August 29, 2024

Celebrate Grandparents’ Day With These Fall Activities

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

hands of senior couple picking out paint color

There is something special about all the seasons of the year, but fall is an especially magical time. The changing leaves, comfortable clothes, and delicious pumpkin-infused beverages. It’s a great time to get outside and explore the world, as it’s not too hot and not too cold. It’s also the perfect excuse to spend a cozy day indoors with family. It’s also the season for Grandparents’ Day, which occurs on the first Sunday in September after Labor Day. In honor of the changing seasons and this special holiday, here are some activities to do with your grandkids.

Go apple picking

Sure you could buy apples at the grocery store, but they seem extra crisp right off the tree. Head out to a local apple orchard for a fun day of apple picking. You’ll likely be able to sample some local apple cider, treat your grandchild to a slice of pie and pick up some fun apple-infused treats, like apple butter. After you’re done collecting apples, head home and choose a fun recipe to make together with the apples, like this easy recipe for apple crisp.

Visit a pumpkin patch

As soon as the fall hits, pumpkin patches begin to pop up all over town. Plan a visit with your grandkids to a local patch, whether it’s a pop-up pumpkin patch in a parking lot or one that takes place at an area farm. Pick out some mini pumpkins and gourds to make a nice centerpiece on the Thanksgiving table. And choose some pumpkins that are perfect for carving. Then, as Halloween grows near, get together for a family pumpkin-carving day. Try something different than the traditional jack-o-lantern face this year and attempt to carve something from this list of pumpkin carving ideas.

Take a nature walk

In the fall, for most of us, the air is crisp, it’s sweatshirt weather and the scenery is just gorgeous. Head to your local nature center or hiking trail and take a walk with your grandkids. Look at the beautiful leaves that have changed color and talk about which trees are your favorites. If you don’t have a nature center or hiking trail near you, head to a local park. Even a stroll around your neighborhood this time of year will likely pair you and your grandchild with tons of beautiful trees.

Spend an afternoon making some fall crafts

Websites like Pinterest are loaded with some fun ideas for fall crafts. Go to your local craft store, pick up some supplies and spend an afternoon getting artsy. You can make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving family get together or create your own Halloween decorations instead of buying them. Pick up some leaves from the ground and press them to turn into decorative bookmarks or pictures to hang on the wall.

Baking fall treats

Pumpkin muffins, apple cobbler, homemade donuts... These are just a few of the many seasonal treats you can make together in the fall. Cranberries, squashes, pumpkins, cinnamon, nutmeg, figs, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are just a few of the delicious ingredients that we associate with fall foods. Many of these items are in their prime for picking around this time and can make great additions to fall recipes.

Go grab a seasonal coffee

Hello pumpkin spice season! If you head to any coffee shop as soon as autumn hits, you’ll be able to order pumpkin everything! Plan a coffee date and grab a pumpkin spiced latte or pumpkin frappuccino. If you’re feeling extra festive, pair it with a pumpkin muffin, a pumpkin scone or slice of pumpkin bread. There is no better way to kick off the fall than sipping one of these delicious beverages or diving into one of these tasty treats.

Have a fall movie night

We love our winter holiday movies, but let’s not forget that there are a lot of movies that also take place in the fall. First off, there are your traditional Halloween movies. Those are always a fun watch as Halloween approaches. And every year, new ones are released. You can watch a scary one or find a cute family-oriented holiday film. You can also cue up a flick from this fun list of movies that happen to take place in the autumn season. A few fun ones from this list include When Harry Met Sally, Autumn in New York and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

No matter how you celebrate, take some time this Grandparents’ Day to hang out with your grandkids. It’s a great chance to welcome in the new season and get in some quality time together.