53 Best Games to Play with Grandkids on a Rainy Day

Hanging out with your grandkids is one of the best parts of life. What could be more fun than enjoying a fun-packed day together outside? Sometimes, rain comes along to destroy our plans. While disappointing, it doesn’t mean you must put your plans on hold. In fact, these are great days to play games. Here are some games to play with your grandkids when that random rainy day hits!

Board Games

Board games might be the quintessential rainy day activity! They’re a great way to entertain grandkids without resorting to technology. If you aren’t sure what board games might appeal to your grand, no worries! Keep reading for some great suggestions!

CandyLand (Ages 3+)

This is a great game to help little ones learn their colors. It’s also easy and fast-paced enough to hold their attention. Of course, they’ll also love the cute candy characters on the board! For some extra fun while playing, get some of their favorite candy for a treat. I still love playing this as an adult. In fact, it was one of my favorite games growing up.

Chutes and Ladders (Ages 3+)

Kids will love trying to get to the top of the game board without sliding back down. It’s such an easy game that kids don’t even have to know how to read to play. All they need to do is turn the spinner and scramble toward the top of the board.

Hi Ho! Cherry-O (Ages 3+)

Your grandchildren will love picking fruit to fill their baskets, and you’ll love teaching them math skills like addition and subtraction. Want to make their playing experience extra special? Get a bowl of cherries and eat it while playing this game for some yummy fun!

Memory (Ages 3+)

What kid these days doesn’t love Bluey? Kids will sharpen their matching and memory skills with this card game that features the colorful canine and her lovable pals. It’s easy and fun and great for sharpening young minds! Plus, we guarantee your kids will go wild for all the Bluey pictures.

Connect 4 (Ages 6+)

Kids will love playing to own the grid in this fast-paced game. While probably not the best choice for toddlers, elementary schoolers will catch onto the game fast—and most likely have a wonderful time playing!

Scrabble (Ages 8+)

Let your grandkids show off their vocabulary with this classic word game. They’ll love seeing if they can rack up double or triple points with their words. It’s a great way to teach them new words and the proper spelling for words they already know. Brew a nice pot of tea and maybe bake some cookies to really elevate the experience.

Sorry! (Ages 6+)

You won’t be “sorry” when you play this fun game with your grandchildren. They’ll love sliding and colliding with your pieces and chasing other players around the board. All you need is two to four players and a little enthusiasm, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun, rainy afternoon!

Trouble (Ages 5+)

Kids will love popping the bubble to roll the dice in this classic board game. Everyone will be in a race to get their pieces around the board without interfering with each other and sending someone back to the beginning. Want to make it an even more special experience? Consider getting the Bluey version!

Checkers (Ages 6+)

Checkers is a classic game to teach your grandchildren. Not only is it easy to learn, but it requires them to put on their thinking caps and strategize a little! Plus, you can get boards in all colors, some featuring your grandkids’ favorite cartoon characters. Like SpongeBob and Scooby-Doo!

Jenga (Ages 6+)

Kids love to stack things and see how high they can get. Imagine how much they’ll love this game, especially since it ends in a crash. Stack the blocks into a sturdy tower and then slide them out and place them on top. Just make sure it doesn’t collapse!

Yahtzee (Ages 8+)

Kids will love being able to make a little noise during this game. Shake, score, and yell. See who’s first to shout, “Yahtzee!” There’s a reason this game is a beloved classic!

The Game of Life (Ages 8+)

A lot of kids love roleplaying with dolls and stuffed animals. Now, they can build an imaginary life with a board game! Allow your grandkids to embark on the journey of life with this wonderful game, full of twists and turns and endless possibilities. They will love being able to decide whether to get married, grow their families, or retire early. It’s also a great way to teach them about how the choices they make today can impact their future.

Pictionary (Ages 8+)

Artist or not, kids will love sketching per the clue on the card and having you guess, with hilarious results. We guarantee this game will fill your rainy day with enough laughter and memories to chase the blues away!

Bingo (All Ages)

If you love bingo, you might also love teaching your grandchildren how to play. You can find all kinds of variations online, from Deluxe bingo to bingo games geared toward preschoolers. Whatever set you decide to purchase, the premise is fairly simple and enjoyable for players of all ages!

Mouse Trap (Ages 6+)

Oh, where, oh where, has my block of cheese gone? Oh, where, oh where, can it be? Find out with this fun game! Players each have a “mouse” that finds cheese, steals cheese, and tries to avoid being trapped.

Don’t Spill the Beans (Ages 3+)

Get ready for some bean-balancing, jar-tipping fun. You add beans one by one but make sure you don’t spill the beans! Players of all ages can enjoy this fun, easy game—even younger grandkids!

