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There’s nothing like the sound of that last school bell ringing for the year. The kids are home, the sun’s out, and suddenly Gigi’s got a house full of energy to burn. If you’re looking for easy, affordable ways to enjoy summer break with your grandbabies—without ever leaving home—you’re in the right place.
Here are some simple, fun, and memory-making activities that grandparents can do with their grandchildren right in the comfort of their own home. No big plans or expensive supplies needed—just a little creativity and a lot of love.
1. Backyard Campouts (Without the Bugs!)
You don’t have to head to the woods to enjoy the magic of camping. Pop up a small tent (or make one with sheets), drag out some sleeping bags, and bring the fun to your own backyard. Tell stories, roast marshmallows over a fire pit or the oven, and maybe even do a little stargazing.
If the mosquitoes are out in full force, just move the camp indoors. A living room fort works just fine for adventure.
2. Old-Fashioned Water Play
There’s nothing fancy about a sprinkler and some plastic cups—but you’d be surprised how much fun little ones have with a few buckets and a water hose. Fill up the kiddie pool, toss in some bath toys, or create a DIY car wash for toy trucks and bikes.
Don’t overthink it—just let ‘em get soaked and giggle.
3. Kitchen Fun: Baking, Mixing, and Tasting
Kids love being helpers in the kitchen, especially when there’s licking the spoon involved. Pick a few simple recipes—think sugar cookies, homemade popsicles, or Rice Krispies treats—and let them be part of the process.
Yes, it’ll get messy. But the giggles are worth it, and you’ll have sweet treats to enjoy together.
4. Arts and Crafts Without the Stress
You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy craft room to get creative. Grab some crayons, paper plates, glue, and stickers—whatever you’ve got on hand—and let the kids go wild.
Paint rocks for the garden. Make sock puppets. Decorate old jars and turn them into “treasure holders.” It’s not about perfect—it’s about fun.
5. Storytime With a Twist
Reading together is great, but you can take it a step further. Let them act out parts of the book with costumes or silly voices. Write your own story together—maybe about a superhero grandma and her sidekick grandkid.
Want to get even more involved? Make a short “movie” using your phone. They’ll be thrilled to watch it back and show it off.
6. Backyard Games and Races
Break out the bubbles, hula hoops, and sidewalk chalk. Set up obstacle courses with lawn chairs and jump ropes. Host a three-legged race or a good ol’ fashioned scavenger hunt.
Most of these games take five minutes to set up and burn off at least an hour of energy.
7. Build a “Summer Bucket List” Together
On the first day of summer break, sit down and write out a list of all the fun y’all want to do together. Let the kids decorate it with markers or stickers.
Each time you cross something off the list—whether it’s making homemade lemonade or watching a backyard movie—celebrate it. It gives them something to look forward to and makes the time feel special.
Final Thoughts
Summer with your grandkids doesn’t have to mean expensive outings or exhausting day trips. Some of the best memories are made right at home—in the backyard, the kitchen, or snuggled up on the couch with a good book and a bowl of popcorn.
So grab your flip-flops, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, and soak in the joy of having your babies close. These are the moments they’ll remember—and so will you.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.