One of my favorite ways to connect with my grandkids is by asking them fun and thoughtful questions. I’ve already shared a bunch with you, and after that, I got some sweet emails from fellow grandmas. They told me their grandkids opened up—and even put down their phones for a little while. Now that’s a big win!
So today, I’m sharing even more questions—this time, open-ended ones that spark real conversation. These questions are great because they lead to more than just a “yes” or “no” answer. And because we all want a close bond with our grandkids, I’ve included questions for every age—from tiny tots to grown-up grandkids.
But before we jump in…
Why ask open-ended questions to your grandkids?
So, what exactly are open-ended questions, and why do they matter?
Put simply, an open-ended question is one that can’t be answered with just a “yes” or “no.” Instead, it invites a longer, more thoughtful response. But why is that important—especially when talking with our grandkids?
Asking open-ended questions helps kids think a little deeper and express themselves in new ways. It gives them a chance to use their imagination and share what’s really on their minds. These kinds of questions can also help build their vocabulary and improve how they speak and communicate. Most of all, they help us grow closer to our grandkids and understand their hearts a little better.
I think open-ended questions are a wonderful way to connect and have fun together. That’s why I spent some time coming up with the most creative and age-appropriate ones I could think of. I hope you and your grands enjoy these as much as we did!
Open-ended questions for preschoolers ages 3 to 6
If your teddy bear could talk, what would it say to you?
If you could create a new ice cream flavor, what would it taste like?
What would you do if it started raining jellybeans?
What kind of animal would you like to be for a day? Why?
If you could build your own house out of anything, what would you use?
If you could paint the sky any color, which color would you choose?
What sound does your happy dance make?
How would you describe your favorite toy to an alien?
If you had a pet dinosaur, what would you name it?
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
What would you cook if you had your own restaurant?
What does your dream playground look like?
If your shoes could take you anywhere, where would you go?
If you had a magic carpet, where would you fly?
What kind of silly face makes you laugh the most?
If your blanket could take you on an adventure, where would it go?
What kind of magical creature would you want to be friends with?
If the moon came to visit, what game would you play together?
Open-ended questions for school-aged children ages 7 to 12
If your backpack could talk, what stories would it tell about your school day?
If you could travel back in time, what historical event would you like to witness?
What do you think the future of technology will look like?
What would your dream classroom look like if you could design it yourself?
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
If you had a secret hideout, what would be inside and who would you let in?
What would be the most interesting way to travel around the world?
What would you do if you woke up and had the power to stop time for a day?
If you could create your own video game, what would the story and characters be like?
If you could switch places with any person in the world for one week, who would it be and what would you do?
If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
What invention do you think the world needs right now, and why?
How would you use your talents to make the world a better place?
If your favorite toy or gadget came to life, what kind of adventures would you go on together?
If you could start your own business, what would it be and why?
What rules would you make if you were principal for the day?
What three things would you take with you on a deserted island?
If you could create your own theme park, what would it be called and what rides would it have?
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
What’s one thing you wish grown-ups understood better about kids your age?
What would be the best thing about living on another planet?
Open-ended questions for adolescent ages 13 to 18
If you could create your own school subject, what would it be and what would you learn?
How do you think the world will change in the next 50 years?
What do you think makes someone a great leader, and how would you show those qualities?
If you could live in any time period, which one would you choose and why?
If your favorite book world became real, what part would you want to live in and why?
If you were given the opportunity to lead a country, what would your first action be?
What’s one rule you would add to the world to make it a kinder place?
How do you define success, and what steps would you take to achieve it?
If you were in charge of building a new country, what would its flag, food, and fun look like?
If you could solve one global problem, which one would it be and why?
What would your dream invention do, and how would it help people?
If you could team up with any historical figure, who would it be and what problem would you solve together?
What do you think your life will be like when you’re 30, and what do you hope never changes?
If you could design your perfect day from start to finish, what would you do?
What advice would you give to someone younger than you who’s feeling nervous about growing up?
Open-ended questions for ages 19 and above
What’s a challenge you faced that ended up teaching you something important about yourself?
If you could spend a year doing anything you wanted—without worrying about money—what would you do and why?
What values guide the decisions you make in your personal or professional life?
How do you define balance in your life, and how do you try to maintain it?
What’s a passion or interest you had as a child that you wish you’d pursued more as an adult?
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say?
What does “success” mean to you at this point in your life, and has that changed over time?
How do you stay hopeful or motivated when things feel uncertain or difficult?
If you could start a movement to improve your community, what would it focus on?
What’s something small that brings you joy every day, and why do you think it matters?
Bonus questions for all ages
If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to learn or try, and what’s holding you back?
Can you think of any fun open-ended questions a grandma should ask her grandkids? I’d love to hear your ideas! Enjoy this special time with your grands—and as always, I can’t wait to chat again soon.
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