Is your senior loved one still able to get out and enjoy activities with some help? Is the cold weather making it more difficult to come up with ideas for outings?
Worry no more with LivingPath! We have compiled a list of activities in the Chicagoland area that make for perfect wintertime outings for you and your senior loved one. Get out-and-about and enjoy all that Chicagoland has to offer.
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CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
When you hear of botanic gardens, you may not instantly relate them to wintertime activities. However, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers events year-round. Many of these events make great outings for you and your senior loved one.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has been open for more than 40 years. It is home to 27 gardens and four natural areas. They also offer cooking classes, educational classes, and seasonal activities such as outdoor tram rides.
During the holidays, there are a plethora of classes that are great options for seniors: Preserving with Dried Fruit, Optimize Your Energy, Natural Wellness Through Laughter and more. Most events have an associated cost.
The gardens are wheelchair accessible. Electronic Convenience Vehicles are available for rent.
Plan your visit at https://www.chicagobotanic.org
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM
2450 N Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has connected Chicago with nature and science for more than 160 years. As most of this museum’s attractions are indoors, a visit during the winter months is perfect. Plus, the relatively smaller size of the museum makes it a manageable outing for senior citizens.
In addition to many standing exhibits, the museum hosts events and programs. Some favorites are the butterfly release that happens daily at 2 PM and the Green City Market that is held at the museum on Saturdays in the winter. The Green City Market is a farmers’ market offering baked goods, cheeses, and seasonal produce.
Wheelchairs are available to rent for no charge, and an elevator goes to all levels of the building.
Learn more at http://naturemuseum.org
NAPERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Various locations
Libraries can be great sources of activities that fit the needs of seniors. While many libraries in the Chicagoland area hold daily or weekly events, the Naperville Public Library has one of the most comprehensive calendars.
Daytime activities worth a visit include:
- Coloring For Adults: Adults color with printed designs and various coloring mediums while sipping on tea and listening to music.
- Read Aloud Book Clubs: Read aloud sessions that are open to all adult readers featuring short stories.
- Movies at the Library: Join community members for movie showings. Movie showings include recently released movies as well as standing events like “Tuesday Morning Classic Films” and “Hidden Gems of the 21st Century.
Check on the 2019 winter program guide for a full line-up of events.
More information can also be found at https://www.naperville-lib.org
DRURY LANE THEATRE
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Drury Lane offers multiple event spaces in one area. This includes a theatre and dining area that make for a perfect outing your senior loved one. The theatre has been putting on shows for more than 60 years, which means more than 2,000 productions. Shows such as 42nd Street and Beauty and the Beast entertain audiences of all ages.
Wheelchair accessible theatre seating is available and can be purchased directly through ticketmaster or the Drury Lane Box Office. Assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired are available free of charge.
Check theatre season schedule at http://drurylanetheatre.com
UCHICAGO ARTS
Various Locations
The University of Chicago’s UChicago Arts is dedicated to bringing arts to the community and keep arts as part of the central mission of the University. In 2001, the University launched a huge suite of new programs including and Arts + Public Life initiative and an Arts Incubator.
Many parts of UChicago Arts’ expanded programing cater wonderfully to seniors. Activities and events include:
- Committed Knitters: The weekly event is held every Wednesday and is for both new knitters or those who want to brush up on their skills. Knitters and crocheters work side-by-side.
- Poem Readings: Like with the musical performances, UChicago Arts welcomes many talented poets to their event calendar. There are readings on the calendar almost monthly.
Most events are wheelchair accessible. Persons with disabilities and those needing extra assistance to participate in events can contact Arts + Public Life at (773) 702-9724 or artsandpubliclife@uchicago.edu
Explore the full event calendar at http://arts.uchicago.edu/events
DRAKE HOTEL: Afternoon Tea
140 E Walton Place
Chicago, IL 60611
Located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and overlooking Lake Michigan, the historic Drake Hotel is a wonderful getaway for afternoon tea. Tea is served in the swanky Palm Court inside the hotel. The Queen herself even dined here in 1958.
Every hour and a half, seating comes with breads, scones, and finger sandwiches. Each guest has a selection of 17 unique tea blends. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made for between 1 and 5 PM. Harpists performances accompany tea time Wednesdays through Sunday.
Reservations can be made at OpenTable or by contacting (312) 932-4619.
Find out more about afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel at http://www.thedrakehotel.com/dining/palm-court
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Now that you have inspiration, mark the calendar for an outing! Your mom, dad, or elderly neighbor will appreciate the thought and time spent exploring all that Chicagoland has to offer. Even more, they will get out of the home for some fun.
Have any other activities that are suitable for elderly? Share with the community by commenting below!
