Autumn is officially here, for children, the count down to Christmas isn't long to begin. However, for parents and grandparents finding new ways to keep them entertained on rainy days can often be struggle. Day trips are often expensive, so why not try our top ideas of fun and affordable things you can do right in the comfort of your own home.
Build a den
Let the grandkids loose in the living room with pillows, duvets and more. You could even turn the den into an overnight sleeping spot. Dress it up with fairy lights, cosy blankets, and their favourite toys and books for hours of entertainment.
Ready steady cook
Whether it’s baking their favourite sweet treats, or helping cook a family dinner, get your kids involved in the kitchen. Making pizzas is always a winner as they can have fun experimenting with different toppings. Or try blending up some fruit to make smoothies and juices.
Green fingers
Plant seeds either indoors in a pot, or outside in the garden. Teach your little ones how to nurture and nourish the plants, and watch them grow. You could even name them and have a competition to see whose is the first to flower.
Explore Outdoors
As the saying goes 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing', so wrap up warm, grab a jacket with a hood and explore the outdoors. You could even take flask and a picnic to enjoy whilst you are out.
Getting creative
Kids love to get messy, make and create things. Keeping a small amount of magazines and even food packaging can be a great opportunity to create rockets, sculptures and inventions. All you need is a little bit of imagination and some glue. You could also encourage your grandkids to make celebration cards to give to others or pictures to decorate your wall.
Watching the stars
If the weather is good, why not spend the evening in your garden or balcony. Have a night away from the TV and phones. Take board games outside, or try stargazing- you may be able to spot a shooting star!
Above all, it’s important to remember that the most important thing is spending quality time with your grandkids.
Not every day has to be activity filled. Just watching a film or reading a book with them can be special time spent together.
With darker evenings, autumn gives us a chance to live a little differently, so make the most of it while you can. Enjoy windy walks, games nights in, cosy movie nights and hot chocolates with marshmallows - mostly just enjoy making memories!
Retirement is the time to do all those things you’ve been putting off.
Find all the inspiration you need to make positive lifestyle changes that last at one of our Integrated Retirement Community’s; Beechwood Park in the Cotswold’s, Button House in South London and Landale Court, close to Aberdeen.