When Was the Last Time You Visited Your Grandparents?
Adult kids know their parents’ excitement when they visit or call to say hello—grandparents, on the other hand, take it to a whole new level. Though it can feel like you have nothing in common, there are plenty of ways to spend time together and make memories that count!
1. Cook Family Recipes
Those delicious family recipes you love cooking all came from somewhere: your grandparents! Recruit them for a little help inside the kitchen and build lasting memories with them as you make their signature dish together. You'll likely pick up a few tricks along the way.
2. Go Through Old Photos
Our grandparents likely have shoeboxes full of old photos and family memories. Who better to tell you all the stories? Grandparents love to sit down and go through Memory Lane, so you should enjoy the journey with them.
3. Have a Tea Party
We all love a good cup of coffee, but something about tea at grandma’s house just makes the day better. Simple snacks and a hearty mug of Earl Grey often lead to conversation, laughter, and shared memories. Get the kettle ready and sit outside for a touch of sun!
4. Play Cards
You’d be surprised how many card games have existed throughout history. All you need is a good deck to play a game of Euchre, Rummy, Hearts, or Whist. Your grandparents might even introduce you to ones you’ve never heard of.
5. Ask Them About Memories
All those incredible memories and no one to share them with—until now! Speak with your grandparents about their childhoods, their friends, or trips they took back in the day. As much as we joke about their constant storytelling, you may find you miss it down the line.
6. Do Puzzles Together
Whether it’s a crossword or a jigsaw puzzle, simple brain games keep your minds sharp. You can also bring new activities like chess or Scrabble to the kitchen table and see which team comes out on top. Whatever you choose, they’re amazing opportunities for good conversation.
7. Go on a Walk Together
We could all use a bit of time away from our screens, and there’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful day than a relaxing walk. Walking is also a terrific remedy for arthritis, so our grandparents can knock out two birds with one stone.
8. Read With Them
Not every visit to grandma’s house needs endless conversation or a constant flow of food. Sometimes it’s more than enough to be with each other. What’s more, if your grandparents are older, you could always read to them as well.
9. Garden Together
Retirement frees a person’s entire schedule—and that means more time in the garden! As much as our grandparents love a stunning flower bed, that doesn’t mean they won’t welcome our help along the way. It’s especially useful to tackle strenuous tasks so they don’t injure themselves.
10. Revisit Favorite Locations
Did you ever walk with your grandma to a coffee shop? Did your granddad take you to a mall every weekend? It’s time to revisit some favorite childhood haunts. Head to those special places and add to your list of made memories.
11. Take a Trip With Them
Our grandparents benefit from a long weekend just as much as we do. Bring them along the next time you head out of town. You’ll explore a new city together, indulge in touristy spots, and have a trip to remember!
12. Head to an Art Gallery
From interactive exhibits to local artist displays, you can always venture to the gallery for a cultured afternoon. You may even meet local artists, getting a chance to speak with them about their vision and giving you something to talk about afterward.
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13. Go Fishing
If you can read together, you can certainly fish together! With a cooler full of sandwiches and a few hours on the water, you can soak in the sun and hopefully catch dinner. You don’t even have to speak either, simply enjoying the peace and each other’s company.
14. Visit the Museum
If you’re really looking to head down Memory Lane, museum exhibits are the perfect place. The best part about these is that you don’t need to head there in person either—some exhibits offer virtual tours that you can enjoy from the comfort of grandma’s house.
15. Take a Road Trip
We can’t always spend a long weekend away, but we can enjoy a road trip! A little time on the road encourages good music and conversation, all before you explore a new location together.
16. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Would you like to support local artisans? How about scoring fresh produce from local farmers? A farmer’s market is your one-way ticket to both. Bring your grandparents and spend the day perusing all those goodies.
17. Just Sit and Talk
With so many screens at our fingertips, we’ve lost the art of conversation. Do you know who helps you get it back? Grandparents! Sit down and enjoy a good talk—it’s more rejuvenating than it seems.
18. Bake Cookies
If you’re not in the mood for a full plate of pasta, you can always whip up some cookies instead. It’s just as fun an activity and you can still build lasting memories over a cup of flour. You never know, they may have another recipe to share with you.
19. Go to the Library
Libraries can double as community centers, so you have an abundance of options to choose from. Attend an author talk with your grandparents. Sit with them in a simple tech class. Read a book together. However you choose to spend time, you can comfortably do it in those comfy chairs.
20. Have a Sleepover
If you haven’t seem those videos online yet, we'll break down the adorable concept: adult grandkids spontaneously visit their grandparents for sleepovers! They film their grandparents’ excited faces as they all sit in the living room for a campout. If you haven’t seen yours in a while, try it for yourself!