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Spending quality time with your grandkids brings joy and enriches the life of both you and your grandchildren.

At a loss at how to entertain your grandchildren? We’ve all been there. Your grands are over and they are glued to their phones. You want to interact with them, but competing with the almighty internet is hard. It is the ultimate entertainment, after all, right? Wrong! You’re way more exciting than the internet. You’ve certainly been around longer. There’s no doubt that you can entertain your grandkids with a variety of fun activities!

Playing games with grandchildren strengthens family bonds and relationships.

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Introduction to Indoor Fun

Rainy days don’t have to put a damper on your plans with your grandkids. In fact, they can be the perfect opportunity to gather family members together and enjoy some classic indoor fun. Whether you’re breaking out the board games, sharing stories, or simply laughing together, these moments help strengthen the special bond between grandparents and grandkids. The beauty of indoor activities is that there’s something for every age and interest—so no one is left out. From the youngest little ones to teens and adults, everyone can join in the games and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the weather keeps you inside, remember: the fun is just beginning, and your family will cherish these cozy days spent together around the board.

7 WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GRANDKIDS ON A RAINY DAY

What you need are some go-to ideas up your sleeve so you’ll always know just what to do. I’ve compiled a list of ideas to entertain and engage your grandkids, no matter their age. If it’s raining and you can’t do any outdoor activities, show your grandkids love with these ideas for entertaining.

Rainy days are a great opportunity to bond with your grandchildren and create lasting memories together.

Children who interact with their grandparents tend to develop better social skills and positive values.

#1 WAY TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GRANDKIDS: CARD AND BOARD GAMES

The first way to entertain your grandchildren is tried and true — board games and cards. Classic card games like Old Maid are always a hit and easy for young children to learn. These family-friendly options are a great game choice for all ages. The last thing you want is for them to be stuck on their phones and miss out on a prime opportunity to have some good old-fashioned fun.

Playing cards is a fun activity for grandparents and grandchildren that requires minimal setup and provides lots of laughter.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. My family recently did a game exchange. This brought to light the realization that I am not always up for trying new games. I want to get right to the fun, not spend an hour learning the rules of a new game. But you might be surprised at how easy some of these new games are to pick up! They’re also a lot of fun, especially when you let the kids help decide which game to play or set the rules. Many games involve giving answers to questions or prompts, and each round keeps everyone engaged and excited.

Highly Rated (Not to Mention Fun!) Games:

1. Mexican Train Dominoes, Ages 6+  $27
2. Splendor, Ages 10+ $36
3. Connect 4 Neon Pop, Ages 6+ $90
4. Memory Matching Game, Ages 3+ $18
5. Telestrations, Ages 6+ $29

#2 A CLASSIC MOVIE DATE NIGHT IS A FUN THING TO DO WITH GRANDS

Host a classic movie night and create a theater atmosphere with the buttery smell of popcorn and sugary candy. Use a big screen or TV to make watching the movie feel special, and set out an array of options so everyone can line up and “buy” their goodies. Popcorn, classic movie candy, and snowcones are a must for this cozy evening activity.

Having a movie night creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together.

Let them choose the movie, too. Perhaps you can get them to watch a black and white classic with you, but maybe not. Maybe they’ll introduce you to your next favorite!

Tips to get them to watch a classic movie:

• Narrow it down to 3-5 options for them to choose from
• Print or write out a short synopsis of each and make it sound interesting!
• Make a personal connection with your choices. For example, “This is the first movie your grandfather and I watched together.”
• Tell them what you love about each choice
• Remember, the main point is to have fun and enjoy your time together, no matter which movie you pick

#3  DO PUZZLES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS AND GET OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS INVOLVED

1. The Dog Park Large Format 500 piece, $18
2. Cat Nap 500 Piece Large Pieces, $19 
3. Bicycles in Amsterdam 1000 Piece, $22
4. Dog Days of Summer 1000 Piece, $22

The wonderful thing about puzzles is that they’re great for multitasking. You can chat and work at the same time. They are soothing and relaxing. You can also put a puzzle together while you’re playing games on a smart home device (see my next tip below!). Another great thing about board games is that it’s easy to get all family members involved.

#4 FUN GAMES WITH GOOGLE HOME  WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

You may not know that your Alexa or Google Home device can play games. One of the things that make them ideal to play with your grands, as opposed to other digital games, is that you do not have to stare at a screen. They are verbal! These games encourage talk and conversation, promoting social interaction and communication. A fun and surprising way to entertain your grandchildren. They have lots of choices for people of all ages from grandparents down to the little kids, and some games can be played while you sit together, making them accessible for everyone.

By the way, my Google Home device is one my most-used items in my home. I use it to play music while I cook, get ready, enjoy my coffee, etc. You could also have a dance party with your grands!

A Few Games on Google Home:

• Movie Quiz- Google will play audio clips of a movie and you must guess the movie. (Command: “Hey Google, play Movie Quiz.”)
• Song Quiz- Guess the song title and artist from a small clip. You can choose the decade! (Command: “Hey Google, play Song Quiz.”)
• Ding Dong Coconut- Google plays a sound and gives you a word to associate with it. For example, doorbell sound and coconut as the word. Throughout the game, you will be expected to recall the words when you hear the sound. (Command: “Hey Google, let’s play Ding Dong Coconut.”)

