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 the Union, Essex, and Morris county area:
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1. Take them out for a special meal
Here are three of our favorite local restaurants for a Sunday brunch with kids:
- Sorriso Kitchen, 252 Main St, Chatham: farm-fresh food, indoor and outdoor dining, open Sundays 9am-3pm
- Prestige Diner, 1318 Springfield Ave, New Providence: classic diner food with an extensive menu so everyone in your group will find something they like, indoor and outdoor dining, full bar, open Sundays 7am-10pm
- The Committed Pig, 339 Springfield Ave, Summit: hamburgers, pancakes, and so much more, indoor and outdoor dining, open Sundays 9am-9pm
- Jackie & Son, 134 South Orange Ave, South Orange: some of the best brunch in the area, outdoor dining, open Sundays 7am-3pm
- McLoone's Boathouse, 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange: iconic brunch buffets overlooking the reservoir and Turtle Back Zoo, indoor and outdoor dining, open Sundays 10:30am-9pm
2. Go for a walk in the woods
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 that are accessible to all:
- The Sensory Trail at Watchung Reservation, 452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside: Wide paved paths that are accessible to all residents! Fun attractions throughout the trail too!
- The Fairy Trail at South Mountain Reservation, 197 Glen Ave, Millburn: The first half of the Fairy Trail is fairly open and accessible, and kids will love sharing the magic with grandparents.
- Reeves-Reed Arboretum, 165 Hobart Ave, Summit: There are a few different woods paths that aren't fully accessible to all but the grounds of the actual garden feature wide paved paths and hand railings.
3. Plan a picnic
Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic! Here are three great spots for a family picnic:
- Taylor Park in Millburn: Grab sandwiches from Millburn Deli and set up in the park! You can visit the ducks, the playground, and head downtown too!
- Memorial Park in Maplewood: You can build the picnic of your dreams at Baker Street Market and walk right into Memorial Park.
- Mindowaskin Park in Westfield: On a beautiful day, Mindowaskin is one of my favorite local parks. Major bonus: there's a beautiful playground that is handicap-accessible!
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4. Let your child share one of their favorite places
Does your child have a favorite trampoline park, amusement park, or 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. Here are some ideas:
- Art experiences for kids: A list of 13 local places where your children can create something, maybe along with grandparents!
- Playgrounds: 5 of my favorite local playgrounds.
- Lakes, paddleboats, canoes: Fun options here for the more active set!
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
Perhaps your grandparents have a favorite spot or activity 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 together
Museums are a great place to spend a day with Grandma and Grandpa! Here are three great museums that will be open on Grandparents Day:
- Imagine That!!! Children's Discovery Museum, 4 Vreeland Rd, Florham Park: open Sundays 10am-5:30pm
- Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown: open Sundays 11am-5pm
- Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City: open Sundays 10am-5pm
7. Say hi to the animals
Grandparents probably love to see animals as much as their grandkids! Here are three places to go and see the animals on Grandparents Day:
- Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange: open Sundays 10am-4pm
- Brookhollow's Barnyard, 301 Rockaway Valley Rd, Boonton: open Sundays 10am-5pm
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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 being silly together.
9. Go for ice cream
Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Here are our 5 favorite ice cream shops!
10. Plan a photo shoot
Grandparents love family photos (and who doesn't?!?), so arrange a photo shoot with a photographer on Grandparents Day, or gift them a certificate to use later. Here are three great photographers who specialize in family photos:
- Live Love Lens Photography: owned by the operator of the popular @livelovemaplewood account!
- Little Nest Portraits: book a studio or outdoor session!
- Fine and Fleurie: gorgeous photos by Jessica Gallo.
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Serving: Summit, Short Hills, South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Chatham, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Westfield, Springfield, Mountainside, Union, West Orange, Florham Park, East Hanover, Livingston.
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