Autumn Activities for Seniors in Maryland

By Anna Hazard

Introduction

For many seniors, autumn is a good time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. Temperatures tend to be mild compared to the potential heat waves of summer and have yet to drop to the freezing temperatures that send most people sheltering indoors for the winter. In addition, the seasonal displays of fall foliage and produce harvests make outdoor ventures an additional treat for the eyes.
 
Here are a sampling of seasonal autumnal activities that are suitable for seniors or others with mobility issues. Additional links to sites within the Maryland area where these events can be enjoyed have also been included.

Apples & Pumpkin Picking

• Apples & pumpkin picking are a popular seasonal activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Various species of apples & gourds have their harvesting time in October & November, thus providing a healthy fall activity that would allow seniors to take in fresh air & gain a bit of extra exercise. Please note that this particular activity would require at least a base level of mobility as many of the pumpkin patches & orchards in open farms available in Maryland require a tractor or hayride to reach them.
• Weber's Cider Mill Farm | Brown's Orchards | Jones Family Farm | Baugher's | Shaw Orchards | Rock Hill Orchards
  

Farmer's Markets

• These gatherings of seasonal fruits, veggies, as well as baked goods are a good alternative for those seniors who have mobility issues and thus won't be able to make it out into their fields to pick their own. Besides many standalone farmer's markets available throughout Maryland counties, many of the open farms include their own attached markets.
• Weber's Cider Mill Farm | Brown's Orchards | Richardson's Farms | Jones Family Farm | Baugher's | Carroll County Agricultural Center | Butler's Orchard | Frostburg Winter Market | Westminster Farmer's Market
  

Fall Festivals & Bazaars

• While October hosts many autumn (not to mention Halloween) themed festivals, November also features many crafts fairs, bazaars, food festivals, and other shows that are seasonally relevant. These types of gatherings tend to focus on harvest foods, arts & crafts, as well as seafood, bird migration, and other coastal based festivities. Towards the end of November, the focus will shift more towards Christmas & winter themes.
  
• Hearth & Home | Bazaart | Liberty High Fall Craft Fair | Chesapeake High Fall Craft Fair | Sugarloaf Craft Festival | Fallfest Fine Arts & Crafts Show | Betheda Fall Bazaar | Emmitsburg Fall Craft Show | Waterfowl Festival | Autumn Festival: Bonsai and Beyond
  

Leaf Viewing

• These parks, trails, and other spots of nature are known for providing a good view of brilliantly colored foliage while remaining accessible to those in wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility aids. Roads such as Skyline Drive feature views that can be enjoyed from within a car while providing accessible accommodations for those who wish to stop along the way. Eastern Neck is also particularly known for their migratory bird watching of flocks heading south for the winter during this time of year.
• Patapsco Valley State Park | Jones Falls Trail | Gwynn Falls Trail | Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area | Holt Park | Skyline Drive | Deep Creek | Chesapeake & Ohio Canal | Eastern Neck | U.S. National Arboretum

Other Events

• These events don't fit neatly into seasonal produce gathering, autumn festivals & bazaars, or leaf viewing but still provide potential fun outings for seniors during this time of year.
• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Week | Charm City Fringe Festival | Maryland Irish Festival | Amish Quilt Auction

Other Guides to Outdoor Maryland Activities

Best Things to Do in Maryland | Visit Maryland | Visit Baltimore | Maryland.gov | TripSaavy