#5 TELL STORIES OF YOUR YOUTH OR MAKE A FAMILY TREE

When I look back on my time with my grandparents, I remember enjoying sitting and hearing their stories. My grandmother was a wonderful storyteller. You might be surprised at how interested your grandchildren are in stories from your past. Stories of the past. Try them out. Get them talking. Get your own children involved and make sure they do the same when they have grands!

Don’t know what to share? My book, Stories for My Grandchild: A Grandmother’s Journal, has plenty of prompts (read my entries) guaranteed to get the words flowing. Not to mention create a special memento for them to look back on.

Another idea is to make a family tree together. You’d be surprised at how many kids these days don’t even understand how their cousin is their cousin or what makes a niece or a nephew. Making a family tree is a fun way to exchange stories about family members and help your grands to understand where they come from. For an interactive twist, try playing ‘Guess the Person’—describe a family member and have your grandkids ask questions to figure out who it is. This game encourages conversation and makes learning about relatives more engaging.

#6 ENTERTAIN YOUR GRANDCHILDREN AT A MUSEUM

There’s no rule that you have to stay in on a rainy day! If you’re looking for a way to infuse some culture while entertaining your grandchildren, why not expose them to something new? See what museums near you are appropriate to their age and make a day of it.

To make your visit even more interactive, organize a scavenger hunt at the museum or library. Encourage your grandkids to find things related to specific exhibits or books—this turns the outing into a fun game and keeps everyone engaged.

You almost certainly have some wonderful museums in your own backyard, but if not, why not a trip to the local library? No matter what your options are, ask your grands questions and get them talking. You’ll all have fun making great memories!

#7 WAY TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GRANDKIDS: MAKE A RECIPE TOGETHER

You can go a few directions here. You can allow them to choose an entree to cook for dinner, bake a favorite family recipe together, or make a dessert. Baking together is an enjoyable activity that allows grandparents to share family recipes with their grandchildren, and it’s a great way to teach cooking skills. Or you can whip up a nutritional smoothie together! For a fun and delicious bonding activity, try making ice cream sundaes and eating your creations together. Involve parents for a multi-generational experience, and don’t forget to include creative ideas or a special recipe from your daughter-in-law to make it even more memorable. Make it as fancy and special as their age allows.

I hope this list of 7 ways to entertain your grandchildren on a rainy day has inspired you!

And if you’re lucky enough to live near your grands, you don’t need to wait for a rainy day! Enjoy them at every age. You’ve already learned how quickly our little ones grow up.

Creative Expression: Arts, Crafts, and Music Activities

There’s nothing like a little creativity to brighten up a rainy day! Arts and crafts are a wonderful way for family members of all ages to connect and express themselves. Young kids will love painting and drawing, while older grandkids might enjoy learning a new craft or even teaching you a thing or two about digital art. Grandparents can share their own favorite hobbies, like knitting, scrapbooking, or woodworking, passing down treasured skills and stories along the way. Don’t forget about music—singing together, playing musical instruments, or even hosting a mini talent show in the living room can fill your home with laughter and joy. These activities not only keep everyone entertained, but also help kids develop important skills like hand-eye coordination, patience, and self-expression. So gather your art supplies, tune up those instruments, and let your family’s creativity shine!

Reading and Learning: Cozy Book Time and Educational Fun

There’s something magical about curling up with a good book, especially when you’re sharing the experience with your grandkids. Reading together is a timeless way to bond, spark imagination, and introduce children to new worlds and ideas. Grandparents can choose favorite stories from their own childhood or let the grandkids pick something new to explore. For a little extra fun, turn reading time into an adventure with a scavenger hunt for words or characters, or play educational board games that challenge everyone’s minds. These easy games can be tailored to different ages, making sure that toddlers, young readers, and even teens stay engaged and excited to learn. Whether you’re solving puzzles, playing word games, or just enjoying a quiet moment together, these activities help build important skills and create cherished memories. So grab a cozy blanket, pick out a stack of books, and let the reading—and the fun—begin!

Outdoor Alternatives for When the Rain Lets Up

When the clouds finally part and the sun peeks through, it’s time to take the fun outside! Grandparents can plan a variety of outdoor activities that keep kids moving and laughing. Head to the local splash pad for some water play, organize a family game of tag or hide-and-seek in the garden, or simply enjoy a walk around the neighborhood to spot birds and flowers. Even a quick trip to the park or a backyard picnic can turn into a great adventure. These outdoor games and activities are a wonderful way for grandkids to burn off energy, enjoy fresh air, and make the most of their time with family. By having a few outdoor ideas ready, you’ll be prepared to keep the fun going—rain or shine. So, when the weather allows, gather your grandkids, plan your next outing, and let the games begin!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s not about the weather—it’s about the time you spend together. Indoor fun, from board games to scavenger hunts, offers endless ways for grandparents and grandkids to stay connected, learn, and laugh together. By mixing creative activities, reading, and a variety of games for different ages, you’ll ensure that every visit is filled with joy and discovery. And when the rain lets up, don’t forget to take the fun outside for even more adventures. The most important thing is to cherish these moments, create lasting memories, and show your grandkids just how much they mean to you. So gather around the board, share a story, plan a scavenger hunt, and enjoy every minute you spend with your family—because these are the days your grandkids will remember for a lifetime.

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