40 Activities Grandparents Can Do With Kids That They’ll Actually Be Thrilled About

Looking to impart some wisdom on your grandkids? Well, how about this? If they like building forts around the house, you could show them how you used to do it as a youngster. Not only will they learn something new, but you can now bond over a shared interest. Nice and simple, right?

Who needs phones and tablets to have fun when you can just make some shapes with your hands? Yes, creating shadow puppets is a great way to get a child’s attention — all you need is a torch and a shady space. Plus, they’ll probably want to join in once they see how enjoyable it is. The hours will fly by!

The next time you visit your grandchildren, ask them to grab one of their favored books off the shelf. Then, once you’re settled, begin to read it to them. After a few passages, though, hand the reins over to the youngster. And from there, continue to alternate until you want to stop. It’s a lovely way to relax together.

Grandparents and treats go together like peanut butter and jelly. They always seem to have a sweet surprise up their sleeves for the grandkids! So, if you’re a grandma or grandpa, why not use that as a way to bond with the children? You could whip up tasty snacks such as ice cream sundaes as a team.

How about this for a fun idea? If your grandchildren want to do something, you could create an indoor “scavenger hunt.” Just hide a few objects in some different rooms, before telling them what to look for. Then, start a timer and get the activity going. Watching the kids search will be just as enjoyable as the game itself.

Instead of opting for a physical activity with the grandkids, you should give this a try. Yep, grab an old board game from your cupboard and get playing. Not only will it serve as a trip down memory lane for yourself, but it could also show the children that games aren’t just restricted to electronic tablets. Sounds like a win-win!

Spa days can be enjoyable at the best of times, yet this idea will take things to another level. According to the website Mommy Poppins, you could put one together at home with your grandkids. All you’ll need is some dressing gowns, cucumber slices, and nail polish. And that’s it! A day of relaxation awaits.

Want to get a better idea of your grandchild’s interests? Well, this could be something to consider. The next time they visit you, swap hobbies for the day. That’ll be a great way for both of you to glean what makes the other tick. So, while they learn how to safely wield a pair of knitting needles, you can experience a Minecraft session!

There are few things more satisfying than placing a new plant in the yard and watching it blossom. So, why not give your grandkids a taste of that experience, too? As a team, you can sow various seeds. Plus, it’s pretty relaxing as well. 

Who doesn’t love a good picnic? There’s no better way to enjoy a tasty spread than chilling in the great outdoors. With that in mind, you should plan one out with your grandchildren. As per Mommy Poppins, you can both have some input into exactly what food’s going into the basket. You’ll be bonding before you know it.

A full-on golf course might be too much for your grandchildren to handle. So, it could be a better idea to book a round of mini-golf instead. The scale is much smaller, and you can really take the time to enjoy the game. It’s perfect if you share a love of sport.

Are you a yoga enthusiast? If so, this might be something to consider. According to the website LiveAbout, you can introduce your grandkids to the serene activity, showing them a few simple moves. Once they get the hang of it, you could even create a unique position together. Sounds fun, right?

It doesn’t matter how old you are when it comes to bubbles. Once you see one floating in the air, you can’t help but feel the urge to chase after it! Keeping that in mind, what better way to enjoy an afternoon in the yard with the grandkids than releasing a large batch? The time will speed by.

As most of you will be able to attest, gifts can get pretty expensive. So, this is something to remember going forward. Mommy Poppy notes that you could encourage your grandchildren to create a present from scratch for their folks on big occasions. You can even work on it together. It’ll get your creative juices flowing!

Don’t have any Lego lying about? Well, try not to fret. There’s a potential alternative that your grandkids will love just as much. To start with, pull out a pack of unused cards. From there, make some incisions around the edges that’ll allow the cards to slot into one another. Voila! Now you can construct all manner of different shapes and compositions.

No folks, coloring in isn’t just an activity for youngsters. Adults can join the fun, too! Plus, it’s especially rewarding when you can work on the same piece as a pair. And that might be music to the ears of grandparents looking to bond with their grandchildren. It’s easy and relaxing. What’s not to love?

The next time you whip up some glasses of milkshake for the family, ask your grandchildren to join you in the kitchen. They can help out. Think of the excitement you could generate by encouraging them to create tasty new blends. Activities don’t get much yummier than this!

Without wishing to state the obvious, it’s important for youngsters to learn about the history of their families. So, why not make a fun activity out of it? You can sketch a family tree with your grandchildren from scratch, sharing tales for each “branch.”

Ah, tea parties. Good luck naming a more relaxing activity. But do you know what can make them even better? Including the grandkids! Yes, as per Mommy Poppins, you can chill out around the table with a hot beverage for yourself and cold drink for the young’uns. Throw in some tasty treats as well and you’ll be set.

Do you do a lot of baking at home? Well, the job can become a lot more enjoyable if you ask your grandkids to get involved. They’ll learn how to make the delicious snacks they love so much. And on top of that, you might be able to share some hidden tips or tricks that you were taught in the past.

