Your Guide to Digital Playdates With Your Grandkids!

Listen up, grandparents! Just because you can’t physically be with your grandkids doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can connect with your little munchkins virtually anytime, anywhere – and have a blast doing it!

Bridge the Distance

In the past, living far away from your grandchildren meant missing out on precious bonding time. But in today’s digital world, distance is no longer a barrier to staying connected.

With a few simple tools and a dash of creativity, you can bridge the miles and create unforgettable memories with your grandkids.

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Below, you’ll find a bunch of engaging digital activities that will have you and your grandkids giggling and grinning from ear to ear:

The Digital Playdate

Welcome to the grand era of digital playdates, where grandparents and grandkids can laugh, play, and share wonderful moments, even from afar!

First things first, though. Let’s cover the tech you’ll need to pull off a digital playdate.

Getting Started with Video Calls

To kick off your adventure in digital grandparenting, you’ll need to set up a video call.

Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime can help you connect in no time. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Choose Your Platform: Whether it’s FaceTime for Apple lovers or ZoomZoom is a versatile video conferencing platform that enables users to connect and collaborate remote... More for those who enjoy chatting with multiple family members at once, pick the one that suits your family’s needs.
2. Schedule a Date: Just like a real playdate, schedule a time and date that works for everyone. This builds anticipation and makes the event special.
3. Test Your Setup: A quick test call with your adult children or a friend can help iron out any technical creases. Make sure your camera and microphone are working, and that you know how to answer and hang up the call.

Here’s a good guide on how to use Zoom:

14 Fun Activities for Your Digital Playdate

Story Time: Set up a regular video call where you read stories to your grandkids. Be sure to hold the book up to the camera so you can show them the pictures! You can even act out scenes or use funny voices for the characters.

Arts and crafts: Get those creative juices flowing with a virtual art session. Pick a project, gather your supplies, and work on your masterpieces together over video. At the end, have a virtual art show and admire each other’s handiwork.

Game Time: There are tons of interactive online games you can play together. Choose from classics like Chess and Scrabble to modern favorites like Minecraft and Animal Crossing.

Look for games with a multiplayer mode so you can play at the same time. Your grandkids will get a kick out of beating you!

Cooking lessons: Share your secret family recipes or learn a new dish together. Set up your tablets or laptops in the kitchen and cook along with each other, sharing tips and laughs as you go. The best part? You each get to sample your own creations!

Scavenger Hunt: Create a virtual scavenger hunt by sending your grandkids a list of items to find around their house. Have them snap photos of each item and share them with you over video chat.

You can even turn it into a race to see who can find everything first!

Dance Party: Put on some of your favorite tunes and have a virtual dance party! You can even take song requests from your grandkids and show off your best moves. Who cares if you’re off-beat – the sillier, the better!

Explore the World: Go on exciting virtual adventures together using Google Earth or online museum tours. Explore far-off lands, visit famous landmarks, and learn fascinating facts along the way.

Your grandkids will love having you as their personal tour guide!

Digital book club: Start a digital book club with your grandkids. Choose a book to read together, set up regular video chats to discuss the chapters, and share your thoughts and predictions.

It’s a great way to foster a love of reading and deepen your bond.

Online tutoring: Share your knowledge and skills with your grandkids by tutoring them online. Whether it’s helping with homework, teaching them to knit, or showing them how to play an instrument, your grandkids will adore learning from their super-smart grandparent.

Virtual movie nights: Host a virtual movie night complete with popcorn and cozy blankets. Use a video chat app to watch a movie together, pausing for snack breaks and giggly commentary.

Don’t forget to discuss your favorite parts afterward!

Online storytelling: Become the storyteller extraordinaire by sharing your life stories and family history with your grandkids over video chat. Show them old photos, share anecdotes, and watch their eyes light up with wonder and pride.

Interactive storytelling: Bring storytime to life by using interactive storytelling apps like Novel Effect or Storybook Treasures. As you read aloud, the app adds sound effects and music to enhance the experience. Your grandkids will be enchanted!

Remote talent shows: Host a virtual talent show where everyone gets to showcase their unique skills. Whether it’s singing, dancing, magic tricks, or silly jokes, your grandkids will love having you as their captive audience. Don’t forget to applaud loudly!

Digital DIY projects: Tackle a DIY project together over video chat. It could be anything from building a birdhouse to creating a family photo album. Working on a project together will strengthen your bond and give you a sense of shared accomplishment.

Create Long-lasting Memories

The key to making virtual playdates work is to approach them with a sense of fun and adventure.

Be willing to try new things, laugh at technical difficulties, and most of all, savor this special time with your grandkids.

They’ll remember these digital playdates for years to come – and so will you.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your love shine through the screen. Your grandkids will cherish these digital moments just as much as in-person ones.

And who knows – you might even become their favorite online buddy!