I’ve loved so many parts of being a mom. But one of the best things was getting to see the world through my kids’ eyes. It felt like I was living my childhood all over again. And now that I’m a grandma, I get to do it again! (And let me tell you—it’s even more fun and a lot less stressful as a grandparent than it was as a parent!)
One of my favorite ways to spend time with my grandkids is by joining in on the games and make-believe stories they come up with.
I also love bringing back some of the fun, old-fashioned activities my family used to enjoy. Here are a few of those classic ideas we still love today:
1. Annual Family Portraits
Today, we all have cameras on our phones, so taking pictures is easier than ever. But even with hundreds of photos in my phone, I still love getting professional family portraits. Every Christmas, I ask my family to pose for one—and they humor me!
At first, you might hear a few groans (kind of like with sing-alongs), but in the end, everyone is glad we did it. These photos become special memories we can keep forever.
2. Ice Cream Socials
Nothing brings people together like ice cream! When I was younger, we used to have big ice cream socials. Everyone made their own sundae with different flavors and toppings. While we enjoyed our treats, we’d catch up with neighbors and friends. It was such a fun way to spend time together!
Even though these kinds of parties aren’t as common anymore, they’re super easy to plan—and always a hit. Why not host one this summer with your family or neighbors? It’s a sweet way to make memories!
3. Drive-In Movie Nights
Drive-in theaters were a big deal when I was a kid. Back then, there were no streaming services or fancy sound systems. We would all hop into our family station wagon, bring snacks and blankets, and head out to the drive-in for a double feature under the stars. Sometimes we even argued over the best parking spot—but that was part of the fun!
There aren’t as many drive-ins today, but most states still have a few. If you find one near you, I really recommend going. It’s a magical experience you won’t forget!
4. Home Movie Nights
When we weren’t at the drive-in, we loved having movie nights at home. We’d watch old home videos using a reel-to-reel projector and a homemade screen. The videos showed birthday parties, Christmas mornings, and even clips of us playing outside. We always ended up laughing and remembering fun times together.
Now, I’m not great with technology, but luckily my kids are! They’ve made fun video montages using clips from their phones. Just like the old home movies, we watch them all snuggled up on the couch—and it brings the same warm feeling.
5. Family Crafting Sessions
Some of my favorite memories are of our family crafting days. We’d cover the table with supplies and pick fun projects to make together. From homemade greeting cards to holiday decorations, we used our imaginations to create all kinds of special crafts.
One time, Grandma made her own glitter glue—and let’s just say the living room sparkled for days! Those moments were messy, fun, and full of laughter.
6. Fishing Trips
It doesn’t matter how old you are—fishing is always fun! With our poles ready and a cooler full of snacks, we’d spend hours at the water, hoping to catch the “big one.”
I have such great memories of fishing with my dad and grandpa. Now, I get to pass that tradition on to my own family. Honestly, there’s nothing like a quiet day by the pond to make you feel like a kid again!
7. Family Potlucks
Back in the day, family potlucks were the best. Everyone brought a homemade dish, and the tables were full of tasty food. The air was filled with the smell of fresh-baked pies—and lots of laughter too!
Want to bring that fun back? Try planning a family reunion. You can reserve a spot at a local park and invite the whole crew. Just ask each family to bring a dish to share, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, memory-making meal!
8. Family Bike Rides
You don’t see as many families riding bikes together these days, and I think that’s a real loss. When I was younger, we’d go on bike rides as a family, especially on nice sunny weekends. We’d ride through the neighborhood, visit parks, and check out local sights.
With the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces, those bike rides turned into wonderful memories. Sure, we sometimes had to stop to fix a flat tire or untangle some streamers—but that just added to the fun!
9. May Day Baskets
When my kids were teenagers, they had fun “ding dong ditching” (yes, there were consequences!), but we also had a sweet tradition: making May Day baskets. We filled them with flowers and candy, then left them on our friends’ front porches as a surprise.
Wouldn’t it be nice to bring that kind tradition back? A little basket can bring a lot of joy!
10. Sing-Alongs Around the Piano
Okay, I know this one might get a few eye-rolls at first—but trust me, once the music starts, it’s hard not to join in! When I was growing up, my family would gather around the piano and sing our favorite songs together. We sang old classics and whatever was popular at the time.
Don’t have a piano? No problem! YouTube has tons of karaoke tracks you can use. Turn up the volume, grab a “microphone,” and get ready for a fun night of singing and dancing!
11. Storytime With Grandma or Grandpa
One of the best parts of visiting my grandparents was snuggling up for storytime. Sometimes they read from a book, and other times they told stories from when they were kids. I still remember those tales like they happened yesterday!
This is a lovely tradition to start with your grandkids. Pick a favorite book—or just share a memory from your childhood. Kids love hearing stories that start with, “When I was your age…”
12. Sunday Morning Pancake Parties
Every Sunday, we’d wake up to the smell of pancakes cooking in the kitchen. My parents let us help pour the batter, flip the pancakes, and of course—add our favorite toppings. It turned breakfast into a little celebration.
How many of these things did you do with your family? Did I miss any? I’d love to hear which traditions you want to bring back with your grandkids!
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