Because nothing says “I love you” like a good giggle!
There’s something magical about making your grandkids laugh. And let’s be honest—being a grandma gives us full permission to be just a little mischievous!
Whether they’re visiting for the weekend or spending a lazy afternoon at your house, these gentle pranks are a great way to bond, share smiles, and create memories they’ll never forget. Best of all? They’re completely harmless and full of heart.
Here are 19 pranks that are guaranteed to bring on the giggles—without any tears!
Note: Every grandma and grandchild are different! Some of these pranks might not work for everyone. It depends on your relationship and how old your grandchild is.
The goal of this article is to give you fun and wholesome ideas to enjoy with your grandkids. And no, I’m not saying you should team up with your grandkids to prank their parents. Nope… I would never say that. 😉
1. The Backward Clothes Trick
Let them walk in and catch you wearing your clothes backward—shirt on the wrong way, pants turned around, the whole thing! Then act totally normal. When they start giggling, say, “Oh, it’s Opposite Day! Didn’t you get the memo?” It’s silly, harmless, and super fun—especially when they decide to join in.
2. Switch the Salt and Sugar
This is a classic and easy prank! Just switch the salt and sugar containers in the kitchen. (But don’t forget to switch them back—salt in your coffee isn’t very tasty!)
3. Color-Changing Milk
Add just one or two drops of food coloring to their cereal milk before breakfast. When they pour it in and see bright green or purple milk, watch their eyes go wide! Then just give them a wink and say, “Guess the cows were feeling fancy today.”
4. Stick Googly Eyes on Things
Put googly eyes on everyday items like the fruit bowl, bathroom mirror, or even the TV remote. My grandkids and I couldn’t stop laughing when everything in the house looked like it had a face! You can find googly eyes at most dollar stores, and it’s such a fun way to get silly.
5. Talking Stuffed Animal
If you’ve got a walkie-talkie or baby monitor lying around, hide it inside their favorite stuffed animal. Whisper little things like, “Hey there, I love your socks!” and wait for their surprised reactions. It’s like a little dose of magic—and you’ll both be cracking up in no time.
6. Hide a Fake Spider
Place a fake spider in a spot where they’ll find it—like their bed or under a pillow. Just a heads-up: they might prank you back later! I once found a pretend snake hanging in my pantry after trying this one!
7. The “Vanishing” Cookie Jar
Offer them a treat from the cookie jar—only for them to find it filled with broccoli or baby carrots. Keep a straight face and say, “Don’t you love Grandma’s new healthy cookies?” After a few laughs, reveal the real cookies hiding nearby.
8. Create a Surprise Treasure Hunt
Hide a small toy or treat somewhere in the house. Then give your grandkids clues to help them find it. It’s a sweet and silly prank that feels more like a game—and they’ll love the surprise at the end!
Read Also: Bored Grandkids? This Scavenger Hunt Blueprint Turns Whining Into Wild Adventure
9. Tiny Shoe Swap
Before they put on their shoes, stuff a bit of tissue paper in the toes so they suddenly feel way too small. Act just as surprised as they are! “My goodness, did your feet shrink overnight?!” It’s goofy and harmless, and they’ll be thrilled when they figure it out.
10. Serve “Cupcakes” Made of Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
These look like real cupcakes, but they’re actually meatloaf muffins topped with mashed potato “frosting.” My grandkids expected chocolate and weren’t too happy at first—but don’t worry, I brought out real cupcakes right after! Honestly, the prank ones were pretty tasty, too.
11. Jelly Juice Surprise
The night before, pour some Jell-O into a glass and let it set. In the morning, pop in a straw and hand it to them like it’s regular juice. “Why won’t it come up the straw?!” they’ll ask. Just smile sweetly and say, “Hmm… must be a very thick juice today!”
12. Hide a Small Toy in Jell-O
Speaking of Jell-O…
Remember the show The Office? There’s a funny scene where someone puts a stapler in Jell-O. You can do something similar with a small plastic toy or trinket. Just make sure it’s big enough to see right away—nothing anyone could choke on!
13. Backward TV Remote
Place a tiny piece of tape over the remote sensor or the TV’s infrared receiver. When they try to turn it on, nothing works! Pretend you’re just as confused… until you remove the tape and it “magically” works again. Classic Grandma move!
14. Mix Up the Family Photos
Take some family photos and switch them around—or swap them out for completely different ones. Watch how long it takes for your grandkids to notice. They might not catch on right away, and that’s what makes it so fun!
15. Inverted Bed Covers
While they’re playing or out of the room, sneak in and remake their bed—with the blanket turned sideways and the pillow at the foot. When bedtime rolls around, watch them try to figure out what’s off. Bonus points if you act like you see nothing wrong at all.
16. Swap One of Their Things With Something Else
This prank depends on your grandchild’s age—some kids won’t find it funny at all! But younger ones might giggle if Grandma tries to put the wrong shoe on the wrong foot, or accidentally hands them her coat instead of theirs. Keep it light and silly!
17. Frozen Cereal
Pour their favorite cereal with milk into a bowl, then freeze it overnight. Hand it to them in the morning like everything’s normal. The spoon won’t budge, and their face will be priceless. Then say, “Oops! Must’ve been one chilly night.”
18. Wear a Silly Costume and Act Like It’s Normal
This one brings back memories! When I was a kid, my dad used to dress up in goofy costumes and pretend nothing was strange. He’d read the newspaper in a silly wig or hat, and even when we laughed and asked questions, he’d keep a straight face. Some of my favorite moments ever!
19. “Broken” Voice
Spend a few minutes talking in a funny voice—maybe a squeaky mouse, a robot, or even a pirate. Act like you can’t stop and ask them for help “fixing” it. They’ll be laughing too hard to help. Just be ready for them to prank you back with their own voice tricks later!
Final Thoughts
These sweet and silly pranks are more than just good laughs—they’re a beautiful way to bond with your grandkids and show them that Grandma’s house is the most fun place to be. So go ahead, pull a few playful tricks and enjoy those belly laughs. After all, a little mischief can lead to a lot of love.
Have you ever played a prank on your grandkids? Do you have any other fun and harmless ideas? I’d love to hear them!
And if you try any of the pranks from this list, will you let me know how it goes? Send me an email—I always enjoy chatting with fellow grandmas!
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