Summertime is a special time to plan family activities with children and grandchildren, especially in the outdoors. It’s also a perfect chance to build new memories, re-connect, and start new traditions—or just get out of the house and embrace warm, sunny days with those you love! A multi-generational date can be a memorable way for your family to bond and spend time together.
Here are eight ways to create summertime memories with your multi-generational family:
Tour an outdoor museum
You can visit living history museums where you can participate in activities of days gone by or museums with gardens to stroll through. Some museums may allow you to picnic, so consider packing a lunch before you head on out.
Storytelling
Older people have decades of stories inside them! Plan a storytelling event. Be sure to include story prompt questions or look through old family photos for stories to share. You can even tour an older relative’s home and ask questions about items and collections in their house to encourage story sharing. This is a wonderful way for children to learn more about family history.
The zoo
Take the kids or grandkids to the local zoo where they can see and pet animals. Look for zoos that have animals in a natural habitat so kids can understand how they live in the wild. Be sure to check out the special, daily educational programs that might be offered.
Outdoor games
Take a ball outside and play. Or set up a badminton or croquet set. Geo-caching is a fun way to go on treasure hunt adventure together as well and can be navigated from a smart phone. This is a perfect way to share technology across the generations.
Go on a picnic
Choose a scenic park and pack a picnic lunch and blanket. Bring a pack of cards to play or Mad Libs to create fun stories together. Bring a ball or games to play. This is an ideal chance to keep everyone active too. It’s also a good time to go on a nature trail hike and enjoy flowers, trees, and other wildlife.
Get biking
If everyone in your extended family can manage it, a bicycle trip is a fantastic way to explore a new area together. Check out easy bike routes that are family friendly. Bike trips offer a chance for the whole family to enjoy exercise together and see the “back roads” at a slower pace.
Go to a nearby city!
Most cities have a diverse mix of activities that can appeal to multi-generations. Prepare beforehand and review attractions together to create a fun to-do list. This can include culinary, cultural, scientific, historical, and scenic adventures. You can often tour city destinations through walking and biking or by trolley, bus, or Segway.
National parks
Touring a national park on a day trip is a perfect way for your family to see the grand nature of our country. It’s also a perfect opportunity to experience unique wildlife and history together and learn about it through park rangers and naturalists.
Tips for planning your multi-generational get together:
Choose accommodations to fit everyone’s needs.
Plan entertainment choices so that all ages can enjoy and participate.
Take older family members into consideration when it comes to pace and activities.
To help create an ideal extended family fun day, it’s best to include everyone in the decision process to find common areas of interest. This will help you create a memorable experience that all will cherish and remember forever.