For a lot of families, summertime means a trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. If you have a whole clan of kids visiting, or even just that one special little someone, there are some must-have supplies that every grandparent should have in their arsenal. Beyond the childproofing measures and the stock of snacks, it’s the activities and games that are really the saving grace.
My friend, Shelley Hobson, who owns the Learning Express store in Wilmington, North Carolina has put together some great Grandparent Summer Survival Suggestions that can help parents and grandparents alike prepare for a visit with the relatives. These are items that won’t break the bank and are easy to store in the closet or garage. And better yet, you can get all this and more with some one-stop shopping at your local Learning Express. Enjoy!
Grandparents’ Summer Survival Suggestions: Preschoolers
- Floor Puzzles
Perfect for rainy days or quiet afternoon activities. - Bubbles
(Who can resist?) Get big bubble wands and a jumbo toy bucket (personalized for free at Learning Express to say “GRAN’S BUBBLE BUCKET”) and make up an easy bubble recipe! - Musical Instruments
Form a family band with our sets of instruments and play along with grandpa’s old rock n’ roll CDs and records. - Tub Toys
Great for the blow-up kiddie pool in the backyard or in the bathtub. Very easy to store. - Do-A-Dot Art
Non-messy painting projects. - Wikki Stix or Brain Noodles
Craft projects with reuseable materials. - Finger Crayons and Paper
Roll some paper out across the kitchen table or the floor, then make an art exhibit on the refrigerator to celebrate everyone’s creativity! - Games, games, and more games!
Charade games like Kids On Stage (no reading required) or memory games to learn important skills while spending time together. - Stomp Rocket Jr.
Don’t forget a few extra missiles in case there are trees or a roof nearby! - Set of Blocks
A classic perennial favorite.
Grandparents’ Summer Survival Suggestions: Elementary-Aged +
- Klutz Books
Choose from a wide variety like paper airplane and fingerprint art. Everything you need for the project is included. - Shrinky Dinks and Sticky Mosaics
Great craft projects everyone can participate in together. - Puzzles
Create a gathering place for cooperative play. - Pumponator
A huge hit this summer! Get a water balloon battle going without wasting water. - Games, games, and more games!
Everything from scavenger hunts and the new classic, Apples to Apples, to unique items like Double Shutter and Blokus. Don't forget a few card games as well! - Doink it Darts
Soft and safe version of a classic. - Magnatiles and Magformers
Build something together with open-ended magnetic construction.
And don’t forget items like Chat Pack, which will get everyone in the family talking and learning new things from one another. Create cross-generational fun!
