With summer here, it is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your grandchildren. No longer having to work around the time constraints of school and with the bonus of warm days and cool nights, it’s the perfect time to bond with your little loves. From staying inside, to enjoying the weather outside, from free things, or fun events; there’s always something you can do. Use this list to help guide you in your activities, or have fun coming up with your own ideas!
Get Outside
With the arrival of bright sunny days, being outside is the perfect place to be. Having fun, getting fresh air and bonding can all take place outdoors. Sometimes the simple things create the best memories. Laying in the grass, looking up at the clouds and talking about what shapes you see is a wonderful way for your grandchildren to explore their creativity. Have a picnic in the backyard - grab a blanket, some music, sandwiches, lemonade - and have a memorable meal together! Setting up a small kiddie pool in the yard or letting the kids run through a sprinkler is a wonderful way for them to cool off and have fun! If it’s a windy day-get out there and fly a kite. Not only will your grandchildren have a blast, you too can feel like a kid again.
When it gets dark, the fun doesn’t have to stop. You can collect fireflies in jars (and let them go, of course, after observing them). Look up at the stars and try to find constellations, or use a telescope if you happen to have one. Enjoy the beauty of the sunset together - what a wonderful experience to share!
Have a green thumb? Let your grandchildren help plant a vegetable, flower, or herb garden. If they live close by, they can come over to help tend to the garden as it grows. As it can become an ongoing project, it is a great way to watch the plants bloom while bonding with your grandchildren.
With so many benefits to being active, going on a hike with your grandchildren is a wonderful way to explore and get physical activity. Hiking is a great activity for all ages and all stages of physical ability. Take it slow and easy - no need to go on a strenuous trek - just enjoy being together and revel in the simplistic beauty of nature. If you want to kick it up a notch, engage in a scavenger hunt; look for certain flowers, rocks, animals, and other things.
Cozy Up Inside
If the weather is rainy, or it’s simply too hot to be outside, there are plenty of things to do indoors to keep your little ones busy and having fun. Break out some board games - games like Checkers, Chutes and Ladders, Life, and Sorry are simple and fun. Grab some snacks and have a game night!
Does your grandchild like to cook? Most children love to get hands-on in the kitchen. Find a fun recipe you both can try. If you have little ones, making cookies is always a surefire hit. Having a pizza party can be a blast! If you are caring for younger children, putting their own toppings on a pizza will keep them entertained, and if you have older ones, they can make their own pizza dough.
Have a movie night at home. Get comfy on the couch with popcorn and blankets and share some of your favorite movies with your grandchildren.
Field Trip!
There are so many fun places to explore together. Check out local Children’s Museums together if your grandchildren are younger. If they are older, Art Museums may be fun to explore their creative side. Check out local landmarks and historical sites-keep those brains active! Most public libraries put on fun free events in the summer. Even just going to the library to explore and check out books. When you get home, cuddle up and read to them, or take turns reading chapter books.
If your grandchildren are old enough, take a longer trip to fun outdoor destinations; such as an amusement park or water park. This is a wonderful way for them to have fun, enjoy a new place, and create long-lasting memories to treasure.
Look for fun events in the newspaper or internet. So many fun festivals and fairs take place in the summer, so get out and get exploring!
Just Have Fun
Don’t feel pressured to come up with an extravagant activity. Most of all, your grandchildren are excited to spend time with you, no matter what it is you have planned. Cherish these days, and these moments, for this is what life, love and family are all about.
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