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Grandparents are the best! When dad says no dessert, grandma will bring you a bowl of ice cream, even if you’ve already brushed your teeth. When mom wants you to pick up your toys, grandpa will steal you away for some sort of fun filled activity (that likely will make more of a mess!). Let’s face it, grandparents can get away with things that parents just can’t and that’s what makes memories with our grandparents so special. My grandma still says that pie for breakfast is no different than having a donut. These are definitely words to live by (in moderation of course!). In honor of all the grandparents out there, we’ve collected a list of fun, screen free activities to try the next time the grandkids come over.
1. Paint rocks - This might sound mundane, but hear me out. Kids love rocks. They end up everywhere. I don’t think my daughter has a single pair of pants that don’t have rocks in them. For whatever reason, kids find them fascinating. To make a gray rock less…well, gray, try taking some paint and a paintbrush to create amazing pieces of artwork. From flowers to animals, there is no limit to what you can create. These gems are great decorations for gardens, windowsills, or even to leave for someone else to discover in your local park.
2. Draw a family tree - Grandparents are the best sources of family ancestry. Kids will have a great time drawing the tree and adding names to the branches while grandparents will enjoy telling endless stories about aunts, uncles, and cousins twice removed.
3. Play cards - this is an oldie, but a goodie and with so many new card games available, you are sure to find a game that appeals to players of all ages. If you need ideas, check out this list of 25 card games every kid should know.
4. Read together - whether you want to tackle a whole series, or just take a trip to the library and peruse the shelves, reading is fabulous for kids and even more enjoyable when they get to do it with their grandparents. This list of 50 books all kids should read before they’re 12 is a good place to get started on your reading list.
5. Bake together - one of my fondest memories with my grandmother is breaking out the family recipe book and making cookies. I still have the recipe cards with her handwriting and they are some of my most treasured mementos. Feel free to share your recipes, get out the mixer and bowls, and make some sweet treats that can be eaten after (or before!) dinner.
6. Printable activities - Print off endless amounts of coloring pages, mazes, word searches, crosswords and more to do with your grandkids. You find just what your grandkids like and the right skill level for them on Beeloo.
