Fun Spring Activities for Seniors

Right about now, it might be helpful to remind yourself of this quote: “No winter lasts forever. No spring skips its turn.” There will be true spring weather, and it will be glorious. And when the sun is shining and the birds are singing and the snow has melted for another season, we can look forward to these outdoor activities:

• FLYING A KITE. Take it literally the next time someone tells you to “go fly a kite.” (You can purchase a kite at Air Traffic, Midwest Mountaineering, Best Buy, or Target.) If you fall in love with the activity, you can even join the Minnesota Kite Society. Those who are new to the sport (or haven’t flown a kite since they were kids) might want to start with a triangular-shaped delta kite before dabbling in the more expensive ones. *Tips: Avoid trees, crowded areas, and power lines. For more information, visit mnkites.org. 

 • SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS. Visit a farmers’ market this spring and enjoy selecting fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies. While you “eat a rainbow” of vibrant colors in a variety of delicious flavors, you can feel good knowing you're supporting local farmers and growers. There are multiple farmers’ markets in Minneapolis, including the Northeast Farmers Market, on Seventh and University, every Saturday from May 19 through October 20, 2018. northeastmarket.org 

• WALKING IN NATURE. We are fortunate to live in a state with so many opportunities for walking on nature trails, many paved and wheelchair-accessible. Walking helps regulate blood sugar, bone strength, and cardiovascular health.

• WATCHING BIRDS. There’s a reason Bob Dylan wrote about Minnesota birds in his song, “Meet Me in the Morning.” The birds here are inspirational! Visit the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, off Theodore Wirth Parkway and Glenwood Avenue in Minneapolis (part of Theodore Wirth Regional Park) a busy spot during spring migration. April, in general, is a good time to observe greater-prairie chickens, warblers, and grouse.   

• RIDING A HISTORIC STREETCAR. The Minnesota Streetcar Museum, a living history museum, takes visitors back to the era of electric mass-transit of the early 1900s. Rides are about 15 minutes long. The streetcars are not handicapped accessible, but in many cases, can assist boarding for partially ambulatory riders.

• GARDENING. Grow mini herb gardens in planter boxes or terra cotta pots. Position a grow light over your herbs when it’s too cold, then move them outdoors when weather permits.   

• ATTENDING THE MAYDAY FESTIVAL. On Sunday, May 6, watch the MayDay Parade, participate in the Tree of Life ceremony, or enjoy the festival in Powderhorn Park. hobt.org/mayday/parade/ 

• TAKING A CRUISE ON A STEAMBOAT. Standard steamboat cruises at the Museum of Lake Minnetonka  run from May 26-September 3, 2018, embarking from the ports of Excelsior and Wayzata.   

• SEEING BABY ANIMALS AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO. Don’t underestimate the power of cute baby chicks, piglets, lambs, calves, goat kids, and bunnies during Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo, running now through April 30, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. mnzoo.org 

Spring is a nature’s way of celebrating renewal and growth; the earth “waking up” again after a long, cold sleep. The fact that we have to wait for it a little longer makes it that much sweeter when it finally arrives.