As the days lengthen and the sun shines more often, it’s easy to feel the urge to move, get outdoors and try new activities. During retirement, a more flexible schedule gives you the chance to decide exactly what you want to do, and then set your own pace to truly absorb spring. Even if your retirement budget doesn’t allow for a long list of expensive outings, the spring months offer plenty of ways to get out and take in the sunshine without spending a cent. Try one or more of these activities to make the most of spring.
1. Spend more time walking. In addition to taking strolls on your own, consider setting up a walking group. The meeting times will help establish a routine, and you may even decide to try nearby paths as a group. Also look for ways to get in a few more steps during your regular outings. “Take an indirect route on your daily walk, check out a different street or park farther from the grocery store,” suggests David Inns, CEO of GreatCall, a connected health company for active aging.
[See: 10 Ways to Celebrate Your Retirement.]
2. Check the local newspaper. Whether you go online or read a print edition, look for the section in your town’s newspaper that outlines upcoming events in the area. You may find a free craft show, art fair or outdoor theater event that piques your interest.
3. Volunteer. If you’ve wanted to help at a place that aligns with your passions, use the springtime months — when your energy levels are likely higher — to lend a hand. You might offer to plan a spring event at a local nursing home, volunteer for a few months at a soup kitchen or help at a hospital. If you love music and performances, ask a local theater or concert hall about volunteer opportunities. You might be able to serve as an usher at spring events, which will give you the chance to appreciate the entertainment and interact with those in attendance.
4. Tour museums. Check your area’s listings to look for upcoming exhibitions at nearby museums. “Museums are filled with learning opportunities; you just have to find the ones that don’t charge admission,” explains Natasha Rachel Smith, personal finance expert at TopCashback.com. Some places offer free days for seniors, while other museums are always free of charge. Museums that are always free include the Smithsonian museums, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Getty Center and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
5. Spend time outside with grandkids. Now that winter has come to an end and warmer temperatures are setting in, the outdoors is a perfect place to enjoy little ones with lots of energy. Set up a time to meet grandchildren at a local park, or invite them to spend an afternoon exploring your backyard.
6. Learn about local history. If you’ve always wanted to delve deeper into your town’s past, take advantage of the sunnier springtime days to visit outdoor locations. Bring a friend to visit nearby monuments, well-known buildings and historical sites. In addition to learning more, you can each share memories of your connections to certain places.
[See: 12 Ways Retirees Spend Their Newfound Free Time.]
7. Go to free concerts. If you live near universities, contact them and ask about outdoor spring concerts. In addition to colleges, many communities offer free outdoor musical performances during the warm months. Make a note of the date, and check to see if chairs are provided or if you should bring your own.
8. Plan a picnic. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a meal in the fresh air, invite friends to join you on a picnic. You can choose a creative theme, such as favorite childhood dishes or finger foods, or opt for a menu of picnic favorites, including watermelon, iced tea, sandwiches, coleslaw and potato salad.
9. Spring clean. As more sunlight streams in through the windows, you may spot dust and dirt that were well-hidden during dark months. When you finish cleaning rooms, consider purging as well. Sort through a closet, garage or storage room to spot items you no longer use. To go an extra step, put a price tag on them. “Sell your used clothes, old furniture or electronics that you don’t want any more on eBay, Craigslist or local thrift shops,” suggests Leslie Tayne, a debt resolution attorney in New York.
10. Take advantage of free classes. Many communities offer free courses, programs and lessons for seniors. Ask at your community center about springtime opportunities, as you might be able to start a water aerobics class, exercise program or sign up for summer classes.
11. Head to the library. In addition to books, magazines and free internet, many libraries offer reading programs and other activities during warm months. Ask what’s available, and then browse different sections to look for further inspiration. You might find you want to start a project to look through newspapers from your childhood years or begin a book club with a local theme.
12. Go bird watching. If you appreciate nature’s majestic mysteries and are an early riser, springtime is a peak season for bird watching in certain areas. Check your region to see if flocks migrating north after a long winter in the south will be passing over you.
13. Visit a nature center. To learn more about the animals and plants in your region, spend a morning or afternoon at a local nature center. “Many nature centers throughout the country are free,” says Dawn-Marie Joseph, a financial professional in Williamston, Michigan, who focuses on helping seniors live a life where finances are not a burden.
[See: Bargain Ways to Visit National Parks.]
14. Refresh near water. If you live close to a river or lake, take advantage of the warmer temperatures to visit the shoreline. Bring a friend to hike a trail near the water’s edge, take a bike ride on solid paths or feed the ducks.
15. Invite the neighbors over. In spring, you’re more likely to see those living next door out and about in the fresh air. Use the meetups as a chance to ask them over to your place. If you invite several neighbors, encourage each one to bring something out of the ordinary or a collector item to share. You’ll have the chance to learn more about each other and hear some interesting tales as well.
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15 Ways Retirees Can Soak Up Spring for Free originally appeared on usnews.com
