Fun Fall Activities for Seniors

October 21, 2021

Fall is a wonderful time of year, no matter how old you are. There are lots to look forward to including Halloween, Thanksgiving, and all the special treats and get-togethers that go with them. Whether you’re a senior looking for ideas for activities to do with grandkids or friends or you’re a caregiver or family member of a senior, we have a bunch of ideas for fall activities for seniors. 


Seniors and Fall Activities


In many parts of the country, fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors. The air is cool but not too cold, and the leaves are turning to gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows. Now is a great time to plan a picnic in a local park. If you’re bringing grandkids, make sure there is a playground or bike path for them to explore. For a fun activity to do with friends, check to see that there are sheltered picnic tables. A nature trail is a nice extra so you can all take a walk together, too. 


While you’re enjoying a walk or a hike, notice the prettiest leaves. They are great for fall crafts for seniors. Take some leaves home and create a centerpiece with them. You might also enjoy creating a leaf garland with friends or grandkids. Pressing leaves to preserve them is another great autumn activity idea.


A visit to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a great activity during October and November for senior citizens. Call ahead to make sure the farm can accommodate anyone who uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair. This is another ideal activity to do with a group with a wide age range. Kids can run around picking apples or pumpkins, while adults take things a little more slowly and enjoy the crisp air and autumn sun. Often you can get hot cocoa or hot apple cider to warm up. Spending time together is one of the best fall activities for seniors.

Baking, Puzzles, and Coloring Are Fun Fall Activities for Seniors


You might be able to buy a fresh apple cider to enjoy back at home. Seniors who love baking can whip up a pumpkin or apple pie. There are lots of tasks to do to get a pie ready, some of which can be delegated to kids or people who are baking novices. Everyone can enjoy peeling and cutting apples. If you’re baking a pumpkin pie, save the seeds to toast for a snack. 


When it’s just too cold or rainy to be outside, there are still plenty of fun fall activities for seniors to do inside. A few autumnal puzzles are a great idea for senior center activities, assisted living activities, or with family members. Just make sure that the puzzle isn’t too hard for young kids, people with arthritis, or those with dementia. Coloring autumn scenes or drawing can also be great for people to do together. 


Autumn Holidays are Perfect October and November Activities for Seniors


Halloween is a fun holiday for everyone in the community. Seniors can enjoy carving or painting pumpkins to decorate their homes or the senior center. Those leaf garlands can come in handy, too. It’s a good idea to plan activities for many ages and levels of mobility. A costume contest, cookie decorating, pumpkin baked goods, and telling spooky stories are fun for everyone. Seniors handing out candy might want to sit outside on the porch so they don’t have to go back and forth to the door. 


At Thanksgiving, be sure to involve your seniors in menu planning. What is their favorite way to have turkey? Ask them about their best stuffing recipe. Maybe they’d like to bake a pecan pie along with pumpkin this year. Or they might have a delicious mulled wine recipe. Planning and sharing a special meal are wonderful activities for seniors in isolation. Being together with friends and family helps seniors feel more connected and less isolated. 


We hope these tips get your creativity going so you can plan some fun fall activities for seniors. As always, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter if you found this on social media and get back to living your best life!


Back to Magazine
Healthy Access Banner