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The United States is full of great things to see and do, but sometimes, it’s great to just be a tourist in your hometown – or, in our residents’ case – in the location of their ideally situated retirement community. In the heart of White Plains, New York, Waterstone of Westchester’s senior living residents enjoy a range of fine retailers, dining venues, cultural events, and attractions. What makes it even better, though, is the ability to explore with grandchildren of all ages.

Whether your grandchildren live nearby and visit frequently or are coming from afar to visit you at your senior living community, you can be prepared for a summer packed with fun by checking out some of the many things to do in White Plains!

The Best Places in White Plains to Check Out with Your Grandkids

When it comes to White Plains in Westchester County, kids and adults alike can enjoy a world of entertainment. With activities for those who are younger, older – and young at heart – there’s something for everyone.

Visit World-Class Shopping Centers and Stores

When your grandchildren visit, you can all get started on this season’s shopping – or plan for next school year’s wardrobe! Located close to the flagship Bloomingdales and a range of other shopping venues in downtown White Plains, your grandkids can be set in style.

If shopping is not hands-on enough for them, or if they are just a little too young to delight in an afternoon of shopping, they may enjoy a chance to make fun memories by visiting the LEGO® Store at The Westchester, or by making a furry friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop®.

Sample of Some of Your Favorite Dining Venues Together

Want to spice up your dining adventures and give your grandkids a well-rounded taste of the city you love? Take a progressive tour of your favorite restaurants and dining venues! Begin by stopping at one location for appetizers, then visit another restaurant for entrées, and finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert at your go-to spot.

If that’s too much food to handle or if you’re looking for something more casual, visit your favorite brunch spot or share your favorite coffee shop with your teenage grandchildren. If they are 21 or over, show them your favorite place to stop for drinks with friends.

Visit the Farmers Market

From fresh produce to a fun time out, your grandkids can relish a taste of homegrown goodness at the local White Plains’ farmers market. Pick up some fruits and vegetables and get inspired to make a meal together at home. It’s a great way to savor quality time while cooking up some new favorite recipes.

Revel in Music, Stories and Performing Arts

Known as one of White Plains’ favorite outdoor activities, indulge in a range of outdoor concerts, stories and history shared by various artists. If you would rather sit down for a show or a theater production, the White Plains Performing Arts Center is certainly the place to go. Before establishing your plans, be sure to check out the calendar to see what’s going on or if any events have been added or changed.

Attend an Art Exhibition, Workshop or Event at ArtsWestchester

From art classes and festivals to workshops and lectures, those who love music, art and all things theater will love ArtsWestchester. Check out their events calendar for details about upcoming events, classes, educational opportunities and more.

Explore Nature or Get Outside and Get Active

Strap on your boots and navigate the hiking trails at Silver Lake Preserve or one of White Plains’ many other nature preserves. If your grandchildren are more into immersing themselves in the experience, stop at Cranberry Lake Preserve. At Cranberry Lake Preserve, they can participate in a nature program, explore interactive, educational displays, and see live animals.

Alternatively, release some energy and get some exercise by taking your grandkids to Saxon Woods Park. Here, there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Hit the playground, play a couple rounds of golf, or cool off and make a splash at the Saxon Woods splash pad.

Tips for Setting Off on Your Adventures

While it’s certainly fun to be spontaneous, planning can make your pursuits even more full of family fun. For a season of successful visits, try these tips.

Plan Out the Stops You’ll Be Visiting Together

One of the best parts of planning a trip is the excitement of knowing you’re visiting a place you’ve always wanted to experience. When planning places to visit and things to do together, make sure to consider their interests. Remember to try to find an activity that fits everyone’s preferences and abilities.

Dress for the Event and Plan for Bad Weather – Especially Outdoors

There is nothing worse than when the weather doesn’t cooperate. If you know you’ll be attending an outdoor event, be sure to pack essential items like sunscreen in case of high UV rays and an umbrella so you’re prepared in the event of rain. If you’re going to a park, make sure you are dressed to play!

