The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is precious, but distance can make it challenging to maintain a close bond. Fortunately, with modern technology and a bit of creativity, grandparents can engage in meaningful activities with their grandkids, no matter how far apart they are. Here are some enjoyable and interactive long-distance activities to help maintain and strengthen that special bond.
1. Crafts
Kids love crafts, and there are also many great activities and crafts for seniors. Families can do crafts together over a video chat. Or you can work on your crafts separately and then have a big reveal together where both parties show off their work.
A great example of an activity you can do while on a video call is carving pumpkins. Crafts are a fun way to get creative and strengthen a long-distance relationship with grandkids.
2. Virtual Storytime
One of the most beloved traditions between grandparents and grandkids is reading together. Thanks to video calls, this tradition can continue even when separated by miles. Grandparents can choose a book or a series that their grandkids enjoy. Reading a chapter or two each week creates a shared experience, providing something to look forward to regularly.
To make virtual storytime even more interactive, grandparents can ask questions about the story, predict what might happen next, or take turns reading. For younger children, using different voices for the characters can make the story come alive and keep them engaged.
3. High-Low
High-low is a great game to play if you want to encourage grandchildren to really talk about their day. It is a simple game that involves sharing a highlight from the day and a low from the day. Grandparents can call their grandchildren to share their highs and lows nightly or weekly.
For example, the best part of a child’s day may have been getting picked first to play kickball. Their low may have been having to go to math class. Grandparents can also share their highs and lows so their grandkids can learn more about their interests and hobbies. This way of spending time together can develop a tradition that will last for years.
4. Online Games & Puzzles
Games are a fun way to stay connected while also challenging each other mentally. And you don’t have to be face-to-face to play games. Numerous online games are suitable for both grandparents and grandkids. Fun games like Words with Friends (a digital version of Scrabble), Chess, or Sudoku can be played over extended periods, with each player taking turns at their own pace.
For younger children, simpler games like Connect Four or Uno are also online. Additionally, many websites offer multiplayer puzzles where you can work together to complete a jigsaw puzzle virtually. These activities not only provide entertainment but also stimulate cognitive functions, making them beneficial for both generations.
5. Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes can be exciting for both grandparents and grandchildren. They deliver good deals on surprise products from toys to food from around the world.
What can be even more fun is unboxing these subscriptions together! It is a simple and easy way to make a fun moment even more enjoyable. You can make it a game by guessing what is inside before you unbox. Grandparents and their grandkids can choose the same subscription service or something different—the options are endless.
6. Learning Together
Lifelong learning is a wonderful way to keep the mind sharp, and it’s even more rewarding when shared with a grandchild. Grandparents and grandkids can take an online course together on a topic of mutual interest. Whether it’s photography, painting, coding, or even a new language, learning together can be fun and fulfilling.
Online platforms, such as Coursera, Khan Academy, or YouTube, offer free virtual classes on various subjects. This shared learning experience can lead to interesting discussions as both generations explore new skills and knowledge together.
7. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A virtual scavenger hunt is an engaging and interactive way to spend time together. Grandparents can create a list of items for their grandkids to find around the house while on a video call. Items can range from a favorite book to a picture of a family member.
As the grandchild searches for each item, the grandparent can provide clues or ask questions about the items, turning it into an educational game. This activity keeps the grandkids active and entertained and provides grandparents with insight into their grandkids’ world.
8. Shared Online Scrapbook
Creating a shared online scrapbook is a wonderful way to document memories and experiences. Using platforms like Google Photos or Shutterfly, grandparents and grandkids can upload photos, write captions, and add stories about the pictures.
This can be an ongoing project where they add new photos and memories over time. It’s a creative way to stay connected and share in each other’s lives, even from a distance. Plus, it results in a cherished keepsake that can be enjoyed for years.
Just because grandparents don’t live in the same city as their grandchildren, doesn’t mean they can’t bond with them in a special way. Consider these long-distance games to help make the distance seem shorter and the days apart seem more fun!
