[For Seniors] Recommended! Seasonal Recreational Activities
The recreational activities offered at facilities have various benefits, including invigorating the mind, body, and brain, and improving quality of life.
Because they often involve interacting with others, they also naturally encourage communication.
By incorporating a sense of the seasons into recreation, older adults can lead even more fulfilling daily lives.
So this time, we’re introducing seasonal-themed recreational activities.
For older adults who may find it difficult to sense the passage of time, seasonal recreation can help them become more aware of time.
It also allows those who have trouble going out to feel the seasons, providing positive stimulation to break up the monotony of spending most days indoors.
We hope this helps make each day more enjoyable.
- [For Seniors] Fun Winter Activities: Recreation and Games
- [For Seniors] Fun Autumn Activities: Recreation Games
- [For Seniors] Fun Recreational Activities Without Equipment
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [Elderly Day Service] Let’s all have fun! Games and recreational activities
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
- [For Seniors] Liven Up Cherry-Blossom Viewing! Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Fun! Games and Ideas to Boost Memory
- Recommended recreational activities to help seniors enjoy their time in care facilities
- For Seniors: Games and Recreational Activities to Enjoy in April
- Recommended fun performances that will appeal to elderly people
Summer Recreation (1–10)
Watermelon splitting
Perfect for summer activities! Here are some fun watermelon-smashing ideas.
Many of you might have fond memories of getting excited over watermelon smashing in summer.
It’s a great recommendation for summer recreation, whether you have a small or large group.
Start by letting participants touch the watermelon to experience its chill and weight.
After that, hold a watermelon-smashing contest, adjusting difficulty with blindfolds and assistance according to participants’ needs.
We also recommend decorating the room with inflatable rings and blue tarps to create a summery atmosphere.
handheld fireworks
On summer nights, a handheld fireworks recreation that seniors can enjoy with peace of mind offers a precious time to savor the season with all five senses while feeling the cool outdoor air.
Cheers may erupt at the colorful fireworks, and it might even bring back nostalgic summer memories.
Ensure thorough safety measures and solid support from staff.
Conversation among participants will increase, creating a lively space full of smiles.
Unlike indoor activities, the sense of openness and summery atmosphere are especially appealing.
It’s an ideal way to fully enjoy summer, perfect for events at senior facilities and for community engagement.
Yo-yo fishing
Here’s an idea for “yo-yo fishing,” perfect for summertime recreation.
In this simple game, you hook and lift colorful water balloons floating in a tub using a hook instead of a fishing hook.
It helps stimulate upper-limb movement—from fingers to shoulders—as well as concentration.
It’s also appealing because anyone can enjoy it safely, whether standing or seated.
Beyond the joy of a successful catch, it’s sure to spark lively conversations with other participants watching.
This popular activity lets you enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional summer festival and is ideal for creating summer memories.
Tanabata decorations
Here’s an introduction to Tanabata decorations recommended for July recreation.
Use origami or construction paper cut into rectangles to make tanzaku (wish strips) and hang them on bamboo.
You can also make classic Tanabata decorations like paper chains from origami, or mesh-style garlands that look like the Milky Way.
It might be nice to craft Tanabata-themed ornaments, as well as Orihime and Hikoboshi, and display them too.
While making the Tanabata decorations, some older adults may reminisce about their past Tanabata memories.
It sounds like it will spark lively and enjoyable conversations.
Brain training with a summer quiz
We would like to introduce a perfect idea for summer recreation: “Brain Training with a Summer Quiz.” This activity features quizzes themed around summer-related foods, seasonal traditions, and old customs, helping participants recall memories and stimulate their brains by thinking and chatting pleasantly with others.
By preparing questions that aren’t too difficult and are easy for anyone to join, it becomes an activity that can be enjoyed regardless of the number of participants.
Working in groups can spark interaction and create a time full of smiles.
It’s an intellectual pastime that lets you forget the summer heat and have fun.
Handmade watermelon-splitting
Watermelon is a classic summer food.
Many older adults may remember cutting a big watermelon and sharing it with everyone.
Some might also recall doing suikawari, the traditional watermelon-smashing game, on summer days.
Let’s enjoy an easy version of this summer-themed game.
Prepare a watermelon that has been cut in half in advance and place it on a table.
Blindfold the older adult and have them try to hit the watermelon with a stick.
If they manage to hit it, the watermelon splits in two.
It’s a playful way to relive childhood and fully enjoy the summer pastime of suikawari.
Handmade Senbonbiki (lottery string pull game)
The idea of adding color to summer events with a “DIY Senbonbiki” is a popular game that livens up any gathering.
Thread multiple strings through a cardboard box and attach candy, message cards, or small prizes to each end—just pulling a string is full of excitement.
The thrill of not knowing what you’ll get is fun for participants and onlookers alike, bringing smiles all around.
It can be enjoyed safely even while seated, which makes it especially appealing.
With simple preparation, it brings the festive feel of a summer fair into your facility—a fun summer event.