3 Ways to Share Family History in a Fun Way with Grandkids
What better way to bring family history to life than by turning it into an exciting experience your grandchildren will love?
Whether you live in a senior living Centennial community or nearby, here are three creative ways to make family history unforgettable for your grandkids.
1. Create a Time Travel Treasure Hunt
Kids love the thrill of a good mystery, so why not turn family history into a treasure hunt? Start by gathering old family photos, keepsakes, or letters and hide them around your home. Each item can have a clue leading to the next, with a short story about the person or event connected to it.
For example, hide an old wedding photo of your parents and include a note about how they met. Maybe there’s an old recipe card from Grandma—leave a clue about her famous Sunday dinners. Surprise them with a small keepsake at the end of the hunt, like a copy of a family photo or a fun trinket related to their heritage. It’s a hands-on way to keep history alive while keeping kids engaged!
2. Cook a Family Recipe Together
Food is a powerful way to bring history to life. If your family has special recipes that have been passed down, invite your grandkids into the kitchen for a little culinary storytelling. Whether it’s a traditional dish from your cultural background or a childhood favorite, cooking together opens the door to storytelling in a natural way.
While you mix ingredients, share stories about where the recipe came from. Was it something your mother made every holiday? Did a great-grandparent bring it from another country? Give the kids small tasks, like stirring or measuring, and let them be part of the process. Not only will they learn about family history, but they’ll also gain a new skill—and maybe a new favorite dish!
3. Record a Video Interview (With a Twist!)
Instead of just telling your grandkids stories, get them involved in recording a fun interview-style video while in senior living. Let them be the reporters, asking questions about your childhood, favorite memories, and family traditions.
Make it playful! Maybe they want to pretend they’re on a TV talk show or create a “news special” about your life. Add props, dress up, or even act out parts of stories. If you have old home movies or audio recordings, mix them in to make it even more special.
Once the video is complete, save it as a keepsake they can look back on for years to come. It’s a perfect way to make family history feel fresh and exciting rather than just another lesson.
Bringing family history to life doesn’t have to be complicated. Adding a little creativity and fun creates lasting memories with your grandkids while passing down stories they’ll cherish forever.
Living in retirement communities Centennial means having more time to focus on family and storytelling.