15 Cool Activities That Will Make Your Teen Grandkids Actually Want to Hang Out With You (No Eye-Rolls Guaranteed)

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Spending time with your teenage grandchild can be fun—you just have to find the right activities! Teens are growing up fast, and they may not always want to do the same things they enjoyed when they were younger.

But don’t worry! Here are 15 fun, unique, and actually cool ideas to help you connect, laugh, and make new memories together.

1. Plan a Foodie Adventure Day

Pick a food theme—like the best pizza, tacos, or bubble tea—and go on a “food tour” together. Let your grandchild help choose the places. Take pictures, rate the food, and enjoy the fun of trying something new.

2. Learn a Trending Dance Together

Ask your grandchild to teach you a dance from TikTok or social media. You can also show them a dance from your time. Record the results, even if it’s silly—you’ll both laugh and remember it forever.

3. Host a DIY Photoshoot

Pick a fun location like a park, downtown area, or even your backyard. Use props, dress up, and take photos of each other. Teens love creative photos, and you might even learn a thing or two about filters and angles!

Real also: Turn Every Moment into a Memory with This Hilarious Photoshoot Idea

4. Take a Day Trip Somewhere “Instagrammable”

Find a cool place nearby that’s pretty or unusual—a garden, mural wall, or cozy café. Let your grandchild help plan the trip. These small getaways can feel like big adventures.

5. Have a No-Phones Retro Game Night

Bring out your favorite old-school board games or card games. Add snacks, music, and maybe even some funny “grandma rules.” Teens enjoy game nights—especially when there’s real competition and laughter.

6. Build a Playlist Together

Ask your grandchild to share their favorite music with you, and then share yours. Make a playlist of your favorites together on Spotify or YouTube. It’s a fun way to learn about each other.

7. Try an Escape Room (IRL or Online)

Escape rooms are great for teamwork and laughs. You’ll have to solve puzzles together to “escape” in time. Some are in person, and some you can do online at home.

8. Cook a TikTok Recipe Together

Let your grandchild pick a popular online recipe—like whipped coffee, ramen bowls, or mini pancakes. Shop for the ingredients and make it together. Let them take charge while you help and taste!

9. Go Thrifting or Vintage Shopping

Visit a local thrift store or flea market. Challenge each other to find the coolest or silliest item. Let them dress you up—or try on wild outfits together just for laughs.

10. Volunteer Side by Side

Find a cause your grandchild cares about, like helping animals, planting trees, or giving out food. Volunteering together gives you time to talk and helps others at the same time.

11. Make a Time Capsule

Gather small items, write letters to your future selves, and put them in a box. Seal it up and decide when you’ll open it—maybe in five or ten years. It’s a memory you’ll both treasure.

Read also: How to Create a Time Capsule With Your Grandkids (They’ll Remember You Forever)

12. Watch a Movie Series Together

Pick a fun movie series like Marvel, Harry Potter, or Star Wars. Plan special movie nights with themed snacks. Chat about the characters and your favorite parts between each film.

13. Have a “Teach Me Something” Session

Ask your grandchild to teach you how to play a video game, use a phone app, or understand their favorite hobby. Let them be the expert for once—they’ll love showing you what they know.

14. Do a Creative Challenge Together

Try a fun project like painting, pottery, songwriting, or even drawing digitally. You don’t need to be perfect—just enjoy being creative and seeing what you can make together.

15. Write a Bucket List Together

Sit down and dream big! Make a list of things you both want to do someday—like go to a concert, visit a new city, or learn to surf. It’s a fun way to learn more about their hopes and share yours, too.

Spending time with your teenage grandchild doesn’t have to be hard or boring. With these fun ideas, you’ll both find new things to enjoy—and maybe even discover some surprises along the way!

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