Before we launch into ideas of how to keep the grandchildren entertained we just want to share the thoughts of one Grandma.

"Made biscuits with my 3 year old Grandson over Christmas. Lovely and messy it was but thoroughly enjoyable. Was lulled into a false sense of complacency about how well it was going when he came up with a comment that initially stumped me. I'd shown him how to press down with the cutter and then give it a little wiggle to release the biscuit. He was getting on with this quite well, chattering away the while, when he said "It's like a mouse, Nana." As he was cutting out a duck at the time I was a trifle flummoxed! Then I realised that he was talking about how he was wiggling the cutter, like a computer mouse!!

Childrens' Activities

A bit of cooking is a great idea - as long as you can stand the mess - fairy cakes, biscuits and flapjacks are always good as there are lots of elements to keep everyone busy, mixing, cooking, icing, eating!

We've just introduced our son to card games and he's really taken with them, also pen and pencil games like noughts and crosses and home made Bingo are good fall backs.

We also really enjoy sharing photos of family members - this gives children a sense of their won family history and most kids love photos, especially of themselves when they were smaller and other kids!

A few people suggested including information about forgotten games. www.gameskidsplay.net provides a huge list of childrens games, including instructions on how to play them

You can find ideas for craft activities at www.bigeyedowl.co.uk and www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies - the cbeebies site on bbc.co.uk contains a whole host of activities to keep the children amused, including stories, colour and make activities and games, all based around their favourite cbeebies characters!

Music groups are a great way of entertaining preschoolers for a morning. It's not always easy to find out about these but it is worth the effort. Try asking other parents or your local library. Alternatively you might find a local class through the web site links below.

www.jacqinthebox.com - for information about drop-in flexible music classes for babies and toddlers from 0 to 4 in Herts and Bucks.

www.gymboreeplayuk.com - for information about Gymboree music classes that are run in London, Brighton and Milton Keynes.

www.piccolomusic.co.uk - for information about musical activity groups for babies, toddlers and children from 0 to 5 in the North East of England.

www.highnotes.co.uk gently introduces youngsters to the delights of live music through songs, movement and instruments. 'High Notes' welcomes babies (6mths - 2yrs) & children (2yrs -4yrs) in different venues in South Bucks.

Jo Jingles - fun with music, for children aged from 6 months to 7 years. Classes aim to stimulate interest and enjoyment of music, singing and movement. The exclusive and educational programmes include playing percussion instruments, action and familiar songs and nursery rhymes. Classes are available throughout the UK. Call 01494 719360 or visit www.jojingles.co.uk for more details.

Click here to see a whole list of great activity ideas that have been sent in by visitors to the site, both for at home and out and about.

Grandparents Friendly Days Out

Below are a few ideas of places we feel cater for both children and grandparents:

• National Trust Properties - we feel that the combination of gardens, nature trails, quizzes and tea rooms make National Trust properties a great day out for young and old! For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk;



• children's farms - always good venues that offer a good day out as most that are trying to attract families have good play areas as well as the 'animal attractions';
  
  
• the zoo! - you can find a list of all UK Zoos and Safari parks at www.zoos.50megs.com;
  
  
• commercial play centres - You pay to go in, about £2 for an hour/hour and a half and but generally offer a good range of safe play equipment that will exhaust even the most active child. You should find a list of your local centres in the Yellow Pages under "Adventure and Activity Centres - Children's";
  
  

You can also find an excellent list of ideas at www.seehowtheygrow.com

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