When it comes to picking out a non-physical activity to do with the grandchildren, you can’t go wrong with a puzzle. They’re equal parts fun and mentally stimulating. Plus, who doesn’t want to share the joy that follows completing a really challenging piece? Cloud nine has room for more than one!

You’re never too old to play hide-and-seek — don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. So, if you’re finding it tough to think of a game to enjoy with the grandkids, give that one a go. It can be done both inside and around the yard, and you’ll definitely have plenty of laughs in the process.

If your grandkids like sketching, then grab a pack of sidewalk chalk from the store. After that, take them outside the house and get drawing on the nearby pavement. As a team, you could make some really cool pieces. You might also fancy setting down a game or two, such as hopscotch.

While days at the beach can be a little hectic, you can block all that out by doing one thing in particular — building a sandcastle. Seriously, it’s quite relaxing! And the job can be made even better by asking your grandchildren to chip in. Trust us, they’ll cherish those memories for years to come.

Sometimes, words are all you’ll need to have a fun afternoon with the grandchildren. For instance, LiveAbout suggests that a “silly names” game could be worth a crack. The rules are simple — devize goofy monikers for yourselves and then note who keeps up with it the longest. It makes for a pretty unorthodox memory activity.

How’s this for an interesting suggestion? If you want to get closer to your grandkids, you can attend classes together to learn new skills. Whether it’s music or art, those lessons are sure to strengthen the bond you share. They’re also fun, so that’s an added bonus!

Museums are awesome places to learn more about the world in which we live. But is there one that you and your grandchildren haven’t visited before? If so, mark down a date to rectify that. Think of how cool it could be to experience the wonders of a museum with the youngsters by your side. It’s too good a chance to pass up.

As the warmer months approach, this is definitely something to consider if you love fishing. Yes, introduce your grandchildren to the pastime. It doesn’t require much in the way of physicality, and it’s fairly simple to pick up. And should they get bitten by the bug, you’ll have some enthusiastic partners from now on!

Building with Lego doesn’t just have to be a one-person job — others can get involved, too. In fact, as far as fun activities go between grandparents and grandkids, it’s got to be near the top of the list. As the Mommy Poppins website noted, “[The builds] encourage problem-solving, reading, and teamwork.”

Looking for a cool way to spruce up your yard? Well, listen up. To start with, ask your grandkids to gather some stones and rocks from outside. Then, as a team, grab a bottle of paint and add designs to the hard surfaces. Just like that, you’ll now have a few decorations to sprinkle around the space. Arty activities are the best!

Sure, running and regular trips to the gym can play a big role in improving fitness, but we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of walking. Even though it might not be as glamorous, this form of exercise can do your body the world of good. And in the case of grandparents and grandchildren, it’s something they can definitely do together with little hassle.

A plain deck of cards can provide hours of excitement, as there are so many different games you can play. When you sit down with your grandkids, though, you should probably keep it simple. No poker, then! Instead, the likes of Old Maid and Go Fish are good choices. Teaching them the rules will be just as enjoyable.

This is a surefire way to perk up arty youngsters when they visit their grandparents. Yes, encourage them to sketch a portrait of yourself. And as they’re doing that, you can draw up one for them as well. If nothing else, it’ll stop them running riot for a while as they capture your likeness.

Who says you need expensive puppets to put on a puppet show? Instead, you can make your own with bits and pieces lying across your house. This is a great activity to enjoy with the grandchildren, as it’ll keep them entertained and engaged. The same can probably be said for you, too!

From Halloween to Christmas, there are a bunch of special occasions to celebrate across the year. So why not use that to your advantage? As per Mommy Poppins, you and your grandchildren can spend some quality time together to create decorations. Better than splashing out big money at the store, right?

Here’s something a little different, folks. If you’ve got a few cheap white cotton tops in your closet, take them out and grab some paint. Then, with your grandchildren, mix up a batch of tie-dye. Once that’s ready, drop each shirt into the colorful concoction and marvel at the results. The young’uns will love it. Plus, it’ll revitalize your wardrobe!

Dancing is something that should be embraced, regardless of your age. So, don’t feel put off by the idea of throwing a groovy get-together for your grandkids. You can vary the musical choices to suit who’s there, and maybe even show some of your signature moves to the youngsters. They may well return the favor!

It’s always nice to have a birdhouse in the garden. We’re sure the birds appreciate it! But if you don’t own one, you could turn that into an activity with your grandchildren. According to Mommy Poppins, they’re not very difficult to construct, so you can build the piece together. That’ll make the end result all the sweeter.

Do you have a closet jam-packed with clothes? Well, here’s an idea to keep in mind for the future. Should there ever come a time when your grandchildren are bored, pull out some of the garments and suggest a game of dressing-up. Think of the amusement you could generate with all of those outfits at your disposal.

Pick-your-own farms might not seem all that fun on the surface. Yet that really isn’t the case. They’re pretty serene, and give you and your grandkids the chance to bond over harvesting the produce. It could extend beyond that, too. Once you’ve got what you want, you can work together in the kitchen to prepare the food.