Visit a retirement community or senior care center
Nothing brightens a senior’s day like a visit from a child. Call your local senior care center and see what programs they offer for volunteers. Many have visiting hours where your child can read aloud to a resident or participate in a board game or craft session.
Your kids may not have grandparents living close by – or these seniors may not have family near enough to make frequent visits. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to sit and talk with someone who may be lonely missing their own family and hear the stories of someone who has many years of life experience to share.
When you call to set up a visit, you can also ask if your family can bring treats to share with the residents (be sure to ask about dietary restrictions). They can bake cookies and deliver them to each room or make some trays of yummy treats to set out in a common area.
A similar experience can also be found by visiting a local hospital. Many have volunteer programs that allow older children to read to a patient or make a special delivery of some old books you have collected from home that you no longer need.
Kids can visit other children in the hospital who may be scared or anxious. Although kids are likely to have family with them in the hospital, it is always fun to have someone their own age visit and talk about shared interests and make a new friend in the process.