Spring Activities in Vancouver, WA

Did you know 9 in 10 adults in the United States spend time online every single day?

Happy Spring to our community in Vancouver! The weather is starting to warm up, and we’re excited to get outside. If you’ve been wondering how getting out and moving around can benefit you and your loved ones, we’re here to provide resources and local activities to help.

How Does Exercise Help Our Bodies?

Moving around can help improve mobility, build muscle, and burn calories. Exercise can reduce the risk of illnesses like:

• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancer, e.g., bowel cancer and breast cancer
• Depression
• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease

What Are The Benefits of Spending Time Outside?

Also, if you’re able to exercise outdoors, the sunlight can help with vitamin D and serotonin production. These are important for your immune system and mood. Spending time in nature can reduce anxiety, anger, and stress. It can also improve your focus. You may even run into local community members and make social connections while you’re out.

Time in nature is scientifically linked to benefits such as improved attention span, lower stress levels, and mood regulation. Even listening to nature sounds or looking outside can have a positive impact. Conversely, some researchers have found that time spent in urban areas may be associated with attention deficits. On top of this, sedentary lifestyles are known to increase the risk of long-term conditions like heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. This is especially important for those over 65, as many seniors spend more than 10 hours daily sitting or lying down.

Where Can I Walk Around in Vancouver?

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is located on the north bank of the Columbia River. When you visit, you may wish to check out the Vancouver Barracks or take a stroll through the garden. No matter your plans, they offer accommodations to meet your needs. Check their website to learn about options for people with low vision or blindness, mobility issues, deafness or hearing loss, or those who have service animals.

• Location: In front of the reconstructed Fort Vancouver (1001 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661)
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

At the Vancouver Farmers Market, you can find a mixture of food, high-end crafts, farm-direct produce, and nursery stock. Founded in 1990, their Downtown Market operates year-round next to Esther Short Park in Vancouver.

• Location: 8th & Esther Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
• Hours: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Vancouver Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to walk around and enjoy views of the Columbia River. They also have a water feature with cascading water, fountains, and wading areas. This park was designed with accessibility in mind – its pathways are concrete-paved and ADA accessible. There is also an accessible restroom on site.

• Location: 115 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
• Hours: Daily from 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Griswold Home Care for Vancouver

At Griswold, we’re here to support your well-being and that of your loved ones. We provide non-medical in-home care services, including companionship, personal care, and homemaking, to help seniors remain independent in their homes. Whether you’re a family caregiver in need of respite or your loved one needs 24-hour support, we’re here to help. Give us a call to learn more!