Everyone should take time out of the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season for what matters most – spending time with loved ones. Enjoying your grandchildren’s company is an important part of building your relationship and making memories you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
From toddlers to teenagers, here are some fun things to do with grandchildren of all ages in Austin during the holidays.
Cook or Bake Family Recipes
Food is an essential part of our culture and daily lives. It serves as a focal point in many families – some households gather together nightly for dinner and many get together during the holidays to enjoy a meal. Whether you have a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations or a new recipe you want to try, making it together is a great way to bond.
Younger grandchildren can help add, mix, sprinkle, stir and whisk ingredients for you, and you can teach your teenage grandchildren more advanced cooking skills. Make and decorate your own cookies or cupcakes for your neighbors or cook a casserole and invite some friends to enjoy your hard work. Not only is this great for quality time, but it also teaches them valuable life skills.
Attend a Show
During the holiday season, Austin has plenty of family-friendly events. Those that have a penchant for the performing arts can enjoy a live production of “The Nutcracker” at Ballet Austin or “A Christmas Carol” at ZACH Theater.
If you fancy a film, enjoy a screening of classic holiday movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Home Alone” at The Paramount Theatre. Or enjoy the nostalgia of the Blue Starlite Drive-In as you enjoy classic holiday movies like “A Christmas Story” or “Christmas Vacation” together.
Admire a Light Display
This year, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin is hosting the debut of Bruce Munro’s “Field of Light,” which is a 16-acre immersive, walkable light show that combines the beauty of nature, technology and art.
The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Austin – called the Downtown Holiday Stroll – is a local favorite. Attendees can enjoy live music, shopping, caroling and more holiday festivities. Sip on hot chocolate as you enjoy Mozart’s Coffee Roasters’ annual light show or peruse Peppermint Parkway at the Circuit of the Americas – a mile-long drive-thru light display experience. Make time to enjoy their other activities such as elf performances, visiting with Santa and enjoying their selection of sweet treats and cozy drinks.
The Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park is another drive-thru, dazzling light display sure to “wow” your grandchildren.
Enjoy a Cozy Night In
As it can get quite cool in Austin on occasion, staying in may be the better choice when the grandchildren come to visit. Put on your grandchild’s favorite holiday movie, enjoy a seasonal snack or read holiday books together. If you haven’t started decorating, put on your favorite holiday tunes and turn your home into a festive wonderland. Decorate cards together or write heartfelt notes to your loved ones or to soldiers for the Red Cross Holiday for Heroes program. Color holiday-themed pages, wrap gifts, play board games or work on a winter puzzle together. The options are endless!
Explore More This Holiday Season at Querencia
At Querencia, our residents’ well-being is of the utmost importance. We strive to make our community a place where you can find connection and comfort. We offer family-friendly events, exciting activities and delicious chef-prepared meals so you can enjoy more time making precious memories with your grandchildren, friends and other family members.
Contact us today to explore what life is like at Querencia.
