A grandfather does not need money or a theme park to win a grandchild’s heart, because ordinary hours spent together count for far more. The best things to do with grandkids are simple, repeatable, and well suited to their age.
My father taught his grandchildren to add and subtract, and he read Bible stories with them from a children’s book.
He also worked on words and spelling with them, so most of their time together centered on books.
My grandfather, by contrast, was an outdoor man, and our time with him meant haircuts and motorcycle rides to fetch palm wine.
Below are things to do with grandkids indoors, outdoors, and with toddlers, plus a table that matches ideas to ages.
Table of Contents
Why shared time matters so much
Grandparents already give a great deal of time to their grandchildren, and much of it guides how children learn and grow.
An AARP study of American grandparents reports an average of 12.5 weeks of full-time care each year, roughly 500 hours.
The same research found that 59% of grandparents say caring for grandchildren energizes them.
Indoor things to do with grandkids
Rainy days and evenings are perfect for the quiet, book-centered activities my father favored.
Read aloud together
Reading aloud builds vocabulary, attention, and a lasting love of books, and it costs almost nothing.
An Ohio State University study estimated that children read five books a day before kindergarten hear about 1.4 million more words than those never read to.
Choose favorites the child can request again, and look through these read-aloud titles by age when you need fresh ideas.
Play simple number games
My father taught his grandchildren plus and minus, which shows how much a patient grandfather can add to schoolwork.
Count stairs, add up coins, or play shop with pretend prices, so arithmetic feels like play.
Practice words and spelling
Spell out words on fridge magnets, play word chain games, or keep a small notebook of new words learned each visit.
Older children enjoy crosswords, word searches, and Scrabble with a patient grandfather who gives hints.
Cook or bake together
Measuring flour, cracking eggs, and stirring a pot teach counting, patience, and kitchen safety in one cheerful hour.
Build, draw, and make crafts
Blocks, simple model kits, coloring books, and paper airplanes keep small hands busy while you talk.
Share family stories
Tell grandchildren where the family came from, what you did at their age, and what your own grandfather taught you.
You might start capturing your own life story on a phone so those memories outlast you.
These moments also pass on lessons worth passing down, from honesty to good manners.
Outdoor things to do with grandkids
Outdoor time burns energy, builds confidence, and gives children memories tied to places and seasons.
The CDC recommends that children aged 6 to 17 get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity every day.
Take walks and nature hunts
Walk to a park, collect leaves or stones, and name birds and trees together along the way.
Garden together
Give each grandchild a small patch or pot to plant, water, and harvest, so they see their own work grow.
Grandfathers with stiff knees can try raised beds and other ideas for gardening without straining your back.
Bring them along on errands and small jobs
My grandfather took us along when he fetched his palm wine, and children love being included in a grown-up’s work.
Errands to the market, the hardware store, or the post office give children a sense of being trusted and useful.
Always use proper car seats or seatbelts, and keep young children away from tools and machinery.
Play simple outdoor games
Throw a ball, fly a kite, kick a football, or race to the gate, choosing games that suit your own fitness too.
Plan a picnic, fishing trip, or park outing
A packed lunch in the park, a morning by a pond, or a visit to a farm can become a favorite yearly outing.
For bigger adventures, try these ideas for longer trips with grandchildren once they are old enough.
Things to do with toddlers
The best things to do with grandkids under three are short, simple, closely supervised, and full of repetition.
The CDC advises that children aged 3 to 5 stay physically active throughout the day, so mix quiet play with moving games.
Picture books and nursery rhymes
Sturdy board books, songs, and rhymes with actions hold a toddler’s attention and build early language.
Water, sand, and sensory play
A tub of water with cups, or a tray of sand with spoons, can keep a toddler happy for a surprisingly long time.
Stacking, sorting, and building
Large blocks, stacking cups, and simple sorting toys teach colors, sizes, and early counting.
Short walks and stroller rides
A slow walk around the block, pointing out dogs, cars, and flowers, gives toddlers fresh air and new words.
Before minding a toddler alone, read these safe babysitting habits for grandparents.
Matching activities to ages
This table sorts things to do with grandkids by age group, so you can plan ahead for every visit.
| Age group | Indoor ideas | Outdoor ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (1 to 3) | Board books, rhymes, stacking blocks | Stroller walks, sand and water play |
| Preschool (3 to 5) | Counting games, crafts, baking | Nature hunts, ball games, small garden patch |
| School age (6 to 12) | Spelling games, board games, family stories | Fishing, kite flying, errands, picnics |
| Teenagers (13 and up) | Cooking meals, chess, life stories | Long walks, fixing things, day trips |
Tips for planning time together
- Ask the parents about nap times, food rules, and screen limits before each visit.
- Plan one main activity, and leave plenty of unhurried time for whatever the child wants to do.
- Repeat favorite activities, because children love knowing what happens at grandpa’s house.
- Take a few photos, and borrow some picture ideas for grandparents to build a family album.
- Rest when you need to, since a calm grandfather is better company than an exhausted one.
During the holidays, add some holiday customs to start together to your usual activities.
Older grandchildren need a different approach, so read up on bonding with teenage grandchildren as they grow.
If you live far apart, these tips on connecting with grandkids from afar keep you close between visits.
My father’s patient lessons are part of the family story told on my about page.
Conclusion
The best things to do with grandkids are simple: reading, number and word games, baking, walks, gardening, errands, and toddler play.
Reading five books a day can add about 1.4 million words to a child’s early vocabulary before kindergarten.
Outdoor play helps children reach their 60 daily minutes of activity, and many grandparents find the time energizing too.
Pick one idea for your next visit, repeat what works, and come back to Older Men’s Life for fresh ways to stay close.
Frequently asked questions
What can grandpa do with grandkids at home?
Reading aloud, counting and spelling games, baking, building blocks, and telling family stories all work well indoors with almost no cost or preparation.
How do I entertain a toddler as a grandparent?
Use short, repeated activities such as rhymes, water play, stacking cups, and slow walks, and keep the toddler within arm’s reach at all times.
What are cheap activities to do with grandchildren?
Walks, library visits, gardening, cooking simple meals, ball games, and word games cost little and give grandchildren your full attention.
How many visits a month do grandchildren need?
There is no fixed rule, but regular, predictable visits or calls help children feel secure, so agree on a rhythm with the parents.
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