Screens have become a default way to entertain kids, but the truth is, children don’t just crave flashy animations and apps—they crave connection, imagination, and experiences that make them feel seen and engaged. As a grandparent, you have the unique chance to show them that fun doesn’t always come from a device. The following 28 activities are packed with creativity, laughter, and learning. They’ll not only keep kids happily occupied but also help strengthen the bond you share—one screen-free moment at a time.

28. Backyard Obstacle Course

Create an adventure right in the yard with cones, ropes, and pool noodles. Kids can hop, crawl, or balance their way through the course, challenging themselves with new routes each time. The best part? Designing it together is as fun as running through it. This activity burns energy, encourages problem-solving, and sparks excitement in a way no screen can.

27. Storytelling Nights

Instead of watching a cartoon, invent one together. Take turns spinning imaginative tales, weaving in heroes, animals, or even family members as characters. Storytelling sharpens listening skills, sparks creativity, and helps kids learn how to structure a narrative. These nights quickly become traditions, giving your grandkids stories they’ll remember long after the glow of a screen fades.

26. DIY Puppet Shows

With nothing more than socks, markers, and cardboard, kids can create an entire cast of characters. After crafting, stage a puppet show where each grandchild gets to perform. It’s silly, fun, and confidence-building. Unlike passive screen-watching, this lets kids become creators, learning how to express emotions and tell stories in their own unique ways.

25. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take a walk and turn it into an adventure by making a list of natural items to find—like a smooth pebble, a feather, or a leaf with jagged edges. Kids love the thrill of discovery, and it encourages them to slow down and notice details. The hunt sparks curiosity, promotes physical activity, and makes every outing feel like a treasure quest.

24. Baking Together

Cooking is more than just making food—it’s hands-on fun mixed with a sense of accomplishment. Let kids measure flour, stir batter, or decorate cookies. They’ll practice math, patience, and fine motor skills while creating something delicious. Sharing the final treat reinforces teamwork, turning a simple kitchen task into a meaningful bonding moment.

23. Art From Recyclables

Empty cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, and bottle caps can become castles, robots, or jewelry with a little imagination. Crafting from recyclables teaches resourcefulness and sparks innovation. Kids feel empowered turning “junk” into treasures, while also learning that creativity doesn’t always require new materials or expensive toys.

22. Gardening Together

Plant seeds in pots or dig a small garden plot. Grandkids love watering, weeding, and watching plants grow week by week. Gardening nurtures patience, responsibility, and appreciation for nature. Every sprout feels like a victory, and harvesting vegetables or flowers later adds a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

21. Dance Parties

Clear the living room, turn on music, and let loose. Dancing is energetic, joyful, and a fantastic way to bond. Even shy kids often open up when they see you dancing too. Unlike screen-based fun, dance parties are interactive, full of laughter, and leave everyone with happy memories and tired feet.

20. Science Experiments at Home

Simple experiments like making a volcano with vinegar and baking soda or creating invisible ink with lemon juice transform your kitchen into a lab. These hands-on projects ignite curiosity and make kids feel like little scientists. Instead of consuming content, they get to explore how the world works in fun, memorable ways.

19. Board Games and Card Games

Classic games like Candy Land, Go Fish, or checkers build patience, focus, and problem-solving. They also encourage conversation and friendly competition. Unlike video games, board games happen face-to-face, allowing you to laugh, strategize, and share genuine moments of connection around the table.

18. Building Forts

Grab blankets, pillows, and chairs to build a cozy hideaway. Forts encourage imagination—suddenly it’s a castle, a spaceship, or a secret clubhouse. Kids love both the process of constructing and the excitement of playing inside. Unlike a screen, a fort is immersive, tactile, and sparks hours of imaginative fun.

17. Painting Outdoors

Take easels or paper outside and let kids paint what they see—trees, flowers, or even the sky. The natural setting inspires creativity while making cleanup easier. Outdoor painting blends art with nature appreciation and gives kids a chance to express themselves beyond digital colors on a screen.

