Who doesn’t love spring when longer days light up the sky, birds sing merrily, and trees begin to sprout bright new leaves? Even here in the California desert where I live, wildflowers are in bloom, jacaranda trees are exploding with purple blooms, and cacti are bursting with brightly colored blooms.
Since the lack of sunlight during winter days, winter days can negatively affect the moods 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 can take a spring break? Baby boomers get itchy feet too and there are plenty of sunny places to visit. News from the United States ‘ List of top five cheap spring break destinations including 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, on average 14. But since there are 58 in the United States, there is much more to see!
Need to stay closer to home? A weekend trip to a local beach or lake may 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 you’ve been meaning to explore.
plant a garden
One of my favorite activities is selecting seeds or plants at the garden center with my grandchildren and planting them when we get home.
The joy of walking outdoors, 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 aromatic vegetables and herbs for a recipe: what better way to celebrate spring!
If you don’t have room for a garden, visit a Farmer’s Market.
outdoor 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 throw a bright and cheery tablecloth on your patio table, add some fresh flowers in soup cans painted in spring colors, and some floral napkins. Then enjoy a magical spring dinner with family or friends outside to welcome the season.
Feeling lazy? EAT Outside AT has a local coffee shop. Or invite some 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 spring cleaning, be sure to wash your windows so you can enjoy the view outdoors.
Set up some window boxes and plant some bright spring herbs or flowers. Buy some eye-catching tulips or daffodils with their bright, cheery colors, or cut out some spring flowers and display them in your home.
Be sure to open your windows to listen to a spring shower or simply enjoy a gentle spring breeze. Take a few deep breaths to calm down and enjoy all that fresh air.
PLAY OUTDOORS WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN
Oh the fun you can have with your grandchildren during the spring! Ride a bike, play tennis or jump on a trampoline. Enjoy a little 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 is a no-brainer, but put on your hiking boots, pack some water and snacks, and head out to discover the great outdoors. We all know baby boomers need to keep moving to stay healthy and this is a fun way to do it.
It’s no wonder 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 stroll along a deserted beach with your loved one or take a walk around the block. Just go out and enjoy the sun!
These are just a few ideas, I’m sure you can think of more. Regardless of what you choose to do, shed that winter coat as soon as the weather permits, grab a couple of scandals, and head out and bask in the fleeting glory of spring.
