Quick Summary: Summer is one of the most magical seasons to spend with the grandchildren, and at The Moorings at Lewes, you have everything you need to make it truly special. This guide is packed with creative grandkids activities, stress-free planning tips, and heartfelt inspiration for memory-making that will have everyone counting down the days until the next visit.
There’s something truly irreplaceable about the moment grandchildren ask what’s for lunch and what we’re doing today. Summer visits from the grandkids are one of life’s sweetest gifts, and as a resident of The Moorings at Lewes, you are perfectly positioned to create an unforgettable experience for every age and every interest.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or an extended stay, a little advance thought can go a long way toward making things smooth, joyful, and—most importantly—fun for everyone. Continue reading for a guide to the best summer activities, practical tips, and the community resources right at your fingertips.
Start With the Magic Right Outside Your Door
One of the greatest advantages of living at The Moorings at Lewes is the stunning coastal setting. Lewes, Delaware, is a treasure trove of family-friendly experiences just waiting to be discovered with your grandchildren. Check out our Area Attractions page for a full list of what’s nearby.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Beach Days on the Delaware Coast
Pack a cooler, grab some chairs, and spend a morning building sandcastles and collecting shells. The Atlantic beaches near Lewes are gentle and family-friendly, making them perfect for grandchildren of all ages.
Biking the Cape Henlopen Trails
Cape Henlopen State Park offers beautiful paved trails perfect for a leisurely ride with older grandchildren. Rent bikes and enjoy the fresh sea air together.
Ferry Ride to Cape May, NJ
A short drive from The Moorings at Lewes, the Lewes-Cape May Ferry is an adventure in itself. Kids love riding the boat, spotting dolphins, and exploring the charming shops and ice cream stands in Cape May.
Visit the Lewes Historical Society
For curious grandchildren who love history and stories, a walk through the historic district and the Lewes Historical Society museums is a wonderful way to spend a morning.
Fishing on the Bay
Whether it’s off a local pier or on a charter, fishing is a classic grandfather-grandchild activity that never gets old, and the Delaware Bay is famous for its great catches.
Grandkids Activities Closer to Home
Some of the best grandkids activities don’t require a car or a plan; they just require your time and a little imagination. The Moorings at Lewes offers a warm, vibrant environment that’s ideal for making the most of everyday moments.
- Arts and Crafts Sessions: Set up a little studio space and let creativity flow. Whether it’s painting rocks, making friendship bracelets, or scrapbooking photos from past visits, art projects are perfect for all ages and make wonderful keepsakes.
- Cooking and Baking Together: Involve the grandkids in preparing a meal or baking their favorite treats. Teaching a grandchild a cherished family recipe is one of the most meaningful ways to pass on love and tradition.
- Storytelling and Memory Books: Sit down together and share family stories, look through old photo albums, or even record a short video of you telling a story from your life. These moments become treasures for generations.
- Games and Puzzles: Classic board games, card games, and jigsaw puzzles are perennial favorites that bring out friendly competition and lots of laughter. Ask the front desk about games available in the community common areas.
- Movie Nights: Create a cozy movie experience right in your apartment. Grab blankets, make popcorn, and cuddle up to a classic film or their current favorite. Simple and perfect.
Things to Do with Grandchildren: Planning by Age Group
Thinking about things to do with grandchildren can feel a little different depending on whether you’re hosting a toddler or a teenager. Here’s a quick guide to help you tailor the visit:
Toddlers & Young Children (Ages 2 to 7)
Little ones thrive on simple, sensory-rich activities. Think trips to the playground, splashing in the shallow surf, blowing bubbles, or a nature walk to collect interesting leaves and rocks. Keep the schedule relaxed, naptime is your friend, and lean into imaginative play.
Tweens (Ages 8 to 12)
This age group loves variety and a little bit of adventure. Mini golf, kayaking, ice cream parlor tours, or even a cooking challenge at home are all big hits. They’re also at the perfect age to start hearing and appreciating family history and stories.
