Looking for Outdoor Activities in Reading That Older Adults Can Enjoy? Here's Where to Start

For many older adults, especially those receiving care at home, eating outdoors can lift the spirits. Whether it’s a flask of tea and a homemade sandwich or a family BBQ in a local park, dining outside turns an everyday meal into a special occasion.

Caversham Court Gardens offers a peaceful setting with riverside benches, shaded paths, and a charming tea kiosk. This centrally located park has well-maintained flat paths, and it’s an easy stop via public transport. It’s a lovely place to bring a picnic or take advantage of the kiosk’s drinks and cakes.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, just outside Reading, is another good option. It features wide, flat trails, lakeside picnic spots, and plenty of parking. Bring a fold-out chair, a thermos, and let the conversation flow with views of the water and gentle birdsong.

Not every outdoor activity needs to involve walking. For older adults who enjoy being creative, taking art outdoors is a gentle and absorbing way to spend time.

Landscape painting, sketching, or even colouring can be enjoyed from a picnic bench or a shaded spot in a park or garden. Caversham Court Gardens and Dinton Pastures both offer scenic views perfect for capturing on paper. Bring a simple kit—pencils, watercolours, or a sketchpad—and let the moment inspire you.

Alternatively, if you’re supporting someone who prefers watching to doing, a visit to Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead can include outdoor exhibitions or seasonal arts markets that allow for browsing without the need to go indoors.

For older adults who enjoy gentle movement, riverside settings are ideal. There’s visual interest, shade, places to sit, and the sense of being near nature—without needing to travel far or walk for long.

Thames Rivercruise in Caversham offers step-free boarding and runs regular Afternoon Tea cruises that are suitable for those aged 65+. These make a great change from the usual and include onboard toilets, seating and refreshments.

Closer to land, Caversham Lock or the river paths near Thameside Promenade can be enjoyable places to stroll, rest and people-watch.

Not every day out needs to be an adventure. Regular physical activity—even if it’s light—can support mental and emotional wellbeing.

Groups like Caversham Older Adults Fit Club (COAF) offer in-person and online classes, including movement exercises specifically for those aged 60 and over. These sessions are social, safe, and supportive for those with long-term health needs.

At Meadway Sports Centre, over-50s sessions include short tennis, badminton and board games, with Pay & Play options for those who don’t want to commit to a full membership.

If your loved one enjoys fresh air and light walking, even a regular trip to a local park, a garden centre or a short accessible trail can provide structure and purpose.

At Home Instead Reading, we understand the value of time outdoors for those receiving care. Whether it’s through a short stroll, a shared meal in the garden, or a creative afternoon with paints and a picnic, the benefits can be felt long after the day is over.

If you’re supporting a loved one or are a Care Professional looking for meaningful outdoor activities, we’re here to help you plan and personalise days that bring comfort, joy and connection.

💬 Want to share your own favourite senior-friendly outdoor spot in Reading? Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about our home care services in Reading or to speak with our team, visitHome Instead Reading.