Whether it’s time, distance, or COVID keeping you apart, technology can help bridge the gap and help your child connect to their grandparents. We’ve got some great online games that grandparents and grandkids can play together that are easy enough for everyone to enjoy. As an added bonus this list is not only fun, but educational too!
Caribu
Face time is important, especially to the grandparents of very young children! Among all the games we’ve got to suggest, only Caribu has video calling built in. Plus, it’s an app, which makes it simple to get family together. The Caribu app not only has an extensive library of games for kids and grandparents to play together, there’s also the ability to draw together, and an extensive library of e-books, for grandparents who have missed opportunities to read to the little ones.
UNO Online
There’s two ways to play this beloved card game. The first is to grab a copy of the game from Ubisoft’s online store – although both sides will need a copy of the game, and since Ubisoft supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC, both players may need to be using the same platform to connect successfully. So, parents may need to lend a helping hand in getting started, in that case. But Mattel has posted their own instructions on how to have a virtual UNO game over a Zoom or FaceTime call, and players only need to have their own personal deck of UNO cards!
I Spy
Sometimes low-tech is the best tech. For a game like ‘I Spy,’ all you need to do is find a way to video chat with a phone or a webcam. Have kids and grandparents take turns ‘spying’ objects that they can see in the backgrounds of each other’s screens. And if they’re mobile, they can move around the house to keep the game interesting!
Tabletop Simulator
For kids with grandparents who have a computer, Tabletop Simulator includes 15 timeless board games including Backgammon, Cards, Chess, Checkers, Dominoes, Go, Jigsaw Puzzles, Mahjong, Pachisi, Piecepack, Poker, Reversi, and more. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, and it’s available on the Steam store.
Rummikub
Parents probably remember this old, old game as one with a shelf and plastic tiles, played with their own grandparents on family visits, and seen practically nowhere else. You might be surprised to learn that this old, tiled twist on the classic Rummy card game has made a resurgence during the pandemic, and it’s surprisingly fun to play. Be sure to check out the app, there is a free version to try!
Virtual Bingo
Virtual Bingo has been a huge hit this whole pandemic with schools and parent councils looking to build community and fundraise. Of course, this classic is always an automatic hit with the grandparent generation. Check out our post about setting up Virtual Bingo, either as a game with the grandparents and friends, your own fundraiser or even birthday party.
Scrabble
One of the great things about Scrabble is so many easy ways to play, and Facebook is one of the easiest ways to connect, especially if parents and grandparents are already connected. Pogo Scrabble is an alternative for people who don’t have Facebook. Registration is required for online multiplayer – but it’s free. And for phone users, Words With Friends is a Scrabble-clone, available on both Android and Apple Store.
Want more games to play online with distant family members? Check out Steam Games to Play Online with the Whole Family!
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