Melody Teh
Family & Pets

30 cheap – or free – holiday activities to do with grandkids

Keen the grandkids entertained during the summer holidays doesn’t have to be expensive with these cheap – or free – activities!

  1. Grab the tent and sleeping bags and go camping in the backyard or if the weather’s bad, in the living room! The kids will particularly enjoy star-gazing at night.
  2. Get the grandkids interesting in gardening early by helping them plant some veggies in the garden. If you don’t have enough space, plant some herbs in pots.
  3. There’s nothing better on a hot summer’s day then spending a day at the beach. Pack some cold drinks and snacks and you’ve got a fun day splashing in the water.
  4. Introduce the grandkids to some culture with a visit to the local museum or gallery. They’re often free or only ask for a small entrance fee.
  5. Get busy in the kitchen by teaching the little ones some easy recipes.
  6. For rainy days, make an indoor obstacle course with cushions, boxes, chairs and blankets.
  7. Grab an empty notebook and get the children to write or draw picture for a school holiday diary. Personalise their very own storybooks by decorating the cover.
  8. Have a masquerade party at your house with homemade masks created from paper plates, feathers, and glitter.
  9. Explore the neighbourhood by bike.
  10. Or by rollerblades.
  11. Plan a treasure hunt in the backyard. Make a treasure map and hide clues around the house.
  12. When you’re visiting the beach or park, collect shells, leaves, sticks and anything else that strikes their fancy to make a collage at home.
  13. Make some jewellery with macaroni, pasta and beads.
  14. Grab some binoculars and go birdwatching.
  15. Become photographers with your smartphone. Challenge the grandchildren to transform everyday objects into pieces of art.
  16. Visit the local library and discover some wonderful new storybooks.
  17. Head over to the botanical garden with a picnic lunch. The kids can run around, while you relax under the shade.
  18. Bring out old-school board games and teach children about real games that don’t live in an iPad.
  19. Teach the grandkids how to fish.
  20. Make your own kites and head to the park to fly them on a windy day.
  21. Go bushwalking at one of our many National Parks.
  22. Head to the local pool for a swim.
  23. Make a scrapbook of the grandkids time with you.
  24. Go to the movies at an independent cinema, which often have much cheaper tickets than cinemas in high-rent shopping centres.
  25. Or have a movie night at home with the kid’s favourite DVDs. Turn off the lights and grab a bowl of popcorn and it’s just like the movies!
  26. Go to the bowling alley to duke it out for bowling champion.
  27. Visit shopping centres during the holidays as they often have kid-friendly activities and events on.
  28. For older grandkids, take them to the weekend markets or fairs. They’re always plenty to explore.
  29. Raid your wardrobe and let the kids put on a fashion show. Or get the kids making their own inventive creations from newspaper and magazines. 
  30. Get the kids active by playing their favourite sport with them. Whether it’s kicking the soccer ball around or playing some backyard cricket, it’s a great way to get the grandchildren exercising.

Related links:

15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart

The funniest things grandkids kids say

Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents

Tags:
family, activities, lifestyle, grandkids, grandparents, Children