Beyond Cookies, Cartoons and Computers Fun Activities for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Hey there, fellow boomers and beyond! Summer is here, and with it comes the joy (and sometimes, the challenge!) of spending time with our amazing grandchildren (or even great-grandchildren!). While parents are busy keeping the world running, it’s our turn to create lasting memories and adventures with the younger generation.

This post is packed with budget-friendly, no-cost activities that will keep both you and your little ones entertained throughout the summer. We’ll even hear some inspiration from my amazing 90-year-old aunt, who continues to make magic with her great-grandson!

Learning from the Best: Inspiration from a 90-Year-Old Grandparent:

My aunt, a sprightly 90-year-old, is living proof that age is just a number. Every summer, she looks forward to spending time with her great-grandson, Carson. Their days are filled with laughter, storytelling, and simple joys. One of their favorite activities? Feeding the birds in the park! It’s a reminder that the most cherished moments don’t have to cost a dime.

Let’s Get Creative: Free & Fun Summer Activities

• Embrace the Outdoors: Nature is a free therapist! Take the grandkids on a bug hunt in the backyard (bonus points for creating a homemade bug catcher!), build a fairy garden, or simply have a picnic under the shade of a tree. You can even turn a nature walk into a learning experience by identifying different plants and trees.

Storytelling Power: Dust off those old photo albums and share stories about your childhood.

• Let the grandkids see pictures of their parents when they were young! Encourage them to tell you stories about their day and listen attentively.
• Become Junior Chefs: Whip up some delicious and healthy snacks together. Get creative with fruit skewers, homemade smoothies, or even baking cookies the old-fashioned way.
• Get Crafty: Unleash your inner artist! Gather some crayons, paints, construction paper, and let your imaginations run wild. Make homemade greeting cards for family members, decorate or tie dye t-shirts, or create puppets for a backyard show.
• Board Game Bonanza: Board games are a timeless way to connect and have fun. Dig out those classic games you loved as a kid – Monopoly, Scrabble, or Candyland – and introduce them to the next generation.  Remember playing “pick up sticks, jacks or yo-yo’s?  I still have mine!
• Themed Days: Spice things up with themed days! Have a “Pirate Day” with a treasure hunt in the backyard, dress up as superheroes for a “Superhero Day”, or travel the world (virtually!) through books and online resources.
• Rainy Day Activities: Don’t let a rainy day dampen your spirits! Build a blanket fort and read stories by flashlight, have a dance party with their favorite music, or work on a family puzzle.
• Volunteer Together: Teach your grandkids the value of giving back by volunteering at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or library. This is a great way to instill important life lessons while spending quality time together.

Pro Tips for Grandparents:

• Be Flexible: Go with the flow! Sometimes the best plans go awry, and that’s okay. Be adaptable and embrace the unexpected moments.
• Get Down to Their Level: Remember, you’re not just a grandparent, you’re a playmate too! Get on the floor and build blocks, play dress-up, or join them in their imaginative games.
• Embrace Technology: While we advocate for low-tech fun, technology can be a helpful tool. Look for educational apps, watch a historical documentary together, or use video calls to connect with family living far away.

Summer is a time to make memories that will last a lifetime. By focusing on quality time, creativity, and genuine connection, you can create unforgettable experiences with your grandchildren (and great-grandchildren!) So go forth, have fun, and cherish every moment with these little bundles of joy!