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 the Body and Mind (41–50)
One-bridge tickle-tickle
This is the hand-play song “Ipponbashi Kocho-Kocho.” You pretend the child’s hand is a bridge, and the other person’s hand pinches, taps, and tickles as it goes across.
In the end, after crossing the bridge, you tickle not just the arm but the whole body.
Kids are so sensitive to tickling, aren’t they? Some even start laughing just from hearing the word “kocho-kocho.”
Indoor games for parents and children: Fun activities using the body and mind (51–60)
Quick Towel Grab Showdown
Here’s a towel quick-grab showdown that gets exciting with just one towel.
The game is played by two people.
Stand back-to-back with about one towel’s length of distance between you, and place both hands on top of your head.
When someone says “Ready, go!” both players go for the towel.
The one who grabs it first wins.
If it’s a tie, it’s fun to try again.
Give this simple and enjoyable towel challenge a try! It might help improve your reaction speed and concentration.
Hula hoop tunnel
A team competition called “Hula Hoop Pass.” Everyone stands in a line holding hands.
Place a hula hoop on the person at the front, and without using hands, pass the hoop along to the next person using only body movements.
You must not let go of hands during the relay.
Keep passing it to the person next to you, and the team whose hoop reaches the goal first wins.
If you have fewer people, doing a down-and-back (out-and-back) route still makes it exciting.
origami
Origami is a traditional pastime that people of all ages—from small children to the elderly—can enjoy.
There are countless folding methods, from simple designs that even children who struggle with crafts can handle to intricate, detailed creations that make you think, “You can make that with origami?” You can fold freely however you like, or try creating a grand project by connecting many small folded parts.
You can display your pieces, play with them, or give them as gifts—there are many ways to enjoy them even after you finish folding.
There are also plenty of videos that explain how to fold various designs, so feel free to use them as references.
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.
Wobbly Shiritori
Let’s play a brain-and-body game called “Wobbly Shiritori”! Face each other on all fours, such as on a yoga mat.
Stretch one arm and the opposite leg straight, and place a plastic bottle between the two of you.
In that position, play shiritori.
After you say your word, use the hand you’re keeping extended to pass the bottle in the middle to your partner.
Repeat: say a word, then pass.
If you lose your balance and put your hand or foot down, or if you say a word that ends with “n,” you lose.
This pose also helps strengthen your core!