Top Fall-Themed Activities for Seniors in New Jersey

The leaves are changing color and the weather is cooling down, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to start planning some fun fall activities! If you’re an active senior living in New Jersey, there’s no shortage of things to do this season.

From apple picking and hayrides to hiking and visiting pumpkin patches, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the autumn months.

Plan a picnic

There are only a few weeks left to enjoy the weather and spectacular seasonal colors on display. Snag a basket of goodies at your favorite gourmet spot or toss a bottle of bubbly with some cheese and crackers in a tote.

Picnics are great for groups of all sizes. Visit the New Jersey State Park Service website to find out if your destination of choice has picnic tables and seating options. If not, bring your own foldable chairs and blanket to spread out in the grass.

Visit a winery

With over 40 wineries to choose from in New Jersey, spending an afternoon wine-tasting is a perfect way to enjoy the autumn season with friends. Visit a family-owned winery like Landisville’s Bellview Winery or book a wine tour to check out vineyards and hear from vintners along the way.

Go apple picking

Now is a great time to head to a nearby orchard to take part in the time-honored fall tradition of apple picking. Melick’s Town Farm in Califon is New Jersey’s largest apple orchard, and it’s located just an hour  from the Atrium at Navesink Harbor.

It’s the ideal place to schedule an apple or even pumpkin-picking outing – they’re open year-round, and the autumn apple season extends into November. You can even tour the Cider Mill and have a taste of their fresh, premium, unfiltered apple cider.

Attend a fall festival

The harvest festival season is still going strong, so grab a friend and head out to The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farms or the spooky Jack O’ Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium for a great weekend activity. Roast s’mores on a firepit, sip on locally made ciders and craft beers, ride carnival rides, or just sit back and enjoy some live music at one of these fun, family-friendly festivals.

Take a stroll at a fall farmer’s market

Grab a tote bag to carry all the goodies you are sure to find – many towns in NJ host fall markets, while some farms like the Atlantic Farm Market also add a marketplace to their year-round onsite activities. A relaxed stroll at a cool weather market will give you time to check out all of the beautiful seasonal blooms, produce, and handmade crafts from local artists.

Taste fall flavors at a farm-to-table dinner

Take advantage of the bountiful fall foods with a visit to a local farm-to-table restaurant. The freshest in-season fruits and vegetables will be on the menu. Visit this website for a list of recommended farm-to-table options in Central New Jersey. It’s a great opportunity to taste the best of what fall has to offer while supporting local farmers!

Plan a ferry trip

Looking for an excuse for a road trip? Try the scenic two-hour drive down the coast, from the Atrium all the way down to Cape May, before embarking on the ferry to Delaware.

Crossing the Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, you’ll  enjoy historic lighthouses and views of the autumn shoreline. The ferry ride also provides a perfect vantage point for birding. You might catch a glimpse of local osprey, herons and other waterfowl common in the area.

Are you seeking a springboard to new discoveries where you can decouple from stress and simply soak in the beauty of each new day? Our senior living community in Red Bank, NJ makes that easy!