16. Birdwatching Adventures

With binoculars or just curious eyes, look for birds in your yard or at a park. Help kids spot different species, notice feather colors, or listen for unique calls. Birdwatching teaches patience and observation, turning a quiet moment into an exciting discovery about the natural world.

15. Treasure Hunt With Clues

Write riddles or draw maps that lead to hidden “treasures” like small toys or treats. Kids will love following clues, problem-solving, and celebrating the discovery at the end. It adds a sense of adventure and excitement that feels far more interactive than tapping on a tablet.

14. Lego or Block Challenges

Challenge grandkids to build the tallest tower, the longest bridge, or even a replica of the family pet. Building strengthens spatial awareness and creative problem-solving. Unlike video games, it allows them to physically manipulate and test ideas, with results they can touch and admire.

13. Sidewalk Chalk Creations

Give kids chalk and watch them cover the driveway with colorful masterpieces, hopscotch grids, or mazes. It’s a simple activity that fosters creativity and gets them outdoors. Best of all, it washes away with rain—so there’s always a fresh canvas waiting for their next ideas.

12. Picnic in the Park

Pack simple snacks, bring a blanket, and enjoy a meal outside. Picnics create a change of scenery, spark conversations, and slow down the day. Kids enjoy the novelty of eating outdoors and exploring the surroundings, which makes the experience feel special and screen-free.

11. Scrapbook Making

Print photos or collect ticket stubs, postcards, or drawings. Work together to design pages with notes and decorations. Scrapbooking helps kids reflect on happy memories while expressing creativity. It also becomes a keepsake they can look back on for years, preserving moments more meaningfully than a digital feed.

10. Learning a New Skill Together

Try something new—like knitting, origami, or whittling—and learn side by side. Grandkids see that even adults enjoy learning, and it fosters patience and resilience. Shared experiences of trial and error create a bond rooted in discovery, not distraction.

9. Stargazing Nights

On a clear evening, spread out a blanket and look at the stars. Use a sky map or app-free guide to identify constellations. Stargazing inspires awe and wonder, sparking big conversations about the universe. It slows life down, replacing screens with a sense of magic and curiosity.

8. Puzzles and Brain Teasers

Jigsaw puzzles, riddles, or word searches challenge the brain while fostering teamwork. Kids learn persistence and problem-solving as they work toward completing a picture or cracking a clue. The satisfaction of finishing together is far more rewarding than any app’s high score.

7. Cooking a Family Recipe

Share a recipe that’s been passed down, teaching kids about family heritage while cooking together. They’ll not only gain skills in the kitchen but also learn stories tied to the meal. Passing down traditions through food creates connections that no screen can replicate.

6. Visiting the Library

A trip to the library introduces kids to the magic of books and discovery. Let them choose their own stories, then read together. Libraries also often have fun programs and activities. It encourages a love of learning and reminds them that entertainment can come from pages, not pixels.

5. Handmade Gift Projects

Help kids make cards, bracelets, or crafts for family members. The act of creating and giving teaches thoughtfulness and empathy. Unlike store-bought items, handmade gifts carry meaning and love—memories tied to creativity rather than consumerism.

4. Volunteer Together

Take kids to a food bank, animal shelter, or neighborhood cleanup. Volunteering shows them the joy of helping others while giving you a chance to model kindness. It builds empathy and teaches that real fulfillment comes from giving, not scrolling.

3. Photography Adventures

Hand kids a simple camera or old phone (without apps!) and challenge them to capture interesting sights on a walk. Reviewing photos together sparks conversation about perspective and creativity. It’s a modern twist on play that channels tech into connection instead of distraction.

2. Writing Letters

Encourage kids to write notes to friends, family, or even their future selves. Decorating and mailing letters adds a special touch. In an age of instant messages, the joy of receiving a handwritten note feels magical and meaningful.

1. Memory Jar

Start a jar where kids can write favorite moments on slips of paper throughout the year. Reading them later is a heartwarming reminder of shared joy. It cultivates gratitude, reflection, and the understanding that real treasures are lived experiences, not digital likes.