Free Activities for People with Dementia: Your Ultimate Guide

Living with dementia is a challenge, whether you’re going through it personally or you’re a carer for a loved one who is experiencing it. However, there are lots of creative ways to improve wellbeing in dementia, and many of them are absolutely free of charge.

We’re passionate about bringing everyday joy to people living with dementia.

So, check out our ultimate list of free activity ideas suitable for every stage. The majority of these activities are fun to do, and will also stimulate the brain and bodies, so they’re sure to improve the quality of life and add a sprinkle of joy into the day.

As you’ll know, life with dementia can be a little trial and error, so if something doesn’t go to plan, try not to be disheartened and simply try again another day or try something different. 

Make sure to let us know which you’re going to try first!

Free outdoor activities for dementia

Getting outdoors into the fresh air is a wonderful thing for everyone, and people with dementia benefit especially from improved mood and better sleep.

Did you know being outdoors can also help to spark memories by engaging the senses? Being surrounded by nature can improve focus and attention, even for people experiencing a decline in their cognitive functioning.  

• Gentle walks
• Watering plants
• Weeding
• Planting seeds
• Playing catch or walking football
• Picnics with nostalgic foods
• Visiting a local park or nature reserve
• Birdwatching 
• Walking a dog
• Nature trail
• Gathering outdoor props for crafting e.g. leaf rubbing, collages, rock painting, flower pressing.

Free dementia activities to do indoors

There’s plenty of fun to be had indoors if the British weather isn’t suitable for outdoor activities.

Try these ideas to help people with dementia stay engaged:

• Puzzles like noughts and crosses, sudoku, jigsaws, and word searches
• Crosswords – there are many free online versions
• Folding and arranging clothes
• Light cleaning activities like sweeping and dusting
• Memory box – fill a box with special items to spark memories and encourage conversation
• Storytime
• Movie night
• Mindful colouring
• Baking
• Cooking
• Watering or repotting indoor plants
• Card games
• Singing – try making playlist of nostalgic tunes
• Dancing
• Memory games 
• DIY games – see Bewegen is Level on Instagram for ideas
• Dominos
• Bingo
• Painting
• Making collages or scrapbooks
• Simple arts and crafts.

Dementia-friendly days out for free

Many locations and venues offer dementia-friendly days out and experiences. Start by checking out what’s available in your local area – look at your local authority, libraries, community centres, and Alzheimer’s Society website for ideas.

Here are some ideas:

• English Heritage sites
• Free exercises classes 
• Book clubs
• Games clubs
• Organised nature walks
• Relaxed screenings of films or plays at local libraries or community centres 
• Museums and art galleries 
• Seaside trips.

For other ideas, check out our blogs on days out in the north and south suitable for people affected by dementia. 

Group activities 

Group activities encourage people with dementia to stay connected to others and boost mental capacity and emotional wellbeing. Explore what’s on offer locally to find appropriate activities for the stage of dementia you’re dealing with. 

• Memory cafes
• Tai chi
• Knitting or crocheting groups
• Tree planting
• Chair yoga
• Poetry club
• Singing for the brain
• Reminiscence sessions – use objects and photographs to spark memories and encourage people to share stories.

Living well with dementia

We hope this list of activity suggestions inspires you to try new ways to stay active and stimulate the brain, whether you’re getting outdoors or keeping busy at home.

Check out our other blogs on care home activity ideas and meaningful activity ideas.

If you’re looking for support near you, check out Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK websites as well as speaking to your local council, charities, and community centres.

Here at A Good Day, we regularly send out emails full of advice, support, and ideas for ways to add bursts of joy into daily life with dementia – sign up to our newsletter to get tips directly to your inbox. P.S. You can also shop our range of activities and creative games online!