21 Fun Grandparents Day Activities
Grandparents Day activities in our house were never perfect, crooked cards, glitter explosions, and answers like “Grandad is 104!” on those little interviews.
But those moments stuck. If you’re looking for easy ways to help kids show love and appreciation, this list includes keepsakes, crafts, and fun ideas that make the day feel special, without a ton of prep.
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What Can We Do on Grandparents Day?
If you’re looking for meaningful activities for Grandparents Day, this list is full of easy ways to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a classroom visit, a family get-together, or something quiet at home.
These ideas are simple, flexible, and fun for all ages, and they help kids connect with the grandparents they love.
Family Picnic
Head to a local park or backyard for a relaxed family picnic. Pack some easy snacks, a blanket, and maybe a few card games or a ball for the kids. It’s a low-stress way to spend time outdoors together.
Memory Lane
Make a scrapbook or photo album with your kids. Use old photos, drawings, or ticket stubs, and let them tell stories as they put the pages together. Grandparents will love the nostalgia, and kids enjoy hearing about “the old days.”
Grandparents Day Crafts
Set out some paper, glue, markers, and scissors, and let kids make cards, decorations, or art with their grandparents. The finished crafts don’t have to be perfect, it’s all about creating something together.
Family Baking
Bake a favorite family recipe together, cookies, muffins, or a cake. Grandparents can share their tips, kids can do the mixing, and everyone can enjoy the treat at the end.
Storytelling
Ask grandparents to share a few stories from their childhood. You’ll be surprised how much kids love hearing about life before smartphones and streaming.
Board Game Bonanza
Play a few rounds of your favorite family board games. From Candy Land to Uno or Monopoly, it’s a great way to laugh, bond, and bring everyone into the fun. Check out our favorite family board games.
Plant a Garden
Get your hands dirty planting flowers, herbs, or veggies together. Even one pot on a porch can be a fun, shared project. Little kids can enjoy the digging and watering too. Try pairing it with our garden treasure hunt.
Movie Marathon
Pick a few of Grandma or Grandpa’s favorite movies, classic musicals, old comedies, or even Star Wars, and enjoy a cozy movie afternoon with popcorn and blankets.
Dance Party
Put on some music from the grandparents’ era and let everyone join in. Whether it’s a full-on dance party or just a few silly moves in the living room, it’s a great way to share music across generations.
Outdoor Adventure
Take a nature walk, visit a local botanical garden, or go to the zoo. It’s a chance to explore together and enjoy time away from screens. Younger kids will love using our zoo scavenger hunt.
Virtual Meetup
If distance is an issue, set up a video call. Kids can show off a craft, perform a song, or just chat about their week. Grandparents will love the time, even if it’s virtual.
Family Tree Project
Work on a simple family tree together. Let grandparents share stories about each person, and help kids start connecting names to memories. Use our family tree worksheet as a guide.
Karaoke Fun
Pick a mix of oldies and kid favorites and take turns singing. You don’t need a karaoke machine, just a music app and a little courage.
Grandparents Interview
Have kids ask questions about their grandparents’ life, school, childhood games, jobs, favorite meals. It’s a great way to learn and connect. Try using our All About Grandad and Grandma printables.
Puzzle Time
Sit down with a jigsaw puzzle or play a few rounds of a logic game. It’s quiet, calming, and a fun challenge to work on together.
Story Writing
Write a silly or sweet family story where each person adds a sentence or two. Let it be weird and wonderful. You can turn it into a little booklet or use our “You Are the Best” writing activity as a starting point.
Arts and Crafts Fair
Set up a mini showcase of crafts made by the kids and grandparents. You can even add a pretend auction or turn it into a gallery walk for the rest of the family.
Outdoor Games
Play tag, bean bag toss, or hide and seek in the yard. Grandparents can watch, cheer, or join in, whatever works for them.
Family Talent Show
Let everyone perform something: a song, joke, dance, or magic trick. Keep it light and fun, no stage fright needed.
Letter Exchange
Encourage kids to write a letter telling their grandparents why they’re special. Grandparents can write one back. Or try a paper hug card printable as a keepsake version.
Visit a Local Attraction
Take a trip to a nearby museum, historical site, or garden. It’s a great way to learn together and enjoy a new experience. You can bring our museum scavenger hunt to make it even more fun for kids.
No matter what you do, the goal is the same, spend time together and make memories. That’s what the holiday is all about.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandparents Day
In the United States, it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
It’s a day to celebrate and honor grandparents for their love, support, and wisdom. Families use it as a chance to spend quality time together.
To show appreciation for the important role grandparents play, sharing stories, traditions, and unconditional love across generations.
Last Updated on 2 July 2025 by Clare Brown