The best part about being a grandparent is making memories with your grandkids. These fun and affordable summer activities for seniors and grandchildren will help you do just that.
Summer Activities For Seniors & Grandkids
Many grandparents help watch the kids while school is out for the summer, especially while the parents work during the day. But when it comes to summer activities for seniors that you can enjoy with the grandkids, you want something that will keep their interest and is budget-friendly. And of course, some days are too hot to be outside, so you need a fair amount of indoor activities to do as well.
We know that entertaining the grandkids can be a challenge, so we’ve come up with a list of 20 summer activities to turn an ordinary day into an incredible one.
20 Summer Activities For Seniors To Try With The Grandkids
You and your grandchildren may have already done a few of these summer activities. But there might be a few you haven’t enjoyed yet. So get inspired this summer and have some fun trying all of them!
1. Look at old photo albums and scrapbooks.
Looking through old photos is one of the best summer activities with the grandkids. So pass on treasured memories to them by sharing unique pieces of family history. It’s a particularly great way to show them a different aspect of yourself and open their eyes to how life used to be.
2. Make ice cream sundaes together.
No list of summer activities for seniors and grandkids would be complete without this one!
Beat the summer heat with indulgent homemade ice cream sundaes. Your grandkids will love feeling like pro confectioners and enjoy their delicious treat even more.
Bonus: Share how this frosty dessert got its name. The history might surprise you!
3. Compete in an egg race.
Line your grandkids in a row, then have them hold a metal spoon in their hands. Place an uncooked egg on the utensil and see who can reach the other side without cracking the egg. Summer activities like this one may bring out your competitive side!
4. Build a box fort together.
Building a fort out of boxes is one of our favorite summer activities to do with the grandkids. You can find free boxes at grocery stores, liquor stores, or nearly any other business.
Once at home, you can set to work helping your grandkids build the fort of their dreams. Use tape, markers, box cutters, or whatever you have available. Then, the sky’s the limit!
5. Stage a robot battle royale.
You don’t need the latest technology for fun summer activities like this one!
You can use the boxes from the previous idea or get new ones. Then, using those and any available rope or cordage, you can craft homemade robot costumes that are easily removable.
Cut holes for the legs and arms, then attach a length of a bungee cord or rope to each side so they work like suspenders. You can even take paper towel tubes to craft imaginary swords!
6. Belt it out during a home karaoke session.
You and the grandkids can feel like rock stars from the comfort of your living room with a makeshift karaoke session. You can pull up karaoke versions of your favorite songs on YouTube, then read the lyrics from the screen.
7. Draw caricatures of each other.
Everyone loves a good caricature, and allowing your grandkids to test their artistic abilities is a goldmine of fun. Use watercolors, colored pencils, markers, or whatever you would like. Sit in front of each other so you can’t see one another’s drawing, then get ready for the big reveal when you both finish!
8. Draw with sidewalk chalk.
When you have a box of sidewalk chalk, the world is your canvas. You can outline each other and pretend to be CSIs, sketch out hopscotch boxes, play four square, and more.
9. Paint Pet Rocks
One of the best parts about activities with the grandkids is the chance to learn more about the past. For example, remember pet rocks were all the rage? Pass the fad on by finding the perfect stones and painting them. Take it a step further and make little homes for your rocks out of small boxes, too.
10. Tour your local fire station.
Your grandkids will love the chance to see the ins and outs of a firehouse. So before making a trip to the station, call ahead to make arrangements. You can even ask if they can see the inside of a fire engine. This activity for seniors is an educational and exciting experience they won’t forget any time soon.
11. Share your family's history.
The internet gives you an endless amount of information at your fingertips. So use this resource to do some sleuthing and find out things about your family. For example, learn what your family crest looks like, where your last names come from or even find out why your ancestors came to the US!
12. Invent your own flag & country.
If you have an old sheet, lay it on the grass and decorate it to your heart’s content. Or, cut it into smaller pieces so that you can create your own flags! You can take this summer activity further by creating an imaginary country. Give it a name, come up with rules, and imagine what it would be like to live there. Encourage your grandkids to get creative and
13. Plan a herb garden.
If you happen to have some extra pots or other containers, have your grandkids help you plant something in them. Let them pick out their seeds of choice, then use this as an opportunity to teach them about gardening. Not only that, but they’ll love seeing the progress each time they visit, and you’ll love having fresh herbs at a moment’s notice.
14. Cook together.
Kids love feeling like they’re helping, so give them a chance in the kitchen. Together, pick a recipe and plan out what you need. Allow your grandchild to help however they can, and don’t be afraid to make a mess. It’s a great way to instill a love of cooking in a hands-on way.
15. Host a "fancy" party.
Depending on your grandkids’ dexterity and development, you can use your china to host a “fancy” tea party on the porch. Not only that, but they’ll love feeling like a big kid. Encourage them to dress up and try and do the same yourself. Arrange scones, muffins, or other treats on a platter and serve them an aromatic tea they’ve never tried before.
16. Travel the world without leaving the house.
If you have a globe, give it a spin, then place your finger anywhere on it to stop it. Then, wherever you land, take some time to learn about that country and its customs. You can even take it further and make a delicious dish native to that country.
17. Make jewelry together.
You can make friendship bracelets with colorful string, necklaces with plastic beads, or any other supply you have. In addition, craft stores usually have sales on jewelry-making supplies, so check in to see what’s available!
18. Make a mobile.
Create a unique mobile that your grandchild will love while using things you already have at home. Then, once it’s finished, hang it up, so they feel extra proud of their accomplishment.
19. Check our local garage sales.
Browsing local garage and estate sales is one of the best summer activities to do with the grandkids. They’ll love looking for treasures while you shop for yourself. To find nearby deals in your area, try these tools:
- Buy, sell, and trade groups on Facebook
- OfferUp
- Nextdoor
- Yard Sale Treasure Map
20. Make homemade butter.
Educational summer activities to do with the grandkids can be highly memorable. Hands-on activities such as making homemade butter are a great way to entertain your grandkids while learning how people make everyday items. Take turns churning it, then have a taste with your favorite bread.
MeetCaregivers Supports Summer Activities For Seniors
MeetCaregivers hope that you found these summer activities for seniors and grandkids inspiring. Leave a comment to let us know your favorite ideas.
Do you or a loved one need assistance with transportation, medication, meal preparation, or something else? We can help! Find a Caregiver today or call 1-888-541-1136. We’ll discuss your needs and explore your options to find the right solutions for you and your family.
To learn more about our services, check out this post: Hiring A Caregiver With MeetCaregivers. Or, visit the Blog to find more resources on caregiving, aging in place, and more.