6 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day This Weekend

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 some ideas on how to spend Grandparents Day this weekend.

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1. Take them out for a special meal in our area

Here are three of our favorite places to head out for a good meal and fun time with the whole family. Also, check out our article :

But, if you are in the mood for pizza, then be sure to check out our article, 5 Pizza Restaurants You and Your Family Must Try.

2. Plan a picnic at one of our local parks

Surprise Grandma and Grandpa with a picnic! I mean now that we are starting to cool off..(I mean 80 degrees right? It is South Louisiana..UGH) but.....we can take advantage of outside fun a little longer than other places. Be sure to get with the kids to make a homemade treat for Grandma and Grandpa to enjoy on the picnic!

Here are some of the local parks and playground to find that perfect spot for the family picnic.

New Iberia Parks and Recreation, Iberia Parish
Cypremort State Park, Iberia Parish
Lake Fause State Park, St. Martin Parish
Lake End Park, Morgan City
Palmetto Island State Park, Abbeville

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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.

3. Visit a museum together to soak up some local history

Museums are a great place to spend a day with Grandma and Grandpa! We have so many great ones in the Acadiana area, but many are closed Sunday and I wanted to keep it focused on our area. So, here a few suggestions for you to check out that will be open on Sunday, Grandparents Day:

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville
Franklin Historic District, Walking and Driving tour, Franklin
Grevemberg House Museum, Franklin
Avery Island & Tabasco Factory tour, New Iberia

4. Say Hi to the animals around town

Grandparents probably love to see animals as much as their grandkids! Here are three places to go and see the animals for Grandparents Day:

Prehistoric Park, Henderson
- We love the dinosaurs and walk through what feels like a animated movie. Make sure you are holding grandma's hand as you tour the jungle!
Morgan City Petting Zoo, Morgan City
- OMGGEEE! So many cute and fury animals to pet and woo over! This a great activity to do with MiMi and Pop-Pop.
Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia
- I mean, peacocks. EVERYWHERE! Not to mention the little racoons that hang out in the trees. This is our top spot for nature fun in Iberia Parish.

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5. 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! Please, take pictures! Take lots! There is no limit on this! I still love to look at the pictures I have as a kid with my grandparents.

Take a walk on downtown Main Street or hang out for some great pics along Bayou Teche or Bouligny Plaza.

Make great memories by taking selfies together, recreating a famous Beatles album cover, and just generally spending the day out and about in our town enjoying each other.

6. Go for a sweet treat

Who doesn't love a sweet treat? Check out some of these local favorites for a treat with grandma and grandpa.

Also, read our article 5 Local Favorite Ice Cream Shops to Try Before the Summer's End for some other favorite spots for ice cream and sweet treats anytime of the year.

Cool Scene, New Iberia
Baskin Robbins, New Iberia
Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies, New Iberia