Carter Place Senior Living

Fun Summer Activities for Seniors in Blair, NE

Written by Carter Place | Jun 23, 2025 4:00:00 AM

With 19.7% of the Blair population being over the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census, the need for fun summer activities that are senior-friendly never ends. The good news is that our city has plenty of options that are both exciting and beneficial for people of all ages and capabilities.

 

We're here to help you make this summer season the best one yet. From activities that keep you physically active to ones that help you make new friends, we've included all sorts, so there's something here for everyone.

 

Keep reading to start planning your summer before the season's over!

 

Summer Reading

Did you know that lifelong learning should be part of your senior recreation? It gives many mental benefits such as:

  • Learning new skills
  • Improving self-esteem
  • Improving cognitive function
  • Strengthening memory retention and recall
  • Building empathy and emotional understanding
  • Accessing new social connections

Calling it lifelong learning can sound intimidating. Simply reading books counts as learning new material and gives you all of these benefits as long as you keep at it.

 

Starting this habit in the summer can be the perfect gateway to more learning in the future. The sun is out, the weather is warm, and reading in the shade can be a cozy way to spend the afternoon.

 

Don't forget to check out the City of Blair Library for access to more books than anyone can read in one summer!

 

Outdoor Recreation

Getting more active and having outdoor fun can be easily achieved during the warm summer months. Many outdoor activities are fun while also giving your body a gentle workout.

 

With places such as Black Elk Neihardt Park to engage in these activities, you can have adventures every single day.

 

Gaming

Whenever you want to have a thrilling time that is also conducive to staying physically active, turn to gaming. Outdoor games often require moving your body around, and some are only possible to play when the weather is good.

Games to try include:

  • Tennis
  • Giant Jenga
  • Balloon volleyball
  • Four squares
  • Cornhole
  • Hackysack
  • Soccer
  • Frisbee
  • Horseshoes

Invite plenty of friends and family to make the games even more fun. Putting together a small gaming tournament during community gatherings, for example, could be an exciting way to add some friendly competition and strengthen bonds.

 

Biking

The secret bikers know that no one else does is that it's a small adventure every time you get on the saddle. Even if you go at a slow and steady pace, you're still getting to see the world around you and work your muscles at the same time.

 

The best part is that biking puts less strain on your knees and hips than other activities like running.

 

Make sure to take the time to enjoy the ride rather than only focusing on the destination. It'll make the journey more enjoyable and encourage you to keep going.

 

Swimming

Swimming is the perfect choice for a relaxing physical activity that puts even less pressure on your joints. The water keeps you buoyed, so the force of impact is gentler. You can still give yourself a good workout if you push yourself, though.

 

Being in the water is relaxing as well, and can be the refreshing cool you need during the hottest summer days.

 

Check out the Blair Swimming Pool for a catered summer wellness experience, or head over to Glenn Cunningham Lake for something more natural.

 

Nature Exploration

Taking the time to slow down and look around at the beauty of nature isn't something we often prioritize. It's a shame since Blair has so many sightseeing opportunities for those who take a moment to watch.

 

After your other seasonal events are done, why not try some nature exploration activities to fill out more of your summer?

 

Birdwatching

There's a sense of wonder when you're able to spot a bird you've never seen before. This is the magic that drives birdwatchers, and it can easily be your new summer hobby.

 

It gives you time to look through the beauty of Blair and see what it has to offer. Every day will feel like an adventure since the wildlife will find ways to surprise you.

 

For a unique adventure, head over the the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Here you'll have access to over 8,000 acres of natural land teeming with wildlife. You'll get the opportunity to see plenty of wild birds like:

  • Mallards
  • Canadian geese
  • Snow geese
  • Wood ducks
  • Orioles
  • Common yellowthroats
  • Red-headed woodpeckers
  • Great blue herons
  • Bald eagles

Gardening

Taking the time to care for other living things can give us a sense of accomplishment. You'll nurture a little sprout until it's a full-grown plant. You can even grow fresh vegetables for extra nutrition in your diet.

 

The act of gardening gives you a reason to spend at least a little bit of time outside each day as you tend to the plants. They'll need extra care during the heat of summer.

 

If you don't have access to a gardening plot, use potted plants instead. With good positioning and a loving touch, they can thrive even in a confined space.

 

Creative Pursuits

Are you looking for a summer activity that's versatile enough to do both outside and in your senior apartments? Starting a creative hobby is an expressive outlet that lets you simply play with colors and shapes.

 

You could start a study of your favorite Blair view outside in the sun, then finish it up in the comfort of your home once the sun goes down. There's a lot of versatility and unique modes of expression when it comes to creativity. Test different things until you find something that speaks to you.

 

Join Carter Place for Fun Summer Activities

If you want to become part of a senior community in a picturesque location that hosts many fun summer activities, consider Carter Place as your new home.

Our Blair community thrives no matter the time of year. We work with residents to come up with a personalized care plan that suits their needs and doesn't impede their freedom. With fun activities every week, you'll never run out of things to do.

 

Contact us today and let's get talking about making the transition!