Vacations can be a great opportunity to spend time with the family. However, when it comes to including senior family members, you may struggle to find activities everyone can enjoy together. Check out these seven activities that can be fun for the whole family:

Play Card or Board Games: Bingo! Playing a game of Monopoly or checkers, or even putting together a puzzle, is a fun way to spend time with family – especially for elders – as these activities may help strengthen memory retention and brain health. Card games are especially flexible, as you can make them easier or more challenging depending on the players’ abilities.

Host a Family Movie Night: Who doesn’t love a good movie, especially on a rainy vacation day? Gather some snacks and the family around the TV for a fun family film! Pick a classic, let the grandparents choose, or introduce your favorite modern movie. You can even find themed recipes and games to go along with many movies, making for a great experience everyone will remember. If you want to have a movie night out, take advantage of breezy summer nights and look for local drive-in theaters!

Soak Up the Sun: Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the warm weather as well as soak up a dose of Vitamin D! Spending time outside provides a relaxing way to get in some natural vitamins, and the sun can also help support your immune system as well as your brain and nervous system. If you are spending time outside, be sure to apply sunblock and bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Try fishing, playing putt-putt, attending an outdoor sporting event, or even joining a beachside yoga or tai chi class as a low-impact way to get outside.

Take a Walk: On top of the benefits we receive from spending time in the sun, a walk down the beach or through the neighborhood is a great way to get in some exercise. Take it at your own pace and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. Many vacation destinations feature local attractions that are great for casual walking, such as botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos, or nature centers.

Go Swimming: It is important for elders to stay active and add some physical activity into their daily schedule. Head down to the neighborhood pool or to the beachfront and enjoy a swim in the water. Water resistance can provide a good workout and wading or treading water is a helpful way to exercise without having to emit a ton of energy.

Pack a Picnic: A nutritious lunch at the local park or beach is a fun activity that is easy for everyone to take part in and enjoy. Find some interesting recipes, hit the store, pack all your goodies in a basket along with a blanket, and head to your favorite spot. If you have the option, stake out your location in the shade, and be sure to bring along plenty of water.

Enjoy Local Produce: Summer is berry season! Luckily, many beaches and other vacation spots have farms surrounding them, close enough for a short day trip. Research spots before your vacation to find local farmers markets or berry farms that allow you to pick your own berries. Whether you are a fan of blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, this outing is great for the whole family while providing an activity that is not too strenuous for seniors. Fresh produce is also great for baking pies and other goodies that keep the excitement going after your trip. Be sure to take regular breaks from the heat, especially if you go during the sun’s peak hours.

Plan a Night Out: There is no reason to stay in every night on vacation, as there are so many nighttime activities family members of any age will enjoy. Research your vacation destination before your visit to find businesses that offer activities such as karaoke, murder mystery dinners, trivia, local tours, escape rooms, concerts, arcades, pottery painting, or even cooking classes. Most businesses that offer these activities will feature events that cater to all ages, so be sure to ask!

Create Memories: Family vacations create memories everyone will cherish, especially senior family members. Take the opportunity to create a scrapbook or photo album of past vacations, or even the current vacation, as a family! Have photos printed, then head to a local craft or department store to gather a few supplies. Not only will you get to share stories and enjoy each other’s company – you will get to create a keepsake as well.

Planning a vacation with senior family members does not have to turn it into a snoozer; in fact, you may discover new activities you never would have tried. Check out any of these fun activities, and everyone is sure to enjoy the quality time spent together!