Teenagers (Ages 13+)
Teens appreciate being treated as young adults. Involve them in choosing activities, take them to the local shops and restaurants in downtown Lewes, or plan a day trip to Rehoboth Beach. One-on-one time, even just a walk and a conversation, can be deeply meaningful at this age.
Making the Most of The Moorings at Lewes’ Amenities
Your home at The Moorings at Lewes is a wonderful backdrop for a grandchild visit. Take advantage of everything the community has to offer.
Our LivWell Wellness Program is a wonderful example of the vibrant life at The Moorings at Lewes. While it’s designed to support your own health and vitality, staying active and energized means you’ll have plenty of stamina to keep up with even the most enthusiastic little visitors!
The community’s beautiful common spaces, dining room, and outdoor areas are all places where grandchildren can see what a warm, engaged, and joyful life looks like. Don’t be surprised if they want to move in! Treat the grandkids to a special dinner in the dining room and let them enjoy the resort-style experience right alongside you.
Tips for a Stress-Free Summer Visit
The secret to a wonderful visit with a grandchild is a relaxed, loving atmosphere. Here are a few tips to help everything go smoothly:
- Plan With Pockets of Downtime: Overplanning can lead to exhaustion for both you and the kids. Aim for one or two main activities per day and leave room for spontaneous moments. These are often the ones everyone remembers most.
- Stock up on Favorites: Find out in advance which snacks, foods, and drinks your grandchildren love, and keep them on hand. Small gestures, such as a favorite cereal or juice box, make kids feel seen and at home.
- Have a Rainy Day Plan: Delaware summers can bring afternoon thunderstorms. Have a go-to list of indoor activities ready, such as movies, board games, baking, or a simple craft project, so the fun never misses a beat.
- Communicate With Parents: A quick check-in with your children (the grandkids’ parents) about schedules, allergies, nap times, or screen-time preferences can save a lot of guesswork and help everyone feel confident.
- Pace Yourself: You don’t have to do everything. The grandchildren are there to be with you, not to check off a list of activities. A quiet afternoon reading together or doing a puzzle is just as meaningful as a day at the beach.
The Joy of Memory Making
At the heart of every visit is the irreplaceable gift of memory-making. Research consistently shows that strong grandparent-grandchild relationships have a profoundly positive impact on children’s well-being, resilience, and sense of identity. Every story you tell, every recipe you share, and every walk along the water are the threads that weave a family together across generations.
Consider creating a little tradition that makes your visits instantly recognizable and special. Maybe it’s a particular restaurant you always go to, a game you always play, or a phrase that becomes your private joke. These rituals become the stuff of family legend.
You might also consider capturing memories. This can look like a simple photo album, a journal the grandkids contribute to, or even a short video message they can take home. Years from now, these tokens will be treasures beyond price.
Exciting News: The Moorings at Lewes is Growing
There’s another reason to look forward to summer visits to The Moorings at Lewes: exciting changes are on the horizon. We are thrilled to share that The Moorings at Lewes is expanding! This means even more beautiful spaces, enhanced amenities, and opportunities to enjoy the vibrant coastal lifestyle that makes this community so special.
Learn more about our expansion and discover what’s coming. If you have friends or family who have been thinking about making The Moorings at Lewes their home, now is the perfect time to encourage them to explore.
Summer Fun With Grandkids Starts Here
There is no playbook for the perfect visit because perfection has nothing to do with it. What grandchildren remember most is not the fanciest outing or the most elaborate plan. They remember how they felt: loved, seen, safe, and delighted.
Lean into the summer fun with grandkids through the laughter at dinner, the silly questions at bedtime, and the way little hands reach for yours. These are the moments that matter most.
For more inspiration on living your best life at The Moorings at Lewes, check out upcoming community events, or browse our photo gallery to see the vibrant community that surrounds you every day. And if you’d like to share this guide with a fellow resident who’s planning a visit from a grandchild this summer, please do.
