Game Night Goes Low-Tech with Grandpa in Charge

Long winter evenings can drag on when it’s too cold and dark to go outside and there’s nothing left to watch on Netflix.  But grandparents may have some low-tech ideas to keep the kids entertained.

Step away from the Xbox, put down the iPad and think about planning a family game night with the older members of the family.  While chess and checkers may pop to mind there are a host of other games that the younger generation may not know which can be a great way for older and younger family members to bridge the age gap.

For younger children, grandma or grandpa may want to dust off their marble collection or show the kids how to play Leap Frog, Pick Up Sticks, Jacks, Red Rover, Freeze Tag or Battle Tops. Twenty Questions, Hopscotch or Hula Hoop are also great choices.   Most of these simple toys can still be picked up at the dollar store.

Card games like Old Maid, Go Fish, War, Concentration or Crazy Eights can pass the time indoors when the weather doesn’t cooperate or make for special memories over the holidays or on vacation.

For older kids (and their parents), learning to play Poker, Blackjack, Rummy, Bridge, Euchre or Cribbage are great choices that may become addictive.   For seniors, exercising the brain by using memory and problem solving helps them stay sharp and the social interaction can help prevent depression.

To find many more ideas for games to play with grandchildren or multiple generations, visit Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/danielsizemore7/old-fashioned-games-to-play/ .