Masks, social distancing, zoom calls - oh my….

2020 has been quite a year!

Grandparents love to spend time with their grandlittles so we put together a list of fun things to do, either in-person or on a virtual platform like zoom or skype.

10 Ways To Spend Time With Your Grandkids (both face-to-face and via video chat)

5 Fun Face-to-Face Activities To Do Together

Here are 5 activities to enjoy with your grandkids in person.

1. Board games

Board games have a way of transcending generations. The giggles, the rules and a pinch of cheating from the little ones always brings a good time!

When deciding on a game to play together, it’s important to pick one that’s easy enough for kids, but still entertaining for the adults involved. Check out ThinkFuns line of games - we personally love Hiss for how quick and easy it is to play but how much fun we all have. Cranium also has great family friendly games that are always fun for everyone!

2. Snuggle up and read

Reading together is always time well spent. You feel close and cozy and they learn a little along the way too! Stumped on what to read? Our favorites are the Pete the Cat series for how easy it is for the kids to practice their reading while how funny and relatable Pete’s antics are.  

3. Coloring together

Coloring books are both inexpensive and easy to come by. We all know kids love to color. 

Plus, with the recent trend of adult coloring books hitting the market, this is an activity that you can enjoy too.

Pick up some fun markers and you’re all set for a “crafternoon” of fun.

4. Take a walk

Nowadays, many of us are sticking close to home. Even still, need for outside time can’t be denied.

Taking a walk, either at a local park, in your own neighborhood, or at the local Audobon (pro-tip bring bird seed and the birds eat from your hands) is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with the grandkids.

Plus, it doesn’t cost a thing.

5. Movie Night

Movie theaters may be out for the time being, but streaming services sure have stepped up their game. Whatever genre you (and your grandkids!) prefer, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Pop some popcorn, serve up steaming mugs of cocoa (with extra marshmallows!) and enjoy a cozy night in with the family.

5 Ways To Enjoy Time Together Via Video Chat 

Here are 5 activities you can do over video chat to spend quality time together (apart).

1. Bingo

Bingo cards can be printed out online. Then, you can use a virtual Bingo caller to call out the numbers. Zoom even allows you to screen-share. 

For more fun, use M&M’s as markers and enjoy a sweet snack when you’re done playing.

This is a fun activity for kids old enough to understand how the game works. Parents may need to step in and assist younger ones.

2. Learn a new language

While sticking close to home, why not use that time to learn something new?

With Duolingo, it’s easy to pick up the basics of a new language. Bite-size lessons and fun challenges make it a great choice for both kids and adults.

Grandparents and grandkids can do lessons separately throughout the week and then come together and practice conversing in the language being learned.

3. Crossword puzzles

Crosswords are also a fun activity grandparents and grandkids can do together from afar. Pick a printable one and work through the clues to solve the puzzle as a team.

Pastimes like this promote critical thinking skills while building a child’s vocabulary. 

It doesn’t get better than that.

4. Sharing childhood memories

There’s never been a better time to pass on stories from a grandparent’s childhood. 

Hand your kiddo a tablet and let Grandma or Grandpa regale them with stories of a time long ago. 

Grandparents will love sharing these memories with a captive audience and kids will enjoy learning a little bit about their family history.

5. Pick from a plethora of Pinterest crafts

Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas. 

Pick a craft, gather the supplies, and send a surprise package in the mail. Kids love seeing their name on mail and you will get to settle in for an afternoon of art. A total win-win when you cut, color, and paste together while making something fun.

Final Thoughts 

Take the ideas from this list (or use it as a jumping-off point to come up with your own) and set up a weekly, or monthly, time for grandparents and grandkids to see each other. We all need new routines and the grandkids will love this one! 

Love our tips? Sharing with a friend who needs some fun ideas too!