It’s that time of the year again when people from all over the world prefer to spend their time outdoors, relaxing while exploring the beauties of their home country or abroad. The same goes for the elderly, who are known to be especially active travelers. However, it is not always an option for them to make a trip to a different state, let alone Europe or Asia, whether it be for financial or health-related reasons. So in my today’s summer-themed post, I decided to stay close to home and come up with a few suggestions for summer activities suitable for your elderly loved ones.

Nature

Hocking Hills State Park

Aside from the natural beauties of its numerous hiking trails leading around caves and falls, Hocking Hills also offers a variety of events and activities such as community picnics, farmers markets, music festivals and more. Senior discounts are available for admission.

For those with an impaired ability to move, there’s a regular trolley tour around the historical center of Logan. This special event is a part of a special program for the 200th anniversary of the city of Logan, and the celebrations continue all year through: historical reenactments, sport shows and all kinds of family events.

Franklin Park Conservatory

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden is the place to take your elderly parent if you are looking for a slightly more cultivated natural experience. The experience includes various art exhibitions, plant collections, and markets. Plan your trip carefully and take part in special events such as bonsai show & sale or a book club (with refreshments!). You can also enjoy the lectures on gardening, cooking and wellness, or choose from a number of crafting techniques.

Art & History

Cincinnati Museum Center

What once served as a train station building is now an impressive complex of museums. The exhibitions range from history over nature and science up to a historical library. The library is currently undergoing a reconstruction, but it’s just a small portion of what is there to see. The venue offers a number of refreshment points, a golf cart shuttle and wheelchair lifts with assistance.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Planning on visiting Cleveland? This internationally known institution housing an impressive collection of European, Asian and American art should not slip your attention. Aside from the constant exhibition, the museum frequently hosts various events such as musical performances, movie screenings or lectures.

While in Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a great place for the music lovers who prefer Elvis to Vivaldi. It is wheelchair-accessible and offers senior discounts.

Miscellaneous

The St. Helena III. Public Boat Rides

As stated on the official homepage of Canal Fulton, “the St. Helena III is a replica of a freighter which voyaged along the Ohio and Erie Canal over 100 years ago,” which makes it an experience not to be missed. The horse-driven boat ride lasts a pleasant 55 minutes and takes you along the original section of the canal. The outdoor history lesson can be enriched with watching a short movie on the canal’s history in a nearby amphitheater. Tickets with a senior discount can be purchased online or on the spot.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

This is the right place to go if you’re feeling like enjoying a breath of luxury and the spirit of old England. The Stan Hywet estate is one of the largest residences in the U.S., and certainly the biggest one in Ohio. It was built by F. A. Seiberling, a notable American inventor and founder, who also gave it its misleading name; Stan Hywet is actually old English for “stone quarry”. The name reflects the original purpose of the location and also points at the dominant feature of the estate — stone.

You can take a tour through the impressive interior, walk through the spacious and well-trimmed gardens, or enjoy the extravagant flower and plant collection in the conservatories.

The Stan Hywet Hall also annually hosts the Ohio Shakespeare festival in July and August. The festival is wheelchair accessible and refreshments can be brought or purchased on site.