Summer Activities for People with Parkinson’s

Summer is a wonderful time to get outside, connect with others, and enjoy the longer days, especially for people living with Parkinson’s. It is also a season that calls for a little extra planning. Heat, fatigue, hydration, medication timing, and mobility can all affect how comfortable and safe an activity feels.

Stay Cool & Hydrated

Before heading out, check the temperature and plan activities for the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Bring water, wear light, breathable clothing, use sunscreen, and take plenty of breaks. If heat tends to worsen your symptoms or fatigue, listen to your body and adjust your plans as needed.

It will also help to choose places with shaded areas, benches, accessible paths, restrooms, and nearby indoor spaces. And as always, check with your care team before starting a new exercise routine or activity, especially if you have concerns about balance, blood pressure, fatigue, or medication timing.

Take a Nature Walk

Spending time in nature can be calming, restorative, and a gentle way to stay active. For Los Angelenos, we are lucky to have beautiful garden spaces right in our backyard.

Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is a peaceful option for a summer outing, with tree-lined paths, seasonal blooms, shaded areas, and plenty of spots to pause and take it all in. It is a great place to move at your own pace, enjoy fresh air, and feel immersed in nature without needing to plan an intense hike.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is another wonderful choice. With its themed gardens, art galleries, and indoor spaces, visitors can create a flexible visit that balances walking, resting, and cooling off. The gardens offer a beautiful setting for gentle movement, reflection, and time with loved ones.

For any garden visit, consider going early, wearing supportive shoes, bringing a mobility aid if helpful, and mapping out rest stops in advance.

Embrace Gentle Water Activities

Water-based activities can be especially appealing in the summer. Swimming, water aerobics, or simply walking in a pool can offer low-impact movement that may feel easier on the joints while still supporting strength, balance, and flexibility.

You do not need to swim laps to benefit. Even light movement in the water can be a refreshing way to stay active. Look for community pools, senior centers, or local fitness facilities that offer adaptive or gentle aquatic classes.

Enjoy Outdoor Performances

Music and movement can be powerful for people with Parkinson’s. Summer is full of outdoor concerts, community performances, and opportunities to enjoy live music. Whether you are dancing, tapping your feet, clapping along, or simply listening, music can lift the mood and create a sense of connection.

If you attend an outdoor event, bring a folding chair if allowed, choose shaded seating, and plan your transportation and parking in advance. For longer events, give yourself permission to leave early or take breaks.

Garden at Home

You do not need a large backyard to enjoy gardening. Container gardening, raised beds, herbs on a windowsill, or a few potted flowers can bring the benefits of nature right to your home.

Gardening can support gentle movement, coordination, and routine. To make it more Parkinson’s-friendly, use lightweight tools, sit while planting or pruning, avoid working during peak heat, and break tasks into short sessions.

Even watering plants in the morning can become a calming daily ritual.

Keep Moving Indoors

On very hot days, indoor activities may be the best option. Consider gentle stretching, yoga, tai chi, dance videos, chair exercises, or walking inside an air-conditioned mall or community center.

The goal is not perfection; it is consistency. Small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a meaningful difference. Choose activities that feel safe, enjoyable, and realistic for your body.

Visit a Museum, Library, or Community Space

Summer outings do not have to be outdoors. Museums, libraries, theaters, and community centers can offer air-conditioned spaces to explore, learn, and connect with others.

For people with Parkinson’s, these outings can be especially helpful because they allow for social engagement without the added challenge of extreme heat. Look for venues with accessible parking, elevators, seating areas, and flexible admission times.

Also, this is a great opportunity to meet up with members of your support group at an exhibition. 

Make It Social

‍

Parkinson’s can sometimes feel isolating, so summer is a great time to plan simple ways to stay connected. Invite a friend for a morning walk, meet family for lunch somewhere cool, attend a support group, or join a community class.

Activities do not need to be complicated. A shaded picnic, a short garden visit, or an iced coffee with a friend can all support emotional well-being.

Listen to Your Body

Every person’s experience with Parkinson’s is different, and your energy may change from day to day. That is okay. Summer activities should be adaptable. Start small, pace yourself, and celebrate what you can do.

With the right planning, you can have a fulfilling summer!