Fun Spring Activities for Baby Boomers

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Who doesn’t love spring when the longest days light up the sky, the birds chirp merrily, and the trees begin to sprout bright new leaves? Even here, in the California desert where I live, the wildflowers are in bloom, the jacaranda trees are bursting with purple blossoms, and the cacti are bursting with brightly colored blooms.

Since a lack of sunlight during the short days of winter can negatively affect the mood of older adults, aren’t baby boomers ready to celebrate this spectacular time of year? I’ve listed six fun spring activities that baby boomers can enjoy weather permitting, no matter their age.

take a spring break

Who says college students are the only ones who get to take spring break? We baby boomers get itchy feet, too, and there are plenty of sunny places to visit. US News’ list of the five cheapest spring break destinations includes Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, New Orleans, South Padre Island and Key West.

This is the perfect time to visit one of the National Parks before the summer crowds arrive. According to a study, baby boomers have seen more national parks than other generations: an average of 14. But since there are 58 in the US, there’s so much more to see!

Do you need to be closer to home? A weekend trip to a local beach or lake might be just what you need. Or just enjoy a Sunday drive down a road you’ve never taken before. Rent a convertible for more fun and head to a nearby town or park that you’ve been meaning to explore.

plant a garden

One of my favorite things to do is pick up seeds or plants at the garden center with my grandchildren and plant them when we get home.

The joy of walking in the fresh air, enjoying the beauty of greenery sparkling in the sun, the sound of bees buzzing nearby, dropping an irresistible strawberry into your mouth, and then gathering deliciously fragrant vegetables and herbs for a recipe: what better way to celebrate spring!

If you don’t have space for a garden, visit a Farmer’s Market.

al fresco dining

Spring is finally here and we have that precious extra hour of daylight. Go outside, have a picnic in the park or some other scenic area, and enjoy eating fresh food with a view.

Or just put a bright and cheery tablecloth on your patio table, add some fresh cut flowers in soup cans painted in spring colors and some floral napkins. Then, enjoy a magical spring dinner with family or friends al fresco to welcome in the season.

Feeling lazy? Eat out at a local cafe. Or, invite a few friends over, break out your fine china, and enjoy an afternoon tea party on your patio.

Bring the outdoors in

Change your curtains with a sheer, wavy or natural fabric. You might even want to paint a room a vibrant spring color or breathe new life into old furniture with a fresh coat of white paint. If you’re doing some spring cleaning, be sure to wash the windows so you can enjoy the view outside.

Set up some window boxes and plant some herbs or bright spring flowers. Buy some eye-catching tulips or daffodils with their bright, cheery colors or clip some spring flowers and display them around your home.

Be sure to open your windows to hear a spring rain or just enjoy a gentle spring breeze. Take a few deep breaths to calm down and enjoy all that fresh air.

Play outside with your grandchildren

Oh the fun you can have with your grandkids in the spring! Ride a bike, play tennis or jump on a trampoline. Enjoy gardening or have a fancy picnic in the park.

Explore the neighborhood with a butterfly net in hand. Build a birdhouse together and attract wild animals that you can enjoy watching together.

Or introduce your grandkids to some traditional outdoor games like Kick-the-Can, Red Rover, Red Light-Green Light, or Duck-Duck-Goose. They will love it!

Go for a walk

This one goes without saying, but put on your hiking boots, pack some water and snacks, and head out into the great outdoors. We all know that baby boomers need to keep moving to stay healthy and this is a fun way to do it.

It’s no surprise that a new study shows that walking or hiking in nature can bring you inner peace, joy, and happiness. My husband and I have had many enjoyable afternoons trying out some local hiking trails. I highly recommend it!

If your health doesn’t allow for a brisk walk, take a gentle walk along a deserted beach with your loved one or take a walk around the block. Just get outside and enjoy the sun!

These are just a few ideas, I’m sure you can think of more. Whatever you choose to do, shed that winter coat as soon as the weather permits, grab a couple of scandals, and get outside and enjoy the fleeting glory of spring.

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