Here are some suggestions for places to visit and things to do that will help any grandparent to make the most of spring and summer with their grandkids. Grandma Camps are organized in different ways, according to the capabilities and interests of the grandparents. If you’ve never done one before, you’ll want to start with the basics of Grandma Camp. Then you can move on to deciding on activities for your Grandma Camp. There are also several fine books about Grandma Camp. Theme parks are probably the most popular choice. Disney World in Orlando may be the top pick for most grandparents, but don’t overlook the calmer charms of the original Disneyland in California. The Harry Potter parks are other popular destinations—both the original Wizarding World at Universal Orlando and the one at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. If you have teen grandchildren, you may be thinking of more urban destinations, like New York, which is fun for everyone except very small grandchildren. Here are some other destinations that you may not have considered:
Branson, MissouriYosemite National Park
Grandparent Camps, held in numerous locations, are great, low-stress ways to enjoy time with grandchildren. The camp organizers take care of almost all of the planning. The same is true of companies that specialize in multigenerational travel. While resorts also do most of the planning for you, too, they can be expensive. It can be fun to travel with grandchildren alone, but traveling with grandchildren and their parents has its charms, too. If you’ll be road-tripping with grandchildren, you have to play road trip games. If you will travel by air, you will need air travel tips, including how to ensure that you’ll be seated with your grandchildren. Kid-friendly lodging is important for a successful trip, although some intrepid grandparents opt for camping with grandchildren. “Gramping” can include enjoying the outdoors in a traditional way or opting for more luxury with a stay in a hotel or resort. Start with old-fashioned outdoor games like kickball and Swing the Statue. Then organize an outdoor treasure hunt. The clues are already made for you! On a more informal note, grandparents and grandchildren alike will enjoy these outdoor games for all generations. Bocce, anyone? This list of old-fashioned fun and games is mostly geared toward the outdoors, but a few are suitable for rainy days, too. Don’t forget, however, that grandchildren also need time for free play. Splash parks, also known as splash pads or spray grounds, are fun places for grandchildren that are generally safer than other water venues. When nothing but an actual body of water will do, grandparents need to be well versed in water safety.
When you’re stuck inside, try board games or an indoor treasure hunt. If you have a simple deck of cards, you can play card games. Reading is always a hit, especially if you have books about grandparents and grandchildren having adventures together. Rainy days are great for cooking together. Bake up a classic cookie recipe or invent one of your own. Feeling crafty? A newer craft that many grandparents and grandchildren enjoy is painting rocks to hide. If you are feeling verbally creative, help the grandchildren write their own poems or try another fun summer writing activity.
It may not be as popular as Halloween or Christmas, but Easter celebrations are a great opportunity to get family together. Fill Easter basket with tiny toys, paint and hide eggs, and try other Easter games. May is graduation time. Get ideas for gifts for grandchildren graduating from high school and also for grandchildren graduating from college. Summer is the most popular time for family reunions. Your gathering is bound to be a hit with these tips for a great reunion.
