Activities Grandparents Can Do With Grandkids (And Austin!)

Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and instills a love of nature. Whether it's a few herbs on the windowsill, an urban garden, or a full-blown backyard plot, watching something grow together is rewarding for all ages.

Austin has plenty of unique nurseries to visit, such as The Natural Gardener and Great Outdoors Nursery, where you can shop for seeds and plants to get started.

Museums offer endless adventure! From science and art to history, there’s a museum for every interest — and many have special events for families. For instance, The Thinkery in Austin offers Gingerbread Workshops during the winter and has Sensory Friendly Hours for children with special needs. Admission is free every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. during “community hours,” so it’s easy on the budget too.

Create a picture book out of photographs you and your grandchildren take together at local murals or favorite destinations. Plan out which locations you will go to, and visit a different destination every week.

The key to this project is that the pictures will actually need to be printed out. Let the kids help arrange photos, add captions, and decorate the pages with stickers. The result? A keepsake that will be treasured for years.  

A few local suggestions, with addresses, are:

• Historic 6th Street — 582 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd

• You’re My Butter Half —  2000 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd on the United Way wall

• I Love You So Much — 1300 S. Congress Avenue

Older kids may want to create a copy of the album to show off on social media as well, and that’s great! A digital album will be special to share with family and friends, no matter their location.

Pass down a hobby or skill you’re passionate about: knitting, woodworking, or fishing. Grandchildren love learning new things, especially from their grandparents. These moments of learning go beyond just the skill. They foster patience, creativity, and self-confidence, and create cherished memories your grandkids will carry throughout life.

The best part? These activities often turn into shared traditions, where grandchildren not only gain new talents but also develop a deeper connection with you and the family, and eventually pass it on to their little ones.

Buckle up, turn off your cell phone, and head to the local drive-in movie theater with your favorite snacks. Austin’s Blue Starlite Drive-In Theater shows kid favorites and classics like ET. They also feature movies from the Harry Potter franchise.

When considering movie related activities grandparents can do with grandkids, a drive-in movie is a unique experience, but many theaters have special kid-friendly events or showings as well.

A picnic is the perfect way to blend nature, food, and fun with your grandkids. Start by planning the menu together — let the kids help choose their favorite picnic foods.

This is a great opportunity to teach them about meal preparation and involve them in simple kitchen tasks, such as spreading peanut butter, cutting fruit (with supervision), or baking cookies. 

Once the food is ready, gather your picnic essentials and head out to a scenic spot. Part of the fun is finding a picnic area that feels like an adventure and engaging with the environment. Don’t forget to bring a frisbee, a ball, or bubbles.

Nothing brings people together like food. Baking cookies, cupcakes, or a family recipe can be a delicious way to bond. Involve the grandkids in the kitchen, and let them help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. Spice it up by having a sibling “bake-off”, or find new recipes to try.

The result? Delicious treats and memories.

Grandparents have a wealth of stories to share. Spend some time reminiscing about your life and share stories about other family members and ancestors. Telling these kinds of stories can create a bridge between generations, making history feel personal.

It’s also good for grandkids: Children who know their family history have lower levels of anxiety, higher self esteem, and fewer behavior problems.

Sit down and show your grandkids photo albums, slideshows, or show them how to use a landline. They’ll love learning about their family and creating a culture of sharing with you.