Spending time with your grandchildren is one of the greatest joys of retirement. Whether it’s for a few hours or an entire weekend, these moments can quickly become cherished memories for the whole family. There’s no need for big outings or complicated plans. Often, it’s the simple things that leave the most lasting memories. Here are some intergenerational activity ideas to enjoy with your grandchildren during the summer holidays.
Board Games: A Timeless Classic
Bringing out a board game is always a great way to gather everyone around the table. Classics like Uno, Pictionary, dominoes, or chess are often favorites across generations. Depending on your grandchildren’s ages, you can also choose educational or cooperative games. The key is to pick something simple and fun, with no pressure, just enjoyment for everyone.
Cooking Together
Cooking with grandchildren is both fun and meaningful. Whether it’s baking cookies, making an apple pie, preparing a family recipe, or simply putting together sandwiches for a picnic, it’s a wonderful bonding activity.
Kids love getting hands-on in the kitchen, especially when they’re allowed to lick the spoon or taste the cookie dough! Cooking together is not only about enjoying the moment but also about passing on skills and traditions they’ll remember for years to come.
Crafts at Home
Creative activities are a great way to stimulate imagination for both young and old. You don’t need a lot of materials to have fun: colored pencils, paint, glue, scissors, and a few recycled items are often enough.
To make it even more special, try projects like:
- Creating a personalized greeting card for a family member
- Making homemade soap
- Painting a canvas where everyone adds their personal touch
- Putting together a memory album with photos and drawings
These kinds of crafts allow everyone to express themselves and let their imagination run free.
Get Moving: Simple Physical Activities
Children need to move, and so do grandparents! You don’t have to be a top athlete to enjoy physical activities together. A bike ride for those who are comfortable, a game of mini-golf, or even a pickleball session can be fun for all ages. Sports become a great excuse to stay active, have fun, and maintain your well-being without any pressure.
Outdoor Adventures
If the weather is nice, a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the park, or an outdoor picnic is always a hit. It’s the perfect chance to get fresh air, move around, and explore nature together.
You can even turn it into an adventure: organize a treasure hunt, collect leaves or rocks for a craft project, or simply watch birds. These little moments often become big memories for children.
Reading Together
Reading a story to your grandchild is a simple yet meaningful moment. For younger ones, it’s a way to discover new words, spark their imagination, and enjoy a calm time with someone they love. If your grandchildren are older, you could read a comic book or a children’s novel together.
Sharing Knowledge Gently
These moments are also perfect for sharing a skill or passion. Have you always loved gardening, knitting, or playing music? Why not show them? It’s not about giving a lesson, but inviting them to take part in something you love. They’ll feel proud to learn something new, especially when it’s coming from you.
Enjoying Quiet Time
Sometimes, the best activities are the simplest ones. Watching a movie together, flipping through a photo album, sharing childhood memories, or just having a conversation can be enough to build a strong connection. Quiet moments allow children to get to know you better and learn that quality time doesn’t always involve games or excitement. For you, it’s also a chance to slow down and enjoy their company without needing to plan anything elaborate.
Tailored Activities to Their Age and Energy
Of course, the right activity for a three-year-old won’t be the same as for a teenager. The key is to listen to your own energy level, your interests, and those of your grandchildren. If you’re spending time with multiple grandchildren at once, try planning activities where everyone can participate at their own level, or ask them to lead the way with ideas of what they’d like to do. What matters most is simply being together.
Thinking about Moving or Planning for the Future?
If you’re considering a change in your living situation, whether now or in the future, know that there are many options available to help you stay active, surrounded by people, and ready to welcome your grandchildren in a comfortable and adapted environment.
At Bonjour Résidences, we’re here to support you free of charge in your search for a senior living residence that fits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re fully independent, starting to experience a slight loss of autonomy, or simply curious about what’s available, our team is here to guide you at your own pace. Contact our senior housing specialists at 1 844 918-1020 or fill out an online request.