Helps Seniors in Jamaica Estates
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly. We are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Jamaica Estates that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn.
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