Grandparents often enjoy activities rooted in nostalgia, creativity, or learning, which makes it easy to find things old people like to do that can be shared as a family.
Whether you're cooking a favorite family recipe, fitting adaptive clothes, or simply spending quality time together, these activities are perfect for spending time with your grandma and grandpa.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 fun things to do with grandparents to help you plan your next outing.
1. Go Shopping for Adaptive Clothing Together
Shopping for adaptive clothing together can be a delightful way to bond with your grandparents. Joe & Bella offers a variety of stylish and functional options designed to make dressing more manageable and more comfortable.
Here are some selections you might consider.
Adaptive Tops
Staying stylish doesn’t have to be a challenge for older people. With adaptive tops for women, your grandparents can dress more comfortably without compromising their appearance.
- Everyday Magnetic Button Blouse. Features hidden magnetic closures for quick, button-free dressing with classic looks.
- Signature Magnetic Cardigan. Combines warmth and polish with easy-to-use magnetic closures.
- Everyday Polo. A comfortable, adaptive polo with a polished look and easy closures.
- Men’s Magnetic-Button Shirts. Classic button-up shirts with hidden magnets for a hassle-free, stylish option.
- Open-Back Long Sleeve Top. Snap-back design for assisted dressing and cozy comfort.
- Everyday Magnetic Flannel. Classic flannel style with magnetic closures for effortless wear and a cozy feel.
Adaptive Pants
Adaptive pants for men, along with our adaptive pants for women, offer smart, discreet features that make dressing easier while keeping a polished and comfortable look.
- Everyday Side-Zip Pants. Classic style with discreet side zippers for easy wear and mobility.
- CareZips®. Features three zippers for effortless dressing and personal care, perfect for seated individuals.
- Signature Side-Zip Dress Pants. Stylish and functional dress pants with side zippers for simple, elegant wear.
Adaptive Socks
These socks are designed to keep you comfortable, safe, and supported throughout the day.
- Gripper Socks. Non-slip soles provide extra stability on hard floors while staying cozy all day.
- Compression Socks. Improve circulation and reduce swelling with soft, comfortable support.
Shopping for these pieces together is not just practical—it’s a meaningful way to spend time with your loved ones. Comfort and convenience never go out of style.
2. Decorate for the Holidays or Changing Seasons
Decorating for the holidays or changing seasons is a practical and joyful way to spend time with your grandparents.
You can work together on simple DIY decorations, create seasonal centerpieces, or set up festive displays. These small projects not only bring a warm atmosphere to their space but also give everyone a chance to share traditions and stories.
To keep things manageable, choose tasks that are easy and accommodate your grandparents’ mobility levels.
For instance, arranging flowers or hanging lightweight ornaments can be enjoyable without feeling overwhelming.
3. Design Personalized Accessories
Creating custom accessories, like scarves or hats, is a fun, creative, and practical way to spend time with your grandparents.
For example, you could decorate plain scarves with fabric paint or add personal touches like buttons and patches. This activity lets you work together to design pieces that reflect their style.
If they wear adaptive clothing, consider creating accessories that complement their wardrobe. Keep it simple by using easy-to-handle materials like pre-cut stencils or colorful yarn.
Involve everyone in the process so it feels inclusive and fun.
4. Explore Family History with a Scrapbook Project
Scrapbooking is a simple yet meaningful way to dive into your family’s history while spending quality time with your grandparents.
Gather old photos, share family stories and personal anecdotes, and map out your family tree together. It’s a great way to learn about your heritage and create something special as a team.
To make it more comfortable for your grandparents, set up a cozy space with plenty of seating and a sturdy table. Take breaks to chat and reminisce, turning this activity into a fun storytelling session.
Not only will you preserve cherished memories, but you’ll also create new ones in the process.
5. Cook a Family Recipe Together
Food is love, and what better way to show you care than by cooking a cherished family recipe together?
Learning a family recipe from your grandparents is a gift to be treasured, and passing down culinary traditions fosters a sense of connection across generations.
Make the experience more enjoyable by setting up a workspace that’s easy to access and comfortable. Add a cozy chair nearby so your grandparents can take breaks and stay relaxed.
Whether you are baking a dessert or preparing a hearty meal, this activity will produce more than delicious food—it will create a warm memory you'll both treasure.
6. Solve Puzzles or Play Games
Challenge those minds and have some fun with puzzles or board games!
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities is a fantastic way to bond with grandparents and keep their minds sharp. Choose games that are easy to handle and suitable for all ages so everyone can participate and enjoy the challenge.
Consider classic board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles, coloring books, or even word games—the possibilities are endless!
This activity is not only entertaining but also a relaxing and fun way to bond, share stories, and laugh while keeping things light and enjoyable.
