The 15 Best Budget-Friendly Ideas for Grandparent-Grandkid Outings

There's nothing quite as special for a grandparent than having a nice day with a grandchild. It's great to bond with the younger generation and teach them skills and activities you've learned over the years. The good news is that there are many different fun activities you can try without breaking the bank. To show you what we mean, we present these budged-friendly grandparent-grandkid outings.

There are many fun activities on this list. Some you can do at home, like drawing a family tree, baking together, or having a movie night. Then there are fun outings that will get you out of the house, like checking out a local farmer's market or going on a nature walk. Try some or all of these activities with your grandchildren. You won't regret it!

The first of the grandparent-grandkid outings that you should consider is creating a family tree. This is an activity that you can do at home, so there won't be any unnecessary costs. Imagine how fun it will be for a child to learn about his parents and the lives of his grandparents. This can even be a project that the child can show to their friends.

A great experience for grandchildren and grandparents alike is building a fort. Whether you're building it in the child's backyard or as a place to play in the grandparent's yard, it can be a lot of fun. Grandparents often have a lot of experience with building, so they can provide some great advice. A great way to save money while building a fort is to use materials from around the house, like blankets, pillows, and old furniture.

A great way to pass some time with grandchildren is to head to the local library. This can often be a totally free adventure and it can be a blast. While at the library, grandparents can show off some of their favorite books and the grandchildren can do the same. You can also rent movies, read old newspapers, go online to child-friendly websites, and more.

Our list of wonderful grandparent-grandkid outings continues with hosting a movie night. This is a great outing that you can have at your home. You can save money on the film by using a streaming service to which you already subscribe. Then you can find sales on popcorn and candy and have snacks during the show. Ask the kids which movie they want to watch and it will be a night they'll always remember.

One of the fun and free activities that your grandchild will love is simply taking a walk. Take a stroll through the park or down the street. This is a great time to bond and ask your grandchild about their day. You can also use this as an opportunity to keep your eyes open for other businesses or eateries you could visit during your next outing.

You can have a great outing with your grandchild while also helping the planet by going into the park to plant some trees or plants. In addition to being fun, this is a great chance to improve the mental health of your grandchild. When they continue to visit the flower or tree they planted over time and see it grow, and they know they had a part in it, it will help their confidence.

While you're walking through the park, take a chance to enjoy a lovely picnic. Get a blanket, some food, and maybe a radio for some soft tunes, and you'll have a great time. You don't have to go overboard on food. Save money by purchasing some snacks at a dollar store and use a blanket that you already own. Use this time to talk about life, family, or whatever you want.

A fun activity to do in the garage or the backyard is to build a birdhouse with your grandchild. It doesn't have to be an extensive project. Putting four walls, a floor, and a roof together will be enough. Then you can have fun painting the house. You can save money by purchasing a pre-made birdhouse kit or find lumber lying around the garage. 

One of the most enjoyable activities a child and grandparent can enjoy together is a rousing game of mini golf. You don't have to take it too seriously. Go to a course and see how unique each hole is. You can keep score but remember that it's just for fun. Mini golf courses can sometimes be expensive, so look for a coupon online to save some money.

A nice grandchild-grandparent outing can include going to the zoo. There's something so exciting about seeing the different exhibits and the exotic animals. You never know what you're going to see and many zoos get new animals all of the time. Yes, the zoo can be costly, especially if you have multiple grandchildren, but there are often discounted days throughout the year. Check online. They can be a big help.

If you're looking for a bit of a thrill, make a date to go bowling. Remember that you're just there to have fun, so don't go overboard counting the score. Instead, just have fun together rolling the ball. Bowling costs can add up, so look online for coupons or certain hours where you can get a deal. Sometimes, you can save money by combining bowling with another activity, like the arcade.

If you enjoy fishing, then taking a fishing trip can be one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings ever. Just imagine going out to the creek, casting your lines, and waiting for fish as you bond with your loved ones. Fishing is typically an inexpensive activity, especially if you already own the poles. Usually, you just have to spend a few dollars on some bait.

Going swimming at the local pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat and have fun with your loved ones. Bring your pool noodles and inflatables and you'll have a blast for hours. If your subdivision has a local pool, you can often enjoy it for free. Either that or head out to the local creek.

Another fun and free event is heading to the local farmer's market when it comes to town. You and your grandchild can walk the aisles, trying samples and enjoying each other's company. Pick up some candy when you see it and enjoy a sweet treat. Find some affordable ingredients and use them to cook dinner!

A fun and tasty way to enjoy a nice day is to bake cookies or other sweet treats together. This is one of the best grandparent-grandkid outings because you can teach your grandchild how to bake, and then afterward, you can enjoy your treats together. You can enjoy this outing for free if you already own the ingredients.