7 Best Games to Play on FaceTime With Your Grandkids
Table of Contents
Looking for ways to have fun over FaceTime with your grandkids? We’ve compiled a list of games that are simple, engaging, and entertaining for the whole family.
Related: Best iPhone Apps For Seniors
To play games with your grandkids, all you need is a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with a webcam and microphone. FaceTime is a built-in app on all iPhones, but if you don’t have an iPhone, you can another free video call app like Skype or WhatsApp with the click of a button.
How To Make The Most Of Your Time With Your Grandchildren
Choosing the perfect game to play on FaceTime is only half the battle – it’s also a good idea to plan ahead to make sure the experience is enjoyable for everyone.
For starters, make sure you choose the right time of day. Timing is everything! If your grandkids are hungry or tired, they might be cranky or unable to focus for very long. See if you can schedule a call that doesn’t conflict with mealtimes, bedtimes, or nap times.
Be patient – and prepare to repeat yourself! When you’re on a FaceTime call, you’ll be relying on two senses only – sight and sound. This can make understanding a bit difficult, especially if either of you has a less than stellar internet speed.
Make sure you have everything you need and want for the game nearby. That way, you can easily and quickly move through activities as needed. If you have too much downtime between activities, your grandchildrens’ attention might wander away to something else.
Last but not least, be sure to set yourself up in a spot where you’ll be comfortable, too. Have snacks and a drink nearby so that you don’t have to get up and leave the room in the middle of a game.
Fun Games For Grandparents And Grandchildren To Play Over FaceTime
Here are some fun, easy-to-learn games that you and your grandchildren can play over FaceTime. Most of them are pretty quick and don’t require a lot of complicated rules or fancy equipment.
1. Heads Up
Heads Up was made famous by Ellen DeGeneres – she plays the game often on her show and it’s a wonderful game to play with your grandchildren, too.
The best part is that you can play with just two people (you and one grandchild) or as many people as you’d like. You’ll have to guess the word that is on the card on your head just from the clues that your grandchild provides you (and then vice versa) before the time runs out.
There are all kinds of exciting categories you can choose from, or you can come up with your own. Because you and your grandchild will each need your smartphone to use the app, make sure you both have another device where FaceTime can be used.
You can download Heads Up app on the App Store.
2. Bingo
Bingo is another great game to play with your grandkids over FaceTime. The simplest way to get playing is to print out bingo cards.
Have someone else (like Mom, Dad, or Grandma) be the bingo caller and go through the game, crossing out numbers as they are called. It’s a great game for FaceTime because it can be as long or as short as you’d like – plus, there’s no equipment needed and very little downtime.
3. Hangman
You can play Hangman with an online whiteboard app, like Zoom, or even just a pen and paper. It’s a great way to connect with your grandkids and help them practice their spelling skills all at the same time. You can adapt the game to make it accessible for kids of any age or ability level.
4. Uno
The card game Uno has been called nearly perfect in its broad family appeal. Adults and kids alike can enjoy playing it without feeling intimidated, which makes the game fun for all ages. In 2017, Uno was officially recognized as having sold more units worldwide than any other card games on the market! You can’t go wrong with this game. Buy yourself a deck and get your grandkids a deck too so you can both play with the real thing.
5. Pictionary
Pictionary is a simple game (often regarded as a sort of drawing charades) that involves guessing what is being drawn on a piece of paper.
Don’t feel like buying two sets of the board game? An easy alternative is to use an online Pictionary word generator to come up with what to draw and scratch paper to make the drawings and keep score.
6. “I Spy”
“I Spy” is an easy game that can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like – depending on the age and attention span of your grandchild, of course. You can take your phone with you around the yard or house and have your grandchild tell you to look up, under the table, or to the left – wherever you need to figure out what is being spied on!
7. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a classic game for long-haul road trips, but it’s also great for FaceTime. Since no cards or game material is required you can play this one sitting in your living room or in the middle of a crowded coffee shop.
If you aren’t familiar with it, 20 Questions is a simple guessing game. One player will choose an object or animal and then the other person will ask questions (up to 20) to guess what the thing is. If they guess correctly before 20 questions is up, they win!
The catch? They can only ask yes or no questions.
Conclusion
Isn’t it amazing how technology can improve your relationships – and your life? While there’s no good substitute for face-to-face interactions and hugs from your grandkids, these FaceTime games can help you pass the time until your next reunion.
