55 Fun Things To Do With Grandkids—Indoor, Outdoor and Sleepover Activities
Spending time with your grandkids is one of those perks of getting older. You probably miss the days when your own kids were home and having grandkids allows you a second opportunity for fun interaction. However, this time you may have more time and less stress which is a wonderful scenario. The question is, what kinds of things should you do with your grandkids? Is the generation gap too large to be relatable? No need to worry, there are plenty of fun things to do with grandkids that have stood the test of time and will always be fun.
As grandparents, you may feel like so much has changed over the years with what grandkids like to do. However, even with all of the new technology, good old-fashioned activities like fort building or hide and seek are still as popular as ever. In fact, there are all kinds of fun things that you can do with them. We've come up with a whopping 55 ideas that are guaranteed to keep your grandkids amused and happy all day long.
Related: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Divulge Secret to Being Good Grandparents
55 Best Things To Do With Grandkids
iStock
1. Build a fort
All you need are blankets, chairs and lots of pillows to make the perfect indoor fort. It's fun to make cozy spaces to hang out.
2. Play hide and seek
One person counts and the others hide from the counter. Kids of all ages, including grandparents, love the challenge of finding the best hiding spot.
3. Have a tea party
First, you have to set a pretty table. Then, pass out little cookies and small cups of juice or lemonade to serve to the kids as well as any stuffed or imaginary friends.
4. Draw pictures
Let kids get creative by handing them a blank sheet of white paper to draw on. You'll love what they can come up with and their art is perfect to then frame for the refrigerator.
5. Play dress-up
Save old jewelry, hats, scarves and t-shirts to use for an impromptu game of dress-up. Save and use Burger King crowns and Halloween accessories for even more costume possibilities.
6. Put on a puppet show
Use actual puppets or make your own out of socks or paper lunch bags to put on a funny show. You get more bang for your buck by creating your own puppets first.
7. Make a racetrack for matchbox cars
Playing with matchbox cars is always a hit. Amp up the fun by drawing your own racetrack on a large piece of cardboard.
8. Plant a tree
Have the grandkids over to plant a tree in your yard. Over the years, they can watch it grow and change.
9. Make a birdhouse/feeder
Build birdhouses out of milk jugs or coffee cans. Then, fill it with seed and enjoy watching the birds fly in to feed on it.
10. Collect and paint rocks
Go outside and collect some rocks. Then, bring them inside to give them a makeover with paint.
11. Take grandkids to the zoo
A day at the zoo is always a good time. Take advantage of other activities such as a petting area or camel rides to enhance the experience.
12. Plan a beach day
On a hot summer day, the best activity of all would be a trip to the beach. From swimming to building sand castles, there is plenty to enjoy.
13. Take them out for ice cream
Ice cream has the magical power to put a smile on anyone's face regardless of what else is going on.
14. Visit a children's museum
Go to a local children's museum for hands-on fun and learning. It's a perfect activity for a rainy day.
15. Carve pumpkins
Although carving pumpkins is a seasonal activity, it's a great one to do with grandkids. Creating anything together is sure to be memorable and fun.
Indoor Activities To Do With Grandkids
16. Play cards
Regardless of age, there should be a fun card game to play that gets the laughs rolling. From a matching game to Go Fish to Uno, there are plenty of appropriate games to choose from.
17. Put together puzzles
Just like there are card games for all ages, there are also puzzles for every age. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from completing a puzzle together.
18. Create sculptures with play dough or clay
There is something therapeutic about molding play dough or clay into shapes. Let your grandchild's creativity shine by letting them experiment with it.
19. Color in coloring books
Coloring isn't just for kids. Both grandparents and grandkids can get a lot of satisfaction from just coloring together. With younger kids, just be prepared for a scribble or two over your own carefully colored-in masterpiece!
20. Paint on canvases
Buy a stack of small white canvases and some paint and let your grandkids go to town. Those budding artists will love the freedom of creativity.
21. Read books out loud
Reading books to little kids is a given. However, even older kids who can read may enjoy having you read out loud to them. It can be a sweet bonding experience.
22. Play hide the object
A form of hide and seek where someone hides a small object for the others to find. There are limitless opportunities for hiding something small versus a whole body. It can be a bit challenging for little kids so giving hints or telling them if they are either "hot" or "cold" is a good way to make it easier.
23. Bake cookies
Most kids love cookies and being able to take part in making them becomes a fun activity with yummy results.
24. Make food art
Crafting in the kitchen is another fun and yummy activity. One example is to roll banana pieces in peanut butter or marshmallow cream and then dip them in sprinkles.
iStock
25. Build towers with blocks or Legos
Building and knocking down towers never gets old. Older kids can create elaborate castles for play.
