Reimagining Outdoor Engagement: Inviting Curiosity, Connection, and Joy

At The Hummingbird Project, we believe that being outdoors isn’t just about “getting some fresh air” or “stretching your legs.” It’s an invitation to rekindle memories, stir the imagination, and spark deep connection—whether with nature, community, or the people beside us. For older adults and those living with dementia, the outdoors can be a powerful setting to nourish the seven domains of wellness in subtle, creative ways. As researchers have found, “even short periods of time spent in nature can reduce stress, support memory function, and improve mood in older adults” (Soga et al., 2020, BMC Geriatrics).

Read on for some creative ways to engage with nature and the outdoors in joyful, unconventional ways—no hiking boots required.

Little Libraries, Big Connections

A Little Free Library, located outside someone’s home or community building, is more than a book swap—it’s a doorway to the community. One of our clients helped stock a “poem wall” with short verses that rotated on a weekly basis. Another family placed a painted pot of “take one, leave one” herb clippings next to a neighborly quote board. These tiny projects invite purpose and participation, even from a front porch chair.

Try this: Create a nature-inspired “share station” with flowers, feathers, or found objects and simple signs of encouragement—”Smell me!” “Guess who I am!” “Free for your windowsill!” 

Explore more: Browse the global Little Free Library database to see where your neighborhood libraries are! Take a virtual tour, or go for a walk or drive to visit them.

Camp Anywhere

My family recently transformed a backyard into a pretend campsite, complete with lanterns, marshmallows, and tall tales. When the weather didn’t cooperate, we moved it inside. A nature sounds playlist and a Northern Lights projector turned our living room into a starlit forest. We snuggled into sleeping bags for story time, shared ghost stories from childhood, and let the crackle of imagination carry us away. 

Try this: Pair sensory elements like pine-scented oils, dried lavender, or a warm drink with memories of past camping trips. You don’t need a tent—just an atmosphere of wonder. And s’mores. 

Try this: Tell engaging “campfire stories” inspired by Readers’ Theater scripts. Whether spooky, silly, or nostalgic, these playful tales invite older adults—solo or alongside a care partner—to have fun reading aloud, embodying characters, and bringing stories to life.

Birding By Ear from Your Backyard or on an Outdoor Walk

A free app from the well-known Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Merlin Bird ID, adds a new dimension to being outside, whether you’re walking through a city park, strolling in your neighborhood, or relaxing in your backyard. Even if you’ve never used a field guide, Merlin makes bird identification easy for everyone. Time spent in nature becomes more meaningful with Merlin.

All you need to do is download the Merlin Bird ID app from the App Store or Google Play, and go outside with your phone in hand. Open the app, tap Sound ID, hit the record button, and listen with Merlin. Just like magic, Merlin records the bird songs and identifies the birds that are singing in real time.

You’ll be amazed by the everyday bird species you hear and can now recognize who is singing that beautiful song. You can explore further and view detailed information about each bird by tapping on its photo. 

Give this a try: You can easily keep track of your sightings and create a personal list of the birds you’ve identified. Birders call it their Life List. No matter how serious your loved one or client is about birding, it’s enjoyable to keep track of the species around you. It’s never too late to begin!

Scavenger Hunts with Soul

Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids. Create a visual checklist for a local walk: “Find something round. Find a color that makes you feel calm. Find a bird.” Add an emotional element by including a personal twist—for example: “Find something that reminds you of your mother.”

Whether it’s illustrated or photo-based, this activity invites movement and meaning. The post-hunt conversations are often the best part.

Tip: Use a Joyful Moments card or app like Seek or iNaturalist to deepen the experience. Identifying a mystery flower can ignite curiosity and a sense of mastery.

Forest Bathing, Even from a Bench

You don’t have to travel far to bathe in the forest. Deep peace can be found just sitting among trees, listening to wind through leaves, and observing shifting light. Known as “Shinrin-yoku” in Japan, forest bathing emphasizes slow, mindful immersion in natural surroundings.

Try this: Bring a comfortable chair and simply “be” in nature. Encourage deep breathing and sensory noticing. For those with limited mobility, a portable plant or bird feeder outside a window can offer similar benefits.

Accessible Adventures

Many state and local parks now offer accessibility tools, including beach wheelchairs, paved nature trails, beach mats, and docent-led tours with seating options. In coastal areas, options exist to explore tidepools from accessible boardwalks. Nature belongs to everyone. 

Explore more: Check your local Parks & Rec or conservation nonprofit websites for free entry days, adaptive equipment loans, or age-friendly nature programs.

Final Thoughts

Spending time outdoors evokes a feeling—an awakening and a reminder that life continues to bloom, even as we grow older or face new challenges. For older adults and their companions, finding outdoor experiences that align with current energy levels and interests can be both grounding and uplifting. Whether you’re swapping seeds with a neighbor, cloud-watching with a grandchild, or simply sharing quiet time in the garden, these moments invite presence, connection, and a renewed sense of wonder.

And isn’t that what wellness is all about?

Want more inspiration? Download our free E-Book, “10 Fun and Simple Activities to Engage Those Living with Dementia,” filled with ideas to spark joy and curiosity across all seven domains of wellness.

If you’re interested in professional services, The Hummingbird Project helps older adults, including those living with dementia, experience joy and purpose using personalized, one-on-one therapeutic activities delivered in person or virtually by therapeutic activity specialists. For older adults needing more care, Sage Eldercare offers truly exceptional Home Care with uncommon attention to detail and individualized, concierge services focused on everyday quality of life.

Want a complimentary consultation with a Sage or The Hummingbird Project Professional? If yes, click here.