10 Thrifty Tips for Entertaining Your Grandkids on a Budget
Inflation hasn’t just affected eggs and gas prices. Entertainment has also been hit hard! These days, you can’t go to the movies without dropping at least $20. Even a quick trip to McDonald’s can hit your wallet where it hurts! If you’re a grandparent, there’s a pretty good chance you want to spoil your grandkids. But for any older adult living on a fixed income, that might not be possible. The good news? You don’t have to shower your grandkids with gifts or even go over your budget to keep them entertained! Here are 10 thrifty ways to have fun with your grandbabies.
1. Go to the park.
I have fond childhood memories of my grandparents taking me to the park every Saturday. They’d push me on the swings and help me across the monkey bars when my arms inevitably gave out somewhere around the middle. Taking your grandkids to the park is a surefire way to give them those lasting memories they’ll carry in their heart forever. Best of all, it’s FREE!
And remember, parks have more than playground equipment! So, pack a picnic lunch and bring along a Frisbee or two for a little extra fun. You can also take a nature walk or even plan a scavenger hunt for your grandkids.
Read Next: 12 Best Places to Take Your Grandchildren for a Day Out
2. Have a picnic.
And speaking of picnics, remember the days when you and your family would pack a basket and head to a freshly cut lawn for a little lunch? Why not revive that tradition with your grandchildren? Make some sandwiches, slice some fruit, and head to the park or maybe your backyard. Not only is this a cheaper alternative to eating out, but you’ll make some priceless memories!
Some easy picnic lunch ideas:
- Fruit and veggies
- Crackers
- Salads
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Deviled eggs
- Chips
- Muffins
3. Play board games.
Board games may not be as popular with kids as they once were. But there’s still a lot to be said for good, old-fashioned board games like Monopoly and Scrabble. If your grandchildren are a little younger, give Candyland or Guess Who? a try.
Other fun games you can play are:
- Rummy
- Charades
- Clue
- Would You Rather?
- Pictionary
- Hungry Hungry Hippos
- Hide-and-seek
- Tag
4. Have a tea party.
Do you have a fancy tea set that you display but don’t ever use? It’s time to change that! Having a tea party with your grandkids is a foolproof way to create precious memories together. Better yet, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a lovely tea party! You probably already have an assortment of tea bags in your cupboard and ingredients to make sandwiches and other goodies in your fridge!
Some yummy treats to enjoy at your tea party:
- Finger sandwiches
- Mini cakes
- Tea cakes
- Scones
- Eclairs
- Cookies
5. Paint together.
If you have old paint supplies lying around, why not put them to good use and have a little painting party with your grandkids? Who knows? You may be helping the next Picasso or van Gogh discover their talent!
If you don’t have painting supplies, you can get some without breaking the bank! For example, here’s an acrylic paint kit that comes with 24 colors, 30 brushes, 5 canvases, and more, all for only $24.98* on Amazon! You can also get this set of 24 dual-tip markers on Amazon for only $9.99*!
6. Take a walk.
The best things in life are free, and nature and quality time with loved ones definitely fall into that category! The best way to combine those two things? Take a walk with your grandkids! You’ll be getting good exercise and enjoying the sort of scenic views that money can’t buy.
Whether you walk in your backyard or a local state park, your grandkids can get plenty of fresh air and truly connect with nature. To make it extra special, take a camera (or your phone!) along and snap a few photos. If you’re a nature buff, make sure to teach them a thing or two. Help them truly appreciate the beauty of nature and everything our lovely planet has to offer!
7. Baking.
There’s nothing quite like homemade chocolate chip cookies, and I’m sure your grandchildren agree! The next time you decide to do a little baking, why not involve your grandkids in the process? Chances are, they’ll enjoy helping, and you’ll be grateful for the help. Plus, this is yet another excellent way to spend time together without breaking the bank!
Read Next: Fun, Frustration-Free Cookie Recipes to Make With Kids
8. Have a movie night.
I don’t need to tell you that going to the movies is expensive nowadays. In addition to the cost of the ticket, you’ll probably also buy some popcorn and snacks, and you’re suddenly out fifty bucks! The solution? Have a movie night at home! Rent a movie or pop in a DVD you already own. You won’t have to spend any extra money on concessions, and you and your grandchildren will have a fun, relaxing evening!
Some kid-friendly movies to add to your watch list include:
- Finding Nemo
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis
- Flow
- The Sound of Music
- Up
- The Incredibles
- Wicked
9. Visit the community pool.
If you have a neighborhood or community pool close to you, use it! It’s the perfect form of entertainment during those hot summer months. I’m sure your grandkids will agree! Make sure to take the proper precautions before you go. Bring sunscreen and (if your grandkids aren’t strong swimmers) some floaties! Stay in the shallow end with younger grandbabies to be on the safe side. Always practice water safety!
10. Plan a scavenger hunt.
Scavenger hunts are a fun (and free) way to spend an afternoon! Many websites offer FREE printable lists that you and your grandchildren can follow. Or, if you want to get extra creative, make up your own list! You can have a nature scavenger hunt that takes place in the great outdoors. Or you can create a list with common household objects. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to make it a challenge! Most importantly, make it FUN!
*-Price at time of publishing.
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Popular Articles About Activities & Entertaining Grandchildren, and Thrifty Tips
Originally published April 24, 2025
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