Things to Do with Grandparents: Fun Activities for All Ages
Do you want to spend more time with your grandparents? You may feel like it's difficult to relate to them due to the generational divide. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Intergenerational activities don't have to require a lot of thought. Here are some of the best things to do with grandparents that will create lasting memories.
Cooking and Baking
Food is what brings families together. Cooking with your loved ones is one of the best family bonding ideas to pass on family recipes and craft a great meal.
Ask your grandparents about their favorite foods growing up. See if you can find a recipe or if they have one on hand.
If they live in a senior living community, their unit may have a fully functional kitchen that you can use to create your delicious treats.
Even enjoying food with one another can be a great bonding activity. See if their community offers dining so you can have a meal together.
Baking treats is also a fun intergenerational activity. Try making cookies or brownies for your grandparent's neighbors. You can make some new friends and offer a treat to people who might be lonely.
Reading
Reading isn't just a fun activity; it comes with many benefits for readers of all ages. For seniors, reading helps them stay sharp and provides opportunities for lifelong learning, according to Nuvance Health.
You can sit with your grandparent and read separately or look at a book together. Pick up some tomes on subjects that interest them. Ask them about their preferred genres and see if there are any similarities between your reading tastes.
Many local libraries offer events for seniors. Check with your library to see if there are any upcoming events that your grandparent might enjoy.
Playing Games
Playing games together is a classic example of grandparent-grandchild fun. Try to stick to classic games or board games with rules that are easy to memorize.
You can do almost anything with a deck of cards. They are also portable, so you can play a game anywhere. Some of the most popular card games include:
- Go Fish
- Gin Rummy
- Crazy Eights
- War
- Texas Hold 'Em
If your grandparent has friends who don't have family, try to get them involved as well. Bring board games that require several players and see if you can set up a game night.
Learning About History
One of the benefits of having grandparents is that you can learn about their history. They were alive in a time that you can only view in the past. Getting a fresh perspective on historical events is invaluable.
Ask your grandparents about what it was like for them growing up. See if they were firsthand witnesses to key historical events. Write down facts about them that you find fascinating.
If you want to take it a step further, you can even interview your grandparents. Record them on audio or video and see if you can put together a more detailed picture of what life was like back then.
Not only will this activity expand your knowledge, but it can preserve your family history for generations to come.
Remember, when talking about touchy historical topics: Lead with empathy. An event may seem fascinating to you, but it may have been difficult to live through.
Going for Walks Together
Senior-friendly outings don't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Spending time with your grandparents can be as simple as taking a stroll together.
According to the Mayo Clinic, walking a few minutes every day can have numerous health benefits, including weight loss and elevated mood.
See if there are any parks or trails in your area. An easy walking path is a great opportunity for bonding and a way to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Attending School Events
School events don't have to just be for kids. They are fantastic multigenerational events where the whole family can be involved.
Nothing feels better than looking out into the crowd and seeing your family cheer you on. Your parents will always be there, but seeing your grandparents is even better.
Crafting Together
Crafting is a wonderful method for unleashing creativity. It also keeps the mind sharp and increases dexterity, depending on the craft that you choose.
See if your grandparent is interested in learning a new hobby or picking up a passion from earlier in life. Some of the best crafts to do together include:
- Knitting
- Painting
- Embroidery
- Sculpting
- Paper mache
- Scrapbooking
- Quilting
Craft clubs are great multigenerational events. People of all ages can participate in creating something beautiful that has wonderful memories associated with it.
Pick a project that you and your grandparents can work on together. You can pick up where you left off every time you see each other.
Gardening
Gardening is one of the world's most popular hobbies, and it is easy to see why: Planting flowers or produce can be calming, and the payoff is beautiful.
If your grandparent lives in a senior community, see if there is a gardening group you can join. You can talk with other elderly folks while doing activities that everyone enjoys.
You can plant flowers that will bloom year after year. Even when your grandparent is gone, their impact will be visible for many years to come.
See if you can plant longer-lasting greenery, such as fruit trees. It may take a few years for the trees to mature, but the payoff will be fresh fruit for generations.
So Many Things to Do With Grandparents
Seeing grandparents is such a great way to enhance familial bonds. With this list of things to do with grandparents, you'll never run out of ideas for your next visit.
Are you looking for a community for your loved one in Dixon, IL? Look no further than Liberty Court. Our vibrant senior living community offers various floor plans, and amenities such as on-site dining.
Want to learn more about Liberty Court? Contact us to arrange a tour and see our stunning community for yourself.