Both grandparents and grandkids benefit from spending intentional time together: Grandchildren can gain wisdom and mentoring, and grandparents stay more active and connected. Next time you’re asked to watch the kiddos, try one of these easy fall-themed activities to make some fun memories this season.
1. Decorating pumpkins
A little fun fact: People started carving faces into vegetables like turnips starting in 18th-century Ireland. This tradition has evolved into what you see today, with faces carved or drawn on your favorite gourd. Once your pumpkin is picked, talk to your grandkids about what type of face they’d like to see. Is their vibe scary? Or maybe a silly design for the little ones? Draw your idea out on paper first, and then sketch your image on your pumpkin. Help kiddos carve if they want to. For a finishing touch, place your masterpiece on your front porch and take a family photo. Also – PSA – you can still carve pumpkins after Halloween! Try leaf shapes, a turkey, or other beautiful Thanksgiving motifs. Best for ages 2 (with adult supervision) and up.
An alternative to carving is painting. Young kids can use washable paint to color their pumpkin, then you can extend the activity by having a pumpkin-washing station with a plastic tub, bubble bath, and dish brushes. Rinse and repeat!
Links to helpful items:
2. Fall memory box
This is a lovely and meaningful way to keep special memories close. Create a fall memory box by using a shoebox or a storage box. Decorate it with paint, stickers, pressed leaves, or a collage. Write or draw notes about autumn activities you and your grandkids do together, and/or put in photos of your family over the years. Add memorabilia such as ticket stubs and little souvenirs. You can even write letters to your future self and then decide together when you want to open the box again to take a look. Best for ages 3 and up.
Links to helpful items:
3. Fall color scavenger hunt outside
Spend some family time out in the beautiful fall weather! Create a scavenger hunt for your grandkids — on the easy side for the littles and more challenging for the tweens and teens. List or draw items to look for such as worms, spiders, red leaves, feathers, and more. Define your boundaries — is this confined to a yard, or are you walking the neighborhood together? For older kids, you can use riddles and clues when hunting for objects. Best for ages 2 and up.
Link to helpful items:
By Tonilyn Hornung
P.S. You may also enjoy these suggestions for fall activities with the grandkids: Lights, Color, Action! Check Out These Louisville Events This November.
Leave a Reply