When the grandkids visit, it can be fun to explore zoos and enjoy other outdoor activities. But sometimes those plans get rained out and you have to come up with some indoor excitement. Arlington gets five more inches of rain on average than the rest of the country, so here are some rainy-day activities to try when you and your grandkids get stuck at home.
You might think the last thing a grandchild needs is more screen time, but showing them some of your favorite movies can be a great bonding experience. Movies capture the cultural identity of their time, and watching them can give younger generations insight into what life and people were like in the past. That insight in turn helps them understand and feel closer to you and get an idea of what your life was like.
This also works the other way around. Watching new movies can help you understand younger people and their culture better. Maybe try doing a double feature next movie night with one movie you watched growing up and one your grandkids like to watch.
Crafting is a hobby many older adults and young people share. Making crafts with grandkids is a great way to bond over a shared interest and maybe even share some of your crafting expertise.
The best crafts to make with younger kids are ones with a step-by-step process and not too many fine motor skill requirements. Something like this Pirate Cork Boat Craft is perfect because it’s fairly simple and it can be played with when you’re finished making it.
Getting kids to focus on making a craft may not be easy, and they might be tired of making them at school. It’s probably best not to force a craft that's too hard, or their visit might start to feel like a chore for both of you.
Young adults will likely enjoy making the same kinds of crafts you do. However, you may want to choose an idea that appeals to their particular interests. A middle schooler might not be too interested in scrapbooking historical family photos but be very into the idea of making a collage of news clipping from their favorite sports team.
They also may want to go more on the arts side of arts and craft and paint or draw. This can be especially fun if you like to make fine art because you can help them improve and show them your old pieces.
Board games are a classic family fellowship tool. Grandkids will love the excitement of the game and not even realize it’s a front for quality time and conversation. These games are often more fun with—and usually require—a group of people, so they’re also a good way to introduce your friends to grandkids organically.
Nothing keeps a child’s attention like the promise of a tasty treat. Instead of having a snack prepared beforehand, try making them with your grandkids. Making food is as fun as making a craft and will hold your grandkids' attention because they know they’ll get to eat it when they finish. Here are some fun snacks that are easy to make with kids:
It’s a common misconception that the modern generation never cracks open a book; many children and young people love reading and would be happy to do it with you. Choose a book to read together and when you finish, have a quality conversation about the story with tea and snacks.
Drinking tea is a good activity to pair with reading because it’s relaxing and slow. Their parents will definitely be happy when they pick up calm children from your assisted living apartment. Just make sure not to give young children tea with caffeine. Herbal tea is often a better option for kids and won’t leave you with a hyper child on your hands.
Music may have changed across generations but the love of it hasn’t. Having a jam session with a grandkid can be a fun way to let out some energy while enjoying music together.
You can get little instruments to play together or just listen to your favorite songs. Either way, you’ll be having fun and being part of the music in your own way.
