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 Chicopee, Holyoke and Ludlow MA:
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1. Take them out for a special meal.
Here are three of our favorite Chicopee, Holyoke and Ludlow-owned restaurants:
- Chicopee:Kiyomi ~ Open Sunday 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Holyoke: The Delaney House ~ Sunday Brunch 10:30 am - 1 pm
- Ludlow: The Villa Rose ~ Open Sunday 12:00 pm - 9 pm
2. Go for a walk in the woods in
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 Ludlow & Holyoke MA that are accessible to all:
- Ludlow ~Ludlow Reservoir: Enjoy scenic beauty and wildlife on this paved stroll.
- Holyoke ~ Ashley Reservoir: Beautiful 4.5 loop paved hike around the reservoir.
3. Plan a picnic
Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic! Here are two great spots in Holyoke & Chicopee for a family picnic:
- Holyoke ~ Mount Tom State Reservation~ Enjoy hiking, grilling, and picnicking and a breathtaking view of the valley from the mountain.
- Chicopee ~ Chicopee State Park ~ Enjoy hiking, paved bike path, picnicking, & grilling and a view of the pond.
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4. Let your child share one of their favorite places in Holyoke and Ludlow MA
Does your child have a favorite thing to do? 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 Chicopee, Holyoke, or Ludlow. Here are three fun spots in Holyoke and Ludlow where kids can play and there is plenty of room for adults to watch (or take part!):
- Altitude Trampoline Park: Grandparents can watch their grandchildren bounce away all that energy! There is plenty of space to stand and watch and tables and benches if the grandparents need to take a break.
- The Children's Museum at Holyoke: Grandparents will enjoy watching their grandchildren explore and use their imagination. There is a handicap ramp, benches to rest and an area to eat with picnic tables. There is also an elevator to go between the two floors.
- Lupa : Grandparents can enjoy exploring all the different types of animals at this fun zoo. There are benches throughout the park but food facilities have been shut down due to covid.
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:
5. Make a video
Kids can list all the things they love about grandma and grandpa.
6. 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!
7. 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 Chicopee, Holyoke or Ludlow
Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity in Chicopee, Holyoke or Ludlow MA 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.
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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 Chicopee, Holyoke and Ludlow being silly together.
9. Go for ice cream
Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Here are three great Chicopee, Holyoke & Ludlow-owned ice cream places we love:
- Roger's Place ~ Open Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm. Note there is often a long line to get ice cream, it's THAT good.
- Fini's Farm ~ Open Sunday 9 am - 9 pm. Note this is a small farm stand with limited to no seating.
- Elsie's Creamer ~ Open Sunday 11 am - 9 pm. Note there is limited seating.
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