Spending quality time with your grandchildren is sure to be great fun, but you might want to line up several activities to ensure they have the best time in your care. If you know they’re coming, check out family fun days in your area and buy anything you might need in advance such as baking equipment or an arts and crafts stash. Here are 10 activities for inspiration.
1. Head to the theatre
From plays and musicals to comedy shows and interactive productions, there are many different things to see at the theatre, depending on what age your grandchildren are. Plenty of shows are suitable for children, teens and young adults, so it’s worth taking a look at what’s on locally.
2. Explore an estate
Google ‘days out near me’ and you’ll come across a list of beautiful country estates where you can enjoy a walk in the fresh air or discover an historic property. If you’re within driving distance of Brentford, Syon Park is a great place to explore with grandchildren.
3. Plan a picnic
There’s something magical about dining al fresco. So, make a selection of your grandchildren’s favourite treats and enjoy a relaxing picnic. You could even get the children to bake some goodies for your day out.
4. Pass down family recipes
If you’ve a family recipe that you really want to pass down, take the time to show your grandchildren. They’ll appreciate the wisdom, especially if it’s one of their favourite dishes, and will be able to share it with their kids down the line.
5. Teach them new skills
Whether you’re a brilliant sewer or grow the best potatoes at the allotment, you’re sure to have one or more skills to share with little ones. You never know what might inspire them to do something great.
6. Have a games afternoon
Enjoy an afternoon of classic board games. From Monopoly and Scrabble to Cluedo and Guess Who, your grandchildren will love playing games that don’t involve a gadget and a screen.
7. Roast Marshmallows
If you have a BBQ or outdoor fire pit, you could roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories after dark. Create a campfire scene and make memories to last a lifetime.
8. Root through old photos
Chances are you have one or more old photo albums tucked away. Spend time looking through old pictures of family and make sure you find some embarrassing snaps of their mum and dad.
9. Have a go at arts and crafts
If your grandchildren are still quite young, they’ll love cutting, sticking, colouring, painting, drawing and other arts and crafts. You could even set them a challenge such as making their own dinosaur mask.
10. Organise a treasure hunt
Family days out near me don’t have to be expensive. Simply go to a local park and set up a treasure hunt. Various clues can lead to a prize such as a bag of sweets or something you know the kids will like.