Don’t Let Hunger Put a Stop to Your Fun

A trip can be quickly derailed by hunger, so it’s crucial to schedule time for meals or to pack various snacks and drinks.

Capture Plenty of Photographs

These memories with grandkids are precious, so it’s always a great idea to take as many pictures as possible. Make sure you don’t forget to be present in the photographs with your grandkids, too – even if they are just selfies!

Discover the Fun Beyond White Plains

Waterstone of Westchester is located near many great daytrip locations. With destinations like New York City, attractions in New England, surrounding amusement parks and more, it’s easy to simply get on a train and enjoy a new experience.

Plan Your Visit

For more information on planning a visit with your grandkids or to learn about some more fun places to visit in White Plains, contact our team. We’d be happy to share more about the great things our location offers seniors and their families!

If you are interested in a senior housing option that puts you close to all the action of White Plains and Westchester County, we can help. Schedule your visit for an inside look today.

Waterstone of Westchester. Now This Is Home.

Waterstone of Westchester is a brand-new, premier independent living community in White Plains, NY. We’re close to exquisite shopping, fine dining and cultural attractions. Come visit our beautiful location and see how Waterstone puts wellness at the heart of our community.

When older adults move into a retirement community, they often find they have a renewed passion for creating a lasting impact. Whether through social activities or giving back, there are many ways for seniors to spend their new-found free time in a way that suits their passions. In fact, many find that volunteer work and community service are the perfect choice.

Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults

Whether your volunteer pursuits are ongoing, or you simply want to embrace opportunities as they arise, there are many advantages that seniors who volunteer during their retirement can enjoy. The Mayo Clinic shares that improved physical and mental health, a sense of purpose, and nurtured relationships are some of the advantages you may experience when you volunteer.

Increased Satisfaction and Joy

When you’re volunteering, it’s hard not to feel a little spark of happiness in doing something good for others. The reality is that giving back to those in need isn’t just beneficial for the recipient, but it is also a fulfilling experience for the volunteer themselves. Giving back can:

  • Increase relaxation
  • Enhance happiness
  • Decrease anxiety
  • Lessen the effects of stress
  • Provide a renewed sense of purpose
  • Boost self-esteem
  • Positively impact confidence
  • Strengthen an older adult’s independence

Enhanced Physical Activity

Did you know that volunteering also helps seniors stay active? It’s true, according to the Mayo Clinic; volunteers often report better physical health than non-volunteers! So, if fitness is one of your goals during retirement, finding a volunteer opportunity that also keeps you active is a bonus.

A Decreased Risk of Social Isolation

Volunteering gives seniors the opportunity to be actively engaged with others for a common purpose. It allows them to meet new, interesting people and feel more connected to their community. The more involved a person is, the less likely they will have feelings of isolation and depression. In other words, more volunteering often equates to more socializing, which can sharpen cognitive skills, increase happiness and may even help seniors living longer!

Ways Seniors Are Volunteering

If you have a passion for helping others, giving back or simply caring, options abound! No matter your interests, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available for you to try out.

  • Volunteer at a pet or homeless shelter
  • Read to kindergarten classes or tutor high school students
  • Spend time with those who are home-bound or are in skilled nursing
  • Begin volunteering with a local health care service
  • Educate other older adults about their senior care and living options
  • Share your talents by teaching a class or organizing activities
  • Host monthly dinners for new senior living community residents
  • Show prospective residents around your community
  • Donate clothing to local shelters or churches
  • Volunteer your time at a local food bank
  • Ask your local place of worship what their biggest needs are for volunteers

NOW THIS IS HOME.

Waterstone Senior Living communities feature luxury apartments, gourmet dining and socially enriching retirement lifestyles. Our communities are ideally located close to fine retailers, restaurants and area attractions. Learn more about what Waterstone has to offer by scheduling a personal visit today.

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