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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>Julea</span> Sun, 09/10/2017 - 11:39
I don't think babysitting is a good idea.I've done that years ago before I moved when they were small.now since I moved 9 years ago I see them very little.I've neverseen my great granddaughter alexibwhos one.my other great children ate teenagers.iveoffered to take them during summers only to be denied.my grown daughters just mean and spiteful.that's OK they'll grow up think for themselves I hope.its sad keeping them apart people who do that are just trouble makers bullys.
<span>Chelsea M</span> Fri, 08/11/2017 - 09:29
Hello Robert, I don't have grandchildren or children of my own, but I am a two-time aunt and have been close with my Mom throughout this time where she has become a grandmother and now has two grandchildren! They are far from both of us, but she gets to see them as often as she wants. How? She offers free childcare. Maybe your son and his wife don't know how you feel about your family, so it could help to explain how you feel and why. If I were you, I would ask to spend time with them and offer to watch the children while they go out and have a date night or enjoy themselves without children for a day or a night. You can even try and make it a recurring thing! They can have date nights on Saturdays and you get your grandchildren on Saturdays. Just a thought! I hope it helps.