Things to do with grandparents (Charlotte, Raleigh: houses, theater, college)

[angelkitten]

My parents are visiting us from the UK for the whole of December. They are in their 70s and not fit. I'm fast running out of things to do with them especially on a rainy day like today.

Anyone else had older people come to visit and have a list of things they've done that worked?

[poppydog]

Why don't you tell us what you've already done? No need for us to repeat things that you've already checked off.

[graysonh]

When my in laws have visited, we've done Marbles, Pullen Park, Museum of Life and Science in Durham, Hill Ridge Farms, and NC Museum of Natural Science.

[MainLineMommy]

We love taking family to the different museums. There's lots to see and you can set your own pace. You could do a Segway tour downtown. There's a small rescue zoo in Coats that is very easy to walk. You could take a day trip the Crystal Coast and go to the Aquarium and/or the fort. Or you could go west and check out Carolina pottery in Seagrove. You could walk around the Farmers Market, go to a basketball game or hockey game, look for craft fairs or holiday bazaars, or go to one of those paint your own pottery or wine and paint classes. Also check out the WRAL site for lots of holiday activities like tree lightings or carriage rides. You can drive around and look at the lights on houses (there are a couple of really good ones that are worth the drive) or go to one of the light shows like Lights on the Neuse.

[RRBC]

For something this weekend, you could take them to the Wake County Libraries Booksale at the Fairgrounds. It starts today or tomorrow and is quite large and inexpensive. Then if they leave and don't want the books you can donate them. You can also look at anything else going on at the fairgrounds while there. You could go to the art museum. If you have a town newsletter come with your water bill or just go to their website there should be a calendar of events with activites, like senior bingo, local music performances, etc.

[Francois]

December is the time all of the local choruses and orchestras have their Holiday concerts, not to mention perennial holiday theater offerings like "A Christmas Carol" by Theatre in the Park, "Cinderella" from Raleigh Little Theatre, and "Nutcracker" by Carolina Ballet. All three of these are wonderful productions, and there are other offerings from smaller theaters, like "Trailer Park Christmas" which would certainly be something they aren't going to find in the UK

[jaiho]

1. Take them to the Farmer's market. While I believe that in the UK most grocery is done at the local shop, I wonder if you guys have a big Farmer's market like the one in Raleigh.
2. A meal at Dame's and/or local BBQ? Besides the local offerings which I believe are different from what they'd get in the UK, the Triangle restaurants have terrific service. My folks (albeit not that old) love the hospitality and it is the most evident at eateries.
3. College tour through Duke. If nothing else, I like going to the Duke Chapel. You could also do the same with UNC and State although I am not sure if NC State has tours
4. Drive through parks. You do not have to get out of your car to get some nice views through parks.
5. Plan a weekend trip to Asheville. The Biltmore estates are very fun this time of the year.
6. Repeat with Charlotte. Lots of free and fun museums.
7. Repeat with Charlottesville

There is just soooo much stuff to do. I wish I had grandparents that I could show around.