As a grandparent, there’s nothing like spending quality time with your grandkids. With the warmer weather upon us, there are so many opportunities for fun intergenerational bonding. However, organizing the ideal day can sometimes seem daunting as you try to balance energy, interests, and logistics.
If you're seeking activities for grandparents and grandkids that get you out of the house or fun things to do with grandparents at home, this guide covers it all. From outdoor adventures to creative indoor crafts, here are our favorite activities for grandparents and grandchildren to make this summer unforgettable.
The Importance of Play: How Bonding Enhances Relationships
Before exploring the list, it's important to understand why these moments are so significant. According to research from the American Psychological Association, grandparents who actively care for and interact with their grandchildren may experience a slower decline in cognitive abilities. Additionally, fun activities for all ages, such as storytelling or puzzles, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance emotional health for both generations.
Summer Safety and Logistics
A little preparation is necessary to ensure everyone's safety during summer fun.
- Stay Hydrated: The CDC recommends drinking water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty, especially during outdoor play.
- Beat the Heat: Plan outdoor excursions for the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun.
- Easy Transport: Don't let driving stress hold you back. If you're curious about children's transportation services or alternative ways to get around without driving, services like GoGo Rides can handle the driving for you. We can also coordinate Uber for Seniors or Lyft for Seniors to ensure you receive a dependable ride tailored to your mobility needs.
12 Fun Activities to Enjoy with Grandkids This Summer
1. Have a picnic in the park
Pack a basket filled with delicious sandwiches, healthy snacks, and a special dessert, then head to the nearest park. If you are asking yourself, "where can i take my grandchildren for a day out that is relaxing but fun?", a local park with plenty of shade is the perfect answer.
Spread out a blanket, apply your sunscreen, and enjoy spending quality time with your grandkids, sharing stories, ideas, and fun. Remember to bring along games or activities such as frisbee, kites, bubbles, card games, or board games to keep the entertainment going after eating.
- Tip: Use GoGoGrandparent to get dropped off at the park entrance, avoiding parking hassles and long walks with gear.
2. Get creative with arts and crafts
Unleash your inner artist! Creativity knows no age, so arts and crafts projects are fantastic activities to do with grandchildren that you and the grandkids will love. Create a dedicated crafting space at home stocked with paints, markers, construction paper, and various art supplies.
Here are a few fun things to do with your grandma or grandpa to spark creativity:
- Paint rocks: Collect smooth stones and turn them into ladybugs or "kindness rocks" to hide in your neighborhood.
- Construct handmade greeting cards: Send mail to parents or other relatives.
- Make DIY slime: A hit with the younger crowd!
- Tie-dye old t-shirts: Use a kit for a colorful outdoor activity.
- Create DIY popsicle stick crafts.
- Decorate paper plates into animal masks.
- Capture handprints and footprints on canvas.
3. Host a movie marathon for intergenerational bonding
Convert your living room into an engaging home theater. Allow your grandkids to pick their favorite movies or introduce them to timeless classics you enjoy, like The Sound of Music or Mary Poppins.
Remember to bring popcorn, candy, and other snacks for the best movie night. If you prefer not to prepare food, you can order pizza or snacks through GoGo Meals, which will be delivered straight to your door. Snuggling on the couch helps create treasured memories that last forever.
4. Cook up fun in the kitchen
Cooking together offers a great opportunity to bond with your grandkids while teaching them important life skills. Allow them to measure ingredients, stir the batter, and enjoy decorating their treats.
Some popular fun things to do with grandchildren in the kitchen include baking cookies, making personal pizzas, or mixing up a 3-ingredient lime sherbet.
- Helper Tip: Heavy bags of flour and sugar can be a pain to handle. Use GoGo Groceries to get all your baking supplies delivered before the grandkids arrive.
5. Have a game night
Board games are one of the easiest things to do with grandparents when it’s rainy or hot outside. Come together around the table for a fun night of friendly competition.
Popular board games include Scrabble, Pictionary, Apples to Apples, Go Fish, Sorry!, and Uno. For older kids, strategy games like Ticket to Ride are great for keeping minds sharp. If your grandkids prefer video games, consider family game nights on a computer or console, featuring titles like Super Mario Party or Just Dance.
