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One of my favorite ways to bond with my grandkids — whether they’re sitting right next to me or all the way across the country — is through word games. They’re simple, they’re fun, and best of all, they sneak in a little learning without anyone even realizing it!
Word games are like little brain exercises wrapped in giggles and conversation. They’re great for all ages, they don’t need fancy equipment, and they create the kind of memories that stick around for a lifetime. Today, I thought I’d share some of the most delightful word games you can enjoy with your grandkids, whether you’re sitting together at the kitchen table or playing over a video call.
1. Scrabble or Words With Friends
Ah, the classic Scrabble board — it’s a family favorite for a reason! Sitting together and carefully placing tiles to outwit each other never gets old.And if you and your grandkids aren’t in the same house? Words With Friends is a perfect online version. It’s easy to play, even if you’re not the most “techy” person.
Each player takes turns whenever they have time — no need to rush! I love that it gives you little opportunities throughout the day to stay connected. Plus, it’s such a proud moment when a grandkid beats you fair and square with a fancy word like “quizzical” or “zephyr”!
2. Hangman
Sometimes, simple really is best. Hangman is one of those games that needs nothing more than a piece of paper and a few guesses.You pick a word, draw blank spaces for each letter, and let your grandchild guess letters one at a time. Each wrong guess brings the stick figure closer to completion!If you’re playing with little ones, you can swap the stick figure for something more playful — like a flower losing petals, a rocket ship losing parts, or even a cookie crumbling away!
There are also free Hangman websites where you can play together online — just share your screen over a video call!
3. Word Association
Word Association is one of those games you can play literally anywhere — while driving, baking, walking, or even snuggled up on the couch.One person says a word, and the next says the first word that pops into their head in response. You just keep going!For example:Grandma: “Beach”Grandkid: “Shell”Grandma: “Snail”Grandkid: “Slow”The joy is in watching how wildly the conversation spirals — and seeing who comes up with the funniest or most unexpected connections.
4. 20 Questions: Word Edition
Pick a secret word in your head, and let your grandkids ask yes-or-no questions to try to figure it out.They have 20 questions total to work it out!It’s such a wonderful way to build their logic and thinking skills. You’ll be surprised how clever they get with their questions:”Is it alive?””Can you eat it?””Is it bigger than a toaster?”(And sometimes their guesses are so hilariously off that you’ll both end up laughing until you cry.)
5. Story Builders
Few things spark a child’s creativity quite like making up a story together.You start with a single sentence like: “Once upon a time, a hedgehog decided to open a bakery…”Then, you take turns adding sentences, building the story one hilarious twist at a time.If you’re playing online, you can even type it together in a shared Google Doc and watch the story grow right before your eyes! Bonus points if you print out your finished story and keep it as a treasure.
6. Online Crossword Puzzles
There are so many free websites offering daily crossword puzzles. If you’re on a call, one of you can share your screen, and you can work together to solve the clues.Younger grandkids might prefer simple crosswords with themes like animals, foods, or fairy tales. Older grandkids might enjoy tackling trickier ones with you.It’s a great feeling of teamwork when you finally get that last stubborn word!
7. Boggle or Online Word Search
If you have the classic Boggle game, that’s fantastic. Shake up those letters and race to find as many words as possible before the timer runs out!If not, there are free online versions you can play together too.Word searches are another wonderful option. You can find printable ones themed around your grandchild’s interests — dinosaurs, princesses, sports, holidays, you name it!Sit side-by-side with a couple of highlighters, or play over video chat and race to see who finds the most words first.
8. Silly Spelling Bees
You don’t have to be serious to have a spelling bee! In fact, the sillier the better.Pick goofy, tricky words and laugh at the creative spellings that come out. Here are some fun ones:GobbledygookFlibbertigibbetBumblebeeSpaghetti
Even if your grandkids misspell them, celebrate their effort — and maybe invent a funny new meaning for the “wrong” word!You could even award prizes like “Most Creative Spelling” or “Funniest New Word.”
9. Rhyme Time Challenge
Set a one-minute timer and pick a word, like “hat.”Now, both of you race to come up with as many rhyming words as you can before the timer buzzes:Hat Cat Bat Rat Mat
For older kids, you can up the difficulty with tougher words. (Just try finding a perfect rhyme for “orange” — we usually end up making up nonsense words and giggling the whole way through.)
10. Telephone Pictionary (For Groups)
If you have several grandkids around, Telephone Pictionary is an absolute hoot.Here’s how it works:One person writes a phrase (“A giraffe riding a skateboard”) and passes it to the next person.The next person draws the phrase instead of writing it.The next person guesses what the drawing is and writes it down.Then the cycle repeats: draw the guess, guess the drawing!By the time it comes back around, your original phrase will have transformed into something completely ridiculous — and the laughter will be unstoppable.
Why Word Games Are So Special
At the end of the day, word games aren’t just about winning or scoring points. They’re about talking, thinking, laughing, and learning together.They create little moments of connection that remind our grandkids how much fun it is just to be with us — no matter if we’re in the same room or miles apart. And when our grandkids look back someday, it’s not the fancy toys or expensive gifts they’ll remember. It’ll be these small, warm moments of silliness, teamwork, and pure joy.
So next time you have a spare minute — whether it’s in person, over a phone call, or through a video chat — pick one of these games and dive in.You might just find yourself laughing harder than your grandkids do!
Now then… who’s ready for a game of Story Builders? I have a feeling today’s tale might just involve a unicorn who’s terrible at spelling!
