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] Refresh Your Mood! Lively, Get-Moving Games
- [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] 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
Indoor Recreation & Games (1–10)
Grilled Eel Game
In July, there’s the Day of the Ox in the Doyo period, right? In fact, there are several days called Doyo no Ushi no Hi throughout the year, but it became popular in summer as the time to eat eel to prevent summer fatigue.
How about trying a perfect activity for that day: the Grilled Eel Game? You make long, wriggly eels by rolling up newspaper, then place them on a platform that represents a grilling rack and compete for speed.
Simply placing them would be too easy, so try picking them up with chopsticks and setting them on the rack.
It’s good fine motor practice, too.
Bon Odori (Bon dance)
Isn’t Bon Odori the dance rooted in the hearts of the Japanese people and in the local land since long ago? Many Bon Odori have simple, easy-to-remember choreography so that anyone can start dancing right away, and everyone can enjoy dancing together.
In addition to traditional dances, there are also newly created Bon Odori, so choose ones that suit the season and your group, and have fun moving your body.
Tanabata Curling
@emi8852 July 7th is Tanabata Day! ⭐️🎋 For our recreation activity, we played a Tanabata curling game. ✨July 7TanabataCurlingtranslationTranslationRecreation#WelfarefacilityCaregivingCaregiverNurse#IchijoMiyaSmile
♬ Tanabata-sama(Children’s choir “Hibari”) – HIBARI CHILDREN CHORUS
Curling is a sport where you slide stones toward the center of a circle on ice, competing for points based on where the stones come to rest.
With a bit of creativity, you can try it on indoor floors, too.
Attach wheels to a substitute for the stone and roll it across the floor.
The player who rolls it closest to the target wins.
It’s even more exciting if you set up a scoring system that awards higher points the closer you get to the target.
If you do it in July, a curling game themed around Tanabata’s Orihime and Hikoboshi could be fun.
It’s also a version of curling that seniors can enjoy safely.
Will I be able to meet my lover? Game
No matter how old we are, we never want to forget the feeling of being in love, do we? Here’s a game perfect for seniors: “Will I Meet My Lover?” It’s ideal for July, as it brings Orihime and Hikoboshi together.
Place two desks side by side and create a Milky Way zone in the middle.
Slide paper-cup versions of Orihime and Hikoboshi from opposite ends; if they meet neatly in the Milky Way zone, you win.
Adjusting the force when sliding the cups can be tricky, but do your best to bring the two together!
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.
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.