Welcome to Gladstone, Missouri, a beautiful suburb just north of bustling Kansas City. Gladstone is the ideal backdrop for fall, with colorful tree-lined streets and just the right amount of crispness in the air. There’s always something to do in this tight-knit town, so it’s no wonder families love growing here and seniors love retiring here.
Check out ideas for fun fall activities below and learn why our community is the perfect place for older adults to thrive.
5 things to do in Gladstone this fall
Visit one of the many parks. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when autumn approaches? Leaves? The refreshing air? You’re in luck. Gladstone has more than 10 parks for you to walk and explore the great outdoors. A few of our favorites are Happy Rock Park, Oak Grove Park, and Hidden Hollow Park. Find playgrounds and walking trails, leaf-peep, and enjoy plenty of zen across all of Gladstone’s parks.
Sign up for group classes and fall activities. The Gladstone Community Center offers group classes ranging from fitness to the arts. If you’re seeking a new interest or want to make new friends, fall is a great time to start. Something special about the Community Center is that it caters special events for those 50 years and older. Sign up for the events newsletter to see what activities are coming this season.
Explore the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum. There’s nothing more fall than this historic piece of land. At the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, you can traipse through acres of lush farmland, take a peek at what’s being harvested in the heirloom garden, and pick sunflowers, pumpkins, and sweet corn. Just in time for spooky season, you can take a stroll through Big Shoal Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Gladstone’s pioneers.
Catch a show at Linden Square. Located in Downtown Gladstone are the Linden Square stage and greenspace, home to concerts, fall festivals, and diverse group events. Bring the whole family together to celebrate the community and try something new this fall.
Cheer on your favorite football team. Fall means football season, especially around these parts. Tailgating and attending games is a cherished pastime of many Kansas Citians, whether for high school, college, or the hometown Chiefs. Bond with others rooting for the same team over good drinks and food, especially before winter hits.
Fall activities for seniors
There are plenty of things for Gladstone seniors to do to celebrate fall, whether it’s at home or a senior living community like The Grand Royale. Keeping an active mind and body improves quality of life and makes every day more enjoyable. Here are some tried and true fall activity ideas for seniors who want to branch out or keep warm inside.
Outdoor fall activities for seniors
Plant flowers. Is there anything better than the vibrancy of fall flowers? Gardening and potting plants are great ways to unwind and use your hands. Try planting mums or some of your favorite herbs. Visit a local pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are great to eat and for decoration. Show your support for local pumpkin patches and take home a variety of gourds for carving, seed-roasting, or painting. Go apple picking. It’s always rewarding to bask in the fruits of your labor. And you can do so literally at a local apple farm. Instead of simply eating apples off the tree, pick the right varieties for canning applesauce and baking.
Indoor fall activities for seniors
Host a holiday meal. Fall kicks off a busy holiday season. Host loved ones for a potluck, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Preparing a meal and spending time with family and friends is a classic fall tradition.
Create a piece of fall art. Get ready for winter by knitting or crocheting scarves, mittens, and sweaters. Or, use leaves you’ve collected to weave together a festive wreath. Arts and crafts help engage the mind and the soul.
Watch a classic Halloween movie.
The sun will soon be setting earlier, and the darkness provides just the right ambiance for watching a spine-tingling flick and getting into the spirit of the Halloween holiday.
Cozy up to the fireplace with a good book.
This could very well be the most ideal fall activity. Who doesn’t love sipping a steaming mugful of hot chocolate while reading and listening to the crackling of the fireplace?
Whether you’re looking to try something new or can’t wait to get back into the swing of seasonal tradition, the Gladstone community provides everything you need to savor all the moments of fall.
Fall senior living community activities
Here at The Grand Royale, we offer a calendar packed with fall activities in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Short-Term Rehabilitation services. Learn more about our senior living lifestyle and schedule a tour to see why our location in Gladstone is ideal for seniors and their loved ones.