Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
For teachers looking for play ideas on days when the weather or temperature keeps you indoors and you’re wondering, “What should I play with the children today?”, this is a must-read.
This time, we’re sharing plenty of indoor play ideas recommended for 5-year-olds.
From group activities that let children move their bodies to the fullest while enjoying interactions with friends, to games that encourage deep focus and thinking, to make-and-play toy crafts suited to the fine-motor skills of 5-year-olds—there’s a wide variety of indoor activities that deliver a sense of satisfaction!
Add your own twists to match the children’s moods and needs, and it will be even more exciting.
Use these ideas as inspiration and have fun together!
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Indoor play and group game ideas that 5-year-olds love (91–100)
UFO Tag
@kidschallengeclub♬ UFO – Pink Lady
Spin around and protect the captain! Here’s an idea for a UFO tag game.
It’s a unique game that really tests teamwork! Form teams of three, hold hands, and dodge the tagger so your captain doesn’t get caught.
Choose a captain among the three and have them wear a bib number so the tagger can easily tell who it is—highly recommended.
The key is to hold hands firmly so no one lets go!
Party-gathering game
https://www.tiktok.com/@homeltd/video/7367298557474311441No talking to friends allowed! Here’s an idea for a game where you gather teammates.
It’s a fun activity using cards with animal pictures on them.
However, you’re not allowed to talk to your friends during the game! Rely only on the animal sounds depicted on the cards handed out by the teacher or guardian to find others with matching cards.
The tricky part is calling out to your teammates while carefully distinguishing their calls.
Once everyone gets used to the rules, adding a time limit could make it even more exciting!
Newspaper Game
@soramame.sensei #SoramameKids#SoramameKids#Therapy Time# developmental support (ryōiku)#HandmadeToys#Indoor Play#KagoshimaRehabilitation#StayHomeTimeLet's play at home#IndoorPlayCorenewspaper (newsprint)Newspaper#Nursery school child
♬ March-style BGM ideal for athletic meet march – harryfaoki
You only need two things to prepare! Here’s an idea for a newspaper sheet game.
It’s also a great option when you have to switch activities indoors due to sudden bad weather.
With just newspaper and tape, you can start playing right away! Set up a long chain of connected newspaper sheets under a chair.
While sitting on the chair, move both feet left and right to store the newspaper under the chair.
The key is to use the entire sole of your feet, which also makes it perfect for strengthening your core.
Anything Basket

Listen carefully, think carefully, and move! Here’s an idea for a “Anything Basket” game.
Are you familiar with Fruit Basket? In this game, participants are assigned the names of fruits like apple, banana, and orange.
The facilitator calls out, “○○ fruit!” and the children who have that fruit name quickly move to the seats designated for that fruit.
As a variation of Fruit Basket, let’s try “Anything Basket.” It’s a great way to develop good listening skills!
Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors
@kidschallengeclub Introducing Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors! It’s a game where you keep playing rock-paper-scissors with lots of different people and evolve step by step! If you become a god within the time limit, you win! The kids suddenly start imitating grandpas and grandmas, and it’s so authentic I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s that kind of fun game!evolutionEvolution Rock-Paper-ScissorsRock-paper-scissorsRock-Paper-Scissors Gamebaby#GrandmaGodInteresting
Invincibly Cute – Naoki Endo
An amusing game where you evolve by winning rock-paper-scissors: “Evolution Janken.” Aim to become a god within the time limit! Everyone starts as a baby.
Since you’re a baby, you crawl to move and play rock-paper-scissors with people you meet.
If you win, you evolve and can move by hands-and-knees crawling.
If you lose, keep belly-crawling and look for your next opponent.
It goes like this: belly-crawl, hands-and-knees crawl, bear walk, adult, elderly person, and finally, you become a god and the game ends.
Evolve within the time limit!


