Fun Activities to Do with Your Grandchildren

Key Takeaways

• Building a strong bond with your grandchildren requires intentional time and shared experiences.
• Simple activities like baking, exploring nature trails, or creating art together can foster connection and leave lasting memories.
• Traditions are a meaningful way to strengthen relationships and can be cherished for generations to come.
• The true magic lies in discovering what brings joy and closeness to your unique relationship, creating moments that will be remembered fondly.

The laughter of grandchildren fills a home with joy like nothing else. Whether you’re welcoming a new grandchild or watching them grow, there are lots of opportunities for adults in independent living and assisted living to create lasting memories with grandkids. 

The right activity to do with your grandchildren can vary depending on their age, but some of the best activities to do with grandchildren include:

• Arts and crafts
• Reading together
• Water and sand activities
• Museum and zoo trips
• Board games and video games
• Outdoor adventures
• Volunteering together
• Cooking and sharing meals together

Building strong relationships takes intentional time and shared experiences, but the real magic is in discovering what activities bring you closer. Create traditions that will be cherished for years to come!

How Do Intergenerational Bonds Benefit Everyone?

The bond between grandparents and grandchildren creates a unique magic. For grandchildren, it offers wisdom, unconditional love, and a sense of connection to their heritage. They gain life skills, hear family stories, and build confidence through the patient guidance of someone with a lifetime of experience.  

For grandparents, these relationships bring joy and purpose. Time with grandchildren can boost mental health, provide opportunities to share knowledge, and bring vitality through active involvement. Research shows that close grandparent-grandchild bonds often lead to better physical and emotional well-being for grandparents.

Fun Activities for Young Grandchildren (Ages 2–7)

Spending time with young grandchildren is a great way to spark their creativity and build lasting memories. Fun, age-appropriate activities can also strengthen your bond in meaningful ways.

Arts and Crafts  

Kids love creating with their hands. Set up a craft space with washable markers, paper, glue sticks, and safety scissors. Make handprint art, collages, or decorate picture frames. Focus on the process, not the final result—celebrate their creativity and display their artwork proudly.

Reading Together  

Create a cozy reading nook with pillows and good lighting. Let your grandchildren pick the books, even if it means reading the same one multiple times. Use fun voices, ask questions about the pictures, and encourage them to tell their own stories. Keep a special collection of books at your house just for reading time.

Water and Sand Play  

Sensory play can be a hit with kids. Use a basin of water with cups and spoons or a backyard sandbox. In warmer weather, try sprinklers or washing toy cars together. These activities are fun and help build fine motor skills.

These simple activities nurture a child’s development while creating joyful, lasting memories. By playing and exploring together, you foster security, love, and laughter that will stay with them forever.

Activities for Pre-teen Grandchildren (Ages 8–12)  

As grandchildren grow, their interests and abilities change, creating chances for fun and meaningful activities. These moments can strengthen your bond while encouraging creativity and independence.  

Visit Museums and Zoos  

Pre-teens are curious about the world. Plan trips to museums, aquariums, or zoos. Let them pick exhibits that interest them and ask questions. Many places offer special programs for grandparents and grandchildren.  

Board Games and Video Games  

Pre-teens enjoy competition and strategy. Play classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue to teach skills and spark conversations. Don’t shy away from video games—they’d love to teach you their favorites!  

Outdoor Park Adventures  

Head to local parks for hiking, picnics, or playground time. Pre-teens have lots of energy and enjoy challenges like climbing or scavenger hunts. Bring a camera to capture their fun and achievements.  

Spending quality time with pre-teens builds trust, understanding, and lasting memories. Cherish these moments!

Activities for Teenage Grandchildren (Ages 13–18)  

Teenagers value independence while still appreciating meaningful family connections. Engaging them in activities that respect their autonomy and interests can strengthen your bond.  

Teach Them Your Skills  

Share your expertise, whether it’s cooking a family recipe, woodworking, gardening, sewing, or playing an instrument. They might seem uninterested at first, but these shared experiences often become cherished memories.  

Participate in Their Hobbies  

Show interest in what matters to them. Attend their games, concerts, or school events. Ask them to share their favorite music, books, or activities. Your interest shows respect and love.  

Volunteer Together  

Help them develop social responsibility by volunteering together—at food banks, community clean-ups, or nursing homes. These moments create meaningful connections while making a difference.  

By sharing experiences and showing interest in their lives, you build trust and strengthen your bond. Even small efforts can leave a lasting impact.

Activities for Adult Grandchildren (Ages 18+)

As grandchildren grow up, relationships evolve, offering chances to connect in more meaningful ways. Engaging in shared activities can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Card Games and Strategic Play  

Adult grandchildren often enjoy games that challenge their minds. Card games like bridge, canasta, or hearts entertain while preserving family traditions, offering time for conversation and friendly competition.

Meaningful Conversations  

Young adults value being treated as equals. Discuss current events, share life perspectives, and ask for their opinions. These conversations help maintain close relationships as they navigate independence and significant decisions.

Sharing Meals and Celebrations  

Invite adult grandchildren for dinners or holiday celebrations. Cook together, share family recipes, and start new traditions. These gatherings strengthen family bonds and offer stability in their busy lives.

By creating opportunities for shared experiences, you can build a supportive, lasting relationship with your adult grandchildren. These moments will nurture your bond and provide them with comfort and encouragement as they thrive.

How Can Activities Be Adjusted to Individual Interests?

Remember that every grandchild is unique, regardless of age. Some children are naturally artistic, while others prefer physical activities or intellectual challenges. Pay attention to their individual personalities and interests rather than strictly following age-based suggestions.

Be flexible and willing to try new things. Your willingness to step outside your comfort zone—whether learning a new game or trying an activity you’ve never done—shows your grandchildren how much they mean to you.

Creating Lasting Memories

At Peregrine Senior Living at Crossgate, we believe in the power of family connections and the joy of shared experiences. Whether it’s moments spent with your grandchildren or building bonds across generations, these relationships are the foundation of lasting memories and meaningful lives.

We’re here to support you in nurturing these connections—helping you create moments filled with love, patience, and presence that will be cherished for years to come. 

Contact us today to see how we can help you invest in what matters most: your family.