Meeting the Challenge of Kids and Seniors Together
It is a great opportunity to take care of the grandkids without Mom and Dad honing in on the fun. On the other hand there is no relief either! Keeping grandkids busy, happy and entertained while Grandma and Grandpa stay sound and strong can be a challenging undertaking. One solution is to take the kids on trips where they expend a lot of energy and the old folks can participate to an extent, watch for a while, and perhaps even prevent their own home from becoming the neighborhood playground.
The Library and Bookstores
One of the best free places to take kids is the public library. Children’s sections usually have cozy seating areas for kids and their companions. Everyone can browse the stacks, choose books and get comfortable while grandparents read to the kids, or vice versa. Check the library’s schedule of events. Most libraries have story hour and other children’s activities planned throughout the year. Many bookstores also offer inviting children’s areas for browsing, reading and amusing the little ones.
Outdoor Activities
Sunny days beckon kids outdoors. Where ever you live there are parks and playgrounds for the grandkids to run around while adults can walk, sit in the sun and keep a watchful eye. Bring along snacks or a picnic lunch to share.
Farms within a reasonable driving distance of urban and suburban areas offer activities such as hay rides, tours, animal feedings and pick-your-own opportunities during the spring, summer and fall. Kids love to fill their own small baskets with strawberries or other fruit in the spring and choose their very own pumpkins in the fall.
Store Visits
Many large box stores have exhibits and hands-on displays kids can enjoy. One place to spend a cold or rainy day is a Bass Pro Shop. Kids are fascinated by the huge fish tank stocked with a variety of fish. There are boats, tractors, and other vehicles - depending on the season - for the kids to inspect. There is a climbing wall for the older ones; it is usually open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Some stores have a small pond stocked with a couple of real ducks surrounded by large stuffed animals, such as bears and deer. Large pet supply stores present interesting sights for kids of all ages. There are often fish tanks with all kinds of sea creatures and displays with birds and small reptiles.
The Zoo
The local zoo is always a great place for everybody. Many offer discounts, especially on weekdays. Family memberships may also be a bargain. Spring, summer and fall visitors can benefit from outdoor walking paths. Indoor pavilions housing birds and small animals such as snakes and frogs, and buildings housing larger animals offer interesting viewing often bypassed in warm weather.
Museums
A lot of museums give discounts, student rates and scheduled free days. These may be one day a week or just one day a year. Research before visiting large museums for the most appropriate areas your group might like. Many communities have children’s museums which are small enough to offer plenty of hands-on activities with minimal walking requirements.
Indoor at Home and Away Activities
Most kids enjoy arts and crafts. A great rainy day event is a trip to a crafts store to stock up on materials for a family project. Ideas include: placemats, table centerpieces, holiday-themed name tags, cards for special occasions (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, etc.), collages (kids can cut pictures from magazines, old cards, etc.) – use your imagination and ask the kids for suggestions. You might be surprised what great ideas they have!
While you are out shopping you might plan a meal, or perhaps just a fantastic special dessert. Check out a children’s cook book while at the library, then shop for the ingredients for a feast everyone can help prepare.
There is always McDonalds!
McDonald’s play areas provide opportunities for kids to maneuver through tubes, walk across poles and nets and enjoy the equipment. Grandma and Grandpa can buy a cup of coffee, sit and watch while the kids play to their heart’s content. You do not have to buy a whole meal for the suddenly hungry gang – a snack and drink should suffice.
Final Note
Peruse the weekend section of your local paper for activities both grandparents and young ones will enjoy. Puppet shows, children’s theaters and other community groups produce low-cost programs everyone will enjoy. Many organizations arrange special family-oriented events throughout the year. Do a little research, plan your excursions and the result can be entertaining experiences supplying everyone with memories for a lifetime.
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