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 Gainesville, Georgia:
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1. Take them out for a special meal together
Here are three fun locally-owned restaurants:
- Pelican Pete's
- 8800 Port Royale Drive, Gas Island, Gainesville, GA 30506
- Sunday hours: 11:00am-9:00pm
- Atlas Pizza
- 104 Washington St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday hours: 3:00-8:00pm
- Sherry's Bait & Barbecue
- 2807 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506
- Sunday hours: 10:30am-6:00pm
2. Go for a walk in the woods nearby Gainesville
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 Gainesville that are accessible to all with paved trails:
- Greenway Access at Rock Creek Veterans Park
- 223 Northside Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Laurel Park
- 3100 Old Cleveland Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30506
- Sunday hours: 7:00am-6:00pm
- Wilshire Trails
- 849 Wilshire Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday hours: 6:00am-7:00pm
3. Plan a picnic around Gainesville
Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic! Here are three great spots around our hometown for a family picnic:
- Cherokee Bluffs Park
- 5867 Blackjack Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
- Sunday hours: 8:00am-7:00pm
- Longwood Park
- 20 Pearl Nix Pkwy, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
- Don Carter State Park
- 5000 N Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506
- Sunday hours: 7:00am-10:00pm
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4. Let your child share one of their favorite places in Gainesville
Does your child have a favorite Gainesville playground or amusement park? 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. Here are three fun spots in our area where kids can play and there is plenty of room for adults to watch (or take part!)
- Atlanta Botanical Gardens of Gainesville
- 1911 Sweetbay Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday hours: 9:00am-6:00pm
- INK Children's Museum
- 999 Chestnut St SE, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday play blocks: 12:30-2:30pm & 3:00-5:00pm
- Elachee Nature Science Center
- 2125 Elachee Dr, Gainesville, GA 30504
- Check out Snake Day & Wildlife Festival on September 11th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- CLOSED Sundays
5. Let grandparents share one of their favorite places in Gainesville
Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity in Gainesville 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. Get Breakfast Together
Breakfast is the best way to start the day off on the right foot so be sure to enjoy it with Grandma and Grandpa! Here are three great restaurants with a delicious breakfast menu that will be open on Grandparents Day:
- Stan's Biscuits & Deli
- 1151 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday hours: 5:00am-2:00pm
- Inked Pig BBQ
- 893 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday Brunch: 10:00am-2:00pm
- Avocados Restaurant
- 109 Bradford St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Sunday Brunch: 10:00am-2:00pm
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7. 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 Gainesville being silly together.
8. Go for ice cream
Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Here are three great family-owned businesses that feature delicious ice cream:
- Mountain Fresh Creamery
- 6615 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA 30527
- Sunday hours: 1:00-6:00ppm
- Los Scoops
- 2981 Gillsville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30507
- Sunday hours: 11:00am-8:30pm
- Jaemor Farms
- 5340 Cornelia Hwy, Alto, GA 30510
- Sunday hours: 1:00-6:00pm
9. Plan a photo shoot
Grandparents love family photos (and who doesn't?!?), so arrange a photo shoot with a local photographer on Grandparents Day, or gift them a certificate to use later. Here are three great photographers who specialize in family photos:
- BMB Photo & Design
- Keea Rachelle Photography
- Rebekah B. Photography
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10. Virtual Options
Do your 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.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that grandparents tend to love quality time the most! Any act of kindness out of love is sure to go a long way!
Peace, Love & Macaroni to you!
