articles

10 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents

Grandparents Day is Sept. 12

By Kara Murphy September 7, 2021

Grandparents: We love them, our kids adore them ... and in turn they offer unconditional love (and — if you're lucky — free babysitting!). Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 12 and there's no better way to show the older people in your life how much you and your kids love and appreciate them than spending the day with them. And for those of you grandparents raising your grandkids full-time? We see and very much appreciate you! 

Lucky enough to have grandparents who live close by? Here are 10 ideas on how to spend Grandparents Day Sept. 12.



 Getty Images via Canva


1. Take them out for a special meal

Let them choose the restaurant, or take them to one of your favorites! No matter where you end up, mark the special occasion with a photo.

2. Go for a walk in the woods

If your grandparents love fresh air and hiking in the woods, there might be no simpler way to spend the day! 

3. Plan a picnic 

Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic at your favorite park.



 Getty Images via Canva


4. Let your child share one of their favorite places

Does your child have a favorite trampoline park, amusement park, or playground? Grandma and Grandpa might love to come along to take part, or if that's too much, simply watch their grandchildren enjoy themselves! Your children, in turn, will probably love to tour Grandma and Grandpa around their favorite place. 


Grandparents live far away? 

Let them know you're thinking of them on Grandparents Day! Here are three ways to tell them you love them from a distance:

Make a video

Kids can list all the things they love about grandma and grandpa.

Send them a hug

Tape together a few pieces of newspaper or use the white side of wrapping paper and outline your child with their arms outstretched. Let your kids color themselves in. Fold it up, put it in an envelope, and send that hug to Grandma and Grandpa!

DIY coasters

Grandparents love personalized gifts, so make them DIY coasters, either with your kids' picture or a drawing they've completed. See how to do it here.


5. Let grandparents share one of their favorite places

Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity that you haven't been to before! Let them take you and your kids along to experience what makes it important to them. They'll love introducing you and your kids to their friends and sharing a place that's special.

6. Visit a museum together

Museums are a great place to spend a day with Grandma and Grandpa! 

7. Say hi to the animals

Grandparents probably love to see animals as much as their grandkids!



 Monkey Business Images via Canva


8. Plan a photo scavenger hunt

We developed this fun scavenger hunt for teens and tweens but there's no reason why Grandma and Grandpa can't take part too! Make great memories by taking selfies together, recreating a famous Beatles album cover, and just generally spending the day out being silly together.

9. Go for ice cream

Who doesn't love a sweet treat?

10. Plan a photo shoot

Grandparents love family photos (and who doesn't?!?), so arrange a photo shoot with a photographer on Grandparents Day, or gift them a certificate to use later. 



 Getty Images Signature via Canva