The Best Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Written by Ari Parker — Updated: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

As we age, our muscles, bones, and joints change. This sometimes manifests as difficulty walking, standing, and getting around. Limited mobility makes it harder to get outside. Yet nature offers various health benefits, with outdoor activities preventing future disabilities and the loss of mobility when done in an age-appropriate way. 

To help you make the most of the outdoors, we compiled a list of the best outdoor activities for older adults, including ways to make outdoor hobbies more accessible and enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

  • Spending time in nature is beneficial for our physical, mental, and social health.

  • There’s many activities that older adults can do in nature. The right ones for you depend on your interests, climate, and mobility.

  • Ahead, we’ll discuss the most popular outdoor activities for seniors in 2025, as well as tips to make spending time in nature safer and more fun. 

Benefits of outdoor activities for seniors

There may be some truth behind the saying nature is medicine. Recent research suggests time in nature boosts physical, mental, and social health, especially for older adults. 

Physical health benefits

Spending time in nature, particularly in spaces with green elements like plants and trees, is associated with a lower risk of mortality and heart disease.  Nature also lowers stress, reduces blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system. Additionally, time outside can strengthen bones thanks to vitamin D from the sun, and muscles if walking on varied terrain. 

Mental health and cognitive benefits

Time in nature also has various impacts on mental health, including: 

  • Reduced stress

  • Positive effects on overall mood

  • Lower levels of anxiety and depression

One study found that 87.5% of adults felt better mentally after visiting a national park. Time outdoors may also enhance memory and focus.

Social connection 

When we spend time in nature, we often feel less lonely, whether from connecting to the world around us or from spending time with others. Those who spend more time in nature experience:

  • Increased social connection and cohesion

  • Higher frequency of social contact

  • A stronger sense of belonging

  • Better interpersonal relationships

  • Larger social networks

Low-impact outdoor activities for seniors

Now that we understand why we should get outside, what are enjoyable, safer outdoor activities for older adults? A great place to start is with low-impact activities, such as walking, gardening, and bird watching. 

Walking and hiking for seniors

Walking and hiking are great ways to enjoy nature. If you’re newer to hiking or have limited mobility, consider:

  • Following gentler or easier trails

  • Joining a walking group or organized hikes

  • Investing in proper footwear

  • Using equipment for balance, such as a walking stick

Gardening and horticulture activities

Gardening is a great way to enjoy nature, no matter your mobility level. The activity also offers additional benefits, including enhanced cognitive function, better sleep, and a mood boost. You can garden alone or join a community garden or a local gardening club.

Bird watching and nature observation

Over 30% of Americans enjoy bird watching and each region of the US offers distinct birds to observe. To bird watch, consider investing in binoculars, bird houses, and a camera. 

If birds aren’t your thing, you could observe nature as a whole, looking out for unique plants, wildlife, or natural wonders like waterfalls and canyons. There’s even apps to help identify plants and animals, such as the Seek App.

Water-based outdoor activities for seniors

Blue spaces, environments that predominantly feature the ocean, lakes, or other bodies of water improve physical and mental health. There are many water-based outdoor activities for seniors, including swimming, water aerobics, fishing, and boating. 

Swimming and water aerobics

Water aerobics and swimming are two ways to stay active that are easy on the joints. Exercising in water is low-impact because your body doesn’t come into contact with hard ground, as it does in yoga, when lifting weights, or when walking on land. 

Swimming is a great option for more active older adults, while water aerobics, a mix of cardio and strength exercises performed in the pool, is more accessible. For older adults specifically, water aerobics classes improve strength, balance, and agility compared to strength training on land. 

Fishing activities for seniors

Fishing is another way to enjoy blue space. Done alone, it’s a great way to practice mindfulness. Fishing with others enhances social health. It’s also accessible, so long as you can travel to a good fishing location and can obtain the right equipment. 

In most states, you need a license to fish. The U.S. Fish & Wildfire Services offers a guide to state-by-state licensure requirements. Along with getting a license, many beginners find it useful to ask a fishing shop for tips and to fish with a club or more experienced friends.

Gentle water sports and boating

Active aging activities on a boat include kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and pontoon boating. When on the water, follow boating safety tips, such as wearing a life jacket, not going out when visibility is low, and not steering a boat under the influence of alcohol. 

Active outdoor sports adapted for seniors

If you’re looking for more active outdoor activities that can be modified for seniors, consider:

  • Golf, with the use of a golf cart or trying our senior-friendly golf courses for those with limited mobility

  • Tennis 

  • Pickelball

  • Cycling, with electric bikes as an option for those with limited mobility

  • Outdoor exercise and yoga classes, especially those designed for older adults

Before starting any active nature hobbies, consult a healthcare provider. They can confirm that an activity is safe and recommend any modifications to prevent injury or falls.

Seasonal outdoor activities for seniors

The best outdoor activities to try change with the seasons. Plus, there are additional safety steps to take when the weather gets extremely hot or cold. 

Spring and summer activities

Popular outdoor activities during spring and summer include:

  • Outdoor festivals 

  • Farmers markets

  • Camping and glamping 

  • Outdoor concerts and performances

  • Days at a nearby beach or lake

When the weather is hot, follow heat safety tips to avoid heat illnesses, which can be fatal if left untreated. These include having a cool space to retreat to after activities, such as an air-conditioned home or a community center, staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and doing any intense exercise indoors. 

Fall and winter activities

As the weather gets cooler in the fall, there are many great activities to enjoy, so long as you wear a jacket or other weather-appropriate clothing. Popular fall activities include shopping at autumnal markets, visiting pumpkin patches, and watching the leaves change color.

Outdoor winter activities, such as skiing or walking around a holiday market, are often good options, so long as someone wears proper clothing and participates at a public space with first aid available. 

While shorter winter activities are generally safe, there is a higher fall risk if it’s icy or snowy. To avoid injury, walk on paths clear of snow and ice, wear proper winter footwear, and hold onto a railing when possible. Wearing hats, mittens, and scarves can also prevent frostbite, as can spending shorter periods of time outdoors followed by time inside to warm up.

Bottom line  

Spending time in nature boosts your mental, physical, and social health. Plus, there are activities for all interests and mobility levels, from gardening to outdoor cycling. Before starting an activity, consult a healthcare professional for any modifications to prevent injury, check the weather, and consider joining a local group. 

FAQs

What are the best outdoor activities for seniors?

The best outdoor activities for seniors depend on an individual’s interests and mobility level. Popular options include walking, bird watching, gardening, water aerobics, swimming, boating, fishing, and outdoor sports like golf or tennis. 

How can seniors stay safe during outdoor activities?

Seniors should make any necessary modifications to avoid injuries or falls and do outdoor activities in a group setting. It’s also important to check the weather before heading out and to wear appropriate clothing, as exposure to extreme heat or cold can be harmful. 

What outdoor activities are good for seniors with limited mobility?

Older adults with limited mobility often enjoy gardening, observing nature, bird watching, water aerobics, boating, and attending outdoor seasonal events, such as farmers’ markets or winter light shows. 

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