Goodbye, 9 to 5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock into our retirement guide, and find opportunities in Raleigh that work for you.

Get fit

If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes designed for older Raleighites. The Triangle YMCA offers THRIVE classes + programs aimed at older adults including low-impact exercise, volunteer opportunities, and interest groups.

There’s no wrong way to get fit. Your first step could be as easy as finding walking trails at a local park or exploring one of Raleigh's accessible hikes. If you're still working up to it, Dix Park is a lovely spot to sit, read, and enjoy the weather.

Spend time with the grandkids

If you’re looking to spend time with the grandchildren, explore these 25+ kid-friendly activities in Raleigh and pick one that’s your speed, like Marbles Kids Museum or animal encounters throughout Raleigh. Pro tip: Don’t drive — those under 18 and adults 65+ can ride with GoRaleigh for free.

Marbles Kids Museum is a little's paradise. | Photo by RALtoday

Volunteer

Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization. Whether you’re interested in supporting a community center or want to volunteer outdoors, check out our full list. Our faves? Pitching in at a local animal shelter, helping out at the NC Opera, or becoming a creative volunteer at the NC Museum of Art.

Explore

It’s never too late to learn new skills while making friends. Wake Tech Community College has classes for lifelong learners, including retirement planning and foreign languages, at various community centers in Wake County. Raleigh Parks also offers aquatics, crafts, arts, theater classes, and even international travel exclusively for older adults.

Beat the crowds and take a weekday trip to one of Raleigh's many museums, most of which are free to all or discounted for seniors, like Durham's Museum of Life and Science.

The City of Raleigh offers active adult trips of varying distance, time, and activity level. Take a day trip to Wilson to visit Whirligig Park or plan ahead for two weeks in Alaska by land and sea.

Go out and explore, or share this with someone ready to make the most of their retirement in Raleigh.