how do you know what she thinks? and capable? thats pretty insulting...

Boat ride on Dora Canal. DELIGHTFUL!!!

things to do for 86 year old mom
 

The Orange Blossom Opry
Christmas shows

Also have 2 Tickets for sale
Sunday Dec. 10th 7 pm show @ the Opry for the
Buzzcat Holly Jolly Christmas Show
Great Seats will sacrifice tickets for half their price. 2/$40.

If anyone else reading and wants please respond asap.

The themed Christmas trees at Waterfront Inn. Donated by many local organizations and you can even submit a bid if you want to buy one. All donations go to a charity.

We recently did the glass bottom boat tours in Silver Springs State park, we loved it. Over the weekend they offer a 90 min tour for $20 and also a 30 min tour all days for $12. It is a very calm ride with a large viewing window. We saw manatees, gators, turtles and lots of different birds. The captain of the boat was full of interesting info and we were surprised by how many movie had been filmed in the park.
We will be back for another sail another time with friends!

You can book ahead online through the park website.

Things to Do
 

Stetson Mansion in Deland, nice around the holidays. Also, the glass bottom boat ride in Ocala. The art museum in Ocala also. Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. You have found most of the best restaurants.

Stetson mansion is great but be sure she can climb steep stairs up to second floor.

My husband is a member of the model train club, and their annual 4-day Christmas themed train show is held at Colony Cottage, not Eisenhower (Ike). Dec 7-10. It’s a great event for all ages!

Bok Tower Gardens
 

I lived near there and went many times.She has to be able to walk .I suggest watching the video and visiting the museum before heading into the gardens.

Asking for ideas
 

I don't understand what you are saying and why you are saying such a negative comment. The person is asking for ideas. How do you know the writer isn't making a list and will let her choose from the list. When people have visitors in town many times they ask for interesting things to see and do. My mom is the same age. I like to offer her things to do and see what she wants. However, if you are not familiar with what is going on in the area this is the perfect forum to ask for ideas. That is why I love this site.

My husband is a member of this club, and yes this is their biggest event of the year. They take over Colony Cottage rec center for 4 days, 12/7-12/10. Thurs, Fri, Sat are 9-4, and Sunday is 10-3. Santa will be there too. Fun for ALL ages! 😊

Things to do
 

When my mom first came to visit she was 82. I was more interested in showing her what The Villages has to offer. I’d suggest Eisenhower Rec Ctr and First Responders Rec Ctr. You have 3 squares…. Pick a square and visit late afternoon, have dinner and then enjoy the live entertainment. Take chairs and spend an afternoon at Edna’s On The Green. Maybe a movie your mom would enjoy. Lunch on the patio at the country clubs, they all have heaters. I took my mom for golf cart rides to see the views, visit stores, etc. I think it’s a good idea to show visitors our lifestyle!

Your Mom & Activities
 

Well after your mom does all that eating, maybe she would like to dance it off.
Does she still play any sports, enjoy aerobic classes? find out what kind of music she likes & take her to the square where that is playing {4 Squares of music} Just listening to all the music will make it fun! Does she golf?:::

Dec 2: Lady Lake Christmas Parade, 10 am near library on Guava Street. Bring some folding chairs & arrive early to stake out a viewing spot. Always a lot of fun.

Dec 28: Film Noir Series, 1:30 pm in Scarlet O'Hara Theater at Savannah Center. 'Call Northside 777', with short talk before & afterwards by our resident film noir expert. Always very well presented. Free with Villages ID or guest pass.

You can try one of our very nice putting courses. All grass and well maintained. Equipment can be checked out to play. I'm also sure you've considered billiards, darts, shuffleboard, etc, at the rec centers.

If she's a bridge player, Google The Villages Duplicate Bridge Club's website for a game schedule/locations & help finding a partner, if necessary. It's a nice club & very welcoming. You can also find lots of relaxed & friendly nonsanctioned games on The Villages activity calendar - many of the games are party bridge format, so no partner required.

It's really 'old Florida', but I've always enjoyed Gatorland. Does require some walking, but you don't have to go far into the park to see hundreds of gators. Where else can you feed the alligators & not get into trouble?

If your mom is up to it I suggest taking a trip to Mount Dora. They have a lot of fun festivities during the month of December including a parade. They also have a lot of nice restaurants. The only issue can be parking, and possibly a long walk. Some people that live there will let you park in their driveway for $5 or $10. Here is a link to December events in Mt. Dora

Events