Clue (Ages 8+)

Everyone loves a good mystery! If your grands love reading them, they will love this game. They can choose their player and then use deductive reasoning to try and find a suspect. It’ll get their neurons firing and help you make those precious core memories that last a lifetime!

Upwords (Ages 8+)

If your grands love Scrabble, they will love this letter-stacking, word-building game. Better suited for upper elementary school than toddlers and kindergartens, this game can help expand their vocabulary and improve their spelling.

Boggle (Ages 8+)

In this word search game, you must find words others don’t see before time runs out. Shake the grid to mix up the letter cubes and start finding words. The classic game is for ages 8+, but you can also get Boggle Jr. for ages 3+. I remember playing this game in my junior high English class, and I loved it. 

Monopoly (Ages 8+)

Get your “real estate” on by buying, selling, and trading property to win. This game is a classic for a reason! While this game can go on for quite a while, it’s fun and can even teach your grand how to properly manage their money. Or, at least, lay the groundwork for lessons on financial management!

Children’s Bible Trivia (Ages 6+)

Have fun teaching your grandchildren about the Bible while also seeing what they have learned.

Card Games

Card games are often fun and easy for kids to learn! If you have a deck of cards lying around, there are several games you can teach them. Otherwise, you can purchase a deck of cards for a certain game at the Dollar Store for cheap! Here are a few fun games for your grandkids to learn.

Solitaire (Ages 8+)

Have fun making memories with your grandchildren by teaching them this classic card game. It’s easy to learn, and they can even play it on their own when they get home! All they need is a deck of cards and an open mind.

Old Maid (Ages 4+)

While perhaps a dated term, this game is still fun, fresh, and perfect for grand of all ages! It’ll be fun for both you and them as they try to devise strategies and pawn off the titular Old Maid on other players. We guarantee you’ll make precious memories that are sure to last a lifetime.

UNO (Ages 7+)

Have fun matching the card in your hand to the card on the table without skipping, reversing, getting a draw two card, or getting a wild card. All you need is at least two players, a deck of UNO cards, and a competitive spirit. Your grands will have a ton of fun, and while an argument might be break out, you’ll be laughing and enjoying yourself by the end!

Go Fish (Ages 3-7+, depending on the version)

Kids will love this “fishy” classic matching game. You can also find versions featuring science and U.S. history. And, depending on which version you get, kids as young as 3 can even get in on the fun!

Phase 10 (Ages 7+)

This is a rummy-type card game that has a twist. Each player is dealt 10 cards face down. The rest of the deck forms the draw pile, and the top card is turned face-up to start the discard pile. Each phase has specific requirements that must be met before a player can move on to the next phase. It’s fun, fast-paced, and easy enough for even younger players to learn!

UNO Flip (Ages 7+)

This twist on the classic card game has several twists, like a double-sided card deck and a “flip” card. There is also a dark side and a light side for extra twists. The round ends when a player plays all their cards. Points are scored based on the cards left in opponents’ hands (number cards are face value, special cards are worth 20 points each). The first player to reach 500 points wins. It’s UNO with a splash of unpredictability, making for extra fun!

Monopoly Deal (Ages 8+)

The classic board game in card form! If your kids love the board game version of Monopoly, they’ll love this version, too! Monopoly Deal is fast-paced and strategic, making it a better fit for slightly older grands.

Skip Bo (Ages 5+, 7+)

Create stacks of cards in ascending order and be the first player to play all the cards from your own “stockpile” pile. You can find the classic game (ages 7+) and SkipBo Jr. (Ages 5+). No matter which version you choose, this fun, engaging game is suitable for all ages, offering both competitive and cooperative gameplay!

Apples to Apples (Ages 4+, 12+)

Apples to Apples offers endless fun. Kids will learn to think on their feet, be silly, and learn about their friends and family members. The classic game is for ages 12+ while Apples to Apples Jr. is for ages 4+. You can also find a Marvel edition, Bible edition, and Disney edition of the game. If making memories with your grandkids is your goal, get Apples to Apples!

Video Games

These days, video games are often the go-to entertainment option for the grandkids. I chose games for the Nintendo Switch because this is the latest gaming console. Additionally, I chose games that have an “E” rating for everyone. Keep reading to find out more!

Paw Patrol World

Anything is possible in this fun 3D adventure! Have a “pawsome” time being a hero and solving a mystery or two. Even you might get invested in the gameplay along with your grandkids!

Paw Patrol on a Roll!

Kids will love having fun in eight Awesome Bay locations in this game for all ages. If your grandkids are already crazy about Paw Patrol, then they’ll definitely love this “pawsome” game!

Ice Age: Scrat’s Nutty Adventure

Ice Age is one of the most successful kids’ movie franchises of all time. In fact, it’s so successful that it’s even spawned a game or two…like this entry on our list! Help Scrat find his prized acorn in this fun video game adventure!

