10 Fall Activities for Seniors in Skillman, NJ

Everyone loves fall. It’s not too hot yet not too cold — and the blaze of fall colors is an invitation to explore. Happily, there are plenty of fall activities for seniors in and around Skillman, New Jersey, to make the most of this time of year. Whether you’ll be out and about on your own or with family or friends, keep reading for 10 ideas to get you started. 

1. Take a Hike

It’s not too hot and the bugs aren’t biting, which makes fall the perfect time of year to hit the trail. One of the best places for a hike is Sourland Mountain Preserve, which boasts 6,300 undisturbed acres for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding. Here’s a helpful review of what you can experience.

2. Do All the Fall Things

Nothing says fall like pumpkins, corn mazes, apple treats, and visits to the farm. You’ll get all that plus a slew of other games and activities at Terhune Orchards’ Family Fun Weekends, which run from mid-September through early November. Come hungry (and thirsty; there’s a winery, too) and try the pork sandwiches, hamburgers, homemade chili, cider donuts, fresh pie, and apple cider slushies.

3. See Princeton at its Best

Stunning any time of year, Princeton University’s Neo-Gothic architecture and Ivy League charm are extra enchanting in autumn. Stroll through campus at your leisure and be sure to stop at Nassau Hall, which was built in 1756 and is the oldest building on campus. The adjacent memorial garden is worth a meander, as well. 

Fun fact: The building served as the nation’s capital from June to November of 1783.

4. Flock to the Fall Migration

Birdwatching is one of the most popular fall activities for seniors, and one of the best places to do it is at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study Woods, especially during the fall migration. The 587 acres of wetlands and woods contain some 45 species of trees and are open to the public year-round. Check out this guide to the woods, which includes a trail map.

5. Sip Pumpkin Beer in the Sun

River Horse Brewing Co. in nearby Ewing, NJ offers the perfect recipe for enjoying a sunny fall afternoon. Grab a spot in the outdoor beer garden and order the Hipp-O-Lantern Pumpkin ale, which combines pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, clove, nutmeg, fresh ginger root, vanilla beans, and blackstrap molasses. 

6. Get Lost in a Giant Hay Maze

Ready for a festive fall workout? Head to Howell Living History Farm’s 4-acre maze containing 2 miles of paths. When you’re done, check out the courtyard for more fun fall activities for seniors and their families, including a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze for younger kids, and a food tent where you can refuel and relax. 

7. Be Cheesy

Fall is pumpkin spice season and, while that usually means coffee or baked goods that taste like autumn, Olsson’s Fine Foods has done one better — pumpkin spice gouda. Use it for grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, or even quiche to give your next meal the flavor of fall.

8. Take Some Turkey Time

If there’s one thing you don’t want to be this time of year, it’s a turkey. Still, Lee Turkey Farm in nearby East Windsor is a good time for the rest of us and one of the best fall activities in Skillman, NJ. The farm has been selling oven-ready turkeys for 80 years. Pick your own produce or head to the farm stand to see what’s in season. 

9. Soak, Sauna, and Unwind

Alchemy Mind and Body isn’t the kind of spa where you get a manicure in a crowded room. Rather, it’s where you head for deep relaxation. The $198 Revive package, for example, includes a 60-minute foot soak and infrared sauna in a private room, followed by a 90-minute integrative massage. 

10. Fall in Love with Flowers

Whether you want to send your love to someone else or show some love for yourself, a bouquet of fall flowers is hard to beat. Ruth’s Roses Blooming Meadow Bouquet, boasts sunflowers, pink roses, alstroemeria, carnations, fuji, delphinium, and solidago. The seasonal arrangements at Viburnum & Co. are even more elaborate. We love the Copper Blooms, which look like a hike through the forest on the perfect fall day. 

Fall Activities for Seniors at Stonebridge at Montgomery

Located in Skillman, New Jersey, Stonebridge at Montgomery is a Life Plan Community where you can design every day from a full slate of options. Start the day with a stroll past the wildflower meadow before heading to the art studio or fitness center. Play a game of billiards in The Clubhouse before meeting friends for dinner, or check out the services and amenities to see what other options spark your interest. Schedule a visit to experience Stonebridge at Montgomery for yourself — and see how it can help you make the most of every season.