Grandparents: We love them, our kids adore them ... and in turn they offer unconditional love (and — if you're lucky — free babysitting!). Grandparents Day is Sunday, Sept. 12 and there's no better way to show the older people in your life how much you and your kids love and appreciate them than spending the day with them. And for those of you grandparents raising your grandkids full-time? We see and very much appreciate you!
Lucky enough to have grandparents who live close by? Here are 10 ideas on how to spend Grandparents Day in Lincoln:
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1. Take them out for a special meal in Lincoln
Here are three of our favorite Lincoln-owned restaurants:
- Stur 22-get the friend plantains, they are amazing!
- The Green Gateau- I love GG for brunch or breakfast.
- Lazlo's-We especially like Lazlo's for their outdoor seating which is perfect for little kids and loud families.
2. Go for a walk in the woods in Lincoln.
If your grandparents love fresh air and hiking in the woods, there might be no simpler way to spend the day! Here are some great hiking trails in Lincoln::
- Holmes Lake-a wide trail (you can walk side-by-side) and have a view of the water.
- Pioneers Park Nature Center-walk the trails at Pioneers Park and visit the Nature Center.
- Wildnerness Park-if your family is into hiking, then this is the place to be!
3. Plan a picnic in Lincoln
Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic! Here are three great spots in Lincoln for a family picnic:
- Sunken Garden, it is especially beautiful right now in the fall. I could look at their flowers all day.
- Pioneers Park, you'll see Pioneers Park often on our list. It offers to much to the community. We especially enjoy a picnic by the lake in Pioneers Park.
- Spring Creek Prairie, if you want to take in our beautiful prairie then I suggest SCP. After you eat, you can go on a stroll and visit their education building.
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4. Let your child share one of their favorite places in Lincoln
Does your child have a favorite Lincoln trampoline park, amusement park, or Lincoln playground? Grandma and Grandpa might love to come along to take part, or if that's too much, simply watch their grandchildren enjoy themselves! Your children, in turn, will probably love to tour Grandma and Grandpa around their favorite place in town. Here are three fun spots where kids can play and there is plenty of room for adults to watch (or take part!):
- Lincoln Children's Museum. Grandpa and Grandma can be involved in play. Kids can make the a meal at Runza, serve them at a UBT Bank, or go shopping at Hy-Vee in the little town area.
- Lincoln Children's Zoo. Ride the train, visit the animals and spend an afternoon outside. The zoo is very accessible for wheelchairs as well. Lincoln's Children's Zoo will be having Grandparents Day on the 12th with one free admission for grandpa and grandma all day!
- Have a great afternoon at Camp Grandparent at Camp Sonshine.This fun-filled afternoon involves a variety of activities and experiences designed to bring grandkids and grandparents closer as they spend the day together.
Grandparents live far away?
Let them know you're thinking of them on Grandparents Day! Here are three ways to tell them you love them from a distance:
Make a video
Kids can list all the things they love about grandma and grandpa.
Send them a hug
Tape together a few pieces of newspaper or use the white side of wrapping paper and outline your child with their arms outstretched. Let your kids color themselves in. Fold it up, put it in an envelope, and send that hug to Grandma and Grandpa!
DIY coasters
Grandparents love personalized gifts, so make them DIY coasters, either with your kids' picture or a drawing they've completed. See how to do it here.
5. Let grandparents share one of their favorite places in Lincoln
Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity in Lincoln that you haven't been to before! Let them take you and your kids along to experience what makes it important to them. They'll love introducing you and your kids to their friends and sharing a place that's special.
6. Visit a museum in Lincoln
Museums are a great place to spend a day with Grandma and Grandpa! Here are three great museums in {Town} that will be open on Grandparents Day:
7. Say hi to the animals in our area
Grandparents probably love to see animals as much as their grandkids! Here are three places to go and see the animals in Lincoln on Grandparents Day:
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
- Wildlife Safari Park (especially great for grandparnets that would prefer to stay in a car)
- Schramm Education Center
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8. Plan a photo scavenger hunt
We developed this fun scavenger hunt for teens and tweens but there's no reason why Grandma and Grandpa can't take part too! Make great memories by taking selfies together, recreating a famous Beatles album cover, and just generally spending the day out and about in Lincoln being silly together.
9. Go for ice cream
Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Here are three great Lincoln-owned ice cream places we love:
- Ivanna Cone-My kids and I get the flight and like to try all different flavors.
- Scoops-I love their cubed shaped ice cream scoops.
- Dairy Joe's-get the soft serve lemon, trust me.
10. Plan a photo shoot
Grandparents love family photos (and who doesn't?!?), so arrange a photo shoot with a Lincoln photographer on Grandparents Day, or gift them a certificate to use later. Here are four great Lincoln photographers who specialize in family photos. Check out their photos here.
- Monica Bee Photography
- Toni Pohlen Photograpy
- Genesis Photography
- Jenny Gegg's Photography
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