7. Visit a Local Museum or Park
Let them get out and enjoy some fresh air! Plan a trip to a local museum, historical site, or wheelchair-accessible park. Immerse yourselves in history, culture, or nature, depending on your grandparents' interests.
Remember to choose locations with accessible facilities, pack essentials like snacks and water, and prioritize your grandparents' comfort and energy levels.
Choose adaptive clothes that are easy to wear and allow freedom of movement throughout the day to ensure their comfort on the outing.
With a bit of planning and attention to comfort, these outings can be enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.
8. Gardening Together
Remember that feeling of accomplishment after nurturing a tiny seed into a beautiful bloom?
Share that joy with your grandparents by starting a small gardening project together! It's a fantastic way to bond over a long-term, therapeutic, and rewarding activity.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Pick a manageable space. Don't overwhelm yourselves with a sprawling garden. Start with a small raised bed on the patio or a few pots on a sunny windowsill.
- Choose easy-to-care-for plants. Opt for beginner-friendly options like herbs (basil, rosemary, mint), cherry tomatoes, or colorful succulents.
- Make it accessible. If your grandparents have limited mobility, use raised gardening beds or vertical planters. Consider adaptive tools with extended handles or grabbers, too.
9. Host a Movie Night
Unwind and reconnect with your grandparents by hosting a heartwarming movie night at home!
Dust off those classic films from their (and maybe even you!) childhood, or cuddle up for a beloved family favorite.
Arrange plush couches, pillows, and throws to create a comfortable setting. For a touch of nostalgia, make popcorn, bake cookies, or whip up a batch of their favorite treats.
Plan an intermission to keep things simple, such as a quick chat or sharing a memory the movie brings up.
Movie nights aren’t just about watching—they’re about slowing down, connecting, and making quality time together extra special.
10. Organize a Virtual Activity with Distant Family Members
Thanks to technology, staying connected with family is easier than ever. Plan a virtual activity that brings everyone together, no matter where they are.
You can organize a video call to catch up, play a round of trivia, or even create a slideshow of digital photo albums to relive old memories.
If younger grandkids or little ones are present, let them show off their favorite modern games or activities during the call. This is a fun way to keep everyone engaged and bridge generational gaps.
Choose a platform that’s simple for your grandparents to use, like Zoom or FaceTime.
Set everything up beforehand and test it to ensure a smooth experience. During the call, engage them with lighthearted conversations or ask them to share stories about the photos.
How Can I Adapt Activities for Grandparents With Mobility Issues?
Spending quality time with grandparents can sometimes feel limited by mobility challenges.
However, with some creativity and consideration, most activities can be easily adapted to ensure everyone feels included and has a blast.
1. Prioritize comfort and accessibility.
Keep things simple and cozy. Set up comfortable seating, make them wear easy-to-put-on clothing, and if they use assistive devices, make sure they’re easily accessible and ready to go.
2. Involve them in the decision-making process.
Ask what they’d like to do. This is not just about finding an activity but also about showing that you value their preferences.
Whether it’s deciding between a walk in the local park, or an afternoon of storytelling, this shows respect for their preferences and helps ensure they feel valued and included.
3. Adapt activities to their needs.
Think of ways to tweak activities so they’re manageable. For example, if cooking together is on the list, they can help with simple tasks like mixing or choosing recipes.
Do they love gardening? Set up a table so they can plant seeds while seated. It’s all about finding the right balance.
4. Focus on the social and emotional aspects.
Sometimes, the best moments are about connection, not action. Activities like reminiscing over photo albums, reading a new book, or even watching a favorite movie together can be just as meaningful as more active pursuits.
5. Remember, it's all bout creating a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
At the end of the day, it’s not about what you’re doing but how you’re doing it.
Make it fun, stress-free, and inclusive. Laugh, share, and simply enjoy being together. The goal is to make fond memories and a new tradition that everyone treasures.
Key Takeaways on 10 Fun Things To Do With Your Grandparents
Quality time with grandparents? Priceless.
Make memories that last a lifetime by cooking together, crafting personalized gifts, or simply reminiscing about good times.
Don't let limitations hold you back!
Joe and Bella's adaptive clothing makes shared activities more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Imagine grandma whipping up her famous cookies in comfy, easy-to-wear pants, or your grandma and grandpa looking sharp while gardening in clothes designed for ease of movement.
So, ditch the stress and embrace the joy of spending time with your grandparents. These fun activities can help you create unforgettable experiences that strengthen your bond and leave everyone with a smile.
References:
- Grandparent Caregiving, Race, and Cognitive Functioning in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults
- The Cognitive Benefits of Being an Active Grandparent
- Older adults, cognitively stimulating activities and change in cognitive function
- Emotional Benefits of Watching Classic Films: Nostalgia and Comfort for Seniors in Surrey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your design team knocked it out of the park! I never thought adaptive clothes could be so fashionable.
