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Do you remember when your kids were young, and you took them on adventures all over town? Being a grandma is full of these adventures, too, only – in my unbiased opinion – even better! One of the many beautiful things about adventuring with kids is that they are delighted by the seemingly smallest things, making it doable with any budget!
To demonstrate this – and to give you some inspiration for your next grandma/grandchild adventure, I have compiled a list of 7 unique experiences to have with your grandchildren, all of which feature different levels of expense and planning:
Adventure 1: Backyard camping
A camping trip doesn’t need to be far from home! Setting up a tent in the backyard provides a safe and convenient environment for a camping adventure. To make the night even more memorable, fill it with storytelling, marshmallow roasting, and stargazing.
Planning & Preparation: Invest in a sturdy and easy-to-set-up tent, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and a portable fire pit for roasting marshmallows. To make it even more exciting, break out the telescope!
Adventure 2: A cooking class journey
Cooking classes can be an exciting way to spend time together while learning new skills. Some cooking schools and recreation centers offer classes designed for grandparents and grandchildren, or you could try an online class at home.
Planning & Preparation: Research local cooking schools or online platforms for classes that cater to your culinary interests. If you’re cooking at home, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment in advance.
Adventure 3: Treasure hunt at the local museum
Turn a trip to the museum into an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt. (You know I love a good scavenger hunt!) List objects or exhibits for the children to find to make the museum visit both fun and educational.
Planning & Preparation: Visit the museum’s website to gather information about their exhibits, and then create a fun and challenging scavenger hunt list based on this information. Remember to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the museum!
Adventure 4: National park wildlife safari
A visit to a national park can be an unforgettable experience. Many parks offer guided tours, or you can plan your own adventure with bird-watching, nature walks, and animal spotting.
Planning & Preparation: Ensure everyone has comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, and a guidebook for wildlife or plants.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and pack suitable clothing.
Adventure 5: Pottery-making workshop
Pottery-making can be a relaxing and creative activity to share, plus you’ll both have a keepsake to remember the day!
Planning & Preparation: Find a local pottery studio that offers classes for beginners. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and bring an apron.
Adventure 6: Hot air balloon ride
If your budget allows, a hot air balloon ride can be an exhilarating adventure that offers stunning views of the countryside or city.
Planning & Preparation: Check the age and weight restrictions of hot air balloon companies, and ensure that neither you nor your grandchild is afraid of heights. Most importantly, bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
Adventure 7: Beach Day and sandcastle competition
A day at the beach can be an unforgettable adventure. To make it more fun, hold a sandcastle-building competition.
Planning & Preparation: Bring all the necessary beach gear, including sunblock, hats, towels, a picnic lunch, and plenty of water. Don’t forget to pack sandcastle-building tools and maybe even a blueprint for your grand sandcastle!
Each of these activities encourages bonding and creates beautiful memories that you and your grandchild will cherish forever. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, as the adventure lies not only in the activity itself but in the shared experience and the stories that will be told in the years to come.
