Grandparents give so much to their families, often quietly and without expecting anything in return. National Grandparents’ Day is a time to acknowledge their role and celebrate them. In Australia, Grandparents’ Day falls on the last Sunday of October, which in 2026 is Sunday 25 October. As it is on a weekend, many families can come together more easily. If you would like to make the day special, a little planning helps. The ideas below offer practical ways to celebrate.
What to Do on National Grandparents’ Day
1. Host a Family Morning Tea at Their Home
A morning tea is a simple, meaningful way to bring everyone together. Hosting it at the grandparent’s home helps them remain comfortable and in control of their space.
How to make it work well:
- Set the time for mid-morning, around 10 am, when many older adults have the most energy.
- Ask each family member to bring one plate, so no single person carries the load.
- Include some soft, easy-to-eat options such as scones, sponge cake, or sandwiches with the crusts removed, which may suit those with dental or swallowing difficulties.
- Consider making tea in a pot rather than using bags, as many people notice the difference.
- Keep the guest list manageable, as a crowded room can be tiring.
Aim for a relaxed, unhurried pace. Let grandparents sit in their favourite chair and have family come to them.
2. Create a Memory Interview and Record It
Capturing a grandparent’s stories can become a treasured family record.
Set-up tips:
- Prepare 10–15 questions in advance, such as memories from childhood, how they met their partner, their first job, and the biggest changes they have seen.
- Record on a phone propped on books, or ask a grandchild to film.
- Keep each session to about 30–40 minutes, as longer sessions can be tiring.
- Let them talk freely, even if they wander off topic.
- Choose a quiet space without background noise to keep the audio clear.
For grandparents living with early memory loss, reminiscing about the distant past may be comforting and achievable. Families already receiving In-Home Care often find a carer can provide gentle prompts and support during these conversations.
3. Plan an Outing Built Around What They Love
Getting out can lift the spirits, and an outing tailored to their interests is often most enjoyable. Ideas to match interests:
- A keen gardener might like a slow walk through a local nursery or botanic garden.
- Someone who enjoys the water may appreciate a drive to a lookout with a thermos and a packed morning tea.
- A former football fan could watch a local game from the comfort of the car or a folding chair.
- A music lover might enjoy hearing a community choir or a band at the local club.
Plan around physical needs. Check for accessible parking and toilets, bring any mobility aids, and keep the outing to two or three hours. Building in a rest stop often makes the day more comfortable. For families who would like help with transport or support on the day, in-home care support in Wagga Wagga may make an outing possible that might otherwise feel difficult to manage alone.
4. Cook Their Favourite Meal Together
Cooking a dish a grandparent loves, or one they used to make, brings everyone into a shared activity. Practical steps:
- Ask them to teach a family recipe, with a grandchild writing down the steps.
- Offer a seated role, such as stirring or seasoning, so they can take part without standing for long periods.
- Choose a dish with meaning, perhaps something from their childhood or a regular Sunday roast.
- Write the recipe out neatly afterwards and copy it for family members as a keepsake.
This can work well across generations. Younger children can help measure and mix, teenagers can film, and the grandparent becomes the expert at the centre. The recipe can then be enjoyed for years to come.
5. Put Together a Personalised Keepsake
A thoughtful, handmade gift is often especially meaningful. Ideas that work well:
- A photo book through the decades, with captions written by the grandchildren.
- A “reasons we love you” jar, with notes from each family member.
- A framed family tree, especially meaningful if new babies have arrived.
- A calendar for the year ahead, marked with family birthdays and a family photo for each month.
Keep the presentation simple and clear. Large print, good contrast, and uncluttered layouts help those with reduced eyesight.
Wrapping Up
Whatever you choose, plan around the grandparent’s comfort and energy. One well-planned activity is often better than several rushed activities. Watch for signs of tiredness and wind things down gently. For families where a grandparent needs daily support, in-home care can ease the load so everyone can focus on time together. In Wagga Wagga, In-Home Care Support may assist with routine tasks while you focus on making memories. Home at Heart supports families across Wagga Wagga, the Riverina, and Geelong with compassionate in-home care all year round.
Contact the Home at Heart team on 1300 923 934 or visit homeatheart.com.au to learn more about in-home care support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Grandparents’ Day in Australia?
In Australia, Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of October. In 2026, that falls on Sunday 25 October. It is not a public holiday, and it typically falls on a weekend when most families can gather.
Q: Is Grandmother’s Day or Grandfather’s Day the same as Grandparents’ Day?
In Australia, there is no separate Grandmother’s Day or Grandfather’s Day on the national calendar. Grandparents’ Day honours both grandmothers and grandfathers together, celebrated on the last Sunday of October each year.
Q: What can I do for grandparents who live far away?
Distance does not have to prevent a meaningful celebration. Consider a video call morning tea, posting a handmade card and photo book ahead of time, or recording the grandchildren singing a song to share. A scheduled phone call where everyone takes a turn can also be very special.
Q: How do I celebrate with a grandparent in care or with limited mobility?
Keep it gentle and bring the celebration to them. A short visit with a shared morning tea, looking through old photos, or a recorded memory chat can work well. Check their energy levels and keep activities short and comfortable.See More
For more information about how Home at Heart can support your care needs, please contact our team.