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 (51–60)
Aiko, then go!
Let’s enjoy a reflex-based game! Here’s an idea for Aikode-Don.
This is a one-on-one game where you face each other and start in a seiza (kneeling) position.
With rock-paper-scissors, people usually focus on winning or losing, but in this game the key moment is when it’s a tie! The instant you both throw the same hand (a tie), try to stand up faster than your opponent! Once you get used to the game, try changing the sitting style to gym sit (hugging knees) or long sit with legs extended.
You can also increase the difficulty by adding a rule that you must stand up without using your hands!
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.
Jigsaw puzzle
Let’s have fun with a jigsaw puzzle using your favorite picture! That’s right—the fun starts with making the puzzle itself.
Prepare a sheet with your favorite image, some cardboard, and glue.
Stick the picture onto the cardboard, then cut a few centimeters inside the edges to separate the frame from the puzzle section.
Since it’s homemade, you can adjust the number and size of the pieces to suit your child’s age.
Try making one with your child’s favorite animal or character!
Indoor Games for Parents and Children: Fun Activities Using Body and Mind (61–70)
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.
Plastic Bottle Bowling
Here’s a popular indoor activity: plastic bottle bowling.
Prepare 10 empty plastic bottles and add a small amount of water to each to stabilize them.
Wrap construction paper around the bottles to decorate them.
Once ready, line up the bottles and get a safe rubber ball.
Let the children roll the ball and enjoy plastic bottle bowling.
Count how many bottles fall to determine the winner.
Adjust the rolling distance based on the children’s age by making it longer or shorter.
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).