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!
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Indoor games for parents and children: Fun activities using the body and mind (51–60)
Water balloon catch
Gently catch the squishy water balloons! It’s a game of catch using water balloons that can burst whether you grip them tightly or miss the catch.
It’s a simple play of softly throwing and receiving, but water balloons are extremely delicate.
They’re sized to fit in a child’s hand and are easy to catch, yet if you grab them with the force you would a regular ball, they’ll pop.
It’s recommended for indoor play, but if you mess up, your room could get soaked… It might be better to practice in the yard or at a park to get the hang of it before trying it indoors.
Making a balloon helicopter
This is a balloon helicopter that you play with by attaching a handmade propeller to an inflated balloon! Attach a propeller made from a straw and origami to the mouth of the inflated balloon.
Then just let go of the balloon! The escaping air spins the propeller and lifts the balloon into the air.
Making the propeller and inflating the balloon may be a bit difficult for small children.
That’s why it’s perfect as an activity to enjoy together with a parent or guardian! It’s fun not only indoors but also in open spaces like parks where you can launch it and watch it fly.
Can you do things like this and that?
Here’s a game you can enjoy with just two people: “Can you do this and that?” In this game, when someone says, “Can you do this and that?”, the participants imitate what was said while simply replying, “Yes, we can do this and that.” The person giving the prompts should start with simple, easy-to-understand actions.
The key is to make them gradually more difficult.
It’s a game that people of all ages—from children to adults—can enjoy, so try taking turns giving prompts and challenge the game with your friends or family!
Play song ‘Mochitsuki Pettan’
Sticky yet pleasantly chewy to the touch—mochi! Many children are delighted when mochi becomes a snack during New Year’s and the winter season, aren’t they? This is a game where you touch along with a song about mochi together with your child.
At the end, give them a big, squishy hug like mochi!
The Little Bird’s Move
This is a game like tag called “Little Birds Moving House.” However, the children who are running away stay seated and move in a tuck-sitting (knees hugged) position.
It’s more exciting when the tagger is a dad, mom, or another adult.
At the tagger’s signal, “Time to move house!”, the children move from where they are to the opposite side, trying not to get caught.
The tagger can add a bit of a scary performance—pretend to be a wild animal and chase them with growls and sound effects.
If you’re playing outside, you can add variations, like moving on one leg.
Psychological rock-paper-scissors
@cocoskip♪ Original song – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪ – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪
A new twist on invisible rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for psychological rock-paper-scissors.
In this game, you face each other with a wall between you so neither can see the other’s hand.
Talk it out with lines like, “I’m throwing ___,” or “Are you throwing ___?” and try to guess what your opponent is showing.
You can change your throw until the time limit is up.
When time’s up, who’s winning? It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding way to play.
Cleaning battle with uchiwa fans
Fan paper cups with a uchiwa and have a cleaning showdown! Put a tape mark in the center of the table and place paper cups evenly all over.
Once you’re standing by on both sides holding your uchiwa, start at the “Ready, go!” signal and fan from a low position to push the paper cups into your opponent’s territory.
The player with fewer cups left in their own territory at the end wins! The key is to fan as if you’re slapping the uchiwa against the table.
It could be even more fun if everyone draws pictures on the paper cups beforehand and you play with colorful cups.
Spinning Mat Demon
For a high-intensity mat activity, we recommend “Guruguru Mat Tag.” In this game, you line up mats lengthwise and move around them imitating animals, like a game of tag.
The tagger stands outside the circle and gives a signal.
At the signal, the people inside the circle hide part of their body under the mat.
The rule is that until they finish hiding, they might get caught by the tagger.
Enjoy the fun of pretending to be animals and the thrill of possibly being caught.
Hide-and-seek
One game everyone has played: hide-and-seek.
Little kids love hide-and-seek, don’t they? It’s a fun game with the thrill of “Can you really hide there?” and the excitement of worrying you might be found.
It’s a classic, and while it’s great to hide in big spaces like parks, playing in familiar places—like at home—can be just as fun.
There are fewer hiding spots, but that actually makes it more exciting.
When it comes to playing indoors, adults might be at a bit of a disadvantage (lol).
hopscotch
Hopscotch—parents might find themselves getting nostalgic and jumping in, too! When we were kids, we’d draw the course with chalk on the asphalt in front of the house.
You can also enjoy it indoors using masking tape or foam mats.
As you chant “Ken-ken-pa!” you hop on one foot, land with both feet, and aim for the goal, keeping the rhythm and not making mistakes.
If you lose the rhythm or step outside the course, you’re out.
Try different variations like time trials and have fun!