Six ways to keep your grandkids entertained this summer

It’s that time of year. The schools have broken up and you’re looking for ways to keep your grandchildren entertained. 
 
You’re in luck. Here are six ideas sure to give you fun days that you’ll all enjoy. 
 

Geocaching and bug hunting

Geocaching is a new craze and it’s becoming more and more popular. 
 
Essentially, it’s a free, outdoor, GPS-based treasure hunt game that you play using an app on your phone. The app is free and available for iPhones and Android devices. Don’t worry though, it’s not just staring at a screen – you and your grandchildren will be getting active and having fun. 
 
The rules are simple. Visit the Geocaching website, sign up and enter your postcode. It’ll then give you the coordinates of a number of geocaches near you. Now all you need to do is use your smartphone to find the treasure. 
 
You can download the apps and find out more at the official Geocache website. 
 
While you’re out and about, why not take a small Tupperware box and hunt for bugs? Kids love to learn about insects and you should find plenty on your travels. 
 

Shoot a music video

If exploring isn’t your thing, or the weather has come over all British, there are plenty of other ways to have fun.
 
Shooting a music video is a simple way to keep you and your grandchildren entertained. There are plenty of free apps available which have a catalogue of songs suitable for every taste. They’ll even give you tips on how to get the best results.


For Android, FilmoraGo is an easy-to-use free video editor that lets you stitch different video clips together and play your favourite songs alongside. 
 
If you have an Apple device, iMovie, which is free to download from the App Store, is extremely user-friendly, and can turn your self-shot home videos into masterpieces. 
 
Alternatively, for that real DIY aesthetic, put on a record, tape or CD and shoot it with your own video camera. 
 

Baking

Another great way to get the kids engaged while also being productive is cooking or baking. 
 
Something simple, such as cupcakes or pizza, can be a great way to pass the time. They should enjoy eating the results of their work too.
 
There are countless websites and books that can give you step-by-step instructions. The BBC food recipe page is often a good place to start. 
 
Naturally, they will need supervision while baking or cooking. Not only to make sure they’re doing it right, but also to keep them safe. 
 

Writing a letter to parents

If your grandchild is feeling a little homesick, or perhaps they need keep up with their writing skills over the summer, penning a letter to their parents is a great idea. 
 
Not only will they know their parents aren’t missing anything they’re up to, it’ll be a good use of time and allow them to be creative too. 
 
Got some spare stamps? Why not stretch your legs, go the extra mile and take the letter with them to your local post box? You could even make it a regular activity during the kids’ stay with you. 
 

Cinema

Another way to keep your grandchildren entertained this summer is a trip to the cinema. There are often deals and discounts you can get your hands on from sites such as Groupon or hotukdeals.
 
Alternatively, if the cinema is too far away or out of your budget, why not set up your own at home?
 
Dim the lights, close the curtains, grab some popcorn and recreate that full cinema experience. Make sure you turn off mobiles and maybe leave out the amorous couple in the back row, though. 

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Video games

Despite what you might have read elsewhere, there are many benefits to be gained from video games, for your grandkids and for you too. 
 
Practice problem-solving, improving reaction times and growing creativity are just three of many benefits you can reap through video games. Slowing down memory loss as you get older is another.
 
No matter your grandchild’s age, there’s an array of suitable video games available which will be as much fun for you as it is them. Mario Kart, Fifa or The Sims, the list is endless. Simply put, there’s something for everyone. 
 
And if you’re worried about the cost, don’t be. Online marketplaces, such as Ebay or Facebook Marketplace, often have an abundance of games and games consoles available at a very reasonable price. Alternatively, nip into your local CeX or charity shop and you can pick them up for relatively cheap. 
 
See? We told you it wasn’t just for the juniors.
 
And there you have it. Six ways sure to keep your grandchildren entertained this summer.