26. Play charades
Acting is a great way for kids to express themselves. Playing charades gives them an opportunity to do that with the added bonus of challenging others to guess who they are or what they are doing.
27. Play board games
There is a reason that there are so many board games in stores. The challenges of each game provide endless hours of fun.
28. Play with toys
Get down on the floor and play with the endless amount of toys that your grandkids probably have. Kids will love the interaction and attention.
Outdoor Activities To Do With Grandkids
29. Fly kites
When the wind is right, flying kites is a breeze. Enjoy the laughter as your grandkids manipulate their kites. The challenge is to not let go!
30. Ride bikes
Ride on trails or through the neighborhood each on your own bikes or pull behind small grandkids in a carrier.
31. Take a walk
No equipment is required for this activity! Just put one foot in front of the other and let your grandkids lead you to new places.
32. Blow bubbles
Blowing bubbles never gets old and there are all kinds of fun accessories for making bubbles in fun ways.
33. Go to the park
Pretty much every community has a park or school playground. Visit one in your own neighborhood or travel to a favorite one.
34. Have a picnic
Have grandkids join you in making picnic food. Then, pack it into a basket and head for the backyard. Set out a blanket under a tree for a cozy eating spot.
35. Roast marshmallows on a campfire
Campfires are fun to make with grandkids. Not only can you roast marshmallows but it's a great spot to tell stories, spooky or otherwise.
iStock
36. Draw with sidewalk chalk
Take your artistic skills outside and see what you all can create with sidewalk chalk. With all of the variety of colors, it's a fun way to be creative.
37. Play catch
Play a game of catch with round balls, footballs or baseballs, and gloves. It's something kids of all ages enjoy.
38. Go swimming
If you have a pool or lake, you are all set. However, even if you don't you may be able to make use of a public pool in the area.
39. Go boating or canoeing
Depending on the ages, grandkids can join you in boating, skiing, tubing or canoeing. Just don't forget the life jackets!
40. Ride ATVs
With the popularity of side-by-sides and other trail vehicles, it is sure to be a hit with kids as well. Let them ride along or even drive their own if they are old enough. Remote control Power Wheels are a good option for little kids.
41. Go on a scavenger hunt
Take hiking or walking to a new level by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Make a list of things to find and see how many you can cross off the list. Or, simply go for a walk and let grandkids collect anything that interests them.
42. Go fishing
Fishing is a great outdoor sport to teach kids. They will love the challenge of catching a fish and the thrill of throwing it back.
43. Play basketball
You don't have to play a full-on game with just a couple of kids. Instead, come up with fun challenges for shooting hoops.
Sleepover Activities for Grandkids
44. Watch movies
Sleepovers and movies go hand in hand. Have a collection of kid-friendly movies available to choose from.
45. Make ice cream sundaes
Instead of going out for ice cream, stay in and make your own sundaes. Make sure to have plenty of toppings and sprinkles!
46. Have a spa day
Your granddaughters will love a little pampering. Give each other manicures and pedicures and maybe a fun updo or hand scrub.
47. Go out for dinner
It can be a treat to go out for dinner to a kid-friendly restaurant. You could even make it a big deal by getting all dressed up.
48. Go berry picking
Check out your nearest berry farms and spend an afternoon picking strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. Make sure to taste a few while picking! Then, bring them home and make a special dessert or jam.
49. Visit a waterpark
Water parks provided all kinds of adventure at any time of the year. Find an indoor park during the colder months and enjoy an outdoor experience on a nice summer day.
50. Go to a professional ball game
Older kids will probably enjoy sitting through a game more than younger ones. Enjoy the whole experience with hot dogs or popcorn and special t-shirts or jerseys.
51. Watch a play
Bring your grandkids to a special musical or play like Lion King or The Nutcracker. You could combine this with eating out and getting dressed up.
52. Look at old pictures
Take a trip down memory lane by browsing through old photo albums. Kids will love to see the younger versions of parents and grandparents and learn a little of their history at the same time.
53. Play tag
Playing tag is best done outside with fewer obstacles in the way. It's a great way to burn off some energy before settling down for the night.
54. Make a gift for mom and dad
Being away from mom and dad gives kids the opportunity to make them a special surprise gift. It's a rewarding way to be creative.
55. Play karaoke
Get your grandkids singing with a round of karaoke. This is best for older kids but even the young ones can join in with their own rendition.
Next Up: 100 Fun Things To Do When Bored To Help You Stay Sane