Bored grandkids, where to take them?

Open farms and farm shops with outdoor activities, ice cream parlours, adventure playgrounds and usually cafes so you can feed them. Search on Trip Advisor.

Seaside, park, on a bus or train, lots of children don't go on public transport, perhaps buy some second hand I spy books, Abebooks have some, others too I expect.
Take picnics, childcare can get expensive.

Thank you, we live in quite a rural area so not many places to go. Just looking for something to occupy them lol

Depends how old they are and whether you are a millionaire or a church mouse!
Young children love feeding the ducks (not bread) and then on to the swings and slides at the park. They love soft play places if you can stand the noise! Can you go somewhere where they can ride their bikes or scooters or play football.? Are there any farm parks nearby where they can feed the animals? Some have bouncy cushions and other activities. Is there a pick your own pumpkin farm where you can pick one to take home and carve? Of course there are more expensive options like theme parks or zoos if they are within travelling distance but be prepared for the cost!
Back at home can they help you in the garden to sweep up the leaves. I’m sure whatever you do they will enjoy being with you and you them.

When mine come the parents have activities for every day. They never get time to explore the garden or amuse themselves. They are 9 and 10 and home life seems the same with clubs and outings.

Scavenger hunts or treasure hunts around your locality with an Autumn/Winter picnic.
Baking and pizza making, puzzles craft, planting bulbs in a pretty bowl which can be used as gifts . These are all cheap alternatives to expensive days out.
Look up free museums to go to.

I don't live in the countryside but take my GCs out to just be in nature.

Walking is free, let them take photos, pick berries, throw twigs in the water etc.

Autumn is such a lovely season and if you live in the countryside you have a wealth of things to see with them; horses, sheep, cows etc.

You can get phone apps now to identify bird song and plants.

On rainy days baking is a great option but if they are busy at school during the week they may just like to chill out.

Talk to them about your own childhood, show them photos, take them to see family and /or friends- encourage their social interaction and conversation skills.

Tell stories, write stories, read stories- there really is no end to what you can do with a little imagination.

You could try geocaching with them, depending on age. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, a walk with clues and a log to sign. Check out www.geocaching.com
You can install an app on your phone as well.

Before they are due to arrive, explore the area by yourself and locate curious things for them to find………a particular house name, a strange marking on a post…..just use your imagination. Then list the things they need to find and take them for a walk but don’t give them any clues as to the order of the list etc.

There are lots of adventure parks around that my grandchildren have loved. Also, long walks are very nice especially in wooded areas as it tires them out, my grandchildren love climbing trees too which gives me a chance to rest, so if you're on a budged that's a good option

Buying bulbs and plants for them to plant in the garden. Libraries are good for rainy days. They can borrow books and keep at your house. Drawing on paths or patios with coloured chalks. Collecting anything on a walk eg conker, leaves, petals etc. Simple baking of cakes or biscuits. Start with a mix if you’re not confident. Look out for groups meeting in church halls or other places.

Thanks for these suggestions everyone, I don't get to see the GCs often (I'm learning the lingo) so I'm always looking for ways to interest them.

This time of year maybe make a scarecrow? Investigate different apple varieties for a farm shop? It’s a bit early to carve a pumpkin but you could go to a farm to choose a couple - beware of the cost of this though, it’s not a cheap pick-your-own.

How old are your grandchildren? 😀

MG55

How old are your grandchildren? 😀

They're 5 and 12 so bit of a gap but there is always something they can both enjoy

Arthur
Be prepared to surgically remove the phone from the 12 yr old.
😂

Go to some woods.

*Find dropped branches twigs etc and build a camp to sit in. Take a blanket and have a mini picnic there after the hard work.

I spent a lovely afternoon in an old churchyard in south London with my two probably 9 & 11 exploring. Looking for the oldest and youngest burial headstone. Quaint names and long gone professions. Social history around family graves, childhood illnesses, health and lack of it and professions that were deadly. Totally fascinating and a lot was learned. Cost nothing and enjoyed by all.

Most National Trust places arrange half-term activities in the outdoors.
I’ve just had an email from my Local Authority detailing lots of children’s activities, some outdoors, some in libraries.

Your local Wildlife Trust will have activities. Where I live the local council puts on children’s events too. Lots of things are totally free.

Find an old frying pan, buy some sausages, send them to find sticks then teach them how to make a fire and cook on it in the back garden. You could add a bag of hamburger rolls and a bottle of tomato sauce.

search grandpas garden /house/shed / garage and scavenge a load of materials to make a den. Old boxes, bedspreads, rug, , rope, bits of wood.

How about making decorations for Halloween and later for Christmas?
Playing card games / Scrabble / Cluedo etc

It's that windy on the coast, flying kites. The older one could even make a kite, little one could do some kite colouring or painting.

I bet Amazon does a kit

Other sites are available