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When is National Grandparents Day 2026?

Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September after Labor Day, and it is the perfect opportunity to spend time with the grandparents we love so much!

Image Credit:
Crestock
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

National Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. In 2026, that’s Sunday, September 13! While we honor our grandparents daily, take an extra moment to appreciate all the joy and wisdom that grandparents bring to our lives.

Why Do We Celebrate National Grandparents Day?

The History of National Grandparents Day

Marian McQuade hoped to establish a national day that would honor grandparents, and in 1970, she began a campaign to do so. McQuade raised awareness about senior citizens throughout the 1970s. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day. Each year, the president makes a proclamation to keep the tradition going.

Grandparents Day has both an official flower and a song. The National Grandparents Day Council chose both.

  • The official flower is the forget-me-not.
  • The official song is Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.”

forget me not, the official flower of grandparents day

When is Grandparents Day?

Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day (the first Monday in September).

YearGrandparents Day
2026Sunday, September 13
2027Sunday, September 12
2028Sunday, September 10
2029Sunday, September 9

Grandparents Day Activities and Gifts

Most grandparents don’t care what activity they do—they just want to spend time with their grandchildren.

If you have a grandparent, ask them to show you one of their favorite hobbies. Let your grandparents teach you a skill, like how to fish. Or, perhaps, they enjoy garden walks or nature hikes. If your grandparent would prefer a calm day, ask them to show you their favorite classic movie.

It would also be fun to make arts and crafts together. We have a bunch of seasonal crafts to try, from making hollyhock flower dolls to creating an autumn nut wreath.

Maybe you can bring them some treats, like Grandpa’s Banana Bread. Or, try making one of the dishes that your grandparents usually make for you. 

If your grandparent does not live nearby, make sure to give them a call and send a card! Even if it doesn’t arrive for Grandparents Day, they’ll always appreciate a handwritten note. Here are a few simple tips on how to write a proper thank-you note (we’ll bet your grandparents know this!).  You can even make a homemade card (with a potato!).

No matter what, the best Grandparents Day activity involves you and your grandparents together, celebrating your family and each other.

boy fishing with his grandfather on a dock
Photo Credit: Crestock

Happy Grandparents Day!

On Grandparents Day, it really is the thought that counts—just make sure your grandparents know that you’re thinking of them.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate Grandparents Day? Let us know below, and happy Grandparents Day!

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening, so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Grandparents E…</span> Mon, 02/03/2020 - 00:52
Sumitted By Carrie L. Robinson We the grandparents of G.E.M. - Grandparents Empowerment Movement, WE celebrate Grandparents Day at our churches in giving Lesson on What A Grandparents part in our Life. Thanks,Love & hugs to the grandchildren Celebration All Grandparents, Great Grandparents for 2020
<span>Eric</span> Sun, 09/08/2019 - 14:36
For Families that CARE, LOVE & Help Each Other!!
<span>Althea Johnson</span> Sun, 09/08/2019 - 11:45
I have been celebrating Grand Parents Day since I could remember. My grandma was so instrumental in my life and the life-lessons she shared with me were priceless. When my children were born 16years ago I would have them send gifts/cards to my husbands parents and they said they never heard of such a thing, now they’re aware of it and look forward to the day. Thank you President Carter for this beautiful date to show appreciation to our grand parents.
<span>Luqman Jutt</span> Sun, 10/13/2019 - 10:51
i like this grandparents is a big thing of life
<span>Chris Serino</span> Mon, 02/14/2022 - 01:19
Grandparents day is Special day spending time with your grandmother and your grandfather show them love they like love that and spend time with them for go to the park or Restaurants that’s Mades there day extra Special because you love them give them hugs and kisses full of love you are Special grandson and Granddaughter
<span>Kathy</span> Sun, 09/09/2018 - 23:00
My Granddaughter gave me a Big Hug this morning before Church, and she left a homemade card on my Pillow tonight a picture of she and I and a I Love You Nana ! She is a Blessing from God !
<span>Randall Call</span> Mon, 09/03/2018 - 09:35
Good-Night John-Boy.
<span>Cynthia Jean Block</span> Tue, 05/08/2018 - 16:14
How we long to celebrate Grandparents Day!... we got to be grandparents for a short time in our boys lives, and relished it! But then their mother (really our niece, whose own Mom passed) became unable to care for them and we abruptly became parents. It's a whole different thing. No mothers or fathers day because we AREN'T their parents. no Grandparents Day because we ARE. As more and more grandparents find themselves raising their grandchildren, i grieve for both them and the kids who are missing out on knowing their elders as they really are.
<span>Sue</span> Sun, 09/10/2017 - 16:54
Good luck with that! Adult children rarely think abut their own parents let alone grandchildren.
<span>Lynetta Womack</span> Fri, 09/08/2017 - 21:02
We have never celebrated this particular day, but my perfect day if I did would be just having my grand and great grandchildren around all day long, coming in and out of the house, playing and laughing and giving me a hug from time to time. That would be the most special thing I could think of to celebrate grandparents day.