Creating a Grandparent Dream Board

As the new year begins, there’s a special excitement in looking forward to all the memories and moments we hope to share with our grandkids. This year, why not approach your time with them with a sense of purpose and creativity?

Creating a grandparent dream board can be a powerful way to visualize, plan, and ensure these special experiences happen.

A dream board is more than just a wish list; it’s a practical tool for setting goals, planning experiences, and creating intentional moments. Think of it as your guide for this year—filled with places to go, things to see, recipes to try, and crafts to create.

Whether you’re close by or miles apart, here’s how you can make this year with your grandkids one of joy, growth, and unforgettable memories.

1. Visualize the Big Ideas: Experiences, Places, and Activities

Start by brainstorming what you want this year to look like with your grandkids. This big-picture thinking is where the magic happens, and it sets the foundation for specific goals and plans. Consider:

• Experiences You Want to Share: Think about the types of activities that will create memorable moments. Do you want to spend time outdoors, teach them something new, or share a tradition?
• Places to Go: Are there local parks, museums, or kid-friendly spots you’ve wanted to visit? A day trip, an overnight, or even a backyard adventure can be something truly special.
• Seasonal and Holiday Fun: Consider how you’d like to spend each season with them. Spring hikes, summer picnics, fall pumpkin patches, and winter baking sessions can all go on the board.

Once you have a general list of dreams and ideas, create a board (a poster board, a bulletin board, or even a digital version on Pinterest or Canva) where you can add photos, words, or illustrations representing each activity or goal. This serves as a visible reminder of all the wonderful things you plan to do together.

2. Set Specific Goals and Put Them on the Calendar

Now it’s time to make those big dreams actionable by breaking them down into specific goals and setting dates to make them happen. For each experience or idea, think about the details:

• Plan for Local Activities: If your grandkids are younger, find activities that match their developmental stages, such as storytime at the library, a nature walk, or sensory play at home. For older kids, look up events in your area, such as a local science museum or family festival, that might align with their interests.
• Set Dates: Think through each idea and add tentative dates on the calendar, so they’re not just dreams but actual plans. Whether it’s a monthly baking day, a seasonal outing, or an annual trip, make sure you have time set aside for each goal.
• Include Their Input: If your grandkids are older, sit down with them and ask what they’re excited about. If they’re passionate about learning something new or exploring a specific place, add it to the list! Including them in the planning process creates shared excitement and ownership in the experience.

When the year feels busy, you’ll be glad you set goals and picked dates ahead of time. Even when schedules get tight, you’ll already have time set aside for the things that matter most.

3. Create a List of Activities: Recipes, Crafts, and Hobbies to Try Together

Having a list of activities you can do at home adds a layer of spontaneity to your time together. For those cozy days spent at home, consider adding some fun projects and traditions to your dream board.

• Recipes to Try: If you have a love of cooking, why not make it something you can share? Choose a few recipes you’d like to try together this year, whether it’s baking cookies, making a family recipe, or trying out something new and exciting. Kids of all ages love spending time in the kitchen, and it’s a great way to create lasting memories.
• Craft Projects: For creative kids, set a few craft projects as goals for the year. Pinterest is full of seasonal ideas that can range from simple paper crafts to larger art projects. Not only does crafting build fine motor skills and encourage creativity, but it also leaves you both with a keepsake to remember the time spent together.
• Hobbies and Learning Together: Maybe you want to share a hobby, like gardening, birdwatching, or painting. Choose a few projects or activities you can work on over time. Even learning something new together, like knitting or building a model car, can be fun and meaningful.

Adding these activities to your list helps to ensure that you’re intentional about having options when they visit. It also gives you an easy, ready-to-go activity for whenever you need one.

A Year of Intentional Moments and Precious Memories

Creating a grandparent dream board is more than just a way to plan your time—it’s a way to ensure that each moment spent with your grandkids is intentional and filled with love. By setting clear goals, putting them on the calendar, and planning activities you both enjoy, you’re building a year of memories they’ll cherish forever.

Take time to sit down, brainstorm your dreams, and put them on paper. When you do, you’ll be amazed at how much joy, excitement, and intentionality fills your year.