There’s something special about a day spent with the grandkids. Whether you’re building something together, trying a new activity, exploring the outdoors, or simply sharing a treat at the end of the day, those little adventures can become some of the memories everyone talks about for years.
With Grandparents Day on September 13, September is a wonderful time to plan some quality time together. And in MetroWest Boston, grandparents can find plenty of ways to entertain grandchildren of all ages—from curious little explorers to tweens and teens looking for their next adventure.
Whether you have a few hours, a full day, or an entire weekend together, here are some fun things for grandparents and grandchildren to do throughout MetroWest Boston.
Explore, Experiment & Learn Together
A grandparent-grandchild outing can be fun and educational.
At Discovery Museum in Acton, kids and adults can explore hands-on exhibits centered around science, nature, math, sound, light, and more. The museum’s open-ended experiences make it easy for grandparents to get involved rather than simply watch from the sidelines. Experiment, build, investigate, and discover something new together.
For grandparents looking for an experience that encourages curiosity and conversation, a museum day can be an easy way to make learning part of the adventure.
Planning a September visit? Be sure to check Discovery Museum’s schedule before you go, as the museum will be closed September 7–14 for maintenance.
Get Creative With the Grandkids
Some of the best souvenirs are the ones you make yourselves.
At Bloom & Grow Creative, grandparents and grandchildren can spend time crafting side by side. Depending on what’s available, you might make bracelets, decorate patches, create slime, or try one of the studio’s rotating crafts.
For another creative experience, visit Elsie Kaye Glassworks, where older grandchildren and their grandparents can try hands-on workshops and create something worth keeping. From glassworking experiences to stamped jewelry, it’s an opportunity to learn a new skill—and bring home a reminder of your day together.
Creative activities are especially fun for multigenerational outings because everyone leaves with their own version of the experience.
Find Something Fun for Every Age at Natick Mall
Traveling with several grandchildren—or grandchildren with very different interests? Natick Mall makes it easy to build an outing around different ages.
Younger children can climb, bounce, pretend, and play during drop-in time at Jam Time.
With older grandchildren or teens, grandparents can turn the outing into a little friendly competition. Try a game of pickleball at Bosse or head to Puttshack for high-tech indoor mini golf.
Add in shopping, a meal, or a snack break, and you can easily turn a visit into a full afternoon together.
Spend an Afternoon at the Farm
For some fresh air and room to play, head to Lookout Farm in Natick.
A farm visit gives grandparents and grandchildren a chance to slow things down and enjoy some time outdoors together. The kids can check out the tractor play area while the grown-ups relax nearby, and seasonal activities throughout the year give families plenty of reasons to return.
It’s also an easy addition to a larger MetroWest day trip, especially if you’re combining indoor activities with a little time outside.
Make Time for Something Sweet
No grandparent adventure is complete without a treat.
A stop at Harvard Sweet Boutique is a fun way to finish the day. Pick out cupcakes, sugar cookies, or another favorite and recap the day over dessert.
After all, grandparents are occasionally allowed to bend the rules when it comes to sweets.
Turn a Day With the Grandkids Into a MetroWest Getaway
Why squeeze all the fun into one afternoon?
Grandparents traveling with grandchildren can turn their adventures into a weekend getaway and explore several parts of MetroWest Boston at a comfortable pace.
Family-friendly accommodations such as the Hampton Inn Marlborough make it easier to extend the visit. An indoor saltwater pool gives the kids another activity to look forward to, while complimentary breakfast helps everyone get fueled up before the next adventure.
A multiday trip also means there’s no need to choose between museums, crafts, recreation, farms, and treats—you can experience a little bit of everything.
Plan a Grandparent-Grandchild Weekend in MetroWest Boston
We’ve already put together a trip that takes the planning off your plate.
Our A Jolly Grandparent Jaunt is a 3-day, 2-night MetroWest Boston itinerary for grandparents and grandchildren, featuring hands-on museums, creative workshops, indoor recreation, farm fun, family-friendly lodging, and plenty of opportunities to make memories along the way.
Use the full itinerary for a weekend getaway, or pick and choose a few stops to create your own grand adventure.
Whether they call you Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, Mimi and Poppy—or something completely your own—the most important part is spending the time together.
Start planning your grand adventure in MetroWest Boston and make this Grandparents Day one to remember.
