Road Trip
10 Things to Do with Grandchildren This Summer A ny grandparent will tell you that one of the greatest pleasures of having grandchildren is seeing the world through their eyes. We are privileged to witness their joy of discovery, which in turn transports us back to our own childhoods, giving us the opportunity to re-discover our
Susan Gnucci is a local author and a proud “nonna” to two young grandsons. She enjoys sharing her experiences as a grandparent. 12
GRAND
world through the unblemished perspective of a child. That is why providing experiences that stimulate and challenge our grandchildren is so enjoyable. And what better time of year to do that than in the summer months when the weather cooperates? So here are a few of my favourite summer activities with my grandson—some are budget-friendly, requiring only time and effort, while others are more costly to be enjoyed once per season or annually. Sidney Spit. Sidney Island boasts a marine park that provides wonderful forested walking trails as well as endless stretches of sand for beachcomb-
ing and water play. This marine park is accessed by booking a 20-minute water ferry from the Sidney pier. sidneyspitferry.com U-Pick farms. There are a number of local farms on the Saanich Peninsula that encourage families to pick their own produce: Marsh Farm located on Wallace Drive in Saanichton is one example. Go first thing in the morning before it gets too hot and then stop by Dan’s Market on Oldfield Road to pick up a bite to eat, shop for fresh local meats, breads, and produce, and say hello to their resident goats, chickens, and rabbits. To find a farm in your area, visit bcfarmfresh.com. Coombs Old Country Market. Famous for its goats grazing on the grassy roof—yes, on the roof!—Coombs Market also boasts homemade ice cream/ gelato/sorbet, a specialty, and provides a wide variety of local and imported food, gifts, and toys. If you haven’t packed a lunch, you can dine at one of a number of eateries: a bistro, cantina, trattoria or pizzeria. Qualicum Beach. Famous for its miles of sandy beachfront and warm tidal waters, this beach is located between Parksville and Courtenay and is sure to provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. A sand sculpture contest is held annually that draws world-class sculptors, and a newly renovated playground is right next door. Scavenger Hunts. One of the simplest free activities for children of all ages is a scavenger hunt. The beauty of this activity is that it can be conducted anywhere—a forest walk, a beach, a marina, a park etc. You can grandmag.ca
