[Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
When a large group gathers indoors and you think, “Let’s do something fun!”, do you ever find yourselves surprisingly stuck for ideas? In this article, we introduce simple games that are perfect for getting everyone excited, including team battles and cooperative play.
From games that require almost no props to ones you can play easily with everyday items, we’ve gathered activities ideal for indoor recreation.
Games that you progress through by cooperating naturally spark conversation and deepen relationships! There are also slightly brain-teasing games that adults will especially enjoy, so be sure to give them a try together.
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Active games using the body (1–10)
human disentanglement puzzle
A lot of people are probably looking for icebreaker activities that help them get along with people they’re meeting for the first time.
As such an activity, the “Human Knot” is highly recommended.
In this game, all participants randomly hold hands and then work their way through each other’s arms to form a single circle.
It naturally involves light physical contact, making it perfect for helping people warm up to each other.
balloon volleyball
Balloon Volleyball is an easy and safe game that even people who aren’t good at sports can enjoy.
It’s basically volleyball played with a balloon instead of a ball.
You don’t have to follow strict volleyball rules to have fun, but if you want to play by clear rules, here are some examples: for instance, everyone on the team must touch the balloon at least once before sending it back to the opponent’s court, and while the balloon is on your side, each person may touch it up to two times.
Because a balloon floats lightly and moves unpredictably compared to a regular ball, it’s surprisingly tricky—but that’s exactly what makes it so fun!
Tail-tag game
Popular among kids, the “Tail Tag Game” is also a lively, fun game for adults.
First, attach a long, thin towel or a strip of crepe paper to the back of each player’s pants.
At the starting signal, try to protect your own tail while going after your opponent’s.
If you manage to grab your opponent’s tail, you win; if your tail is taken, you lose.
You can play one-on-one, or, if you have a large space, have everyone play at once.
When everyone plays together, try different formats: team battles, or declaring the person who collects the most tails the winner—there are lots of ways to enjoy it.
Twister game
If you’re looking for a game that helps you break the ice with people you’ve just met, Twister is a great option.
Players stand on a mat covered with colored circles and place the specified hand or foot on the color that’s called out.
You’re not allowed to move any other hands or feet, so you can end up in awkward positions and even bump into each other.
The physical contact makes it easy to get closer naturally.
Just be careful not to overdo it and strain a muscle or get hurt! (lol)
Hula hoop down
Simple yet exciting, the surprisingly tricky “Hula Hoop Down.” Participants form a circle, extend their index fingers, and rest a hula hoop on top.
At the starting signal, everyone slowly lowers their fingers toward the floor, aiming to set the hoop down.
It’s a success if the hoop reaches the floor; however, if even one person’s finger loses contact with the hoop at any time, it’s a failure.
It sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly hard—somehow the balance slips, fingers come off, or the hoop tilts.
It’s a game that really requires teamwork.
Human finger smartphone (likely shorthand for smartphone operated by human finger)
Yubi-suma is a game where you raise your thumb while saying things like “Issē-no-de 1” or “Yubi-suma 3.” “Human Yubi-suma” is the full-body version.
Everyone starts with their faces down; when a number is called along with the usual Yubi-suma chant, you either lift your face (like raising your thumb) or keep it down.
If the number said matches the number of people who lifted their faces, the caller wins and leaves the circle.
If it doesn’t match, they stay.
The person who can’t leave the circle by the end loses.
It’s a different kind of fun from playing with just your thumbs!
Hand-push sumo
“Teoshi-sumo” is a game where two people face each other and push using only their hands.
Unlike regular sumo, even those who feel less fit than in their school days can enjoy it! The rules are simple: face each other and push against your opponent’s hands with both of your hands.
However, you must not move from where you’re standing.
The person who loses their balance and falls loses! It’s sure to get the adults fired up and competitive!