Games to play with your grandchildren: easy to learn, fun for all ages

The best games to play with grandchildren are easy to learn, quick to play and fun whatever your age. You do not need to be a gamer: if you can follow a recipe you can learn these. They also make a lovely gift, because the present comes with an afternoon together.

What are easy card games to play with grandchildren?

• Sleeping Queens: wake the queens before anyone else, with a little arithmetic along the way.
• Rat-a-Tat Cat: remember your cards and aim for the lowest score.
• Sushi Go!: pick a card, pass the rest, build the best meal.
• Trash Pandas: a cheeky set-collecting game.

What are good team games, where nobody loses?

• Outfoxed! for ages 5 and up.
• Bandido: work together to stop the prisoner escaping.
• The Fairy Game and Mermaid Island for younger children.

Read more in our guide to cooperative games.

What games help with number skills?

Tiny Polka Dot offers 16 games from one box, for roughly ages 3 to 8, so you can start easy and move on.

What are good conversation games?

Dumb Questions to Ask Your Friends is a talking game that gets everyone giggling, a nice way to learn what your grandchildren think about.

How can I make playing with grandchildren go well?

• Read the rules once before they arrive.
• Let them explain the game to you. Children love being the expert.
• Play one short game, then stop while it is fun.
• Do not worry about letting them win. Children enjoy a real game, and learn to lose gracefully when you do it kindly.

FAQ

Are board games too complicated for grandparents?

Not these. They are designed for children, so the rules fit on a card.

What if the grandchildren live far away?

See gifts for grandchildren who live far away.