Summer Fun with the Grandkids: Creative Ways for Seniors to Keep Young Visitors Engaged

Summer is a special time for bonding between grandparents and grandchildren. With school out and the days longer, it’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories together. If you’re a senior preparing for grandkids to visit this summer, here are a variety of fun, enriching, and manageable ideas to keep them entertained—and help you enjoy the season, too.

1. Create a Daily Routine with Theme Days

Children thrive on structure, even during vacation. Create a loose weekly schedule—nothing rigid—that gives each day a theme. For example:

• Make-It Monday: Crafting, painting, or baking.

• Take-a-Trip Tuesday: Visit a museum, library, or local park.

• Water Wednesday: Sprinklers, water balloons, or a pool visit.

• Thoughtful Thursday: Storytime, journaling, or writing letters to family.

• Fun Friday: A movie night, board games, or a backyard campout.

A simple calendar on the fridge can build anticipation and keep things running smoothly.

2. Get Crafty with Simple Projects

Arts and crafts are a great way to spark creativity and encourage quiet focus. Try:

• Decorating picture frames for summer memories

• Making bird feeders with pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed

• Painting rocks and hiding them in the neighborhood for others to find

Bonus: display their artwork proudly to make them feel accomplished.

3. Cook and Bake Together

Involve your grandkids in the kitchen with age-appropriate cooking tasks. Bake cookies, make popsicles, or create a “make-your-own pizza” night. Older kids can help plan meals or shop for ingredients, turning it into a mini life-skills lesson.

4. Explore the Outdoors

You don’t have to go far to enjoy nature. Some simple outdoor ideas:

• Go on nature walks or scavenger hunts

• Start a small garden or grow herbs in containers

• Have a picnic in the backyard or at a local park

Let the kids help plant and water—it’s an excellent way to teach responsibility and patience.

5. Share Family Stories and Traditions

Summer is a great time to pass down family heritage. Dig out old photo albums, tell stories about your childhood, or teach them a skill or hobby you love—like knitting, woodworking, or card games. You might even work together on a family tree project.

6. Host "Grandkid Camp"

Turn your home into a special camp experience. Create simple “camp” shirts, set up a reading corner, organize talent shows, and make “awards” for silly accomplishments like best joke or fastest dish-dryer. It’s all about fun and imagination.

7. Visit Local Attractions

Many communities have summer programs, free concerts, or discounted admission days at museums, zoos, or aquariums. Check with your local library or parks department for kid-friendly events.

8. Embrace Screen Time—Wisely

A little screen time can be okay—especially when it’s interactive or educational. Watch classic movies together, play video games suitable for all ages, or explore online art and science activities. Just balance it with unplugged playtime.

9. Involve Them in Daily Life

Kids love to be helpful. Let them assist with tasks like watering plants, organizing books, or folding laundry. Turn chores into games and give lots of encouragement—they’ll feel useful and valued.

10. Capture the Summer in a Memory Book

Throughout the visit, encourage your grandkids to take photos, draw pictures, and write about their favorite moments. Help them put it all together in a scrapbook or digital slideshow to take home and remember the summer by.

Entertaining grandkids doesn’t have to mean elaborate plans or big expenses. What they’ll remember most is the time and attention you give. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, this summer can be one you both cherish for years to come.