Activities for Seniors in Providence

If you’re searching for activities for seniors in Providence, Rhode Island you’ve come to the right place. Providence is a town of about 200,000 residents that is known for its array of historic architecture, claiming 1,000 buildings in the National Register of Historic Places. Some even call it the renaissance city.

Amongst its historic spots and captivating outdoor spaces, there are many fun activities for older adults ages 65 and up in Providence. We’ve selected some of the city’s gems that are free or low-cost and accessible to people of all abilities. 

Discover a place with an array of activities for seniors in Providence: Roger Williams Park. Built in the 1880s, this 427-acre neighborhood park features seven lakes. There’s lots to explore!

You will be in awe of the more than 100 species of wildlife at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Plus, their Carousel Village is a great place to take a stroll with plenty of year-round events and food trucks to enjoy. 

You can even become a citizen scientist with FrogWatcherUSA. Frog watching is a great night activity to enjoy at the park. For example, you can learn the importance of amphibians in the environment and how to monitor the local frog population. Next, you can explore how to tell different species apart and report your findings as part of a combined effort to protect the species.

The Roger Williams Museum of Natural History is rich with scientific and cultural resources. Begin by visiting the Planetarium inside the dome theatre. Every afternoon you can experience a Ziess projector show that casts images of stars, planets and constellations to simulate the night sky.

Stop by New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. There, you can enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by a wide variety of plants, including majestic 40′ tall palms, carnivorous plants, 10′ cacti, and succulents. They even have their very own rose maze! It's in bloom from June to September and the outdoor perennial gardens bloom with color from spring to fall. Visit the calendar to view special events, workshops, and other activities, like yoga and a photography class in the gardens. 

Thrift shopping is a wonderful way to get to know your community and help reduce waste. You can score high-quality items at a low-cost, or maybe scavenge items for your next DIY project. Here are some thrift stores in the Providence area:

The Providence Art Club features four historic buildings located on College Hill. Seniors can enjoy year-round galleries, exhibitions, and events that are free and open to all. 

Another beautiful historic spot is the Providence Athenaeum, a nearly 200-year old circulating library. During your visit, you can explore all three floors of the building and learn about the library’s history and collections with a self-guided tour. Next, you can plan a tour of the Rhode Island State House Building.

For those who love architecture, taking a beautiful walk down Benefit Street is a wonderful way to appreciate different styles. It’s described as an outdoor museum with its cobblestoned street that features Victorian lampposts with an intense concentration of original Colonial homes. 

Providence is home to a world-class culinary school, Johnson & Wales. It's created a thriving food scene in the area. And thanks to easy access to top-quality produce and seafood from nearby farms and waterways, you’ll find fresh ingredients wherever your dining experience takes you. Here’s a list of the 33 most essential restaurants in Providence. 

The most popular activity for seniors to do in Providence is arguably the WaterFire experience. This powerful work of art is a symbol of Providence’s renaissance history.

You can see the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans along the three rivers in downtown Providence. The show features more than eight sparkling bonfires and torch-lit vessels that travel down the river, along with enchanting music.

Many activities for seniors in Providence are free or low-cost. If there are admission fees, always ask if there is a free day for seniors. Here are some discounts to get you started: 

No matter where you live, you can always enjoy time at home. Art and crafts is one of the many fun activities you can do.

Try these great art activities for seniors to make with things you already have around the house. Plus, the neighborhood dollar store may offer an abundance of ideas to get creative by painting on canvas, stitch art, or even pottery. Don't forget to also look for free craft supplies in local Buy Nothing groups.

If you want to keep active at home, you can head to YouTube, where you'll find many free exercise videos. You can take a yoga class, learn more about meditation, or dance with Zumba. To get started, try these gentle exercises for seniors.

If working with seniors, older adults, and families in Providence sounds good to you, consider becoming a Papa Pal. 

Papa Pals are part-time companion caregivers who set their own flexible schedules. A a Papa Pal's main role is about companionship. They help others in the community by offering support with a range of tasks and activities, such as taking walks together, pet care, and arts and craft. Papa Pals also help with errands, house tasks, basic technology, car rides, and meal prep. It's a great job for friendly, reliable people who have a passion for helping others.