7 games to play with grandparents over video calls
The Hilou team ·
The easiest games to play with grandparents over video calls use things already in the room. Start with one game and let the child choose whether to keep going. These seven ideas work over a video call without a separate game app.
Have a parent set up the call on a stable surface so nobody has to hold the phone throughout. Gather any materials before calling, and keep an adult nearby for young children.
1. I spy, on your side
Try with: ages 3–7. You need: a few visible objects.
Grandpa points the camera at a small scene and says, “I spy something red.” The child guesses what he can see. Then the child sets the clue.
The important rule is that both people must be able to see the objects. “I spy” becomes frustrating when the answer is outside the camera frame. Start with two or three possible answers; older kids can use shape or purpose as the clue.
2. Copy my face
Try with: ages 2–5. You need: nothing.
One person makes a surprised, sleepy, or silly face. The other copies it. After two turns, swap leaders. Add a sound if the child wants to: a giant yawn or a tiny squeak.
If the child feels shy about being watched, let a stuffed animal do the faces instead.
3. What's missing?
Try with: ages 3–8. You need: three large, familiar objects.
Show a spoon, a toy car, and a sock. Name them together. Cover the camera briefly, remove one object, then reveal the scene. What disappeared?
Start with two objects if three is too much. For an older child, move the remaining objects around or add one extra object. Let the child hide something for the grandparent to guess.
4. Draw and guess
Try with: ages 4–9. You need: paper and a thick marker at each end.
Draw a simple thing one part at a time: a sun, a house, or a cat. Hold the page still and let the other person guess after each addition. A thick marker shows up better than a pale pencil on a small screen.
There is no timer and no score. If guessing gets frustrating, offer a clue or reveal the answer and admire the drawing together.
5. Animal detective
Try with: ages 3–8. You need: nothing.
Choose an animal and give one clue: “I have a very long neck.” If needed, add a movement or sound. The guesser can ask a question, such as “Do you live in water?”
For younger kids, offer two answers. For older kids, try a round where the only answers are yes or no.
6. Silly story swap
Try with: ages 4–9. You need: nothing.
Start with a character and a problem: “A penguin lost its hat.” Take turns adding one sentence. After a few turns, decide together how the story ends.
A child who does not want to invent a sentence can choose between two options: “Should the penguin look in the kitchen or on the moon?” You can also continue the story through short messages after the call.
7. Show me something
Try with: ages 3–7. You need: familiar objects within reach.
Give a gentle prompt: “Show me something soft.” The child finds an object in the same room, with a parent's help. Then Grandma has to find something too.
Avoid races, climbing, or sending the child out of sight. If moving around is difficult, choose objects already on the table and let the child point or describe them.
What if the child leaves the screen?
Pause the game. They might be finished, distracted, or more interested in playing nearby. You can ask once, “One more turn or shall we say goodbye?” A warm ending is better than turning the game into an obligation.
For a child who likes company but not structured games, the grandparent can watch a block build or draw alongside them while the parent is nearby. Agree with the parent about how long the call will stay open.
What if video calls are hard to arrange?
Animal detective and silly story swap also work as recorded messages. One person sends a clue or sentence and the other replies when they have a moment. See ways to stay connected between calls.
For a broader mix of live and offline ideas, explore long-distance grandparent activities. If your child enjoys stories about real life, try these questions to ask grandparents.