30 Great Things to Do With Grandkids

The Nutcracker ballet is an annual favorite that can be enjoyed by even the youngest family members. — Dina Rudick/The Boston Globe/Getty Images

11. Put on an intergenerational family talent contest. Sing songs, recite poems, put on a skit, dance, play an instrument, show a homemade video or share yummy baked goods. Everyone can contribute something and everyone is a winner!

12. In addition to traditional presents, make a collage for each family member depicting your "what if" presents for them. A cruise, diamond necklace, week at a spa, new boat — the sky's the limit when it comes to what you'd want them to have!

13.  Take pictures as your family enjoys the holidays, and then make scrapbooks together that everyone can take home.

14.  Make snow candy. If you live in an area with good snow cover, boil some maple syrup and drizzle on a clean bank of snow. It will harden and then you can snap it into pieces of luscious maple candy.

15. Keep grandchildren entertained with the many great holiday websites. Visit Tech Digest for a list of 50 great sites. Get ideas for crafts, stories, Santa activities and more.

16. Attend a local performance of a holiday favorite, such as the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, or The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  Better yet — put on your own production!

17. Take a trip to a "paint your own" pottery shop. You can each create a masterpiece, have it fired and take it home.

18. Bring cookies or other treats to your local fire station. Firemen will love the sweets and your grandchildren will love seeing the fire trucks decorated with wreaths.

19. Do something your family has never done together before. Go to the races, plant a tree, go cycling, take a rowing class, go ice fishing. Anything new and different is worth a try! If you like it, make it an annual tradition.

20. Teach young family members to value and enjoy nature by putting together special holiday treat for the birds in your yard. A birdseed bell hung with a red bow will please the birds and decorate your yard as well.

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