23 Easy Things to Try for Grandparent-Grandchild Bonding

Yarn is a handy craft supply that doesn’t cost or mess up much. It can be transformed into a wide range of projects for little ones and teens. Yarn comes in solid colors, variegated, and even with glitter. Dream catchers, friendship bracelets, and decorative yarn balls are just a few of the possibilities waiting for you and your grandkids to create.

Throw yourself into building solid memories with painted rock art. You may need to purchase acrylic paint and brushes along with permanent markers, but the rocks may come from your yard or somewhere nearby. You can also find bags of rocks at a dollar store. Let your grandkids paint and draw simple or ornate designs, and hide the finished projects around town for someone else to discover.

Send boredom down the tubes when your grandkids come to visit. Save your toilet paper and paper towel rolls for crafting projects. Your grandkids can repurpose the rolls into their finest art, which can include caricatures of animals or insects, musical instruments, confetti poppers, rain sticks, or colorful bracelets. These tubes can also serve as tracks for marbles or toy cars.

Let your grandkids create an economical and environmentally friendly bird feeder without any wood or nails. You only need some string, a pinecone, honey or peanut butter, a knife for spreading, and birdseed. Tie the string under the top ridges of the pinecone, leaving enough to hang. Cover the cone with the honey or peanut butter and roll it in the seeds. Hang it where you all can watch the birds enjoy their treat.

Put extra buttons to crafty use with flower button art. Place in a frame for an ever-fresh display. Create handmade cards with brightly colored cardstock, green foam sheets, glue, scissors, and buttons of any shape or size. Combine with jewelry cord or string to make wearable gifts such as stylish button bracelets, necklaces, or anklets.

Let your grandkids release their imagination on the pavement of your driveway or sidewalk in front of your house. Chalk is inexpensive and lasts a long time, perfect for outdoor activity. Take pictures of the artwork and wash away easily with a water hose. Make chalk together with any online recipe. Pour into toilet paper rolls, ice cube trays, or small paper cups.

Egg cartons hold immense potential for small masterpieces. Cut out the egg sections and add googly eyes and fuzzy sticks to create little bugs or monsters. Creative hands can make the little sections of cardboard egg cartons blossom into flower petals, too. Color or paint and make funny or scary face masks.

Playdough is quite easy and affordable to make at home. Creating it is as fun as playing with it. Varieties are limitless, as you and your grandkids can add any colors or scents and use warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Some recipes are edible or do not even require cooking. Just work with what you have on hand and store it in a plastic bag or covered container.

Save or purchase popsicle sticks for endless crafting options with your grandkids. Add glue and paint to these versatile art staples to create a variety of projects that can stick around for a long time. Build paper fans, airplanes, or holiday ornaments and have a bundle of fun with your grandchildren.

Now you can allow your grandkids to draw on their clothes without getting into trouble. With some cheap t-shirts and permanent markers or fabric paint, your grandchildren can create their own hand-crafted apparel line. This is an ideal alternative to tie-dyeing which can be cumbersome and messy. Place a piece of cardboard inside the shirt to keep the ink from seeping through to the back of the shirt.

You and your grandchildren can unfold a whole new world of artistic opportunities with crafting paper or recycled paper. They'll practice cutting, making straight creases, and bringing their ideas to life without making sticky messes. Bracelets, chains, wreaths, planes, cards, and paper dolls are some examples of what you and your youngsters can fashion together.

Mason jars make a great base for beautiful and practical crafts. They come in many sizes and can add a vintage appeal to any décor. These containers work wonderfully as candle holders, centerpieces, and vases. If you prefer not to hassle with paint, provide your grandchildren with ribbon, lace, washi tape or beads with adhesive to make unique, long-lasting art.

If you sew, crochet, knit, or do woodwork or calligraphy, make memories and pass on your skills and passion to your grandchildren. As you have discovered over the years, these arts help pass the time with productive and creative results. Helping your grandkids cultivate a new hobby is not only fun for the present but meaningful for their future.

