10 Creative Games to Play with Aging Parents and Grandparents (That Kids & Teens Will Love Too!)
Drawing Together Across Generations is Pure Magic!
When my daughter, Lilly, and my boys were little, we spent a lot of time visiting my grandma—her nickname was Honey. We were always coming up with fun, easy things to do together, many of them were Honey’s inventions. She was amazingly creative and energetic. Honey taught us that the best activities are the ones that get everyone involved, spark creativity, and lead to stories and laughter.
At UnchainedBrainz, everything we create is inspired by the magic we’ve seen happen when people draw and create together, especially across generations. Whether it’s games, art, or something as simple as tossing a balloon back and forth, these little moments matter.
So if you’re looking for easy ways to connect with aging parents, grandparents, and kids of all ages, here are 10 simple but meaningful games to play together.
Why These Activities Matter
Taking time to play, draw, and create together:
Supports mental sharpness and memory for both young and old.
Encourages creativity and self-expression across generations.
Helps everyone share unexpected stories and memories.
Plus, some of these ideas leave behind keepsakes that capture special moments together.
Creative Games to Connect Across Generations – Fun, Simple Activities for Grandparents, Parents, and Kids
1. The Catch & List Game
This one is easy and gets everyone thinking and moving. This was our go-to-game when we’d visit Honey because it’s so simple, but you will never run out of variations. I still credit this game to kids’ excellent reflexes in sports since we played it A LOT from the time they were very little. Plus, this game never gets boring!
How to Play:
Grab a soft ball, stuffed animal, pillow, or even a balloon if catching is tricky.
Pick a category—pizza toppings, animals, slimy things, colors, places you’d love to visit, landmarks, things you’d never eat, anything!
Toss the ball around. Each person who catches it has to add an item to the list.
Fun Variations:
Handprint & Fingerprint Art - Try it Today!
Make it a story game—each person adds one sentence to a story before tossing the ball.
Add a memory challenge—each person has to recite the list from the beginning before adding their own!
2. Handprint & Fingerprint Art
Nothing is more personal than your own handprint, and it’s even better when you combine them across generations!
How to Do It:
Dip hands or fingers in paint and press them onto paper.
Turn the prints into flowers, animals, or even a big family tree!
Write names and dates on each print to make it a keepsake.
Get Inspired: We have fingerprint flower arrangement downloads that are perfect for this activity—check them out. (We’re thinking about making more, so let us know if you love the idea!)
3. DIY Memory Matching Game
Memory games aren’t just fun—they help keep minds sharp and bring up old stories.
How to Play:
Cut out simple squares of cardstock or use our DIY Memory Mix game kit.
Decorate matching pairs with drawings, words, or inside jokes that mean something to your family.
Shuffle and play! Flip, match, and relive all the fun memories hidden on the cards.
Make It Even More Special: Create a set as a gift for a parent, friend, or grandparent and fill it with favorite family moments!
Add Doodles and Lines for Low-pressure Creative Time Together
4. Reverse Coloring
If traditional coloring feels overwhelming, reverse coloring is a fun, low-pressure alternative.
How to Do It:
Start with pre-colored watercolor pages (you can grab ours [here]!).
Instead of filling in shapes, add outlines and doodles to what you see.
No wrong answers—just relax, trace, and get creative together!
Why It’s Great: No blank page intimidation, no pressure to “stay in the lines”, and it’s perfect for quiet bonding time.
5. Draw a Picture Together—One Line at a Time
This one always leads to unexpected laughs.
How to Play:
One person starts with a single line or shape.
Pass the drawing around, with each person adding something new.
Keep going until you have a wild, unexpected masterpiece.
Make It Even Funnier: Have a theme—draw an animal, a dream house, or a crazy looking monster.
6. Story Cubes or Word Jar
A simple way to spark storytelling without needing any fancy supplies.
How to Play:
Write random words or draw simple pictures on slips of paper.
Pull a few at random and make up a story using all of them.
Draw Together, One Line at a Time!
Make It a Challenge: Add a timer—can you make up a story in 60 seconds?
7. Music & Movement Game
For those who love music, this is an easy way to get everyone moving.
How to Play:
Pick a favorite song or something nostalgic for the grandparent.
Each person adds a movement or dance move that everyone has to copy.
Keep adding moves until you have a hilarious family routine.
Low-Energy Version: Do it sitting down with hand claps and finger movements.
8. Paper Airplane Challenge
A fun and simple activity that works for all ages.
How to Play:
Everyone folds and decorates their own paper airplane.
Have a flying contest—who can go the farthest?
Bonus points for trick shots and creative designs.
9. Guess That Memory
Shadow Drawing is A Simple, Creative Activity for Grandparents and Grandchildren
A great way to share stories and test how well you know each other.
How to Play:
Each person writes down a memory on a slip of paper.
Mix them up and read them out loud.
Guess who the memory belongs to.
For a fun twist, have grandparents share childhood stories that no one else knows.
10. Shadow Drawing
A mix of art and science that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon.
How to Do It:
Place objects or hands near a lamp or sunlight.
Trace the shadows on paper.
Turn them into crazy creatures, landscapes, or anything your imagination sees.
Bring Generations Together—One Simple Moment at a Time
Remember, when you get creative together, you support each other, share in a new way, and create space for moments that truly matter. Many times, it’s the most unexpected, simple activities and stories that stick with us the longest. These moments don’t have to cost money or be fancy—just a little creativity and time spent together can turn an ordinary day into a memory you’ll cherish forever.
Happy unchaining!
Janet