National Grandparents’ Day 2022 lands on Sunday, September 11th and to honor the occasion we’ve put together a list of 20 fun things for grandparents to do with kids. We hope it helps keep kids (and grandparents) entertained and making marvelous memories. Because let’s face it, while kids never get enough time with grandma and grandpa, sometimes the generation gap can make it hard to think of things to do together.
Visit our Events Calendar or sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide for additional ideas.
Indoor Activities for Kids and Grandparents
1. Draw your family tree.
Family trees welcome kids from all types of families to celebrate their uniqueness. While the kids and grandparents draw out the different branches and see how far back in the tree they can go, ask grandparents to tell stories about different family members. AFABC has provided family tree templates that work for both biological and adoptive families.
2. Play cards.
Who else played cards with their grandparents growing up? Cards are a fun and easy way for kids of all ages to spend time with grandparents. Classics such as UNO, Trash, and Go Fish are easy games for even very young kids to learn.
3. Have a tea party.
There’s nothing cuter than a tea party with little kids. Grandparents can enjoy some real tea while little kids can have water or lemonade—and everyone loves cookies or cute little tea sandwiches. Visit a local tea shop in central Iowa or set a fancy table and invite favorite stuffed animals to tea, too.
4. Make a gift for parents.
Time alone with the grandkids is a great opportunity to make something special for their parents—perhaps a birthday gift or something for a holiday. Purchase supplies from a local craft store or attend a class together at a place like Five Monkeys, Inc. in Valley Junction or A/R Workshop in Ankeny.
5. Put together a puzzle.
Puzzles are great for kids and grandparents alike. They get the mind moving and can be done regardless of age or physical activity level. Need a new puzzle? Find a new favorite at local businesses like The Learning Post and Bozz Prints.
6. Teach each other a hobby.
Grandparents likely have hobbies that their grandkids have never even heard of—but kids also have hobbies that are a mystery to their grandparents! Have kids give knitting a try and maybe grandpa gets in on a game of Mario Kart. Someone may pick up a new and unexpected hobby.
7. Visit a museum
Choose a museum that kids and grandparents have never been to together. Whether it’s the Des Moines Art Center or the Science Center of Iowa, they’ll make great new memories exploring a new place. Here’s our list of children’s museums in Iowa to give you some ideas!
8. Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
This one is a combo indoor and outdoor activity. Enjoy some indoor time perusing the plants under the dome inside the Botanical Center and then head outside to check out the other gardens outdoors. Finish off your visit with lunch at Trellis Café.
9. Take in a show.
Depending on everybody’s preference there all types of shows available to see in Des Moines from Broadway shows, movies at the symphony or even live shows based on favorite cartoons. Both kids and grandparents will enjoy “Harriet the Spy” at the Des Moines Playhouse.
10. Utilize technology.
If grandparents live far away, or if it’s not safe to visit them in person, technology is a great way for grandparents and grandkids to stay connected. Use Facetime, Zoom or Skype to keep in touch.
Outdoor Activities for Kids and Grandparents
11. Go on a walk.
An easy walk down the street can be a lot of fun for grandparents and kids. This low-impact physical activity can be done anywhere and it’s always free. Walk around the block or walk somewhere fun for a little treat. We’ve put together “A Few Ways to Make Family Walks More Fun”.
12. Take a bike ride.
A bike ride is a fun and easy way to get out and get moving. Even if the grandparents aren’t on bikes, they’ll still enjoy a stroll with their favorite little bikers around the neighborhood or along a local trail.
13. Go on a picnic.
A picnic gets everyone outside to enjoy a little fresh air and do something different. Half the fun is packing a bag or picnic basket together filled with sandwiches and other favorite treats to share.
14. Go to the zoo.
You’re never too young or too old to appreciate the magic of animals. Check out our tips for visiting the Blank Park Zoo.
15. Go fishing.
Fishing is an easy and non-strenuous activity for kids to do with grandparents. Whether it’s a day trip to a lake or just a stroll to a nearby fishing hole, this is a fun activity the kids will never forget.
16. Go to a farmers market.
A farmers market is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon. Walk the aisles picking sweet treats or ingredients for that night’s dinner.
17. Go to a new park.
While every park is magical as a kid, make a park day even more special by trying a new to you park.
18. Visit a farm for apple or pumpkin picking.
The summer and fall are a great time to visit a berry, flower, pumpkin, or fruit farm. Then bring home the actual fruits of your labor and get eating, cooking, or even canning.
19. See a game.
Regardless of the season, there’s always a local or professional game to go to with grandparents. Whether it’s baseball, t-ball, basketball, football, or hockey, everyone will love filling up on game food and cheering on the home team.
20. Drive in movie.
Load up the grandkids and head east. Valle Drive In Newton recently reopened after making repairs from tornado damage. Movies are shown Wednesday through Sunday. Double features typically include an earlier family friendly G or PG rated movie with a PG-13 or R rated movie shown after.
How do you spend time with your grandkids? We’d love to hear!
