There’s so many enjoyable things about summer—from picnics, to outdoor concerts, to days at the beach, to long walks and bike rides—and the extra daylight, warmth, sunshine, and clear blue skies can certainly put a spring in our step.

For some grandparents, it also means more time spent in the company of grandchildren, who are out of school on summer vacation. Whether you plan on seeing your grandkids regularly, or for a week-long visit, here are some fun things you can do with them this summer:

Make homemade ice cream                                                                                                 

Summer and ice cream go hand-in-hand. You and your grandkids will enjoy making your own ice cream via this simple "Ice Cream in a Bag" method. 

Take a class together                                                                                                                 

If you and your grandchild share a common interest, taking a class together can be a great shared experience. It may be that you are both interested in taking a pottery, cooking, or jewelry making class. If crafting or cooking isn’t your thing, a local museum or historical society may offer educational programming that piques both your interests.

Make a fairy garden                                                                                                                   

The idea behind a fairy garden is to create a whimsical little place where a fairy could live. Succulents, moss, and flowering plants, along with miniature furniture, dwellings, pebble pathways, dry riverbeds, mini LED lights, gnome or fairy figurines, and bridges are some of the items one may wish to add to a fairy garden. It isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money on a fairy garden, you can incorporate items you already have around your home or yard or from a dollar store. A fairy garden doesn’t have to be fairy-themed, per se, your grandchild might be more interested in creating a dinosaur or jungle themed garden. For some inspiration, check out 100 Best DIY Fairy Garden Ideas from the Prudent Penny Pincher.

Go creek stomping                                       

Creek stomping is good old fashioned fun. Your grandkids will have fun splashing in the water on a hot summer day, skipping rocks, and looking for tadpoles, crawdads, and other aquatic life. You might wish to bring a small net for catching critters, a small inflatable for floating along the less shallow sections, and an insect I.D. guide.

Teach them a game from your childhood                                                                   

Whether you have fond memories of playing kick the can, cat’s cradle, jacks, marbles, double dutch jump rope, or some other game from your childhood, consider teaching your grandchild how to play it. 

Camp out                                                                                                                             

Camping, especially for the child who has never camped, is a great experience. Marveling at a star-filled sky, while roasting marshmallows over a campfire, is unforgettable. If camping in a state park or other natural area isn’t a possibility, a backyard campout can also be fun, especially for younger grandkids, but don’t forget the s’mores! 

Make a time capsule                                                                                                                     

While we can’t physically go back in time, a time capsule unveiled offers a glimpse of the past and reminds us of forgotten memories. Pictures, trinkets, and notes to your future self are some of the things you may wish to include in a capsule. Be sure to add a special note for your grandchild to read when the capsule is opened; have them do the same for you. Determine which point in time the capsule will be opened. Ten years from now, perhaps?

If you plan on burying your time capsule, make sure you use a sturdy, waterproof container. Don’t forget to make a map of where you buried it, lest you forget as time passes by.

Learn to I.D. the trees in your neighborhood                                                                 

A fun activity is to learn about different tree species. You may already know some of the common ones, such as maples or oaks. Summer is the perfect time to grow your tree identification skills alongside your grandchild. You both may wish to keep tree journals, to write and draw what you learn along the way. The Arbor Day Foundation offers a helpful step-by-step, user-friendly online tree identification guide that can be found here.

Enjoy a classic movie together                                                                                                

Is there a classic movie from your earlier years that you have fond memories of, like Casablanca or Gone With the Wind? Maybe you were more into Westerns, and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly was your favorite. Or could be that you always enjoyed the slapstick comedy of Laurel & Hardy or The Three Stooges. If your grandchild is of the appropriate age, consider having them join you in binging some of your old favorites. A spread of popcorn, candy, and soda pop can make the viewing even more special.

However you spend time with your grandchildren this summer, we hope it’s enjoyable and memorable!

Thanks for reading our blog. You can reach out to us, Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, anytime at 1-800-737-0017.