fGrandparents are among the most special people in a child’s life, providing love, support, and a unique bond that is truly irreplaceable.
In fact, research shows that the emotional significance of the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is second only to that of parents and children.
With this in mind, it’s essential for grandparents to spend quality time with their grandkids, creating lasting memories and strengthening their bond.
But what to do, exactly?
If you’re a grandparent searching for fun things to do with your grandchildren, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a variety of activities for grandchildren of all ages – from toddlers to teenagers – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So let’s explore the world of fun things to do with grandchildren and get ready to make some amazing memories.
Fun Things to Do With Toddlers & Preschoolers
Playtime is more than fun and games for toddlers and preschoolers — it’s absolutely essential for the little ones to thrive.
They’re like tiny sponges soaking up new experiences and learning all sorts of things through play. And the American Academy of Pediatrics research proves it: play actually helps build up the structure and function of their brains and promotes the process of learning.
To get your young grandkids learning, here are some fun activities you can try:
#1 Age-Appropriate Arts & Crafts
Inspire the little artist in your grandchild and bond over colorful paints, glue, and glitter. The best part? You get to watch their faces light up with creativity.
Whether you’re dipping fingers into paint or helping them roll out the perfect lump of playdough, crafting with your grandchild can be an opportunity for both fun and learning.
Plus, studies demonstrate that collaborative projects can increase social skills and confidence in early childhood. So roll up your sleeves, get out the supplies, and let your creativity run wild.
#2 Storytime & Puppet Shows
There’s something magical about reading to your grandchildren. As they sit there wide-eyed, taking in the world of the story, you can almost feel their imaginations blooming.
But did you know that reading aloud to them doesn’t just foster a love for books? It also helps develop language skills they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
And there’s a fun way to take storytime up a notch with puppets or stuffed animals. Bringing the story to life through the lens of a playful prop makes the experience even more engaging and memorable.
Take it a step further and encourage your grandchild to create their own stories and put on a puppet show for you. The things kids come up with can be truly amazing.
#3 Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts
Spending time in nature makes us all feel good. In fact, research shows that even looking at photos of nature can be a real stress relief.
And if you’re looking for fun and educational things to do with your grandchildren, a nature walk is the perfect option.
Not only will you both get to stretch your legs and soak up some fresh air, but you’ll also have the chance to discover all sorts of interesting plants and creatures along the way. Not to mention, you’ll benefit from the power of mindfulness and connecting with nature.
You can also up the ante with a scavenger hunt by giving them a list of items to find, like smooth rocks, red leaves, or pinecones.
Research tells us that outdoor activities provide a wealth of benefits for children’s development, from sensory and motor development to cognitive and emotional growth.
And for many of us, our best childhood memories took place outdoors, no?
Activities to Do with School-Aged Grandchildren
As a grandparent, you’re in a unique position to open up a whole new world of experiences for your school-aged grandkids.
From learning a new language or instrument to exploring science projects, there’s an abundance of activities to do with school-age grandchildren.
They’ll get the chance to try their hand at something new, boost their confidence and creativity, and make some awesome memories along the way.
And let’s not forget the added bonus of boosting their academic performance and self-esteem, as discovered by numerous studies.
Here are some activities to do with school-aged children to inspire you to get creative:
#1 Board Games & Puzzles
Playing board games and solving puzzles together with your grandchild is not only a fun way to bond but also an excellent way to support your grandchild’s cognitive development.
By choosing brain games that encourage strategic thinking, such as Scrabble, Monopoly, or chess, you can help your grandchild develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Plus, studies have shown that board games and puzzles can improve visuospatial cognition and even increase grey matter volume.
And if you find yourself in need of a break from classic board games, there’s always the option to explore some of today’s more technology-based options, like Minecraft or Among U, that are all the rage with today’s youngsters.
Of course, no game night would be complete without a tasty treat, which brings us to our second fun activity…
#2 Cooking & Baking
Turn up the heat in your kitchen and whip up something delicious with your grandchild. From easy-to-make comfort food to more complex dishes, there are plenty of cooking and baking activities to do with your grandkids that will keep them engaged.
On top of that, a recent study suggests that kids who cook and bake at home develop healthier dietary habits.
And, of course, your grandchild will get to learn some valuable skills for life from you and maybe even pick up a few traditional family dishes. From measuring and mixing ingredients to learning how to read a recipe — they’ll have the chance to take an active role in the cooking process.
On the topic of measuring…
#3 Science & DIY Projects
Fostering your grandchild’s curiosity and love for learning can be as simple as conducting fun science experiments or working on DIY projects together.
From growing crystals to making homemade lava lamps, the possibilities are endless. Just check out these 100 ideas.
These DIY activities can help your grandchild learn more about their environment and gain confidence in using everyday materials to make something unique. Plus, they’ll get to explore science in an exciting and hands-on way.
Who knows, maybe you’ll have a future scientist or engineer in the making.
Fun Things to Do with Your Teenage Grandkids
Teens can sometimes be tricky to keep entertained.
Luckily, research has found that as teens age, they tend to become more exploratory and curious about the world around them. This means that with the right activities, you can create some really memorable moments.
Here are a few ideas of fun things to do with your teenage grandkids to get your wheels turning:
#1 Learn a New Skill
Exploring a new skill together with your grandchild can be an awesome bonding experience. Whether it’s playing a new sport, learning a language, or picking up the basics of coding — there are tons of options available that promote lifelong learning.
And by showing them the ropes in something new, you can help build their confidence and self-esteem. Plus, they’ll get to learn from one of their favorite people — you.
Or you can turn the tables and have them teach you something new — like in this 2019 study where grandkids taught their grandparents to use technology.
Either way, it’s a win-win situation.
#2 Volunteer Together
Helping out their local community is a great way for your grandkids to develop empathy and learn the value of giving back.
From cleaning up the beach or helping in animal shelters, you can support them in making a difference between people while learning more about what makes our world so special.
And the best part is, volunteering with your teenage grandkids can be a real confidence booster for them as it helps them gain a sense of purpose.
#3 Take a Road Trip
What better way to make memories with your grandkids than taking them on a road trip?
Whether you take a day trip or a full weekend adventure, exploring new places together and learning about different cultures can be an exciting and meaningful experience.
Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to bond in ways that cannot be replicated by staying at home.
If you’re in the US, we’ve rounded up the 50 best road trips you can take — one for each state.
Embrace the Quality Time with Your Grandkids
Nurturing the bond with your grandkids is an important part of their development.
Through shared experiences, laughter, and love, these connections create a tapestry of memories that last a lifetime.
For toddlers and preschoolers, think:
- #1 Age-appropriate arts & crafts — painting, drawing, or building something cool
- #2 Storytime & puppet shows — promote their reading and writing skills
- #3 Nature walks & scavenger hunts — get their imagination flowing outdoors
For school-age grandchildren, delve into these exciting activities:
- #4 Board games & puzzles — help them develop their cognitive skills
- #5 Cooking & baking — a great way to combine healthy habits and yummy meals
- #6 Science & DIY projects — foster their curiosity and love for learning science
And for teenage grandchildren, explore these fun ideas:
- #7 Learn a new skill — build their confidence & self-esteem
- #8 Volunteer together — develop empathy and learn the value of giving back
- #9 Take a road trip — explore new places and cultures on new adventures
No matter the age of your grandchild, moments spent with them are invaluable. With these activities in mind, you can create timeless memories and make your bond even stronger.
Have fun and embrace the special quality time with your grandkids.
P.S. If you’re looking for more ways to bond with your grandkids, here are 60 questions you can ask them.
