For children, visiting their grandparents can be a lot of fun. It can also be a bit daunting, especially if they don’t live nearby and the visits are occasional. Whether your visits are like the former or the latter, here are 7 fun activities to do with the grandkids that everyone can enjoy.
Fun Activity for Grandkids #1: Let them be your teachers.
No matter how tech-savvy you are, chances are your grandkids are a step ahead of you. Let them show you cool things on your phone or your tablet. Let them teach you the latest game they’re into or how to work the new Wii. They’ll love the feeling of knowing more than you, and you’ll enjoy their smiles.
Fun Activity #2: Do a treasure hunt.
This one takes a little planning but it’s worth it because it’s one of the most fun activities for grandkids, ever: a treasure hunt! Write little notes and hints directing the kids where to go. If they collect all the notes, they get the treasure – which is being held captive by you. This is a favorite no matter where you live, but if you live in an assisted living community and your grandchildren feel a bit awkward there, a treasure hunt is a great way to let them learn their way around and have fun at the same time.
Fun Activity #3: Storytime!
Kids love stories no matter how old they are. Choose a book and read a chapter or so whenever they come. And don’t limit yourself to contemporary books they already know; try old favorites of yours, too. They might balk at classics in a school setting, but if you know how to read with feeling you’ll be surprised at what they’ll be willing to listen to.
You can take this way beyond just reading, by the way. Let the kids voice their opinions about the characters and the choices they make. And if they live so far away that a chapter each time is too slow, continue with Skype, FaceTime or over the phone in-between visits.
Fun Activity for Grandkids #4: Walk down memory lane.
One of the really fun activities to do with the grandkids is to look at old photos. And I don’t just mean goofy pictures of their parents as kids. As far back as your family goes, that’s how far back they’ll love to go with pictures. Share stories and memories with them to bring the people in the pictures to life.
If you’re the creative type, you can even make a family tree with the grandchildren. Help them map it out. Then make high-quality copies of the pictures and paste them next to the names. You can do this collage style, too.
Fun Activity for Grand-daughters, #5: Girl’s Night!
Beauty time with your granddaughters makes for tons of giggles. Take out your makeup and let them give you a makeover. You can buy hand cream and inexpensive nail polish and do DIY manicures with them. Do their hair, and then let them do yours. Your own imagination (and your willingness to put your looks into their hands for a couple of hours) is the only limit on this one.
Fun Activity for Grandsons #6: Guy’s Night!
Do your grandsons love sports? If they do, invite them over to watch a big game. Buy their favorite treats and, if your accommodations allow for it, grill some hot dogs on an electric grill. If you want to go all out, you can decorate the place with penants, too.
Fun Activity for Grandkids #7: Good Ole Games.
This one’s egalitarian again. Break out old favorites like Monopoly and Life. If they don’t know how to play backgammon or chess, teach them. Card games are another great way to spend time together. Teach them everything from Old Maid to blackjack. They’ll enjoy beating you once they get into it. And you’ll enjoy playing something that’s not online or electronic for once.
Do you have great ideas for fun activities to do with the grandkids? Let us know in the comments below!