15 Fun (and Nearly) Free Things to Do with Your Grandkids!

Whether you’re called “Nana” or “Bubbie,” “Papadaddy” or just plain “Grandpa,” most grandparents are happy to be called to babysit. In fact, according to Grandparents.com, three out of four grandparents think being a grandparent “is the single most important and satisfying thing in their life.” (And nine in ten “enjoy talking about their grandkids to just about everyone.”  But we could’ve guessed that!)

While it might be the best job in the world, it’s not always the easiest—especially when called in to babysit the bunch. Generally kids love when a grandparent comes to babysit because it’s a time when they get undivided attention from a loved one— something that a parent, with daily distractions, may have a hard time providing.  So this special time is a bonus for grandparents, grandchild, and busy parents!

So what to do to make babysitting fun for you and your grandchild? The key is to keep it simple and interactive—the perfect recipe for creating lasting memories.

Here are some activities to try out the next time you’re called in to babysit. (And the best bit? These ideas will keep the focus on fun and off your wallet): 

1. From trash to treasure: Keep recyclables on hand to inspire your budding engineer, architect, or musician. Make a dollhouse out of a shoebox. A racecourse for marbles out of wrapping paper rolls or a musical instrument from rubber bands and a milk jug. 
2. Start a collection. Talk about what kind of collection you grandchild would like to start. Coins? Erasers? Rocks? Enjoy hunting for these special items together and share with your grandchild what you enjoyed collecting as a child. Maybe you’re still pining after that elusive baseball card? 
3. Backwards babysitting. Either have your grandchild babysit you (they can take their cue from Jean Reagen’s picture book How to Babysit a Grandpa) or pretend to do your normal babysitting routine . . . backwards! Serve breakfast instead of dinner, put on pj’s inside out, and have your grandchild sleep with his head where his feet usually are. You can even read a bedtime story from back to front!
4. Do a jig(saw)! With so many jigsaw puzzles available, it’s easy to find one that’s both challenging and fun for everyone. Clear off the dining room table, pop up some popcorn, and let the fun begin!
5. Two (or more) for tea: Host an old-fashioned tea party using your dainty tea set or a less-precious plastic set. Be sure to invite your grandchild’s stuffed “friends.” Sip weak herbal tea and serve cookies or crustless tea sandwiches. (Speaking with a British accent is optional.)
6. Go on a photo hunt: Use your imagination to go on a photo treasure hunt. Settle on a theme and start hunting. For example, you can photograph only yellow things or things that start with the letter B like bakery, bike, or blue doors. Be sure to also take some “selfies” of the photographers. Click here to continue reading.