As a grandma, I know time flies. People say ‘the days are long, but the years are short,’ and it’s true! When I was a mom, I didn’t realize how fast time passed.
Now, as a grandma, I’m making a list of all the fun things I want to do with my grandkids before they grow up. Here are a few ideas from my list:
1. Take a hike
Spending time in nature is good for the heart—and your bond. Find an easy trail nearby and go explore. Walk at your own pace, take in the views, and look for cool rocks, leaves, or sticks. Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap a few fun pictures!
2. Make a recipe together
Pick a favorite family recipe—or try something totally new—and cook or bake it together. Let your grandchild stir, pour, and taste along the way. Talk about where the recipe came from or make up a silly name for your dish. Cooking together is a great way to bond, and the mess just adds to the fun!
3. Have a sleepover
Sleepovers at Grandma’s house are always fun, but this one is special. It’s just you and your grandchild—no one else. Make it extra exciting with favorite snacks, games, movies, and a few surprises. This one-on-one time helps build a strong bond and makes sweet memories you’ll both treasure.
4. Volunteer together
Helping others is a great way to grow closer. Sign up to do something kind as a team—run a booth at your church’s carnival, help out at a soup kitchen, or visit an animal shelter to walk dogs or clean cages. Serving others together teaches love, compassion, and teamwork.
5. Plant a garden
Start a small garden together. Your grandchild can help plant seeds, pull weeds, or pick vegetables. Even if they don’t live nearby, they can help during visits. Gardening teaches patience, hard work, and where our food comes from. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors together.
6. Take a class together
Learning something new with your grandchild is a great way to connect. You could try a pottery class, take a few yoga lessons, or even join a painting group. No matter what you pick, the fun and memories will last a long time for both of you.
7. Build a fort
Grab some blankets, pillows, and chairs, and turn your living room into a magical hideout. Add flashlights, books, snacks, or even a movie on a tablet. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a pretend castle, building a fort brings out big imaginations and creates little moments you’ll both remember.
8. Ice cream for dinner
Think back—didn’t you dream of this as a kid? Now it’s your turn to surprise your grandchild! Let them enjoy ice cream as the main meal. It might be silly, but it’s a memory they’ll talk about for years.
9. Share a hobby
Sharing a hobby is one of the best ways to grow closer. Each of my grandkids has something special we do together—like birdwatching, rock collecting, or baking cookies. Hobbies give your grandchild something fun to enjoy now and maybe even for the rest of their life.
10. Take a trip
Trips with grandchildren are always an adventure! Parents can come along if you’d like the help—we usually invite them, and it makes things easier. We’ve visited the mountains, the beach, and even Disney!
But trips don’t have to be big. A short drive, dinner out, or a night at a nearby hotel can be just as special. Even road trips for weddings can count!
11. Have a “yes day”
Take ice cream for dinner and make it even bigger! A “yes” day means you say yes to most of what your grandchild asks—if it’s safe and something you can do.
Cookies for breakfast? Sure! Wearing a tutu and an eye patch to the play place? Why not! Pizza in front of the TV while watching cartoons? Absolutely! This kind of day shows them you’re up for fun and helps you both laugh and bond.
Read Also: How to Have a “Yes Day” With Your Grandchild—And Make It One They’ll Never Forget)
12. Play a sport
Get moving with your grandkids! You don’t need to play a fast game like football or basketball (unless you want to). Try something easier like bowling, golfing, or even tossing a frisbee in the yard. The goal is to have fun and be active together.
13. Go apple picking
If there’s an orchard nearby, spend a day picking apples together. No apple trees? No worries! You can go pick pumpkins, strawberries, raspberries, or even flowers instead. It’s a fun way to enjoy nature and bring something fresh home.
14. Attend an event
Going to a live event is a great way to make memories. If your grandchild loves musicals, take them to a play. If they’re into sports, cheer on a team together—high school, college, or pro. Got a cowboy or cowgirl fan? A rodeo might be perfect. The options are endless!
15. Create a time capsule
Making a time capsule is such a fun project! Pick a box and fill it with things like photos, drawings, small toys, newspaper clippings, and notes about your life right now. Seal it up and choose a date—5 or 10 years from now—to open it together. When that day comes, you’ll both love looking back and remembering the good times.
16. Just watch them
This one is for you. Grab a cup of coffee, sit down, and simply enjoy watching your grandchild play. Whether they’re building with Legos, playing with dolls, reading, or drawing, take it all in. Their little voices, their smiles, their curiosity—these moments go by fast. Don’t miss them.
17. Spend all the time you can
As your grandkids grow older, they’ll get busier with school and friends. That’s why it’s so important to enjoy time with them now. Play, talk, laugh, and be present. Every moment counts, and the memories you make now will stay in their hearts forever.
What else would you add? I hope these ideas help you enjoy every moment before your grandchild turns 18. So go on—make some memories today!
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