10 Best Retirement Activities in Delaware

Whether you’re living in a retirement home or you spend your days by the water, Delaware boasts a bevy of activities for retirees of all ages. From invigorating exercise classes and museum memberships to fishing tours and long days on the links, there’s something for everyone’s preference. Here are the best retirement activities in the state. 

The Newark Senior Center, Newark, DE

The Newark Senior Center is an independent non-profit organization that offers engaging activities for folks who are over 50, and the NSC is also nationally accredited, professionally staffed, and committed to overall wellness and offering life-long learning programs for its employees and residents. Moreover, you’ll find exercise classes, recreational activities, Meals on Wheels, transportation services, wellness classes, and more.

Absalom Jones Senior Center, Wilmington, DE

Run by the New Castle Parks and Recreation Department, Absalom Jones is all about hot meals, tons of activities, and discussing issues that are important for seniors. The service is free to New Castle residents and, the AJCS runs a shuttle bus daily both to and from the center to certain popular spots in the community. Plus, activities include a game room, bingo, shuffleboard, billiards, dance classes, candy making, watercolor classes, and shopping trips.

Manor House, Seaford, DE

An Acts Retirement Life Community, the Manor House is located along the banks of the Nanticoke River, amongst the pastoral farmland that lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Activities for members include art showings, wood carving classes, mini-golf, tai-chi, bingo, poetry classes, knitting, water exercises, and so much more. 

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New Castle Senior Center, New Castle, DE

Established in 1970 the NCSC is located at the Booker T. Washing School in New Castle, and it is committed to offering programs to enhance the happiness, health, and independence of its members and guest through the context of senior living. In 2001, the center became a private non-profit organization, and they offer daily activities such as billiards, bingo, bus trips, Wii bowling, card games, Zumba Gold, shuffleboard, movie club, line dancing, and more.

Milford Senior Center, Milford, DE

The Milford Senior Center supports and encourages an independent lifestyle for seniors age 50 and over. MSC seeks to provide and maintain the highest quality of lifestyle for its members, and all members are treated as guests, with both the respect and dignity that they deserve. Moreover, daily activities include defensive driving, quilting, trips and outings, and an array of exciting exercise programs.

Delaware Senior Olympics, Inc., Dover, DE

The Delaware Senior Olympics is a non-profit sports and activities organization with a 20-member board. The DSO runs month-long Olympic-style sports and activity competitions—usually September through October— and hands out Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for first, second, and third place winners in a variety of event. There are over 30 different competitive sports held annually, and many incentivized healthy activities are targeted at seniors and the disabled.

Garrison’s Lake Golf Club, Smyrna, DE

Garrisons Lake Golf Club is an 18-hole course with undulating fairways and picturesque views on 160 acres. Initially built in 1962, the back nine wasn’t finished until a year later, and, at its longest, the course plays just over 7,000 yards. There is also a pro shop and snack bar on-site, and, plus, Monday is Senior's Day, and anyone over the age of 62 can play all day long for just one initial greens fee of $29.

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Delaware Outdoor Trail, Dover, DE

Crabbing, fishing, and clamming are said to practically be Delaware state sports in southern regions, and, from peaceful rivers and creeks to majestic inland bays and open water angling, seniors age 65 and older can fish it all for free. That is because The First State does not require seniors to own a fishing license to participate in this favorite recreational sports pastime. 

DART, Multiple locations

DART is kind of a means to an end in this entry, as the Delaware Authority for Regional Transit is a multi-modal transportation system developed by the Delaware General Assembly in 1969. Offering transit to and from shopping, banking, and other services, DART also allows anyone 65 and older to ride for half off through its SCAT program.

The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes, DE

Forget the image of boring old retirement communities and instead picture miles of stunning beaches, afternoon strolls in the sand, and hiking and biking along bucolic nature trails. Spend the day at a nearby museum or visit the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute just around the corner. As a member of the Moorings, there is always plenty to do, and you are never far away from birding at Cape Henlopen State Park or top-notch medical services in town.

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