Summer is a wonderful time for seniors to engage in fun and fulfilling activities.
Whether you're an older adult seeking enjoyable summer activities or a caregiver eager to spend quality time with your beloved senior, there is an abundance of opportunities to create unforgettable memories this Summer season.
Summer Activities Indoors for Seniors
Museums and Cultural Centers to Tour
Lafayette, Louisiana, and its surrounding areas are home to a plethora of museums and cultural centers that provide a rich tapestry of history, art, and local heritage to explore. Discover the fun and interesting options below:
- Acadian Cultural Center
- Acadian Memorial and Museum
- Acadiana Center for the Arts
- Eunice Depot Museum
- Hilliard Art Museum
- LARC’s Acadian Village
- Lafayette Science Museum
- Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
- Shadows on the Teche
- Vermilionville
These mentioned museums and cultural centers in Lafayette are just a fraction of the wide range of options available for exploration, reflecting the richness and diversity of the cultural scene in the area.
There are numerous other museums and cultural centers that offer unique experiences and further contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Lafayette.
Creative Outlets for Seniors
Lafayette, Louisiana, is a haven for local arts and crafts enthusiasts, offering a delightful array of creative experiences.
For those with a sweet tooth and a passion for baking, It’s Just a Cookie’s Adult Cookie Camp provides a unique opportunity to learn the art of cookie decorating in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
If painting is more your style, Painting with a Twist offers step-by-step guided painting sessions where you can unleash your inner artist while enjoying good company.
For a hands-on pottery experience, studios like Clayfish Bisque provide a chance to create personalized ceramic masterpieces through pottery painting.
The Lafayette Public Library System
The Lafayette Public Library is another fantastic resource for seniors seeking entertainment opportunities. The library offers weekly programming specifically designed for seniors, providing them with engaging and intellectually stimulating activities.
The library offers a diverse range of engaging events throughout the summer specifically catered to adults. Book lovers can join book clubs that delve into various genres like classics, fantasy and sci-fi, history, and mystery.
For those interested in exploring their family roots, genealogy programming, such as Genealogy 101 and Genealogy Tuesdays, provides valuable insights and guidance.
Additionally, the library hosts arts and crafts activities all summer long, including coloring sessions designed for adults, a needle arts club for craft enthusiasts, art journaling workshops for creative expression, and even unique projects like creating doily luminaries.
The library, with its wide array of events hosted at nine different locations throughout the parish, ensures that seniors have abundant opportunities to participate in enriching and enjoyable activities throughout the summer season.
Local Cuisine
Many local restaurants in Lafayette provide senior-friendly dining experiences, ensuring comfortable seating, accessible facilities, and menus that accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. Seniors can relish the warm ambiance, attentive service, and flavorsome dishes that highlight the city's Cajun and Creole heritage.
Explore a myriad of local restaurants, ranging from cozy family-owned eateries to elegant dining establishments. They can savor the rich and diverse flavors of Cajun and Creole delicacies, with dishes ranging from traditional favorites to innovative creations.
Indulge in a beloved Louisiana summer tradition - snowballs! Seniors can visit local stands, choosing from a variety of flavors to enjoy the refreshing and icy delight of shaved ice topped with flavored syrups.
At Home Activities
Seniors can have a blast engaging in a range of fun summer activities right from the comfort of their own homes. They can unleash their creativity through arts and crafts projects, allowing their imagination to flourish and creating beautiful masterpieces.
Cooking or trying new recipes can be a delightful way for seniors to explore different flavors and satisfy their culinary curiosity.
Likewise, board games and puzzles provide not only entertainment but also mental stimulation, keeping seniors engaged and their cognitive skills sharp.
Whether it's expressing their artistic side, experimenting in the kitchen, or challenging their mind with games, these enjoyable activities bring a sense of fulfillment and joy to seniors throughout the summer season.
