Ulysses S. Grant Statue (Photo credit: J. Stephen Conn)
I have developed a list of activities, some indoor, some outdoor, of things that you can to do with your grandchildren to honor some of our past Presidents on President’s Day (or any day). It is a fascinating trip back to simpler times to learn about how our former leaders played as children, and even more amazing that these activities are still just as enchanting for children today.
I have also included as a preface to many activities the very unique challenges that our former Presidents surmounted as children, so if you have a grandchild who has a similar trial (bullying, chronic illnesses, bad grades) some of these Presidential activities may be the perfect teachable moment to illustrate that limits can only be defined by themselves.
George Washington (1st President)
George Washington was famously said to have skipped a silver dollar across the Potomac River all the way to Martha’s Vineyard. Get a few pennies (or flat stones) and teach your grandchildren how to skip a penny. Win up the afternoon by have a skipping competition with your grandchildren.
James Madison (4th President)
James Madison had epilepsy that challenged him for his entire youth. He loved reading and studying classical languages. Bone up on your French or Spanish (or Google a translation tool that lets you type in a couple common phrases in your household) and teach the kids a few fun phrases to say… like I love America… or My Grandmother is Awesome!
Zachary Taylor (12th President)
Although he had the opportunity to go to school, Zachary Taylor was a poor student. He much preferred the military life, and knew from young childhood he was going to be a soldier. Much of his career was devoted to protecting Native American lands from invaders, and was a critical force in the Mexican War. He loved the true guerilla warfare style. Nothing like a classic game of cowboys, so start a mock battle in his honor in your very own backyard…
Abraham Lincoln (16th President)
Abraham Lincoln’s grew up in a very rural area with his father and stepmother, neither of who read! That didn’t stop him from walking miles to pick up his favorite book, which was said to be Aesop’s Fables. Check this book out from your local library and share a few of the stories. Have your Grandchildren vote which story they think is the best and which one they think President Lincoln would have liked the most.
Ulysses S. Grant (18th President)
Ulysses S. Grant was a very small child, and was picked on terribly at school because he was quiet. But he had an incredible knack with animals, particularly horses, and in his Ohio town, he became well respected for managing the most difficult and unruly horses and farm animals. Check out your local farm community for a fun filled day trip to check out how to take care of horses, goats, pigs, and other fun critters.
William McKinley (25th President)
William McKinley’s had a fun-filled active childhood that included lots of outdoor activities in Ohio. His favorite things included hunting, fishing, ice skating, horseback riding, and swimming. Grab some fishing poles and a little cheese (if your parks allow it) and take your Grandchildren on a local fishing trip.
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt (26th President)
Teddy Roosevelt had a terrible case of asthma! His parents sheltered him as a young child, so he was viewed as sickly and weak. As a teenager, he decided he was going to “make his body” and started weight training and gymnastics to develop a rugged physique. He later became an advocate for life-long exercise. You can set up your very own turner camp: help the youngest master a front roll, show the older ones how to do cartwheels.
Warren G. Harding (29th President)
Warren G. Harding had two parents that were doctors. This was especially unusual for women at the time, but allowed young President Harding lots of freedom to roam on his family’s farm, attend school, and play in a local band. Open up your cabinets and get out the Pots and Pans and show your grandchildren how fun it can be to make their own music, just like Warren G. Harding.
Herbert C. Hoover (31st President)
Herbert C. Hoover lost both of his parents when he was quite young, and grew up with his Uncle. He struggled in school at all subjects except for math. He was determined to attend the newly opened Stanford University, despite his failing grades, and studied hard for the entrance exam. He passed and ended up majoring in Geology, and managing the baseball and football teams. He is truly a role model for all kids out there: it is never too late to achieve your goals, just put your shoulder into it and work hard. Get outside and toss a ball around or go on a rock hunt to thank President Hoover for his contributions to our Presidency.
John F. Kennedy (35th President)
From a long line of wealthy political contributors, John F. Kennedy had a privileged childhood: private schools, servants, summer homes. He unfortunately suffered from chronic illnesses that prevented him from doing lots of outside things, but one of his favorite activities was reportedly sailing. Take the kids to the park and have a paper boat yacht race. As he is so contemporary, this is a great chance to talk about how you felt and where you were when he was assassinated. How the whole country mourned the loss.
Hopefully this article has given you some ideas to create some games with your Grandchildren. Enjoy your Presidential Adventures!
Related articles
- President’s Day History to Share with Your Grandkids (grandmacents.com)
- Making Paper Boats
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