7 Summer Activities for Kids that Are Grandparent Friendly

You have the dates marked on your calendar and realize that the time is fast approaching—time with the grandkids. And while you’re totally jazzed about the opportunity, you can’t help but wonder, “What will I do with them? Will they be bored?”

But have no fear. All you need is a plan that includes summer activities for kids, especially ones that don’t leave you feeling too far out of your element. We’ve compiled a list of grandparent-friendly fun that’s kid-approved.

1. Grandma Camp (or Grandparents Camp)

This is a fun concept that draws on the idea of traditional summer camp but is instead hosted by you—the grandparents. The best part is that you get to decide the length of the camp, the activities, and the rules. You’ll find lots of online resources full of ideas for how to structure your camp.

Choose from day camps to overnight camps that range in length from a single night to a week or more. If you have little ones who aren’t ready for a sleepover, have them return each morning for several days of “day camp.”

Just keep in mind that grandma camp can be as simple or as involved as you want it to be.

2. Water Activities Are a Must

While you might not be up for getting wet, your grandkids will love playing in the water (no matter how old they are). Waterparks, splash pads, and backyard sprinklers are must-do summer activities for kids. If you don’t have a waterpark nearby, splash pads (often at local parks) give the kids some playground time and a chance to cool off.

You can also invest in a simple (or awesome) backyard sprinkler to wow the grandkids any time they’re in the mood to get wet and splash around. If you’re hosting a range of ages, try purchasing more than one sprinkler based on their differing interests.

3. Geocaching (Geo…What?)

If you’re handy with a smartphone, take your tween-aged grandchildren on a memorable adventure. Geocaching combines treasure hunting with the great outdoors and technology. If long nature walks don’t pique your grandkids’ interest, they might be up for hunting treasure with a GPS.

Geocaching is real, outdoor treasure hunting that requires an app download to find different caches in your neighborhood, local trails, or public parks. Once you visit the geocaching website to download the smartphone app, you can start learning about this trendy pastime and involve your grandchildren.

4. Backyard Movie Night

Remember those summer nights at the drive-in? Drive-ins are fun summer activities for kids that you can recreate in your backyard. Pop some popcorn, set out some lawn chairs, lay out pillows and blankets, and set up your TV in the backyard.

If you have a projector and a large white sheet, you can put those to use as well. Try hanging some lights to create a festive, magical atmosphere. Most kids will enjoy the novelty of simply watching a movie outside in a fun environment.

5. Tour a Fire Station

Firefighters intrigue younger children and even tweens, which means a fire station tour will please any crowd. Most local fire stations let you schedule tours if you provide appropriate adult supervision. For individual station rules and scheduling, contact your local fire department.

Most stations will have some of their firefighters put on “turnout gear” for the tour and discuss how each item keeps firefighters safe. You might even get to tour a fire truck.

6. Flashlight Scavenger Hunt

A flashlight scavenger hunt can be an indoor or outdoor game that’s ideal for playing when you let your grandkids stay up a little later. It’s one of those summer activities for kids that can keep them occupied for a long time.

First, hide some kid-friendly items around the house or in your yard. Then make a list of these for each child. For older kids, you can use riddles as clues to the next item. In the end, there is a grand prize waiting (and maybe some consolation prizes for the runners-up).

Have your flashlights handy and loaded with new batteries.

7. Minigolf

This classic game entertains kids and is fun for grandparents too. But when was the last time you played?

Many cities have a local minigolf course or two, so be sure to check out nearby options. Even if you don’t consider yourself a minigolf pro, your grandkids will love to give you a few lessons or enjoy beating grandma or grandpa in a head-to-head match.

Fortunately, most minigolf courses are budget-friendly, making it affordable to bring several of your grandchildren along.

Enjoy Summer Activities for Kids While Staying Clean and Dry

TYE Medical understands that you’re an active grandparent who wants to enjoy life confidently, and that includes time with your grandkids. That’s why we offer incontinence products to protect against all types of bladder leaks.

Our super-absorbent light incontinence products are highly discreet and all you need to continue living on the go. And for moderate-to-heavy protection, choose our Protective Underwear for complete coverage.