This year, summer in Kansas City has been dreadfully hot, leaving us all eagerly anticipating crisp autumn days! Fall is the perfect season for a cozy “staycation” in your senior living facility, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and pumpkin treats with friends and family.
Senior living residents and loved ones, here are some fresh, fun ideas for having a fall staycation in your senior living community.
Local Happenings
For those who haven’t experienced a “staycation” before, it’s a lot of fun! A staycation is what it sounds like: a vacation right in your own space, and an opportunity to experience fun in your own backyard. Just like a vacation, you can plan fun activities and adventures. But you’ll enjoy the comfort of your own bed and your own space!
The best staycations include trying new things and exploring parts of your city that you’ve never experienced before! Most cities come alive in the fall as kids return to school and everyone returns from summer travels.
Kansas City is an amazing place to live, especially in the gorgeous fall season. What better time to explore your city than when all the fall festivals are in full swing? Here are some must-do activities for fall in Kansas City, all of which are accessible for most ages and abilities:
1. Pumpkin Patches or Picking a Pumpkin
Nothing says fall like picking out the perfect pumpkin and enjoying fresh-pressed apple cider at a local patch! When looking for a pumpkin patch to visit with your loved ones, keep in mind the level of accessibility you’ll need. Completely natural, pick-your-own-pumpkin patches are not wheelchair or walker-friendly, but others will transport pumpkins to a field or lot that is easier to traverse.
In Kansas City, one of the most popular pumpkin patch farms is Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch, where pumpkins are available right outside the store in addition to being out in a traditional pumpkin patch. Many fun pumpkin patches are available around the metro area! If you have grandkids or other little ones with you, you’re sure to find a fun fit!
Can’t make it to a pumpkin patch? Lots of farmer’s markets sell pumpkins in the fall, including one just a few minutes away from St. Anthony’s: the Brookside Farmer’s Market! Most pumpkin patches also sell other fall decor and smaller pumpkins that are perfect for a centerpiece on your coffee table.
2. Sporting Events
Calling all Kansas City sports fans! Many sporting events have accessible seating, especially the larger events. If you’re a loyal fan of a particular football team in your area or have always wanted to go to a hockey game, add that day trip to your staycation plans! In Kansas City, all the true locals are major Chiefs fans, and Arrowhead Stadium has many accessibility accommodations, including parking, seating, and even Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs).
Not able to make it to the big game? You can still have fun watching with friends at St. Anthony’s! Meet a few friends at St. Peter’s Pub to catch all the action.
3. Museums and Zoos
Kansas City is home to world-class museums and zoos — and many of these are just minutes away from St. Anthony’s! Less than 10 minutes from St. Anthony’s is the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. While you may have been to the Zoo before, the Aquarium opened its doors in Fall 2023 and it’s getting rave reviews!
Also less than 10 minutes from St. Anthony’s is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art! From classic Monet pieces to modern exhibits, the collection includes something for everyone!
Indoor Staycation Activities
When it’s a particularly cold or rainy day, there are plenty of fun ideas to be social and active. The senior living facility activities calendar is one easy spot to look for inspiration! At St. Anthony’s, we always have something fun happening regardless of your senior living lifestyle. These can be everyday favorites like Happy Hour in independent living or unique fall-themed crafts made accessible for all ability levels to engage assisted living and memory care residents.
If none of the activities available in a day appeal to you, or if you have family coming to visit and want to plan something extra unique, here are some indoor staycation activities you can plan in your senior living facility, and maybe even right in your own spacious senior living apartment:
1. Cozy Camp-Out
You don’t necessarily need the great outdoors to have a super fun camp-out! Invite the family to join you for microwave smores and Halloween-themed ghost stories right in your senior living apartment. To make it fun, have the grandkids bring sleeping bags to pretend you’re out on a camping trip!
2. Spa Day
A fun staycation can include pampering! Just like the slumber parties way back when, you can enjoy painting nails it’s fun to take some time to feel good.
At St. Anthony’s, you can include a visit to the All Saints Salon and Spa to enjoy professional quality manicures, pedicures, and massages instead of doing it yourself, and even get your hair done while you’re there.
3. Movie Marathon
We love watching movies, especially at our memory care movie nights with staff and residents. With so many fun fall and Halloween movies out there, this is a must-do fall staycation activity! Cuddle up with comfy blankets and pillows, and just press play. Here are some suggestions to get in the mood for the fall season:
- When Harry Met Sally
- Autumn in New York
- Sweet Home Alabama
- Practical Magic
- Remember the Titans
- Hocus Pocus
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
4. Pumpkin Decorating Contest
You don’t have to go all the way out to a pumpkin patch to enjoy the tradition of carving a pumpkin! Go to a local grocery store to buy pumpkins, ask your loved ones to pick one out for you, and then gather together for some safe carving fun! If handling sharp tools for carving is difficult, use stickers or markers to decorate your pumpkins instead.
When you’re finished, either send the pumpkins home with your loved ones or ask staff at your facility where it is okay to display them. Even if you don’t have a porch of your own, you may be allowed to place your pumpkin out by the entrance for everyone to enjoy.
Relax This Fall at St. Anthony’s
If you’re ready to discover the joy of staycationing in senior living at St. Anthony’s, contact us to schedule a tour! We can’t wait for you to come stay, pray, and play with us.
