6 min read
Introduction
Looking for fun ideas to enjoy with your grandchildren over the holidays, after school, or on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Look no further! We’ve got the ultimate list of exciting activities to keep the grandkids entertained—whether for short visits or longer! Having a few activities in mind can make your time together even more special and create lasting memories.
We’ve organised the list into indoor and outdoor activities, with ideas for various ages, mobilities, and energy levels. This list is also perfect for parents looking for tech-free activities that keep the kids engaged. So, let’s dive in!
1. Story Time
Children love stories; they can transport their creative minds to exciting new places, teach important morals and help navigate big emotions.
Story time doesn’t have to be just before bed. It’s great anytime - especially when you need a break after chasing the grandkids around all day!
> Read a storybook: Whether it's a classic you loved when you were growing up or maybe the grandkids will already come armed with their favourites.
> Create your own fictional plot: With the grandkids involvement it’ll be guaranteed to take a hilarious turn. Who knows, you may be creating your own family classic in the process!
> Share your life stories: You’ll likely have a few tales from your own experiences. I’m sure they’d love to hear your adventures and experiences. After all, who better to tell them than you?
For the extra special touch you can make a fort from blankets to feel transported into a new world. Or just a comfy spot on the sofa will work a treat too.
2. Make a Fort or Den Out of Blankets
Things brings us nicely onto our next activity, which requires simple items that can already be found around the house.
Create a fort or den of out of blankets, pillows and cushions. It’ll be a fun activity on its own, and once it’s done, the grandkids will have their own cosy space to read, colour or play their own games.
3. Cook and Bake
Cooking and baking can build a great sense of confidence in kids by allowing them to help with the ‘grown-up tasks’. It can be an easy cupcake recipe, a treasured family favourite or a meal inspired by homegrown seasonal fruit and veg.
Whatever you choose to make, it's a great bonding activity. The grandkids will get to see all the steps involved in making a dish and get their hands dirty while discovering their favourite foods and flavours.
You’ll also be passing on your culinary skills to the little ones. Even if the kitchen is not really where you thrive, you’ll be sure to have a few laughs along the way as you muddle your way through together!
Tip: Measure the ingredients before the grandkids arrive. If they’re quite young (or if you’re outnumbered) having little ones running around while trying to complete a task can be less than ideal. For example, if you’re making pizza, prep and cut all the toppings ahead of time. So when it comes to rolling out the dough together it’ll (hopefully) be smooth sailing!
4. Play a Board Game
There's no need for your games to collect dust only see the light of day during the Christmas period. Games can be enjoyed all year round and are easy crowd-pleasers.
5. Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and relaxing activity with lots of benefits, such as problem-solving, providing a sense of accomplishment and it encouraging teamwork. It’s also a perfect task when you want to enjoy a slower pace with the grandkids.
Try a personalised puzzle. There are a whole host of websites that allow you to use a photo of your choice to create a puzzle!
6. Make a Family Tree
Depending on the grandkids' ages, creating a family tree is a great indoor family activity that they can keep and continue to build on. You'll be creating a lasting legacy that can be passed down.
Your stories can add richness to family history that kids may not otherwise learn. Creating a family tree is a wonderful way to share that information and strengthen the bond between generations.
7. Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are a fantastic way for grandkids to express themselves and spark their imagination. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few easy (and messy!) craft ideas to get started:
8. Sewing, Knitting or Embroidery
Depending on their age, this activity offers kids the opportunity to learn valuable skills such as patience, focus and hand-eye coordination while mastering sewing techniques. You’ll have so much fun deciding what to make, which fabric and threads to choose and adding all the embellishments!
9. Create Your Own Movie Theatre
Elevating this ordinary activity will create a magical experience for you and the grandkids.
Simply pick a movie and make your own movie tickets using just paper and pencils. Stick on some popcorn and create a snuggly area with pillows and blankets. Dim the lights and close the curtains to be fully immersed in the experience. And there you have it - your very own cinema experience!
10. Scavenger Hunt
Draw a grid with 12 boxes and fill each one with an item you can find around the house. Or make it more open-ended with prompts like 'find something that smells nice', 'find something soft', or “find something beginning with the letter S.” Then let the scavenger hunt begin!
11. Play Dress Up
Playing dress-up is a classic way to create childhood memories! It’s simple but so much fun. Just grab whatever you have in your closet and enjoy!
12. Embrace Their Hobby
Find a hobby your grandkids are passionate about and help them nurture it. You may not have the same skills, but that's okay! Just watching, listening and asking about their hobby will build their confidence as you'll be showing an interest in something they love. You can always learn together with endless resources on Google and YouTube.
Tip: Create a rewards or goals chart to provide positive reinforcement every time you see each other, encouraging them to stay committed to their hobby!
13. Have a Dance
Put some music on and dance! It's easy and so much fun! If the kids are a little older, why not create your own dance routine.
Along the way try to point out the little beauties you spot along the way. Can you hear a squirrel rustling through the leaves? Did you spot a robin flying above the trees? Can you smell the roses as the wind brushes the sweet scent your way?
Conclusion
Do you have any other activity ideas or have you tried something from our list? We’d love to hear from you—leave a comment below!