Spring has officially sprung! Springtime in Travis County means flowers are blooming and the Texas heat hasn’t hit us yet. In this article we share some fun spring activities for seniors to do throughout the city.
Stroll Through a Museum
For those that enjoy strolling through a museum, spring is a great time to see temporary exhibits before the summer rush. For art lovers, the Blanton Museum of Art offers a discount to seniors and currently features temporary exhibits such as Day Jobs, Face to Face: Portraits by Chicano Artists and Medieval X Modern. History buffs should check out the Bullock Museum, which is wheelchair accessible, and the temporary exhibits of Becoming Texas, Texas Oil and Gas and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Theater installation.
Get Outdoors
Physical activity and getting outside is great for your mental and physical health. Before the Texas summer heat arrives, go for a walk, plan a picnic in your neighborhood or backyard, or visit one of Austin’s many parks. If you’re able to, shop local and visit the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown, held Saturdays in Republic Square or, make a Sunday morning trip to the idyllic Texas Farmers Market at Mueller.
Take a Class for Seniors in Austin
This spring, get creative and learn something new. The Austin Austin Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of classes and activities for people 50 years of age and older. While some classes are free, others do have a cost. Sign up for a variety of classes, such as sewing, ceramics, photography, textile, painting, creative writing, line dancing, and more. Find out more about what activities are available and how to sign up.
Visit the Zoo or Aquarium
Take the grandchildren or travel solo to the Austin Zoo. While it may be small, the Zoo’s mission is to rehabilitate and care for its animals. As a nonprofit organization, all of your admission ticket is going towards caring for the animals. In the Zoo you’ll be able to learn about tigers, lions, black bears, birds, tortoises, lizards and more.
Experience amphibians, lorikeets, a bird aviary, and a variety of cold water and tropical fish, including sharks and stingrays, upclose at the Austin Aquarium. Before visiting, check the Aquarium’s schedule to see when you can participate in feeding the fish and animals during animal encounters. The Aquarium also offers seniors a discount on daily tickets.
Learn Something New at the Austin Public Library
The Austin Public Library system provides knowledge, technology and inspiration to the Austin community. Visit the Central Library or one of the 20 branches to check out a book or discover something new. The libraries also offer an array of events open to the public throughout the spring, including beginner guitar lessons, book clubs, assistance with setting up your tablet or smartphone with the virtual library software, and more. You can also find free temporary exhibits at the Central Library that display the art and history of Austin.
Not only is the library system a hub of books, but it also strives to teach the history of the city and Travis County through the Austin History Center (AHC). The AHC is home to historical records, which include files, manuscripts, city reports, photographs, videos, maps and more. By preserving historical records the AHC hopes to provide the public with information about the history, current events, and activities of Austin and Travis County. To view the collections the public can visit the AHC’s Reading Room.
See A Great Movie
Springtime means more rainy days. When it’s too dreary to spend time outside, catch a movie at a theater. Many theaters offer senior discounts, including AMC Theatres, Cinemark, and Regal.
If you want a full viewing experience visit Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse Cinema where you get cold drinks, delicious meals, tasty local beers, and signature cocktails brought to your seat by a server.
Assisting Hands West Austin Is Here For You This Spring!
For those that are interested in participating in one of these spring activities for seniors but can’t do it alone, Assisting Hands West Austin is here to help. We offer companionship services where a caregiver can assist you or your loved one with recreational activities or hobbies. And for those that want to stay at home and enjoy the nice weather, we can also provide good company for a game of cards or a nice chat. To learn more contact us on our website or call (512) 999-7379.