Trolls Remix Rescue

Kids can play as their favorite Troll as they try to work toward rescuing Troll Kingdom. It’s every bit as colorful and whimsical as the movies, making it fun for players of all ages.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Kids will love playing their favorite sports, like soccer, volleyball, and bowling. You might even get your sweat on when you’re playing this game!

EA Sports FC 24

Enjoy soccer? Or, as some other countries know it, football? Then enjoy playing in this game!

Peppa Pig World Adventures

Kids will have a blast playing with their favorite pig. Don’t believe me? Then take a gander at the gameplay in the video above!

Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition

For a lot of kids, Minecraft launched their video game obsession. Now, it’s your turn to get in on the action! Kids will love playing the deluxe edition of this popular game, and you’ll enjoy watching them. Or even playing along!

Disney Dreamlight Valley Cozy Edition CIB

What kid wouldn’t enjoy exploring a world populated by their favorite Disney characters? This game offers them the opportunity to do exactly that! It’s perfect, simple, wholesome fun!

Nickelodeon Kart Racers Collection

Kids will love hitting the slime-filled race tracks with their favorite Nickelodeon characters, like SpongeBob, Patrick, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Plus, you can play with them. Maybe you won’t recognize the characters, but you’ll certainly still have a lot of fun!

Physical/Interactive Games

Everyone needs a little physical exercise in their lives, especially little ones! They’re always so full of energy and pep that they need an outlet…like games that require a little physical activity. Here are a few ideal ones for a rain-splattered afternoon!

Twister (Ages 3+, 6+)

Have fun getting tied up in knots playing this classic game. For even more fun in the summer, check out the Twister Jr. Splash game you hook up to the hose. Classic Twister is for ages 6+ and Twister Splash is for ages 3+.

Obstacle Course

If you have a finished basement, set up an obstacle course downstairs or set one up in the backyard. Additionally, you can also buy cones and other fun obstacles on Amazon!

Charades

Charades is a great interactive game to play with kids. There’s even a kid-friendly version! We guarantee your little ones will have fun acting out different words and being the center of attention!

Indoor Treasure Hunt

Make an indoor treasure hunt for the kids with small prizes. For extra fun, dress them up in homemade pirate attire. Of course, you can also dress up yourself if you want to make your grandkids laugh!

Iron Chef Challenge

If your grandchildren are old enough to work in the kitchen with supervision, have a cooking challenge between the two of you for fun.  Make sure to choose an easy recipe so both of you will have fun!

Corn Hole

You don’t have to be at somebody’s barbecue to play a round of corn hole! Instead, find a space in your home large enough to set up for the classic game and play a few rounds. Make sure that you don’t choose an area full of breakables or anything you don’t want damaged! That could put a damper on a fun afternoon all too quickly.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic Tac Toe is a classic paper-and-pencil game played between two players, typically using a 3×3 grid. Of course, you can also purchase giant tic-tac-toe pieces for a little extra fun! Of course, regardless of how you choose to play, it’s the perfect game for inspiring laughter and memories.

Scavenger Hunt

You don’t have to leave the house to do a scavenger hunt! In fact, it’s the perfect indoor activity. Simply decide on a theme for the scavenger hunt, such as nature, city landmarks, or specific items related to an event or occasion. Make a list of things for your grandkids to find, and then send them off on the hunt!

DIY Escape Room

Creating a DIY escape room can be fun and, surprisingly, not as difficult as you might think! There are many online resources that can help you figure out how to set one up. Simply click the video above for a little inspiration!

Minute to Win It

Make up some games for kids where they only have one minute to do something in order to win the game. For example, who can blow up a balloon the fastest or see how many marshmallows someone can throw in a cup?  The possibilities are endless!

Balloon Games

Blow up balloons and see who can keep theirs afloat the longest before it touches the ground. For even more great ideas on balloon games, check out this list from Brisbane Kids!

Hallway Laser Maze

Kids will love trying to find their way through a homemade hallway laser maze. All you need is a roll of crepe paper, a hallway, and a little ingenuity. Check out the video above to figure out how to make your very own hallway laser maze!

Baking Challenge

Have a friendly baking challenge with your grands! Pick something easy, like chocolate chip or sugar cookies. Of course, if competition isn’t your thing, then simply pick a fun recipe to bake together. Don’t forget to enjoy the end result with a glass of milk!

Takeaway

A rainy day doesn’t have to spoil your fun. There are all kinds of games that you can play with your grandchildren to help pass the time and make precious memories! No matter what you do, you’re sure to have fun so long as you’re with your grandkids. Now, that’s what the retirement life is all about.

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