Indoor games for parents and children: fun activities that use the body and the mind
We’ve gathered indoor games that parents and children can enjoy together.
These include traditional hand-play songs and play rhymes you can do without any equipment, as well as active movement games that let kids use their whole bodies.
It’s a rich collection perfect for parent–child activities in preschools and elementary schools, and for everyday play at home!
If you’re looking for “simple activities that help kids and adults connect,” please feel free to use this as a reference.
Have a blast—kids will be thrilled!
And for adults, it’s a great way to get some much-needed exercise!
- [Parent-Child Rec] Recreational activities and games for parents and children to enjoy together—also great for sports days.
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Fun Indoor Games for Elementary School Kids Without Any Equipment
- [For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games
- Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare settings and at parent–child observation days.
- [For Kids] Exciting Class-vs-Class Games: Team Competition Activities
- Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]
- Elementary School Fun Day a Big Hit! Indoor Game Idea Collection
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Games that liven up social and networking gatherings
- [Kindergarten/Daycare] Games and Performances for Fun Events
Indoor games for parents and children: Fun activities using body and mind (1–10)
Butt touch
If you’re looking for an easy indoor activity to get moving, we recommend “Butt Tag.” In this game, a parent and child hold hands with one hand and spin around trying to touch each other’s butt.
It’s great because you can play even in a small space.
Adjust the speed so it’s just on the edge of being able to tag—this makes it exciting, and your child is sure to have fun!
Interactive play song ‘Tickle Tickle Train’
Here’s a game called “Tickle Train” that even small children who can’t walk steadily can enjoy.
Move their feet (or other parts) to the rhythm while singing.
Partway through the song, make an announcement that you’re about to arrive at a station—but the station name is a body part.
Say things like “tummy,” “feet,” or “cheeks,” and tickle that spot.
If you make the last stop the “Underarm Station,” which is the most ticklish, it’ll be extra fun and lively! Kids in kindergarten and even elementary school will probably love it, too.
Newspaper Island
If you lose at rock-paper-scissors, your territory is cut in half! Welcome to the thrilling Newspaper Island game.
Everyone stands on their own spread-out newspaper and plays rock-paper-scissors.
The winner stays as is, while the loser must fold their newspaper in half.
The newspaper island keeps getting smaller and smaller, and the player who eventually steps off their island loses.
It’s a very simple game that only uses rock-paper-scissors and doesn’t involve running around, so it’s perfect for indoor play! Clear a space to spread out the newspapers and give it a try.
Indoor Games for Parents and Children: Fun Activities Using Body and Mind (11–20)
100-yen shop board games
Board games are becoming popular among a wide range of people, from adults to children, with specialty shops popping up one after another.
In fact, you can find various types of board games even at 100-yen shops.
From games where players race to grab the token of the animal that matches the flipped card, to games where you compete on the total points in your hand, there’s a great selection with simple, easy-to-understand rules! Since games can get boring after you play them many times, you might hesitate to buy them—but at 100 yen, it’s easy to pick them up without worry!
Dance “Pittanko Dance”
A hugely popular Keropons number for kids! It’s a dance where parents and children keep parts of their bodies—like cheeks or knees—stuck together while they dance, which is sure to delight little ones.
It involves plenty of physical contact and even weaves in playful, goofy moments as you dance, making it so fun that once you play it, they’ll probably beg to do it again and again!
Rolling dodgeball
A safe and fun rolling dodgeball game for parents and kids to enjoy together! With the usual rules of throwing the ball, it’s hard to play indoors, but in rolling dodgeball—where you roll the ball and aim below the knees—the ball won’t fly too far, so you can play safely inside.
Since it won’t hit anyone’s face, even children who are afraid of balls may find it easier to join in.
It’s also perfect for getting some exercise during times when it’s hard to go outside.
Give it a try with the whole family!
Play Song “On the Bus”
When it comes to things little kids love, whether boys or girls, vehicles like cars and buses are a big hit! Many children love going out, and lots of them often draw buses and cars in their pictures.
This activity lets you sit side by side with your child, sing along, and enjoy doing bus-driving motions together.
It’s perfect for rainy days or any time you can’t go outside.