Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options
When it comes to July traditions, Tanabata immediately comes to mind.
How about incorporating Tanabata-themed activities as a way to enjoy July? There are plenty of lively ideas, such as games inspired by Orihime and Hikoboshi and star-toss games.
In addition to games, we also introduce craft projects like bamboo decorations and tanzaku wish strips.
Working together on Tanabata-themed activities and crafts will warm everyone’s hearts.
Spend a joyful summer moment full of smiles together with older adults.
- [For Seniors] July Events: Recommended Recreation Ideas for Senior Facilities
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- [For Seniors] Enjoy July! Easy and Fun Snack Activities
- [For Seniors] Enjoy and Beat the Summer Heat! July Craft Ideas
- [For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
- [For Seniors] Summer Haiku: Ideas to Feel the Season
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games
- [For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
- [For Seniors] June-Themed Activities: Recommended Recreation and Game Collection
- [For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals
- [For Seniors] Fun Brain Training! Lively Whiteboard Activities
- [For Seniors] Exciting Team-Based Recreational Activities
Tanabata Recreation (1–10)
Let’s defeat the aliens of the Milky WayNEW!
@hirose_ds TranslationElderlyRecreationTanabata 2020AliensFishingpaper cupColor matching
♬ RAINBOW – J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE feat. Yellow Claw
Let’s fish up the aliens occupying the Milky Way so Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet! This is a paired challenge where you compete by the total number of aliens you reel in.
The aliens come in different colors, so choose a color and try to catch those.
Drawing lots to decide pairs might add some exciting suspense.
In the end, it would be great if you could fish up all the aliens and let Orihime and Hikoboshi cross the Milky Way.
Both the aliens and the fishing rods can be made from familiar items like paper cups, so please use this as a reference and have fun playing.
Hoshi Tobashi GameNEW!
@hirose_ds TranslationElderlyRecreationTanabata 2020Star skipping
Original Song – Nikko – please, stop the war
Compete for points by launching stars using a launcher made from disposable chopsticks and a plastic bottle cap.
Prepare star-shaped dishes where the stars will land—if a star lands in one, you score points.
It’s a good idea to assign different point values based on the color of the dishes.
The launcher is easy to use—just press and release with your finger—so anyone can enjoy it.
Feel free to play as individuals or in teams in various formats.
Placing a base under the launcher that evokes the Milky Way will make it feel more like a festive event.
Milky Way with magnetsNEW!
@hirose_ds TranslationElderlyRecreationJulyTanabataEventMagnettranslation
♬ Pop Star – Ken Hirai
It’s a game where you throw star-themed balls onto a Milky Way that’s been placed on a whiteboard.
The balls are made by attaching finely cut vinyl tape to magnets.
Since magnets stick to the whiteboard, you only need magnets on the ball side.
Everyone, throw your stars and complete the Milky Way.
You can run it as a decoration-making game, or make it fun by awarding points based on the area where the ball lands.
Taking a group photo in front of the completed Milky Way will make for an even more wonderful memory.
Tanabata Recreation (11–20)
Tanabata RaceNEW!
This is a race where you load star pieces, representing the Milky Way, into paper boats.
Participants should split into two teams.
Sit facing each other across a table, and each person holds one scoop made from a milk carton.
When the game starts, a representative gently pulls the string attached to the boat.
As the boat passes in front of each participant, scoop up stars and put them into the boat.
Compete to see which team can load more stars onto their boat.
Scooping is trickier than it looks, so try to figure out how to scoop more quickly and efficiently.
Tanabata Fishing GameNEW!
Scatter star-shaped construction paper across a sheet and place snacks on top, then enjoy fishing for them.
The anglers hold rods and wear Orihime or Hikoboshi masks on their heads.
There’s no time limit, but it might also be fun to split into teams and see how many people can catch something in a row.
You can make the rods yourself with a stick, string, and a hook, and just tape a rubber band onto each snack.
Enjoy taking the caught snacks home as souvenirs or eating them together during snack time.
A game where you deliver Hikoboshi to Orihime using a stringNEW!
By moving the strings from side to side, the illustration of Hikoboshi will move.
Orihime is at the end of the string, so do your best to move the string so Hikoboshi can reach her.
The game is played one-on-one, and you compete to see who can reach the goal faster.
You’ll need to spread your arms wide to the left and right for Hikoboshi to make it to the end, so it can double as an upper-body stretch.
If you place a backing sheet illustrated with the Milky Way over a picture themed around a cowherd and play the game on it, it will create a Tanabata-like atmosphere—highly recommended.
Star Toss Game
Since July 7 is Tanabata, a recommended activity for those looking for a Tanabata-themed recreation for seniors is the “Star Toss Game.” This game is a ring-toss style activity where players throw star-shaped paper pieces into a box or basket to compete for points.
Decorating the boxes adds a Tanabata feel.
It can be played while seated, making it easy for older adults to enjoy.
