National Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September. Created to honor the guidance and love of older generations, the day encourages family members to visit older relatives, share stories, and support older adults across the country. It offers a meaningful opportunity to connect across generations and celebrate the lasting bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

What is National Grandparents Day?

National Grandparents Day is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to honoring grandparents. Unlike major commercial holidays, this day focuses on building intergenerational connections, strengthening family history, and giving back to older adults.

While it is not a federal public holiday with government closures, millions of people use the day to spend quality time with older relatives. Families often gather for home-cooked meals, send cards, or take family outings together.

The holiday also encourages people to support lonely seniors in care centers. Many volunteers visit nursing homes to spend time with older residents who may not have family living nearby.

When is National Grandparents Day observed?

National Grandparents Day always takes place on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September. Because Labor Day falls on the first Monday of the month, the observance lands between September 7 and September 13 each year.

Holding the celebration on a Sunday allows families to spend a relaxed weekend together without missing school or work. Many schools arrange special grandfriend events during the week leading up to the holiday.

Other nations celebrate grandparents on different dates throughout the year. For example, the United Kingdom marks the day on the first Sunday of October, while Australia celebrates on the last Sunday of October.

How National Grandparents Day began

The campaign for a national day honoring grandparents grew out of a grassroots movement in West Virginia. In 1970, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade began advocating for a dedicated holiday to recognize the contributions of senior citizens.

McQuade was a homemaker and mother of 15 children who spent years visiting nursing homes. She wanted to help lonely residents and encourage young people to learn from the wisdom of their elders.

Her efforts bore fruit in 1973 when Governor Arch Moore proclaimed the first state Grandparents Day in West Virginia. McQuade then built a national coalition, eventually securing official state proclamations across 43 states.

At the same time, Atlanta advertiser Michael Goldgar lobbied legislators in Washington, D.C. He spent over 11,000 dollars of his own money and made dozens of trips to Congress to champion the cause.

The dual effort culminated in 1978 when Congress passed Public Law 95-325. President Jimmy Carter signed Proclamation 4580 on August 3, 1978, establishing the official national observance, which was first celebrated on September 9, 1979.

Official symbols of the holiday

National Grandparents Day features two official symbols that represent remembrance and family love. The official flower of the holiday is the forget-me-not, chosen to symbolize lasting memory and genuine care across generations.

The official song of the holiday is A Song for Grandma and Grandpa, written by songwriter Johnny Prill. The song was officially recognized in 2004 and is widely performed at school concerts and community programs.

Together, these symbols remind people to cherish family roots and maintain ongoing relationships with older family members throughout the year.

Classic ways people celebrate

Celebrating Grandparents Day does not require elaborate spending or expensive gifts. Most grandparents value simple gestures, thoughtful visits, and uninterrupted time with their family members.

Many families host family dinners where older relatives share family albums, recount historic stories, and pass down classic family recipes. Cooking a meal together or gathering for a picnic provides a warm setting for conversation.

Schools often host intergenerational events where grandparents visit classrooms, read books to students, or attend musical showcases. For adults whose grandparents have passed away, volunteering at a local senior center offers a meaningful way to honor the day.

Why honoring grandparents matters

Grandparents provide stability, wisdom, and emotional support within the family. They act as living historians, bridging the gap between past classic customs and modern family life.

Research shows that close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren benefit both generations. Young people gain resilience from hearing family stories, while older adults experience increased purpose and social connection.

Busy daily schedules often leave little time for extended visits. Grandparents Day serves as a valuable annual reminder to pause, express gratitude, and strengthen intergenerational bonds.

National Grandparents Day Dates

This year National Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sunday, Sep 13, 2026

Year	Date	Day
2026	Sep 13	Sunday
2027	Sep 12	Sunday
2028	Sep 10	Sunday
2029	Sep 09	Sunday
2030	Sep 08	Sunday
2031	Sep 07	Sunday

How to mark the day

Simple, meaningful ways to celebrate your grandparents and make lasting memories together.