5 Ways to Create a Lake House Your Grandkids Won’t Want to Leave

We can’t control the winding down of summer and our grandkids heading back to school, but if there’s any consolation, it’s hearing them say, “I don’t wanna goooo!”

Those words are music to a grandparent’s ears!

Luckily, creating a space they’ll love couldn’t be easier. Here are our top suggestions for inspiring hours of entertainment, a summer of good memories, and many return trips to come.

1. Optimize Your #1 Asset… the Lake!

Having a ready supply of lake toys and activities on hand is a surefire way to keep the little ones entertained. Here are some fun and safe options depending on their ages:

• Squirt guns (not water balloons) for cleanup-free water battles
• Water frisbees and blow-up beach ball
• Blow-up rafts or kayaks
• Fun floaties to keep the youngest ones safe
• Bubble blowing soap and wands
• Cornhole and/or a volleyball and net

2. Ice Cream, Ice Cream, and More Ice Cream

I’ll never forget eating my grandma’s pfeffernusse cookies growing up (an ode to Wisconsin’s good ol’ German heritage!), and kids these days are no less partial to sweets!

Ice cream is an easy win, and if you’re really looking to score some points, a make-it-yourself ice cream sundae bar will be their own little slice of heaven. (Adults will love it, too!) You could include…

• Cookies for making ice cream sandwiches
• Sprinkles, candy, or gummy worms
• Bright, colorful fruit (more for their parents’ sanity)
• Chocolate or caramel syrup

We guarantee they won’t be leaving in a hurry… sugar crash or not.

Note: If you have any lactose-intolerant children on your hands, try a dessert pizza-making station instead. You can use a thinly baked dairy-free cookie as the crust!

3. An Entertainment Space to Unwind and Beat the Heat

It’s no secret that children of all ages love their TVs, tablets, and game consoles these days. While they should certainly be enjoying the great outdoors during summer, some cool indoor moments can be healthy, too.

Here are some ideas depending on your grandchildren’s age and the electronics you have:

• TV: Create a fun entertainment space for movies and television, complete with popcorn
• Computer: Open Netflix or Hulu for family-appropriate movies or let them download their favorite games
• Xbox/PlayStation/Wii: Some family-friendly video games, such as Mario Kart, let multiple people play and invoke a little fun and healthy competition (Warning: It could get loud!)

The winning move? Add a basket of snacks and a mini-fridge of cold drinks. They’ll feel like the kings of their domain.

4. An Indoor Arts & Crafts Space

Many younger kids can find hours of enjoyment in a simple tub of Play-Doh. (If only we all were so easily amused!) Embrace their inner creativity by providing the perfect place for them to get crafty. Some ideas:

• A simple table or desk
• Paper and washable markers
• Play-Doh with fun, summer-inspired molds
• Stickers

Note: Make sure to choose a cool room or space for this purpose. Children won’t often recognize or speak up when they’re overheating.

5. No One is Too Young (or Old) for a Tent

As a kid, there was nothing more exciting than sleeping in a tent… and a tent by the lake is even better!

If your grandchildren are old enough to sleep safely outside, you can set up a tent on the lake shore just for them. If your grandchildren aren’t old enough to sleep outside, an indoor tent is just as thrilling.

Indoor / Outdoor Tent Essentials:

• Some sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets
• A flashlight for spooky ghost stories (and for safely walking in the dark)
• Mosquito repellent for the outdoor sleepers
• S’mores!

However your family spends time together this summer, we wish you nothing but joy and fond memories. 🙂