25 Fall Activities to do with your Grandchildren

Summer heat and humidity are gone, so while there may be no more trips to the pool, the cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors make for plenty of things to do both indoors and out. All it takes is an open mind, a little time, and a lot of creativity.  Read on for 25 ideas for having fun with your grandchildren at little or no cost.

1. Stargaze- Grab a blanket and a thermos of hot chocolate, then lie back and pick out constellations and look for shooting stars to wish on. Check out the following web sites to print out a nightly star guide: www.kidscosmos.com or http://www.kidsastronomy.com/.
2. Rake leaves- Most children love to play outside, and raking leaves can be turned into a fun activity. After the leaves are raked, let the kids jump in the pile.
3. Press leaves- Collect colorful leaves and press them in books. Make a special autumn journal with the pressed leaves and bring it to an office supply store to have it laminated. Make sure you write a special note about your grandchild for their keepsake journal. Another fun art idea is to place a leaf vein-side up beneath a piece of paper. Then, rub a crayon sideways along the paper’s top side. It will make a pretty leaf print for a journal or special picture.
4. Pick apples- Take the grandkids to an orchard and let them pick apples. They’ll enjoy spending time outdoors and breathing in the cool, fall air.
5. Bake a pie- Take some of the apples you picked and bake an apple pie. See the websites www.juicyjuice.com and www.momswhothink.com for easy apple pie recipes.
6. Attend a high school sporting event- Support your local high school by attending their football or soccer game. Bring your own popcorn and hot chocolate. Your grandchild will love spending time cheering on the young athletes and it will give them a chance to look forward to playing a sport in high school.
7. Take a scenic drive- Set off for a country drive. Enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage and the vivid changing of leaves. While you are on the ride, play the 20-question game, asking favorite movie and book titles, famous sports and historical figures, or unique things about family members.
8. Go for a hike - Enjoy the cool fall weather by taking a hike. If you want to make it an educational trip as well, then bring a guide of the local trees. Make it a game as to who can find the most different kinds of trees.
9. Have a campout- Before the weather gets too cold, have a campout in the backyard. That way you can always move it indoors if it gets too chilly, or the younger ones lose their enthusiasm. Build a campfire or use a grill to make s’mores.
10. Teach them a card game- Children love card games, so teach them one that you grew up playing. If they get bored, try building a house of cards!
11. Teach them a game from your youth- Choose a favorite game from your youth like marbles or checkers and teach the game to your grandchildren.
12. Share a favorite hobby- Share with your grandchild your favorite hobby and teach them how to do it – playing piano, crocheting, knitting, cooking, woodworking, or whatever your passion is.
13. Tell stories about your youth- Pick an activity that your grandchild enjoys and tell them how it differs from when you were a youth.
14. Make a pizza- You can be very adventurous and make homemade dough with all the works, or buy the dough at the store and add your favorite toppings.
15. Visit a playground- Ride bicycles to a park and play on the equipment.
16. Feed some birds- Save some stale bread and visit a park to feed the birds or go to a local pond to feed the ducks.
17. Visit the library- Go to the library and pick out your favorite type of stories. Take turns reading chapters out loud to each other in the coziest and favorite place in your house, or outside on a swing or deck.
18. Take advantage of discounted admissions- Look for local museums, events, or activities that offer discounted admission to seniors and see if you can combine it with discounted or free admission for kids.
19. Visit a firehouse- Most firefighters welcome visitors and are happy to give a tour of the firehouse and let little ones sit in the truck. Just call ahead of time to make arrangements,
20. Host a tea party- Break out your good china and get dressed up for afternoon tea. It’s a good opportunity to spend quality time with your grandchild and teach them manners and etiquette while having fun.
21. Fly a kite- Buy an inexpensive kite at a discount store and fly it on a breezy afternoon.
22. Make a scarecrow- Take some old clothes and stuff them with straw, draw a face on a pillowcase, and top it off with a hat to make an inexpensive Halloween decoration for the porch.
23. Carve a pumpkin- Visit a pumpkin patch or farm stand and pick out a nice pumpkin. Have your grandchild design a face and show them how to carve a jack–o-lantern.
24. Have a dance party- Put on some old favorite tunes and dance the night away. Give the kids a lesson in what made the music popular in your youth by showing them well-known dance moves of that time.
25. Share a favorite movie- Choose a classic movie from years ago and tell your grandchild what made it so popular, who the famous actors were, and what was significant to you at the time.

While you are spending time together, talk about and compare how life was when you were young versus now. Even if your grandchildren do not seem to be absorbing all that you are saying, you are making an invaluable contribution to their future life. They will cherish these memories when they have their own grandchildren, and hopefully be inspired to pass down some of the traditions you created and shared together.

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