Frank Copple, 70, of Minneapolis enjoys one-on-one time playing catch and talking baseball with his 18-month-old grandson, Thomas Scott. (Donna Erickson)

With Grandparents Day coming up Sept. 13, I checked in with some cool grandparents to find out what makes moments with their grandkids extra special. I chatted with caring grandparents on planes and trains and in playgrounds, and I discovered a common theme to "Grandparenting 101" might best be called "Grandparenting 1 on 1."

Seventy-year-old Frank Copple, a Minneapolis grandfather of three young boys, said to really get to know the personalities, interests and characteristics of his grandsons, he carves out time to do an activity with each boy individually.

"Each child is unique, and it's gratifying and fun to encourage their talents one on one, whether we go fishing, take a walk around the neighborhood observing sights and sounds or do a little project together," he said. "Those are the times when we really connect."

Energetic grandmother Betsy Peak calls her together time with 10-year-old granddaughter Madeline "Maddi Club Day."

"I pick her up, and we do whatever we want that day," says Betsy. "You never know where our adventures will lead us. When she was young, one of our favorite outings was to the Humane Society, which eventually resulted in adopting a dog named Allie."

If you are a grandparent, start your own grandkid club for one-on-one time. And remember, wherever you go and whatever you do on club day will be special because you shared the memory together.

Here are free activities you can enjoy this fall:

If

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you are a sports fan, grab a mitt and ball and play catch. Lead up to the 2009 World Series in October with older grandkids by discussing and following stats and scores in the newspaper and online. Shuffle through your old baseball cards and share your memories, then help the kids get started with their own collections.

If you are a gardener, pick a pretty autumn bouquet of your last flowers and harvest your vegetables together. Plan what you can plant in the garden together next spring.

If you like nature walks, go for a hike in a nearby nature preserve to observe the changing leaves, walk through a botanical garden or toss stones in a lake or river.

Parenting tip: Celebrate Grandparents Day by helping your kids make a greeting card or frame a special photo for their grandparents.

Donna Erickson's award-winning television series, "Donna's Day," is airing on public television nationwide. Watch it in the Twin Cities at 7:30 a.m. Fridays on tptLife on channels 13 and 17. Sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."