Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
Looking for fun activities everyone can enjoy together? Many people share that dilemma, don’t they? In fact, there are plenty of recreational and party games you can enjoy indoors.
Classics like Fruit Basket, Hula Hoop Down where everyone synchronizes their moves, and majority-rule games that get the whole group excited.
With a bit of creativity, your usual games can become even more fun.
In this article, we’ll introduce indoor recreation and party game ideas that kids and adults can enjoy.
Try them at get-togethers with friends or at your next party!
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- Perfect for killing time! A roundup of games for three people to enjoy
Shiritori: Word-Chain Game (1–10)
No-English game
How about trying the classic “No English Game” that you often see on TV shows and YouTube? As the name suggests, the rule is simple: speaking English is forbidden.
We actually use a lot of English in everyday conversation, so it’s funny how you can slip up and speak English without realizing it.
Even when you’re bored, just adding this little twist can make your time more fun.
Aburi Karubi Game
The “Aburi Karubi” game is where you keep saying “aburi karubi” over and over until someone fails.
It’s a very simple game: each time you pass the turn to the next person, you increase the number of times you say “aburi karubi” by one.
But try saying “aburi karubi” just once—it’s surprisingly hard to pronounce.
So not only is getting the count wrong a fail, but stumbling over your words is also out! If you gradually speed up the tempo, the difficulty ramps up quickly.
It’s also fun to find other tongue-twisting phrases besides “aburi karubi,” tweak the rules, and play variations!
Limited Shiritori
Ever since we were kids, Shiritori has been an easy go-to for passing the time.
It gets even more fun if you set conditions, like using only three-letter words or anime characters.
Try tailoring it to your group’s interests.
It’s simple and requires no prep, so it’s perfect for long trips or waiting in line at theme parks.
It can even spark new conversations.
A shiritori game where you take the last two characters of the word
https://www.tiktok.com/@kashinoki_kodomoen/video/7461794289694051591Let me introduce a shiritori-style game that uses the last two characters.
You take the final two characters of the previous person’s word, and the next person connects a new word starting from those two characters.
If you can’t connect a word, you lose.
Keeping a clapping rhythm while you play makes it really lively.
Once you get used to the game, try increasing the speed or setting a time limit to make it more exciting.
It’s also fun to limit the theme—like animals or fruits.
It’s a game everyone can enjoy together!
Games of all ages and places
Also known as the Yamanote Line Game, the “Kokon Tozai Game” is a classic pastime that’s long been enjoyed at parties, around campfires, or whenever you have some free time.
The rules are simple: everyone takes turns saying words or phrases that fit a given prompt like “Things that come to mind when you think of ___.” If you can’t answer smoothly in rhythm, or if you repeat something that’s already been said, you’re out.
These days, you can even buy sets that include cards with prompts, but of course you can play without any cards.
If you’re with coworkers or friends who share the same interests, it’s also fun to make up your own prompts, like “Workplace clichés” or “Names of members in an idol group.”
Without Katakana
In everyday life, we often use words written in katakana.
Here, I’d like to introduce “Katakana-nashi,” an activity where you explain a given topic without using katakana.
For example, you show a ball used in PE class and ask, “What is this?” You’ll likely get the answer, “ball.” Next, have them describe the ball without using any katakana.
Children will think of various words in their heads and search for an answer, won’t they? Try switching the roles of questioner and answerer and give it a go.
Reverse word game
One person acts as the questioner, and the game is to guess words that are read backwards.
Three-letter words are fairly easy, but it’s surprisingly difficult when you only hear them.
People vary in how good they are at it, so it’s a game where you can easily determine winners and losers even with a large group.
It’s simple and requires no preparation.