Toddlers: A Break From the Routine

Children look at a visit to grandma or granddad's house as a chance to do fun things that are different from the routine back home. Whether you see your grandchildren once a year or once a week, it's nice to have a few special activities up your sleeve. Put a twist on the most ordinary things and you'll have a grandchild who brags about his very cool grandparents.

Animal Safari Adventure
Imagination and role-playing are two huge favorites with toddler-age grandchildren, so a pretend safari adventure is sure to be a hit. Familiarize your grandchild with animals that might be seen on a safari by reading an age-appropriate book, paging through a magazine such as National Geographic Kids, or browsing a website that features these animals. Next, "pack" for the safari adventure by gathering up a few items you'll need along the way (don't forget the water). Find stuffed animals that can be placed around the house to foster the imagination (for example, a plush cat can become a cheetah, a dog can be a hyena). Don your hat and sunglasses and off you go.

Talk with your grandchild as you creep through imaginary foliage, look through binoculars (fingers) for "animal sightings," and walk quietly to avoid startling the animals. Do you hear the birds? See the monkeys swinging above? Can your granddaughter imitate those sounds? As you approach the watering hole, do you see how the elephants are using their trunks to cool off? Uh-oh! You've been spotted by a pride of lions. Better get back to the campsite for safety. Afterward, color pictures of animals together, snack on bananas or chocolate, explaining how both are grown in the jungle, and finish off the adventure with a viewing of an animal-themed movie.

Caped Crusaders
You and your grandchildren can become caped crusaders ready to solve the next big crime. Make capes out of sheets or towels and establish a secret family code, handshake, and superhero names. Each child and grandparent can also take on a special power, such as becoming invisible, having superhuman strength, or seeing through walls. Use the codes and handshake so you'll always know each other regardless of your assumed identities.

Picnic Breakfast
Whoever said that picnics have to be lunch or dinner? Capitalize on mild outdoor weather and start a tradition of picnic breakfasts at your house. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Just pack up fresh fruit, single-serving cereal boxes, a pint of milk, and you're golden.