In the United States, the first Sunday after Labor Day is traditionally celebrated as Grandparents Day. In 2015, the holiday falls on September 13, and that's the perfect day to bring together grandparents and grandchildren for a fun-filled day of family-focused activities. These days, with everyone leading such busy lives, it is getting much more difficult for many families to remain close.  Taking one day out of the year to recognize how much grandparents matter for the entire family is a wonderful idea. It is a family tradition which will help grandkids and grandparents reconnect, and build stronger bonds while spending a memorable day together.

Activities to Share on Grandparents Day.

Planning a day which will delight both active grandchildren and more sedate older adults who may have mobility or other medical issues can seem daunting at first, but don't worry. There is no need to struggle to find creative and fun activities which grandkids will love while accommodating the limitations of senior life. Here are five great ways grandparents and their grandkids can spend a meaningful day together:

• Take the grandkids back in time. These days, kids are so hooked on video and computer games that it is a rare child who knows how to have fun without turning on some electronic or other. Encourage grandparents to teach their grandkids how they used to play when they were younger. Seniors will love to take the trip down memory lane, and perhaps grandchildren will discover there is a lot more to life than staring at a screen.
• Let the grandkids play the experts. Kids like to share their favorite hobbies with others, but when they are given the chance to act as an expert, they really love it. Ask the grandkids to teach their grandparents all about what they love to do for fun. Whether it is playing video games or listening to music, everyone will have fun and learn about each other in the process.
• Cook up something special together. Grandparents Day is a great chance to teach the grandkids who are old enough how to cook a favorite family recipe. Choose a few beloved dishes, and get grandma or grandpa to give up the secrets to preparing them. After the recipes are written down, cook them together and enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner feast. For younger grandkids, grandparents can share their favorite childhood treat, and tell stories about when they were younger.
• Keep the memories alive. Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve a family's heritage and history, as well as teaching the younger generation their own family's story. Seniors who have a lifetime of acquired memorabilia may find a scrapbooking project is the perfect way to combine a meaningful activity with a little decluttering. Don't forget that there is no reason why a scrapbook needs to be an actual book. Recording the life stories, or interviewing a grandparent will become a treasured keepsake in the future.  
• Have a movie night. A lot has changed in Hollywood over the years. As the sun sinks, prepare a few snacks, and get ready to enjoy a classic film. Grandparents can share one of their favorite movies with their grandkids. The younger generation might not think the film is as action-packed as their modern favorites, and they will definitely have a few questions, such as, "Why is the telephone attached to the wall?" No matter if they love the film or hate it, spending time with their grandparents will make the night special.

Bringing together grandparents and grandkids for one day a year is a great start, but the more time the entire family is able to spend together, the stronger the family will become. Making time to become more active in the life of a senior loved one is a positive choice for everyone.