The simple act of sharing a book bridges the gap between generations. As you turn each page, you're not just exploring a fictional world or diving into historical events; you're creating a shared experience. Whether it's a classic tale from your youth or a contemporary children's story, reading together offers a unique bonding opportunity. It's a chance to discuss characters, share perspectives, and even relate stories to personal experiences. In this digital age, the tactile feel of a book and the shared journey through its pages is a priceless way to connect.

Museums are more than just buildings filled with artifacts; they're gateways to different eras, cultures, and worlds. Taking your grandkids on a museum adventure offers a dual experience: they get to learn about history, art, or science, while you get the joy of seeing their wonder and curiosity. It's an opportunity to discuss the past, dream about the future, and even share personal stories related to the exhibits. Every corner turned and every display observed becomes a conversation starter, making the museum trip a richly educational and bonding experience.

Every family tree is rich with stories, some funny, some touching, and some downright unbelievable. Sharing these tales with your grandkids isn't just about reminiscing; it's about imparting wisdom, teaching lessons, and keeping ancestral memories alive. Each story offers insights into different times, challenges faced, and joys celebrated. As you narrate tales of yesteryears, you're not just entertaining your grandkids; you're giving them a deeper understanding of their roots, values, and the journey that led to them.

In today's fast-paced digital world, the charm of a handwritten letter stands unmatched. Teaching your grandkids this art is like gifting them a piece of nostalgia. It's about slowing down, penning thoughts, and creating something tangible that lasts. Beyond the act of writing, it's about anticipation – the wait for a reply, the joy of receiving a letter, and the thrill of opening it. In a world of instant gratifications, a letter is a reminder of the beauty of patience and the joy of heartfelt communication.

The playground, with its swings, slides, and sandpits, is a microcosm of life. It's where grandkids learn some of life's earliest lessons: sharing, patience, and the joy of simple pleasures. As you push them on a swing or watch them build sandcastles, you're not just playing; you're imparting life lessons. It's a place where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and memories are made. Every visit is an opportunity to teach, learn, and most importantly, enjoy the unbridled joy of childhood.

The digital realm might seem daunting, but it's a world filled with wonders. Exploring apps with your grandkids is a journey into their world. It's a chance to understand what fascinates them, learn something new, and even share a piece of your wisdom. From educational apps that make learning fun to creative platforms that unleash the artist within, the app world is vast and varied. Navigating it together not only bridges the generational gap but also offers countless opportunities for fun and learning.

Nature offers countless wonders, and bird watching is a serene way to observe them. With a pair of binoculars in hand and a sense of curiosity, the world transforms into a vibrant stage where birds play the lead. Each chirp, flutter, and flight tells a story. As you and your grandkids identify different species, track their patterns, and simply enjoy their beauty, you're not just observing; you're connecting with nature and each other. It's a tranquil activity that teaches patience, observation, and the joy of life's simple pleasures.

Food has a unique way of bringing people together. A lunch date with your grandkids is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's about trying new dishes, sharing favorites, and indulging in delightful conversations. Whether it's at a quaint café, a bustling diner, or even a picnic in the park, the setting hardly matters. What's important is the shared joy of a meal, the stories exchanged, and the memories created. In the tapestry of life, these lunch dates become cherished threads that weave generations together.

The magic of cinema is timeless. Hosting a movie day with your grandkids is an invitation to a world of imagination, adventure, and emotions. As the screen lights up, you're transported to different worlds, experiencing stories that make you laugh, cry, and think. It's an opportunity to introduce them to classics you adore, or to dive into new tales they love. Accompanied by popcorn, cushions, and shared laughter, movie day becomes more than just entertainment; it's a cherished ritual that strengthens bonds.

The game of 20 questions is a delightful dance of curiosity and guesswork. It's a chance to delve into each other's minds, trying to unravel thoughts with just questions as clues. As you and your grandkids take turns, the game becomes a journey of discovery. It's not just about guessing the right answer; it's about understanding perspectives, thinking creatively, and enjoying the thrill of the chase. In this simple game, every question asked and every answer given becomes a testament to the bond you share.