Games that get the whole family excited! A collection of ideas you can start right away with no equipment
Looking for games the whole family can enjoy? Here are fun activities that anyone can join in on without using game consoles or smartphones.
Enjoy keeping time to a rhythm, get everyone laughing with gesture games, and spend a lively time using both your mind and body! We’ve gathered plenty of fun games that create smiles and a warm atmosphere—even without any props.
They’re great for all generations to play together, naturally strengthening family bonds.
So, what will you play to get everyone excited today?
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Family-Fun Games! A Collection of Ideas You Can Start Right Now Without Any Equipment (21–30)
Gesture Telephone Game
Let’s enjoy a gesture-only telephone game where you communicate without using words.
Form teams of about five or six people.
Once you line up in a single file, the first person checks the prompt.
Pass the prompt to the next person using only gestures, making your movements big and clear.
The last person gives the final answer to the prompt.
Exaggerating your gestures and adding facial expressions may make it easier to convey the message.
And if it doesn’t get across, thinking about how to make it clearer is part of what makes this game fun.
Magical Banana
A Magical Banana game where clapping and rhythm are key.
The first person says, “When you say banana, I think of ___,” filling in a word by association.
The next person keeps the rhythm and continues saying what the word makes them think of.
Keep the rhythm going by saying the phrase “When you say ___” each time.
Once everyone gets used to the game, speed it up by increasing the clapping and rhythm tempo.
The main point is to say your associations in time with the rhythm; if you can’t say one in time, restart on the spot and try again.
Tongue Twister Challenge
The tongue twister challenge is a recreational activity that everyone can enjoy together, no matter their age.
The key is to read the designated phrase quickly without stumbling over the words.
The facilitator should demonstrate first; if they deliberately slip up, it can help participants relax and ease their nerves.
Start by practicing slowly at first, and once everyone gets used to it, gradually increase the speed.
It can also be fun to play in teams and compete for the best time.
Association & Shiritori Game
The “Association Shiritori Game,” which combines word association and shiritori, is a very fun game that strengthens creativity and thinking skills.
The first player picks a theme and chooses either association or shiritori, then passes it to the next player.
The next player responds with either something associated with the theme or a word that connects via shiritori.
The key is that each player, when their turn comes, can instantly choose whether to go with association or shiritori on the spot.
Focus and quick thinking might be crucial.
It can get really lively with a large group.
after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors
Ato-dashi rock-paper-scissors looks simple, but it’s actually a great brain-training game that makes you think! The rules are easy: after your opponent plays, you choose rock, paper, or scissors that will beat what they showed.
After trying a few rounds, challenge yourself with the version where you deliberately lose on the follow-up.
Quickly figuring out how to win or lose at rock-paper-scissors, and making big movements with your fingers, provides just the right amount of stimulation for your brain.
It’s quick and fun, so it’s also recommended as a casual game to play with your family!
Atama-Oshiri Game
The fresh, TV-famous rhythm game “Atama-Oshiri Game”! In time with the music, you answer by connecting the first and last letters of the word presented.
You have 10 seconds, and the key to winning is whether you can come up with longer words or more letters.
It tests both speed and creativity, so everyone can have fun cranking their brains together.
On the show, Banana Man and Sandwich Man take on the challenge, with unexpected answers being a highlight.
Enjoy laughs and edge-of-your-seat moments.
It’s a recommended game that gets families and friends pumped up while training rhythm and quick thinking at the same time.
Who am I? game
Liven up your New Year’s with 10 “Who am I?” quiz questions! Each question comes with three hints, and you use the clues to figure out the answer.
For example: “I have a red body and I’m always standing with my mouth open,” “I used to be round, but now my body is more angular,” and “Someone comes at the same time every day to take what’s inside me.” By reading the hints carefully and using your imagination, you’ll enjoy the thrill of arriving at the answer.
It’s great for all ages—from young children to adults—and helps develop thinking and observation skills.
It’s a game where you can feel the excitement of guessing correctly and enjoy discussing the hints with friends.