Palos Heights, IL has plenty to offer older adults who want to maintain an active lifestyle. From parks to outdoor farmers’ markets, we’ll be outlining some of the best outdoor recreation areas and activities you can enjoy with your loved one around town.
Outdoor Areas for Seniors in Palos Heights
Lake Katherine
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Garden is an expansive outdoor recreation area perfect for biking, walking, nature watching, and more. Located in the heart of Palos Heights, this park offers walking trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and a calendar of fun events throughout the month to keep the whole family entertained.
Community Park
From tennis courts to picnic areas, Palos Heights’ largest park has just about everything you could need for a great day outdoors. Enjoy a relaxing game of disc golf or take a scenic stroll on one of the extensive walking trails—Community Park has it all!
Passarelli Park
Passarelli Park boasts 2.5 acres of outdoor space for walking, picnicking, and enjoying nature. Take a stroll along one of the extensive walking trails, or if your senior is up for it, you can challenge them to a game of basketball on one of the courts.
Crawford Park
Nestled in the Ishnala Subdivision, Crawford Park contains four acres of biking trails, softball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, and more. When your senior is ready to wind down and get some fresh air, Crawford Park is a great local spot to go.
Farmers’ Market
The City of Palos Heights hosts farmers’ markets throughout the year with vendors from all over the community including Olivacetos, Martha’s Kitchen, K9 Cookie Factory, and more. Markets are held outside May through October, then moved inside during the winter months. Bring your senior loved one along for a fun day on the town!
Walsh-Westgate Park
Walsh-Westgate Park is the perfect place to get up and moving in Palos Heights. The park is located in Westgate Valley Estates and features a playground, picnic area, multiple fitness stations, and a beautiful walking trail for whenever you’re in the mood for a stroll.
Meyers Park
If your senior wants to get some fresh air in a relaxing environment, Meyers Park is a great place to go. Offering plenty of open space, the park has soccer and football fields as well as a large area for jogging, walking, or games.
Outdoor Activities for Seniors
With so many great outdoor venues for going out and getting active in Palos Heights, you’ll never run out of fun places to take your senior loved one for the day. Here are six senior-friendly outdoor activities you can try the next time you choose to spend the day outside:
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to increase activity in your senior’s lifestyle. Whether it be daily commutes to the store or a leisurely stroll with family, walking is a great way to keep active in body and mind. Walking has proven benefits such as reduced risk of heart disease, healthier blood pressure, and improved mental health; it’s a simple activity that can be implemented into anyone’s fitness routine!
Bird watching
Trying birdwatching can be a very serene experience. It allows you to connect and reflect on nature and it often helps calm the mind and body. For seniors, this is especially valuable as it gives them a chance to connect with something outside of their everyday routine.
Picnics
Whether a family picnic or a relaxing Sunday afternoon, picnics are the perfect outdoor activity for seniors and caregivers. Get outside and enjoy some sun, all while enjoying delicious food and great conversation. You can make it an even more memorable experience by bringing along some activities for your senior like cards or board games.
Outdoor music and theater
Music and outdoor theatre events are great for seniors, especially if they are looking for a fun activity to do in the community. There are many opportunities to enjoy both genres of entertainment and they can be an excellent way to meet new friends. Find an event near you and grab some snacks and a blanket so you can relax while enjoying the show.
Gardening
Seniors can benefit from gardening as a means of staying active, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. By incorporating regular time in the garden, seniors can reap the many benefits it provides including increased strength, improved balance, and increased body awareness.
If you are a caretaker for an elderly adult in your family, you know it can be difficult to find new activities that will keep them active and mentally engaged each day. Fortunately, the city of Palos Heights has many hidden gems perfect for a fun day outside that your senior and the whole family can enjoy.
At Assisting Hands, we understand the importance of keeping seniors physically active well into their old age. Our companion care service offers personal care, meal preparation, transportation, and fun excursions so your loved one stays mentally and physically engaged.
