[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities Introduced
Here are some recreational activities and games for older adults to enjoy the hot summer.
When the heat is intense, going out can be difficult, right? Many seniors probably think, “I still want to make the most of summer!” In this article, we’ve gathered games you can enjoy indoors as well as recreational activities that incorporate classic summer traditions.
If you’re looking for summer recreation ideas for senior facilities such as day-service centers, please use this as a reference!
- [For Seniors] Fun Activities That Liven Up Cool Evening Festivals and Summer Festivals
- [For Seniors] Exciting! A Collection of Game Ideas Using Uchiwa (Japanese Hand Fans)
- [For Seniors] Recreations to Experience in August
- [For Seniors] Simple Recreational Activities You Can Enjoy While Seated
- Activities perfect for July for seniors: Introducing games and recreational options
- [For Seniors] Recreational activities and games that let you have fun while strengthening your legs
- [For Seniors] Fun Even Without Sight! Recreation Ideas
- Entertainment and Performances That Delight at Day Services for the Elderly
- [For Seniors] Simple Tabletop Games: Fun and Engaging Recreational Activities
- For Seniors: Festive Attractions to Liven Up Festivals—Games and Recreational Activities
- [For Seniors] August Health Tips: How to Enjoy and Stay Comfortable During the Hot Summer
- [For Seniors] Highlights of Fun Events at Day-Service Centers
- [For Seniors] Enjoyment at Day Care: A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities
[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Introducing Fun Summer-Only Activities (1–10)
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 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.
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.
[For Seniors] Enjoy Summer to the Fullest! Fun Summer-Only Activities (11–20)
fishing
Summer is the perfect season to head to the sea or river and enjoy fishing.
But many people may find it difficult to actually go out and fish.
In that case, try a recreational game where you catch paper fish with yarn.
It’s surprisingly exciting, and it gets really heated if you make it a team competition!
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.
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.
Bon Odori (Bon dance)
At summer festivals, people often dance the Bon Odori.
It’s also perfect as a recreational activity, so why not try dancing it together? There are easy-to-dance routines tailored to the physical and mental conditions of older adults.
You can also incorporate choreography unique to your local area.