Grandparents Day Is This Weekend—Here Are 35 Activities and Unique Ideas To Celebrate

Regardless of the vast difference in ages, there is typically a very strong bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Maybe it's because grandparents are entering a "second childhood" at this more relaxed time of life. They definitely have time to reflect on the past and pass down a little wisdom and love to their beloved children's children. 

This is why we like to celebrate grandparents with their own special day. This year, Grandparents Day is on Sunday, September 8. If you are wondering how to celebrate, we have a whopping 35 Grandparents Day activities for you.

Depending on the age of the child, some of the ideas listed will work better than others. However, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Grandparents Day for all ages. Each of these ideas is guaranteed to make a grandma or grandpa feel special and honored. Besides that, this particular holiday is another fun excuse to get the generations together for lots of love and laughs.

Related: 150 Grandparents Quotes To Warm Your Heart and Remind You of Who Loves You the Most

Is Grandparents Day Held On the Same Day Every Year?

In the U.S., Grandparents Day is always held on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year, the special day falls on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Why Do We Celebrate Grandparents Day?

The idea of Grandparents Day first originated in 1961 at a White House Conference on Aging. Jacob Reingold of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale was inspired by a speech about the new image of aging. It led him to focus on recognizing the role of grandparents among millions of older Americans. 

What started as a special day to honor grandparents in the Hebrew Home, ended up being an official holiday in the Bronx starting in 1963. 

It wasn't until August 3, 1978, that the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day as signed by President Jimmy Carter.

To honor the day, grandparents are urged to share their wisdom and perspectives with young people. Luckily, there are lots of ways to share wisdom and knowledge in fun ways.

What Countries Celebrate Grandparents Day?

Contrary to popular belief, Grandparents Day isn't exclusive to the United States. Multiple countries celebrate the event worldwide (at different times of the year). Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Australia (the last Sunday in October)

• Brazil (July 26th)

• Estonia (second Sunday in September)

• Italy (October 2nd)

• Mexico (August 28th)

• The Philippines (second Sunday in September)

• Portugal (July 26th)

• Russia (October 28th)

Related: 121 Questions To Ask Your Grandparents About Their Lives, According to a Licensed Therapist

35 Meaningful Grandparents Day Activities

1. Interview One or More Grandparents

This is a great way to learn some family history and get to know what shaped a grandparent's life.

2. Watch Home Movies Together

It can be hard to visualize a grandparent in their younger years but home movies bring that reality to life.

3. Use Photo Albums While Telling a Story

Stories about the past are always fascinating. It's even better, though, to bring the story to life with pictures.

4. Share or Cook a Family Recipe Together

Cooking or baking is a fun activity to do with kids and letting them in on a secret family recipe is just icing on the cake.

5. Have Grandkids Make a Homemade Card

Grandparents love to see a grandchild's artwork and a thoughtful homemade card is the perfect way to showcase art and sentiment.

Related: 50 of the Most Adorable Names and Nicknames All Grandmas Will Love

6. Make a Memorable Scrapbook

To create a memorable scrapbook, have grandchildren choose their favorite photos (or other materials) that remind them of time spent with grandparents. Some items to include could be event tickets or artwork done together.

7. Go on a Nature Walk

Walking together through the woods is both peaceful and conducive to good conversation.

8. Gift a Keepsake Gift to Your Grandchild

A sweet way to celebrate Grandparents Day is for the grandparent to gift the child with a memorable keepsake like a locket or pocket watch.

9. Do a Craft Project

Together, you and your grandchild can create some fun art that could be kept by the grandparent as a memorable keepsake.

10. Read Books

Have your grandchild read a favorite book to you. Then, read a favorite book to your grandchild.

11. Go Out for a Nice Dinner

Create a special bonding experience over some fine dining and good conversation.

12. See a Play or Musical

Special events are a fun way to bond and experience a little culture together.

Related: 55 Fun Things To Do With Grandkids—Indoor, Outdoor and Sleepover Activities

Fun Ways To Celebrate Grandparents Day

13. Put Together a Puzzle

Whether simple or complicated, putting together a puzzle is a rewarding accomplishment to do as a team.

14. Have a Jam Session

Sing songs or play music that all will enjoy. Your grandchild might even write a song about their grandparents.

15. Play Board Games Together

A little friendly competition is sure to bring about some laughs as well as memories.

16. Teach a Grandparent New Technology

Even young grandkids can have fun showing grandparents what games they play and learn from on their tablets.

17. Watch a Meaningful Movie Together

With popcorn, of course.

18. Sit Around a Campfire and Make S'mores

This is a great time to share spooky stories as well!

19. Have a Sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa's House

Stay up late and eat all of the fun foods.

20. Capture a Photo Memory

Take a full family photo or just a photo of grandkids with grandparents.

21. Initiate FaceTime or Make a Phone Call

When grandparents don't live close by, a phone call or Facetime is a meaningful way to connect.

22. Write a Poem

Create a poem about your grandparent that will be treasured for years to come.

23. Create Matching T-Shirts

To honor the day, use iron-on transfers or tie-dye to create fun shirts to wear.

24. Share a Hobby

Share your favorite hobby with your grandchild and have them share something they like to do.

Related: This Promotion Comes With a Title Change! Here Are 50 Unique Grandpa Name Ideas

Special Ways To Celebrate Grandparents Day

25. Take a Vacation Together

Extend the day celebration with a weekend away. Make sure it's somewhere you all will enjoy.

26. Help a Grandparent

Help out your grandma or grandpa by cleaning, getting groceries or doing a little yard work.

27. Plant a Tree Together

Each year on Grandparents Day, you can compare the growth of the tree as well as the grandchild.

28. Deliver a Meal or Snack

Grandparents will love a special treat delivered to them from a beloved grandchild.

29. Plan an In-Person Visit

Even if it's not a super long get-together, an in-person visit will bring a lot of joy to a grandparent.

30. Build Something Together

Build a bench or a birdhouse as a memorable piece to keep in the garden.

31. Tour of Homes

If you have lived in different homes but in the same area, it would be fun to take your grandkids on a little tour of the homes you used to live in.

32. Play Outdoor Games

Get outside with a grandchild and play softball, badminton, bean bag toss or any other fun game.

33. Plant Something in a Garden

September is still a good time to plant. It's also a good teaching experience.

34. Take a Bike Ride Together

Biking is good for all ages and is a fun way to spend time together.

35. Go on a Picnic at the Park

Pack some favorite foods and enjoy the park activities.

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