Can Grandma do it? This game turns a grandparent visit into guaranteed laughter: the child asks the question, Grandma or Grandpa takes on the physical action, and everyone cheers at the end. Here are 12 family challenges, short, safe and done indoors.

You only need a free corner, a cushion, a few plastic cups and a rolled-up sock. Read each question in a game-show voice, let your child be the judge and give a score from zero to ten hugs. The goal is not to win, it is to laugh together and make a memory your child will want to repeat.

Before you start: safety first

Always keep a grown-up close. No running, no high jumping and no climbing on chairs, sofas or beds. Grandparents set the pace and can do everything seated if they prefer. Move tables and sharp corners, clear loose rugs and stop right away if anyone gets tired or loses interest. Play is not a test, and nobody has to prove anything.

Face and voice challenges for ages 3 and 4

At this age, simple and quick actions work best. The child is the helper who asks the question and claps at the end.

Can Grandma waddle like a penguin to the door? Feet together, arms out to the sides and tiny slow steps, with the child following and copying. To finish, both shout together: «Quack!»
Can Grandpa make five different silly faces without laughing? The child counts on their fingers while Grandpa makes one face at a time. If he laughs, he gets a consolation hug. To finish, everyone makes the child’s favorite face.
Can Grandma be a cat stretching? She reaches both arms up high, says «meow» and then relaxes very slowly. The child pets the pretend cat. To finish, Grandma purrs loudly: «Purrrr!»
Can Grandpa clap in whatever rhythm the child picks? The child claps a short rhythm and Grandpa repeats it, first slowly, then a little faster. To finish, one last high five in the air.

Balance and coordination challenges for ages 5 and 6

Now your child understands rules and loves being the judge. They keep time and decide who got it right.

Can Grandma walk five steps with a cushion on her head? On a smooth, clear floor, slowly, with the child beside her ready to catch the cushion. If it falls, trying again counts. To finish, the judge announces: «What a tightrope walker!»
Can Grandpa do the worm dance while sitting down? Sitting on a sturdy chair, he wiggles his shoulders and arms like a worm while the child copies on the floor. To finish, both take a theater bow.
Can Grandma tell a story using only mime? Without a word, she shows an animal, a house and some rain using only gestures, and the child guesses each scene. To finish, the child applauds: «Encore!»
Can Grandpa pass a sock ball from one hand to the other with his eyes closed? The child rolls up a soft sock and hands it over, and Grandpa passes it hand to hand ten times while the child counts. To finish, the judge lets him open his eyes: «Ten!»

Focus challenges for ages 7 and 8

Here come focus, patience and a little strategy, always calm and seated.

Can Grandma freeze like a statue for ten seconds? The child tries to make Grandma laugh with funny faces and voices, without touching her. If the statue holds, she wins a paper medal. To finish, the statue «comes to life» with a hug.
Can Grandpa build a tower of five plastic cups? Seated at the table, he stacks the cups slowly, one on top of the other, while the child counts out loud. To finish, the child gently blows the tower down: «Whoosh!»
Can Grandma teach a secret handshake? She invents four moves, like a clap, a fist bump, a finger snap and a hug, and the child repeats them in order. To finish, they do the handshake in slow motion.
Can Grandpa blow a paper ball across the table? Each with a paper ball, they blow at the same time without using their hands. The child says when to start. To finish, whoever gets across first shouts: «Goal!»

Coloring time with the grandparents

After so many challenges, kids often want to sit down and focus together. Offer one of our free printable coloring pages and ask them to color a card for Grandma or Grandpa to keep on the fridge.

Pigúiça, the blue-eyed husky, and Fofuxo, the friends from the Dogavios book, love a grandparent visit too. You can meet them in the free Pigúiça game, which runs in the browser with no sign-up and no ads.

Tips to make the challenges work

Use a game-show voice. Asking the question with suspense is half the fun.

Pick just a few at a time. Three or four challenges are plenty, and the rest can wait for the next visit.

Praise the attempt. Mistakes bring laughs too, and the good memory is the prize.

Frequently asked questions

What ages are these challenges for?

They were designed for kids ages 3 to 8. The first four are the simplest, and the last ones ask for more focus and patience. Families can mix them all and adapt to the child’s pace.

What if Grandma or Grandpa has trouble moving?

That is fine. Almost every challenge can be done seated, and grandparents choose what they want to do. Swap the action for a calmer one and keep the focus on fun.

Do I need any special materials?

No. A cushion, plastic cups, a sock and paper cover everything. None of the challenges use heavy, sharp or fragile objects, and a grown-up stays close the whole time.

Can Grandma Do It? 12 Fun Family Challenges for Kids

Your next adventure could be a moment together.