Summer Activities for Seniors in Ocean Grove, NJ

Nestled along the beautiful Jersey Shore, Ocean Grove, NJ, is a charming, historic community offering an ideal setting for seniors to enjoy summer. With its ocean breezes, Victorian architecture, walkable streets, and welcoming atmosphere, there are many senior events in Ocean Grover NJ to stay active, social, and engaged during the warmer months.

Whether you're a local resident, seasonal visitor, or exploring senior living options, there's something special about summer in this iconic seaside town.

In this guide, we'll explore a range of summer activities for seniors in Ocean Grove, from leisurely strolls and beach visits to music, art, and social events. These are all perfect for embracing the season in Ocean Grove, NJ (between Asbury Park to the north and Bradley Beach to the south).

Take a Stroll Along the Ocean Grove Boardwalk

The Ocean Grove Boardwalk offers the perfect spot for seniors to enjoy morning or evening walks with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's smooth, flat, and well-maintained, making it accessible for those with mobility concerns or assistive devices like walkers.

Benefits:

Gentle exercise and fresh sea air with all of its many benefits
Benches along the way to rest and enjoy the view
Great opportunity to meet neighbors or fellow walkers

Pair your walk with a visit to Ocean Pathway, which leads straight into the heart of town and features beautiful gardens and peaceful spots to relax.

Enjoy a Beach Day With Amenities

Seniors who enjoy the beach will find Ocean Grove's stretch of sand peaceful and easy to navigate. The beach offers accessible entrances, and beach wheelchairs are available upon request for those who need assistance getting closer to the water.

Safe summer fun for the elderly includes:

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water
Use shaded areas or umbrellas for sun protection

Many seniors enjoy people-watching, listening to the waves, or bringing a good book to enjoy under a beach umbrella.

Attend a Summer Concert at The Great Auditorium

Ocean Grove is famous for its Great Auditorium, a magnificent historic venue that hosts a wide range of summer concerts and performances. Seniors can enjoy live music from classical to contemporary genres in a majestic setting.

Highlights:

Comfortable seating and accessible entrances
Events range from symphonies and choirs to pop and patriotic performances
Often walkable from nearby homes and residences

These events are not only entertaining but also serve as wonderful social outings and memory-making experiences. They also function as memory care engagement activities.

Participate in Community and Church Events

Ocean Grove was founded as a Methodist retreat community, and its spiritual and community-centered atmosphere continues to this day. Seniors are welcome to attend open-to-the-public church services, community groups, and social gatherings.

Popular summer events:

Hymn sings and evening services on the boardwalk
Group lunches or Bible study groups
Friendly meetups and intergenerational gatherings

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) often organizes seasonal programs that blend faith, fellowship, and community fun, ideal for seniors looking to connect with others.

Explore the Ocean Grove Historical District

Ocean Grove boasts one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the U.S. Seniors who enjoy history, culture, or architecture can take self-guided or group walking tours to explore the colorful gingerbread homes and historic landmarks.

Things to do:

Take photos of "Tent City" - a collection of seasonal canvas tents still in use
Visit the Historical Society of Ocean Grove museum
Join a guided walking tour to learn about Ocean Grove's founding and growth

It's a great way to learn something new and appreciate the beauty of the town's design and preservation.

Attend the Ocean Grove Summer Craft and Flea Markets

Seniors who love arts, crafts, antiques, or browsing for one-of-a-kind items will enjoy the summer craft shows and flea markets held in Ocean Grove's downtown and at Auditorium Square Park.

These events often feature:

Handmade jewelry, art, and home decor
Vintage finds and collectibles
Food vendors and live music

Markets are walkable and usually held during the day, offering an excellent excuse to get outside and support local artisans.

Join Fitness or Wellness Classes Tailored for Seniors

Staying active in summer doesn't mean breaking a sweat under the sun. Many local community centers, churches, or nearby wellness studios offer gentle exercise classes for seniors.

Popular options include:

Chair yoga and stretching
Tai chi in the park
Group walks and wellness meetups

Staying active not only promotes physical health but also boosts mental well-being and fosters social interaction.

Take a Day Trip or Join a Local Excursion

If you're up for a little adventure, consider short day trips to nearby towns like Asbury Park or Bradley Beach, both just minutes away. Local senior centers or retirement communities may also offer group trips to area attractions, gardens, or festivals.

Destinations might include:

Jersey Shore farmers' markets
Local theaters or art galleries
Boat rides or narrated cruises

These trips are a fun way to explore beyond Ocean Grove while still staying close to home.

Relax and Connect at Local Parks and Green Spaces

Ocean Grove's green spaces, like Firemen's Park, offer a peaceful spot for seniors to sit in the shade, enjoy a picnic, or gather with friends and family. This way, you can take advantage of the beautiful summer with the people you love, the best of both worlds.

Outdoor activities for seniors might include:

Card games or book clubs under the gazebo
Family reunions or potluck gatherings
Quiet afternoons with music or a journal

Parks are also great spots for grandchildren to play while grandparents relax and enjoy the summer breeze.

Summer Activities to Enjoy in Ocean Grove

Looking for more retirement community summer ideas to enjoy? Start with our summer activities list above and then look beyond.

For example, at the Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care community, we offer a plethora of activities and community events so our residents stay happy, healthy, and engaged. We are also always looking for feedback from our residents on what they would like us to offer.

Contact our team to visit our community and see if you feel at home with us.