6. Organize a family talent show
Invite your grandkids to demonstrate their talents by hosting a family talent show. Whether they enjoy singing, dancing, acting, telling jokes, or simply being playful, give them a chance to shine. You can create a simple stage in the living room or backyard, and let the performance start!
7. Plant a garden for continuing intergenerational bonding
Teach your grandkids the joys of gardening. There are many ways to enjoy gardening together, like growing flowers in the backyard or herbs on the kitchen windowsill. If you need help with the heavy lifting or soil preparation, our home services for seniors can connect you with vetted landscapers to get the ground ready for planting.
Let your grandkids pick their favorite plants and participate in each part of the process. This wonderful idea fosters long-term intergenerational bonding, enabling you and your grandkids to enjoy the rewarding experience of seeing your shared garden thrive.
8. Write a story
Gather with pens and paper to collaboratively create a story. Invite your grandkids to invent characters, settings, and plots, sharing the writing responsibilities. After completing the story, read it aloud and celebrate your creative effort. You might just be inspiring the future of a great author in your grandchild!
9. Create a time capsule
A time capsule is a unique project that will surely delight your grandkids. Have each family member contribute photos, drawings, letters, or trinkets that capture the current moment. You can also include a list of current prices, such as the cost of a gallon of milk, or answer questions like "What do I want to be when I grow up?".
Dig a hole in the backyard or choose a safe spot to bury the time capsule. Decide on a future date to open it together.
10. Volunteer together
If you’re looking for fun activities with your grandchildren that also benefit society, volunteering is a great way to teach the importance of giving back. Choose a cause that matters to you and your family, such as helping at a local food bank, participating in a beach cleanup, or planting food in a community garden.
11. Play in the sprinklers
Beat the summer heat with outdoor water fun. Set up a sprinkler or a kiddie pool in the backyard for splashing, or host a water balloon fight! If a pool is available, you can enjoy games like Marco Polo or dive for pool toys. Water activities are fun activities for all ages and will keep you cool in the summer heat.
12. Build a fort
Building a fort is a fun activity to do with grandparents at home. Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to create a secret hideaway where you can enjoy hours of imaginative play and creativity. A fort is also perfect for art, movies, reading, and snacking!
How to Choose the Right Activity
With so many options, how do you decide?
- Consider Mobility: If you have limited mobility, opt for seated activities like Arts & Crafts (#2) or Movie Night (#3).
- Check the Weather: On very hot days, stick to indoor games (#5) or water play (#11).
- Ask the Grandkids: Create a "Summer Bucket List" together and tick one item off each visit.
Fun Activities to Enjoy with Grandkids using GoGo
This summer offers numerous enjoyable activities with grandkids that can create lifelong memories and deepen family bonds. Whether it's splashing in the sprinklers, exploring arts and crafts, or hosting a family talent show, these activities will promote meaningful connections, making for a summer full of fun, laughter, and love.
If you want to safely transport yourself and your loved ones to intergenerational activities across town, register on GoGoGrandparent. We offer convenient, easy rides for all ages, so you can focus less on the headache of travel and more on the fun of spending time with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good low-energy activities to do with grandchildren?
Reading, board games, and movie marathons are great options for low-energy days. You might also enjoy simple crafts such as painting rocks.
How can I transport my grandkids safely?
If you don't drive or prefer not to during busy summer traffic, you can use transport services. While our focus is on seniors, GoGo Rides also allows you to travel safely with your grandchildren to the zoo, park, or museum.
What should I do if my grandkids are different ages?
Look for fun activities for all ages, such as picnics or visiting a zoo. These allow older kids to explore while younger ones stay close to you.
Where can I take my grandchildren for a day out that is budget-friendly?
Many community resources offer free or low-cost entertainment. Local libraries often host summer reading programs and craft days, and public parks with splash pads are great for hot days. Additionally, check if local museums or zoos offer "senior days" or discounted admission for children.
What are some fun things to do with grandparents at home to stay cool?
Indoor camping, baking, or a family talent show are great ways to beat the heat. You can also create a "cool down" station with frozen treats, such as the lime sherbet recipe mentioned earlier. Staying inside during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM) is a smart way to ensure safety.
