Fall Events for Seniors in St. Louis

The long, hot summer is coming to an end, and that can mean only one thing: It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the great autumn activities St. Louis has to offer.

Spending time outdoors is beneficial for seniors in many ways, from getting fresh air into their lungs and working their muscles as they move about, to stimulating their concentration and language skills by keeping them busy and social. Family outdoor gatherings give our senior loved ones a break from boredom and something to look forward to. So, take advantage of the opportunity to spend some quality time with your Mom or Dad.

Some River City fall favorite activities include:

St. Louis Zoo

Our world-famous zoo is a perfect destination for a cool, comfortable fall day. Always free for general admission, the St. Louis Zoo opens daily at 9 am and is open most dates in September and October until 5 p.m. You can find out more about the schedule and other details on the zoo website. Park management takes pride in the Zoo being accessible for all, and it offers a variety of mobility options for seniors who may require them. They include wheelchair and electric scooter rentals and most restrooms on the property are wheelchair accessible.

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Take in the beauty of nature at the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the accompanying Butterfly House. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the gardens offer reduced price admission to those with proof of St. Louis city residency. Or you can go on Wednesday or Saturday when everyone arriving before 11 a.m. gets in free of charge. The site has a limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters available to rent for those with mobility concerns. For more information, visit the Botanical Gardens website.

Historic Shaw Art Show

If you’re in the neighborhood of the Botanical Garden, you might want to also check out the Historic Shaw Art Show. Held at the intersection of Flora Place and Tower Grove Avenue, the fine art fair will exhibit the work of about 130 artists including talented creators of ceramics, paintings, pastels, photography, sculptures, woodwork and more. While you’re taking in the beauty on display, you can also enjoy some live music and a variety of food offerings.

Grant’s Farm and Ulysses S. Grant Historical Site

A great place to take in a little bit of nature, some old-world charm and get in touch with history is Grant’s Farm with its associated Ulysses S. Grant Historical Site. The property that was once tilled by the 18^th president of the United States and the Whitehaven residence of the president and his wife, Julia, are free to visit, however parking at Grant’s Farm is $16 per car. Check the attraction’s website for information about hours and availably. The farm is wheelchair accessible and its extra-cost tours offer a limited number of accessible slots. Most of the tour features at the historical site are accessible, too.

St. Louis Renaissance Festival

If you want to travel back even further in time, you can experience the pageantry of the St. Louis Renaissance Festival on weekends from Sept. 16 through Oct. 22. The festival features period music and wares, fine foods and even live jousting. Held at Rotary Park on West Meyer Road in Wentzville, check out the event’s website for information about tickets and scheduling.

Oktoberfest

We couldn’t make a list of fall events for seniors in St. Louis without mentioning Oktoberfest! This is a popular fall staple not only in St. Louis but around the world. There are a number of communities and neighborhoods putting on their lederhosen and passing around the beer steins. Soulard Oktoberfest, organized by the St. Louis German Cultural Society is held in Soulard Market Park October 13-14. You can get your fill of “oompahs” there with a slate of the area’s best traditional German bands set to take to the bandstand. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Its hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday. The family-friendly event has been an annual tradition since 2016 and has drawn as many as 10,000 people.

Kimmswick

If you’re craving a short road trip, a great way to spend a weekend day is taking the 25-mile drive down Interstate 55 to Kimmswick for the Apple Butter Festival Oct. 28-29. Organizers boast the event attracts 100,000 visitors every year who enjoy the rustic, small town atmosphere almost as much as they love the indulgent apple butter that gives the event its name. The smell of the apples simmering over a fire is bound to make you hungry. Fortunately, there are dozens of food vendors to choose from – as well as craft booths to browse and live entertainment to enjoy.

These examples only include a small portion of the fall events for seniors in St. Louis. Whether you choose one of these options or discover an autumn adventure of your own, this is the perfect time of year to do something extra special outdoors with your senior loved one. After all, it’s not where you are but who you are with that is most important, and they will enjoy the time you spend with them.

Find new ways to connect with and care for your family members on Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.