August 21 is National Senior Citizens’ Day, a time to get involved and give back to America’s 65-and-older citizens for the vital role they play in our communities. The day was created in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan in a proclamation in which he proclaimed,
“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute”
This day is designed as a reminder to appreciate the contributions of seniors, and for seniors to enjoy being celebrated! Here are a few ways to celebrate National Senior Citizens’ Day in Los Angeles for all ages.
Explore the Griffith Park Observatory
The entrance fee for the observatory is free, but you will want to buy tickets to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which features state-of-the-art technologies, comfy seats, and world class sound system. Tickets are $7 for adults and less for kids, students and seniors.
Visit the California Science Center
This museum is a great place to visit for people of all ages and admission is free. They have live demonstrations and hand-on science exhibits where you can even operate a crash-test dummy.
Check Out La Brea Tar Pits
Explore the past for no cost by visiting the La Brea Tar Pits, an archeological site that began about 50,000 years ago. For $9 and discounted for children, students and seniors, you can actually go inside and learn more about the Ice Age creatures they excavated.
Walk through a Botanical Garden
There are many beautiful gardens to choose from to enjoy the sunshine in Los Angeles county. Stop and smell the flowers at one of these impressive arrays of green spaces: Descanso Gardens in La Crescenta, South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, and Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia (all just charge $1.50 for seniors).
No matter how you decide to celebrate, the important thing is the time spent together. It may also be a good day to make a commitment to volunteer at a retirement or nursing home. Start today in honor of National Senior Citizens Day, but continue these tips and throughout the year and your families and community.