Summer Activities Outdoors for Seniors
Local Parks to Explore
For those who crave vitamin D and fresh air, seniors in Lafayette have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through a variety of senior-friendly parks and nature spots.
Girard Park offers a range of amenities, including a walking trail, outdoor pool, fishing pond, and covered picnic areas, providing seniors with options for exercise, relaxation, and socializing.
To further enhance the experience, seniors can pack a delightful picnic and indulge in a meal amidst the tranquil surroundings of the covered picnic areas in the park.
Moncus Park, on the other hand, is not only known for its scenic walking paths, but it also features a Veterans Memorial where seniors can pay tribute to those who have served.
The park also hosts a vibrant farmer's market every Saturday, showcasing local farms and businesses in the greater Lafayette area, offering seniors a chance to support the community and indulge in the region's flavors and products.
Places Worth the Drive
For a more immersive experience, take a scenic drive to explore Avery Island, a captivating destination that is home to not only the Jungle Gardens but also the renowned Tabasco Factory.
At the Tabasco Factory, seniors can embark on fascinating tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the production process of the world-famous hot sauce.
They can discover the secrets behind its signature flavor, learn about the history of this iconic Louisiana brand, and even sample an array of delicious Tabasco-infused products.
Additionally, seniors can venture to Rip Van Winkle Gardens, another enchanting destination that offers its own unique allure.
Nestled in a separate location, Rip Van Winkle Gardens captivate visitors with its serene beauty, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquility of sprawling gardens while reveling in the mesmerizing views of Lake Peigneur.
In the Garden
Participating in outdoor activities can bring immense joy and offer significant health benefits for seniors, especially in the beautiful surroundings of southern Louisiana.
Engaging in gardening is another fulfilling activity that allows seniors to connect with nature, nurture plants, and relish the beauty of a flourishing garden. The Lafayette Public Library created the program The Seed Library to encourage the Acadiana community to garden more!
As seniors venture outdoors to enjoy the beauty of Lafayette, it's crucial to remember to stay cool and hydrated. Remember to take breaks in shaded areas, drink water, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
Read also, Staying Safe in Warm Weather – Special Care for the Elderly
Local Music and Entertainment
Seniors in Lafayette have access to a vibrant music and entertainment scene, with live music venues scattered throughout the city. These venues often showcase local artists, providing an opportunity for seniors to enjoy a diverse range of musical genres and support local talent.
Whether it's jazz, Cajun, zydeco, or rock, there's something for every musical taste in Lafayette's lively music venues.
You can also discover a world of cultural richness in Lafayette with the invaluable assistance of KRVS Radio Acadie's Cultural Calendar, providing you with a comprehensive guide to captivating concerts, mesmerizing theater performances, compelling art exhibitions, and lively cultural festivals, ensuring you never miss out on the vibrant pulse of the city's artistic and cultural offerings.
This valuable resource is updated weekly, highlighting a wide range of activities and events taking place in Lafayette, Lake Charles, and the places in between.
Summer Festivals
Attending summer festivals is an exciting and fun-filled activity that seniors can thoroughly enjoy. Festivals offer a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, cultural performances, delicious food, and a chance to connect with the local community.
The Annual Creole Culture Day at Vermilionville creates a space for people to connect to their Creole heritage with programming based around food, family, and music in their historic village.
For an entire weekend filled with events, the annual Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival in New Iberia unites sugar-producing parishes for a five-day celebration of this integral aspect of Louisiana agriculture.
Discover an exciting summer ahead, seniors! Immerse yourself in captivating museums, unleash your creativity with new crafts, explore local parks and nature spots, join engaging library programs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of summer festivals.
For the necessary home care and assistance, consider the support of senior helpers from Home Instead, who provide the leading home care in Lafayette, LA, to help seniors fully enjoy their summer season wherever they call home. Fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation care consultation!
Looking for a caregiver job in Lafayette, LA, and the surrounding areas? We’re hiring! See available positions here.
