Spending at least 30 minutes a day outdoors can help strengthen your mental defenses against depression and lower your fears of falling, according to the National Library of Medicine. The main issue is that many seniors find it difficult to muster up the energy or desire to go outside in the first place.

When you have an area as beautiful and relaxing as the JC Raulston Arboretum available to you in Raleigh, spending significant time outside can be easier than you might think.

We’re here to share with you the wonders of this outdoor paradise. From the senior-friendly features to the diversity in plant life, you’ll soon understand why this is one of the best botanical gardens in North Carolina. Keep reading to learn all about it!

Why Visit JC Raulston Arboretum

Among the outdoor activities for seniors in the Raleigh area, the JC Raulston Arboretum comes out on top. It’s a favorite for people of all ages, and once you get into the details, it’s easy to see why.

It encompasses around 10.5 acres of land, each one given special care to bring the most from the area’s natural beauty.

Despite such a large expanse of land, everywhere you turn feels like a new adventure. This is because the Arboretum has the idea of plant diversity and exploration at its core. The gardeners want to test different varieties and see what can grow in Raleigh.

As soon as you step onto the grounds, it’s easy to find a sense of peace. You can relax and feel connected with nature in a way you can’t quite replicate elsewhere.

It’s somewhere you can go for gentle physical activity while also learning and seeing plant life you may not have seen before.

Accessibility Information

Visiting a beautiful place won’t mean much if there are no senior-friendly attractions and amenities to help ensure a safe time. The good news is that the Arboretum makes grand efforts to keep the grounds as accessible to as many different walks of life as possible.

The trails, for instance, are unpaved to keep the area more attuned to the natural surroundings, but they are maintained to prevent overgrowth or deep potholes. The paths are wide enough to allow wheelchairs and strollers to walk around without any hindrances.

The Arboretum has a small collection of wheelchairs for patrons to borrow, but there’s no way to hold one in reserve.

For the overall safety of the diverse plants, and to help create a more relaxed atmosphere, no pets are allowed on the grounds. However, there is an exception for service, therapy, and emotional support pets.

Free Admission

It’s not always easy to find cheap things to do in Raleigh that leave you feeling fulfilled, relaxed, and inspired. At JC Raulston Arboretum, you’ll get to enjoy admission onto the grounds free of charge.

When certain events occur, a small fee may be charged, but in general, the Arboretum runs on generous donations from visitors.

Guided Tours

Having a trained horticulturist show you around such a vast garden can be an eye-opening experience. Make sure to take advantage of the guided tours offered here. They’re great for groups as well as getting more in-depth knowledge of the gardens.

Arboretum Features

To sweeten the deal, the JC Raulston Arboretum hosts many events and activities to keep the Raleigh area lively and exciting.

Plant-Lovers Tour

Do you enjoy watching plants change throughout their entire life cycle? Do you love watching plant life shift as the seasons change?

This enthusiasm for nature is what this monthly tour is all about.

On the first Tuesday of every month, Raleigh plant lovers come together to explore the accessible nature trails and take in the plants currently at their prime. It’s a great way to bond with others who adore plants as much as you.

Raulston Blooms

This is the event where the Arboretum celebrates the gardens with an exciting festival. Although there is a small entrance fee to access the event, it’s well worth the cost.

You’ll get the chance to interact in all sorts of fun activities, including:

Garden lectures from horticulture experts
Interactive demonstrations
Plant sales
Market with items made by local artists and crafters
Variety of food trucks
Family scavenger hunts
Annual birdhouse competitions

Variety of Classes and Courses

The Arboretum is about more than showing off the beauty of nature. They also want to help Raleigh’s residents learn more about the details of plants, soil, and the growth cycle.

To aid in this idea, there are many classes, workshops, and courses for people of all ages to participate in.

Within these learning experiences, you’ll get to deepen your understanding of plants and how to take care of them in a variety of different ways. Landscaping, gardening, critter control, and floral arrangements are only the beginning of the things you can learn here.

Moonlit Garden Experience

Somehow, the JC Raulston Arboretum found a way to make the gardens seem even more magical. By adding bright and colorful lights to the plants, they’ve created a display that can take your breath away.

You’ll also get to enjoy the upbeat music from a live band or warm up by the roaring firepits. Try roasting a marshmallow or sipping some apple cider with your loved ones in the middle of all the magical beauty.

Although it’s a limited and pay-to-enter event, it’s an awe-inspiring experience that every Raleigh plant lover should go see.

Join Our Raleigh Senior Community for More Senior-Friendly Adventures

Retirement doesn’t mean you give up an adventurous life. With JC Raulston Arboretum and other engaging Raleigh activities around, you only need to find the right community that will help you live your best life.

If you’re looking for a welcoming Raleigh senior community, look no further than TerraBella Northridge. We create individual care plans for all of our residents and host a variety of activities for improving physical and mental well-being. We also try to bring a sense of adventure to your retirement with our community events and outings.