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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Gifting action for Grandparents Day

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To celebrate National Grandparents Day on Sunday, one gift can be getting the whole family in motion.

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day each year as a time to recognize grandparents. As more people older than 50 are staying active with fitness, those elders likely would embrace both family time and an invite to go walking or cycling.

Maybe go this weekend on an all-in-the-family bike ride on the Centennial Trail, or generations can head over together to SpokeFest in Kendall Yards on Sunday morning.

SpokeFest offers three courses for beginners to advanced riders. Details are online at Spokefest.org, or you can find sign-up information Saturday at REI in Spokane. You also can register the day of the event at the ride start area from 7-9 a.m. Registrations are $20 for adults and $10 for youth.

For other action-filled, generation-bridging activities, here are five ideas for the holiday:

Experience nature

Enjoy a nature trail, inviting your grandparents along, perhaps near the Spokane River or ending up by a regional lake. Popular options include the Liberty Lake Loop Trail or Riverside State Park – Bowl & Pitcher. Take some breaks to see the sights, take selfies from a park bench or just enjoy the company.

Another option would be use of pedal power along a rural path. About 57 percent of Americans younger than 35 own a bike that was passed down from a family member. And 67 percent of Americans say riding with their family and friends is what they miss most about their childhood bike, according to the data researchers at Schwinn Fitness.

Stroll at the fair

It’s the first weekend of Spokane County Interstate Fair, so the generations can go stroll together among the displays while recalling memories. Check out the farm animals, ribbon-winning best flowers and view the many educational booths.

The theme for 2018’s fair is “Lettuce Turnip the Jam.” Family members also can challenge each other over who can find the best fair food treats.

Put a puzzle together

Mental exercise counts. Puzzles are a great way to engage in conversation among kids and adults. If you aren’t puzzle people, you can learn a card game or play chess together.

Hours also can pass quickly at home around a family Monopoly game challenge.

Hit the pool

Great for arthritic joints, swimming also is a well-rounded exercise for all ages. You’ll have to head indoors now that it’s fall, but options include going to a YMCA facility or the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene.

Once you’ve finished your laps, you can just relax in the water or find another center activity.

Take turns at the stove

Find out your grandparents’ favorite childhood meal and make it with them. This also gives you a chance to dig out old recipe books to find choices once made by great-grandparents or to show kids what their parents liked most as children.

Fall’s cooler temperatures can invite family time to make zucchini bread or chocolate chip cookies. After indulging in tastes and memories, make sure to walk off those calories.