Summer. The days are longer, neighbors are outside and there are so many reasons for everyone to get up and enjoy it.

Karen B., national director of life enrichment with The Goodman Group, has seen firsthand how much a summer outing can mean for seniors specifically. "There's nothing better than just a group of smiling folks who are so happy to be out and listening to some music in the park or having a snow cone or some cotton candy," she says, "and remembering those days."

Whether it is a trip to the farmers market or an evening at a local concert, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the season.

Visit a Farmers Market

Few summer outings are quite as satisfying as a trip to the local farmers market.

Karen sees real value in these visits. "I love when residents at the managed communities go to the farmers market because it is an opportunity for them to get those fresh vegetables and fresh fruits and homemade breads," she says. "You get to go out and talk to the farmers who have raised those products."

Many farmers markets offer paved pathways and plenty of seating, and a quick check of the website or a call ahead can help seniors and their families feel prepared and ready to enjoy the visit.

Catch Live Music Outdoors

Many local communities will have free or low-cost outdoor concerts throughout the season, and it’s a fun and easy atmosphere.

"I love music in the park's events," Karen says. "There's so many great musicians. You can just sit out there and enjoy it."

Checking the event page ahead of time for seating options and parking details makes for a smoother outing. Many venues are happy to accommodate guests when asked in advance.

Go to the County Fair

For many seniors, the county fair is tied to some of their most vivid memories, the smells, the sounds, the sense of occasion. Getting back to one is a wonderful way to reconnect with all of that.

Karen grew up on a farm and remembers her family's involvement well. "My mom would do baking and all of those things. So getting back to going and seeing what things are at the fair now — I think that is really fun."

The conversations that tend to come out of a fair visit are part of what makes it special. "I remember when I did this," Karen says. "I remember this time when I was a child or when I took my children to the fair. The conversations that surround those memories for the seniors are just really really cool."

Spend Time in a Community Garden

Gardening has a way of drawing people in. Karen has seen residents come alive in the garden in ways that surprise even them. "There is so much knowledge there," she says. "I was surprised at how much people wanted to just kind of get a little dirty."

Community gardens give seniors a chance to work alongside others, share what they know and watch something grow from their own effort.

Take a Walk on a Local Trail

A morning or evening walk is a simple but rewarding summer activity. The combination of movement, fresh air and changing scenery does a lot for both body and mind.

Many communities managed by The Goodman Group are situated near walking paths thoughtfully designed for seniors. Smooth surfaces, gentle grades and comfortable spots to rest along the way. Any distance is a good distance, and even a short loop around the neighborhood is a great way to start.

Attend a Community Event or Festival

Every summer, towns and cities come alive with festivals, art fairs and neighborhood gatherings that are worth building a day around.

Karen sees these outings as some of the most valuable of the season. "So many small communities and large communities have local events," she says, "and those are really important to get to, to have that connection to the greater community."

Plan a Picnic or Outdoor Lunch

A picnic in a local park, a community courtyard or a shaded backyard gives seniors and the people in their lives a reason to slow down together. Pack easy-to-share foods, bring comfortable seating and let the afternoon unfold.

Asking a loved one what they remember enjoying on past picnics or outdoor gatherings is a great way to personalize the outing and spark some good conversation along the way.

Catch a Sunset or Take an Evening Walk

As the warmth of the day settles in, a slow evening walk or a comfortable seat outdoors is a restorative way to close it out. The quieter pace of the evening lends itself to good conversation and a sense of calm.

Gentle movement in the evening supports circulation and a restful night and it is a nice opportunity to connect with a neighbor, a family member or a fellow resident.

A Note on Planning Ahead

Karen recommends looking into the details before heading out. "Definitely take a look ahead of time," she says. "If they have a website or a Facebook page, go in and look at what they have for accessibility."

Good things to look for: parking and drop-off options, surface types, available seating and the overall layout of the event. "Thinking ahead about what sort of seating they may have available, those camping chairs are not for anyone," Karen notes." A quick call to the event organizer to ask about accommodations is a great start.

Summer is a season full of opportunities to get outside, spend time with others and enjoy everything the warmer months bring. The activities above offer ways to live a full summer and for seniors living at communities managed by The Goodman Group, life enrichment programming throughout the season is designed to make sure every resident has something to look forward to.