Grandparents Day is a sweet chance to build warm bonds between children and older adults. With a simple plan, child care programs can host a meaningful celebration that children will proudly share at home. This article gives easy, safe, low-prep ideas for classrooms, family child care, and centers plus ways to include families who cannot attend in person.#grandparents #familyengagement #childcare
Why does Grandparents Day matter for young children?
Grandparents (and “grandfriends”) often bring calm attention, stories, and patience. That helps children feel seen and loved.
Grandparents Day activities can help children practice:
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Listening and turn-taking (during stories and chats)
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Language skills (asking questions, telling memories)
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Social-emotional skills (gratitude, empathy, connection) #SEL
How do I plan a Grandparents Day that families will remember?
Keep it simple. A short, well-run event feels better than a long one.
1) Choose the easiest time and format
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Mid-morning often works best for older visitors.
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Plan for 30–60 minutes total.
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Offer two options: in-person and virtual (if possible).
2) Send clear invitations (and make them welcoming)
Include:
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start/end time
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parking and entry instructions
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accessibility notes (ramps, elevators, seating)
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a reminder: “Grandparents & Grandfriends welcome”
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an opt-in note for photos/video (follow your program policy)
3) Use a simple schedule children can handle
A reliable plan is:
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10 minutes: welcome + a short song
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15 minutes: activity stations
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10 minutes: story corner
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5 minutes: thank-you and goodbye
4) Set up smart “roles” so everyone feels comfortable
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A greeter at the door (staff member)
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A station helper (staff member)
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A “quiet corner” helper (staff member)
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A float staff person for questions and support
5) Have a back-up plan for children without grandparents
Some children may not have grandparents nearby, or it may be a hard topic. Offer choices:
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invite a grandfriend (family friend, neighbor, mentor)
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pair with a staff member for a special “buddy station”
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let the child choose a classroom “VIP helper” for the day
What low-prep activities will kids love to share?
Choose 2–3 stations only. Rotate small groups every 8–10 minutes.
Station 1: Handprint keepsake (fast and meaningful)
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Use non-toxic paint and cardstock.
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Add a short message: “I love you” or “Thank you.”
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Tip: Do the painting before the event if time is tight. Then children can “present” it during the visit.
Station 2: “All About My Grand…” page
Children draw and answer one simple prompt:
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“My grandparent/grandfriend likes…”
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“We have fun when…”
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“I feel happy when…”
Keep it optional. If a child prefers, they can write about a favorite adult helper.
Station 3: Memory picture + one sentence
Children draw a picture of something they did with a grandparent (or a caring adult).
Teachers can write the child’s words underneath.
Station 4: Read-aloud corner (calm and cozy)
Set up pillows, a chair, and 5–8 picture books.
Grandparents can read in pairs or small groups.
Station 5: “Interview time” with kid-friendly questions
Post 6–8 simple question cards like:
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“What games did you play when you were little?”
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“What is your favorite food?”
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“What job did you have?”
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“What is one thing you learned?”
Need ready-to-use classroom ideas?
Use this ChildCareEd resource: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00831-grandparents-day-activities.html
How can we include families who can’t come in person?
A child can still feel connected even if a grandparent is far away.
Try one of these simple options:
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Short video hello (10–15 minutes): one grandparent at a time works best
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Recorded message: families send a short clip; you play 1–2 during circle time
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Mail a craft: children make a card and you send it home for mailing
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Classroom mailbox: children “send” notes to grandparents; families take them home
Tech tips that make virtual visits smoother:
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Test sound and camera the day before
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Use one staff person as the “tech helper”
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Keep it short—young children have short attention spans
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Offer a phone-call option for grandparents who prefer it
How do I keep the event safe and smooth?
Grandparents Day can be busy. Simple systems reduce stress.
Safety and supervision basics:
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Follow visitor sign-in rules and badge policies
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Keep ratios and supervision strong at all times
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Avoid crowded transitions (move small groups, not the whole class)
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Keep walkways clear for mobility devices
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Use allergy-safe supplies if you serve food (or skip food entirely)
If you offer refreshments, keep it easy:
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water cups
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allergy-aware packaged options (if allowed)
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or “no food” and focus on crafts + stories
Remember: state requirements vary—check your state licensing agency for visitor rules, food rules, and health guidance. #safety
What keepsakes and learning moments make the day educational?
You can connect Grandparents Day to real learning goals without making it complicated.
Learning goals you can name in your lesson plan:
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Language: telling stories, asking questions
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Social skills: turn-taking, listening, greeting
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Fine motor: drawing, coloring, gluing
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Community: family engagement and belonging #classroom
Keepsake ideas that teach identity and history:
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Memory book: one page per child (draw + one sentence)
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Family timeline strip: “When I was a baby…” “Now…” “In the future…”
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Bookmark craft: child draws, adult laminates (if available)
What common mistakes should we avoid?
Mistake 1: Over-scheduling
Fix: Keep it 30–60 minutes and build in calm time.
Mistake 2: Too many crafts
Fix: Use 2–3 stations and rotate.
Mistake 3: Forgetting accessibility
Fix: Add extra chairs, clear pathways, and offer a quiet corner.
Mistake 4: Not planning for children without grandparents
Fix: Use “Grandparents & Grandfriends” language and offer buddy options.
Which ChildCareEd trainings help staff run family events well?
These courses support family engagement, inclusion, and positive communication—perfect for events like Grandparents Day:
FAQ: Quick answers for busy programs
How long should the event be?
30–60 minutes is usually best.
What if a child has no grandparent?
Invite a grandfriend or offer a buddy option so the child feels included.
Can toddlers join?
Yes—use shorter stations (5–7 minutes) and add a quiet area.
Who runs virtual visits?
Assign one staff member as the tech helper and keep calls short.
