Thumbnail image from Pixabay
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to spoil yourself, look no further—Saturday, August 21, is Senior Citizen’s Day. Whether you’re looking to celebrate by taking a trip to a local zoo, relaxing on the beach or even nature walking, there’s no shortage of fun and cheap (or even free!) things to do in your area.
Senior Citizen Day Activities
A Day at the Zoo
ZooTampa at Lowry Park – Single Day Ticket, visit rest of the year free $42.95
ZooTampa is one of the most popular zoos in the Southeastern U.S., greeting over one million customers each year. With a mission of “rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals,” this zoo focuses on endangered and threatened species of animals that thrive in Tampa’s subtropical climate. ZooTampa houses animals from panthers to African elephants and even African penguins.
Visit zootampa.org/tickets to view your ticket options and purchase in advance.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens – Online adult day pass $19.99, walk-up $21.99
Family-owned and operated, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a great day excursion for seniors. The Gardens are laid out over 10 acres, housing lush tropical landscape and jungle trails. Exhibits include 200 native and exotic animals like birds of prey, many different parrot and macaw species, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles.
For ticket options and more information, visit sarasotajunglegardens.com.
Florida Aquarium – Senior price, $31.95
Calling all ocean lovers, Florida Aquarium might be your new favorite day trip. The Aquarium focuses its efforts on ocean conservation and educates about sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs found in each Floridian’s own backyard. Learn more about your favorite local ocean dwellers as the Florida Aquarium help to rehabilitate at-risk animals before your very eyes.
Online purchase is required, so visit flaquarium.org/tickets for all ticketing options.
Be a Beach Bum or Nature Walker
Lake Minneola – 1215 Lake Minneola Drive, Clermont, FL
One of many lakes in Lake County, Lake Minneola is the perfect place to spend the day in the sun and splash around in freshwater. Many biking and walking trails wind around the lake, so go for a walk before cooling off in the clean, serene water. Pack a picnic lunch and choose one of the many picnic tables along the shore to enjoy the view.
Ponce de Leon Springs Park – 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL
This recreational park offers a public beach, mangrove boardwalk and wildlife center. Take a stroll along the mangroves in the late afternoon, and bring a blanket to sit on the beach as you watch the sunset later that night. Or, visit the Peace River Wildlife Center and learn about the rehabilitated local wildlife that lives there.
Nokomis Public Beach – 115 South Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach in the Sarasota area, this “hidden gem,” as many visitors call it, is just what you need. Nokomis Public Beach is Sarasota’s oldest public beach and one of the best. With clean, sugary sands and gorgeous blue water, beach swimming has never been more fun.
