Grandparents Day Is This Weekend—Here Are 35 Activities and Unique Ideas To Celebrate

Regardless of the vast difference in ages, there is typically a very strong bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Maybe it's because grandparents are entering somewhat of a second childhood at this more relaxed time of life. They definitely have time to reflect on the past and pass down a little wisdom and love to their beloved children's children.

This is why we like to celebrate grandparents with their own special day. This year, Grandparents Day is on Sunday, September 10. If you are wondering how to celebrate, we have a whopping 35 Grandparents Day activities for you.

Depending on the age of the child, some of the ideas listed will work better than others. However, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Grandparents Day for all ages. Each of these ideas is guaranteed to make a grandma or grandpa feel special and honored. Besides that, this particular holiday is another fun excuse to get the generations together for lots of love and laughs.

Related: 121 Questions To Ask Your Grandparents About Their Lives, According to a Licensed Therapist

Is Grandparents Day Held On the Same Day Every Year?

In the U.S., Grandparents Day is always held on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, the special day falls on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Why We Celebrate Grandparents Day

The idea of Grandparents Day first originated in 1961 at a White House Conference on Aging. Jacob Reingold of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale was inspired by a speech about the new image of aging. It led him to focus on recognizing the role of grandparents among millions of older Americans.

What started as a special day to honor grandparents in the Hebrew Home, ended up being an official holiday in the Bronx starting in 1963.

It wasn't until January 27, 1987, that the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day as signed by President Jimmy Carter.

To honor the day, it is urged that grandparents share their wisdom and perspectives with young people. Luckily, there are lots of ways to share wisdom and knowledge in fun ways.

Related: 50 Great Gifts for New Grandparents

35 Meaningful Grandparents Day Activities

1. Interview one or more grandparents

This is a great way to learn some family history and get to know what shaped a grandparent's life.

2. Watch home movies together

It can be hard to visualize a grandparent in the younger years but home movies bring that reality to life.

3. Use photo albums while telling a story

Stories about the past are always fascinating and it's better yet to bring the story to life with pictures.

4. Share or cook a family recipe together

Cooking or baking is a fun activity to do with kids and letting them in on a secret family recipe is just icing on the cake.

5. Have grandkids make a homemade card

Grandparents love to see a grandchild's artwork and a thoughtful homemade card is the perfect way to showcase art and sentiment.

Related: 50 of the Most Adorable Names and Nicknames All Grandmas Will Love

6. Make a memorable scrapbook

Have grandchildren choose their favorite photos or other materials, that remind them of time spent with grandparents, to create a memorable scrapbook. Some items to include could be event tickets or artwork done together.

7. Go on a nature walk

Walking together through the woods is both peaceful and conducive to good conversation.

8. Gift a keepsake gift to your grandchild

A sweet way to celebrate Grandparents Day is for the grandparent to gift the child with a memorable keepsake like a locket or pocket watch.

9. Do a craft project

Together, you and your grandchild can create some fun art that could be kept by the grandparent as a memorable keepsake.

10. Read books

Have your grandchild read a favorite book to you and then you read a favorite book to your grandchild.

11. Go out for a nice dinner

Create a special bonding experience over some fine dining and good conversation.

12. See a play or musical

Special events are a fun way to bond and experience a little culture together.

Related: 55 Fun Things To Do With Grandkids—Indoor, Outdoor and Sleepover Activities

Fun Ways To Celebrate Grandparents Day

13. Put together a puzzle together

Whether simple or complicated, putting together a puzzle is a rewarding accomplishment to do as a team.

14. Have a jam session

Sing songs or play music that all will enjoy. Maybe a child would even want to make up a song about their grandparents.

15. Play board games together

A little friendly competition is sure to bring about some laughs as well as memories.

Related: Open Up a Box of Family Fun—Here Are the 30 Best Board Games for Kids

16. Teach a grandparent new technology

Even young grandkids can have fun showing grandparents what games they play and learn from on their tablets.

17. Watch a meaningful movie together

With popcorn, of course.

18. Sit around a campfire and make smores

This is a great time to share spooky stories as well!

19. Have a sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Stay up late and eat all of the fun foods.

20. Capture a photo memory

Take a full family photo or just a photo of grandkids with grandparents.

21. Initiate FaceTime or make a phone call

When grandparents don't live close by a phone call or Facetime is a meaningful way to connect.

22. Write a poem

Create a poem about your grandparent that will be treasured for years to come.

23. Create matching t-shirts

Use iron-on transfers or tie-dye to create fun shirts to wear to honor the day.

24. Share a hobby

Share your favorite hobby with your grandchild and have them share something they like to do.

Special Ways To Celebrate Grandparents Day

25. Take a vacation together

Extend the day celebration to a longer period of time with a weekend away somewhere you all will enjoy.

26. Help a grandparent

Help out your grandma and/or grandpa by cleaning, getting groceries or doing a little yard work.

27. Plant a tree together

Each year on Grandparents Day, you can compare the growth of the tree as well as the grandchild.

Related: This Promotion Comes With a Title Change! Here Are 50 Unique Grandpa Name Ideas

28. Deliver a meal or snack

Grandparents will love a special treat delivered to them from a beloved grandchild.

29. Plan an in-person visit

Even if it's not a super long get-together, an in-person visit will bring a lot of joy to a grandparent.

30. Build something together

Build a bench or a birdhouse as a memorable piece to keep in the garden.

31. Tour of homes

If you have lived in different homes but in the same area, it would be fun to take your grandkids on a little tour of the homes you used to live in.

32. Play outdoor games

Get outside with a grandchild and play softball, badminton, bean bag toss or any other fun game.

33. Plant something in a garden

September is still a good time to plant a variety of things and is a good teaching experience.

34. Take a bike ride together

Biking is good for all ages and is a fun way to spend time together.

35. Go on a picnic at a park

Pack some favorite foods and enjoy the park activities.

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