Activities for Seniors in Indian River County

Indian River County, Florida is known for its laid-back people and beautiful beaches. If you’re an outdoors person, this community is a great place to go fishing, golfing, water sporting, boating, and relaxing near the ocean. Without a doubt, there is an abundance of activities for seniors in Indian River County.

If you're interested in working with seniors and older adults, consider becoming a Papa Pal companion caregiver.

The role of a Papa Pal varies from day to day. Some Papa Pals lend a hand around the house and help with errands, housekeeping and gardening. Others offer company on a walk around the neighborhood or provide transportation to help seniors and older adults enjoy everything their community has to offer. It’s a great part-time job for friendly people.

Since the founding of The Senior Resource Association in 1974, Indian River County has made it easier for seniors to retire in its cities. The mission encourages seniors to live a healthy active lifestyle. They want their seniors to enjoy a life full of serenity and fun, but also let them know they have a tight-knit community they can depend on.

The county also puts a lot of emphasis on wheelchair access at beaches and parks, which makes it easier for seniors with disabilities to enjoy their time with Mother Nature. The top beach parks we recommend for seniors are Jaycee Park and Humiston Park in Vero Beach. Both of these parks include beautiful walking trails, lifeguards, boat launching ramps, and picnic tables.

Make sure to visit Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge to see endangered sea turtles and West Indian Manatees. This is a special place in the county because it’s known as the nation’s first national wildlife Refuge. When you arrive, go on a wildlife tour. If you love dolphins, go on a boat tour at the Indian River Lagoon and Estuary in Sebastian. As you spot the friendly fish, you can learn more about one of the most biodiverse environments in North America.

Since the weather is never an issue in Indian River County, it’s always easy to find something to do.

First, stop at the 18-acre tropical beauty McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach. They have over 100 varieties of water lilies throughout their gardens, and seniors receive a discount upon entry.

Scrape the surface at the 64-acre Environment Learning Center in Vero Beach. Choose to go on a pontoon ride, rent a canoe, go on guided nature walks, or stand in awe at the 145-gallon aquarium touch-tank. Become a member and receive tons of discounts and unlimited free visits so you can do it all. Catch a large Snook at the Sebastian Inlet, and then cook it for a tasty treat.

Get your headset on at the Florida Cracker Airboat Rides and Guide Service for a fun trip through the marshes.

Shop and save at the Vero Beach Outlets and leave happy with prices you can’t beat.

Practice your golf swing at the nationally acclaimed top public course in the country, Sandridge Municipal Golf Course.

Indian River County has many scenic options for you to explore and enjoy your time while you’re there.

Every year many people come to Indian River County to enjoy the Vero Beach Wine and Film Festival. This three-day event is also known as the “Hamptons of South Florida” because it supports different charities that are focused on the environment, health, education, human services, animals in distress, and children and families. This philanthropic event involves a lot of chef and wine tastings throughout each day, and it’s a great event to mark on your calendar each year.

Aside from the festival, Indian River County has a mouthwatering amount of delicious dishes. Savor the flavors at the Treasure Coast Culinary Tour in Vero Beach or Sebastian and enjoy a multi-course meal at different venues in the city.

It’s hard not to stop by the How Sweet It Is Chocolate Factory either with over 200 varieties of hand-dipped chocolates. Go in and sample their decadent chocolate, ice cream, Italian ice, or butter fudge.

Don’t forget to shop where the locals go every Saturday at the Famers Market Oceanside in Vero Beach and get fresh produce, meats, and gourmet specialty items; you won’t be disappointed.

Indian River County puts a lot of emphasis into their community’s art, theater, and museums.

It’s a treasure to visit these places because they’re well maintained and appreciated. Whenever you’re in the area make sure to check these places off your list:

This indoor-outdoor museum has regional, state, and national exhibits and offers free admission every last Saturday of the month.

With the best concerts in town and spectacular special events, there is always something you can plan for in advance. Visit their website and see what events they have coming soon.

Highlighting community talent, the Opera enhances culture in the county. Sign up for a class or watch a live performance.

This playhouse is known as America’s largest small town professional theater. It currently puts on 255 live performances a year.

For only $2 admission, this great local find will show you why Indian River County is called the “treasure coast.” View different artifacts and buried treasure finds in their multiple exhibits.

Walk into the life during the early 20th century and visit the Hallstrom’s Swedish plantation that farmed citrus and pineapples. Built in 1918, the plantation is still perfectly preserved for visitors today.

If helping seniors and older adults in the community sounds good to you, consider becoming a Papa Pal.

When you work part-time as a Papa Pal, you can support others and make a meaningful difference. Click here to learn more.