10 Best Places to Have Outdoor Adventures with Grandchildren

Spending time together is one of the best gifts you can give your grandchildren. While places are just that, the experience you get to share makes the memories last a lifetime. Doing things outdoors with your grandchildren may be as simple as just taking a walk and feeding the ducks. Of course, it can also be something bigger, like a national park or an RV trip. Whatever you decide to do, we’re confident that your grandkids will cherish your time together for years. Now, here are the 10 best places to have outdoor adventures with your grandkids this summer!

1. National or State Parks

The United States boasts many national parks. From Yellowstone and Glacier National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Everglades, the options are practically endless! If you don’t feel like making the trip to one of the bigger national parks, see if you have any state parks or national wildlife parks nearby. In these types of parks, you can go on nature hikes, participate in ranger information meetings, or even go fishing (with a license, of course). Many national and state parks have Little Ranger training activities, where kids can receive certificates and badges as they learn information. Park rangers will hand out a book for kids to read and use to explore. Oftentimes, they send the kids on a scavenger hunt to locate certain plants, birds, animals, and tracks. No matter what park you decide to visit, you’re sure to have a wonderful time with your grandkids!

2. Visit a Farm

Many farms offer seasonal activities that you can enjoy all year round. From summer night campfires with marshmallows to hay rides through the fields, you can always have fun at a farm! Some have petting zoos while others also provide Christmas trees and hot cocoa during the holiday season. Other farms have old equipment for kids to play on. It’s a great way to make memories and commune with nature.

Here’s a list of the BEST farms to visit per state, according to Taste of Home!

Alabama – Humble Heart Farms

Alaska – Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

Arizona – Red Rock Lavender Farms

Arkansas – Moss Mountain Farm

California – Castello di Amoroso

Colorado – The Living Farm

Connecticut – Silverman’s Farm

Delaware – Hopkins Farm Creamery

Florida – Knaus Berry Farm

Georgia – Dickey Farms

Hawaii – Greenwell Farms

Idaho – Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch

Illinois – Tempel Farms

Indiana – Fair Oaks Farms

Iowa – Sawmill Hollow

Kansas – Walters’ Farm

Kentucky – Winstar Farm

Louisiana – Tallgrass Farm

Maine – Avena Botanicals

Maryland – McKee-Beshers

Massachusetts – A.D. Makepeace Company

Michigan – Domino’s Farms

Minnesota – Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm

Mississippi – Dockery Farms

Missouri – Green Dirt Farm

Montana – Graze & Roam

Nebraska – Arbor Day Farm

Nevada – The Farm

New Hampshire – Frost Farm

New Jersey – Wightman Farms

New Mexico – Que Sera Alpacas

New York – Verticulture Farms

North Carolina – Duke Homestead

North Dakota – Logging Camp Ranch

Ohio – Bob Evans Farm

Oklahoma – Maple Creek Berry Farm

Oregon – No Regrets Farm

Pennsylvania – Old Windmill Farm

Rhode Island – Matunuck Oyster Farm

South Carolina – Charleston Tea Plantation

South Dakota – Old MacDonald’s Farm

Tennessee – Country Cove Christmas Tree Farm

Texas – Walker Honey Farm

Utah – Wheeler Historic Farm

Vermont – Sugarbush Farm

Virginia – Stribling Orchards

Washington – Tulip Town

West Virginia – Gritt’s Farm

Wisconsin – Hinchley’s Dairy Farm

Wyoming – Terry Bison Ranch

3. Fly a Kite and Blow Bubbles

On a windy day, you can take the kids to a park or your backyard and let the wind blow through your hair as you fly kites high and blow bubbles into the sky. Bring along something to play music and a picnic lunch to make it a whole day in the great outdoors! 

4. Hot Air Balloon Shows

Flying in a hot air balloon may not be for everyone, but there is more to these shows than taking a ride. Depending on where you live, you can watch as the balloons ascend in the morning or catch a glow-in-the-dark flight at night. Listen to the hot torches as they puff like a dragon. Every balloon is beautifully crafted, making for a spectacular show. The fun colors and exciting characters will make an impression sure to last a lifetime!

5. Go to the Mountains on a Snowy Day

If you live near or can travel to the mountains, I urge you to do it! The feeling of fresh cool air and a thermos of hot chocolate (or apple cider)  is a winner for kids and adults alike. Plus, the snow activities are practically endless! The drive through the white mountains on a sunny day is akin to a magical adventure in a winter wonderland. Try sledding or snowshoeing, or keep a lookout for a safe and public frozen pond for ice skating or ice-fishing. You could even take a walk through the snow and follow the tracks of animals. Kids of all ages enjoy making snowmen, snowballs, or snow forts. Act like a kid and have some fun. There’s more to do than just skiing or snowboarding on a mountain, though keep that option open if you feel particularly adventurous!

6. Fun at the Beach (or Lake) in the Sun

Hot, sun-drenched days and fun times go hand in hand. Pack some goodies, some towels, and of course, some sunscreen! The waterfront is a great place to make memories together. Dip your feet in the water and splash around, too! Make time to connect and take a walk on the beach for a deeper conversation. Collect shells (or other treasures), go crab hunting, and share what’s on your mind. But most of all, enjoy the moments together.

7. Go to the Rodeo

If you live in the South, you know all about the rodeo. So gather up the cowboy hats, throw on some cowboy boots, and make a day of it with the grandkids.  Make sure you bring along some water and money for delicious turkey legs. Rodeos, and even cattle drives, are great entertainment for audience members of all ages! Enjoy the family live music entertainment at night, and maybe take in a little square dancing, too!

8. Go to the Zoo

The zoo is always a good idea! Zoos are always full of surprises, and animals are up to something all the time. Zoos are great at bringing grownups and children together. It encourages conversation and observation with all the things in store to see and do. Some zoos have train rides, a carousel, educational classes, feeding time, or shows with the animals. Check out your local zoo to see what’s in store!

9. Go to an arboretum.

If you have an Arboretum nearby, I highly suggest checking it out. With acres of land to explore, beautiful flowers and plants to admire, and a plethora of great picnic spots, you can’t go wrong with an arboretum! Check out their yearly calendar, as they tend to have family events that go on year-round! Pack a fun snack (and your good walking shoes) and get ready to explore and learn something new!

10. Just go outside in your (or their) backyard!

You don’t have to travel to have a great adventure outside with your grandkids. Just going outside in your (or their) backyard can make for a beautiful day of memories, as well. Grab some chalk and color on the patio or driveway. Or hop on the swing set and push them high into the sky! If it’s a hot summer day, you can pull out a sprinkler and run through the water. Go on a scavenger hunt, or just play pretend. The options are almost endless for a fun time when you go outside!

Takeaway

Kids desperately need their grandparents. They need support, affirmation, connection, and—most importantly—love. Kids need to feel heard and treated with affection. Make time for them every opportunity you can. And remember, in the wise words of Carl Fredrickson from the movie Up, adventure is out there!

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