A collection of simple indoor recreational games
Looking for team-based games that can get everyone excited indoors? Indoor recreational activities that use open spaces and simple tools actually hide a lot of charm.
From easy games using familiar items like balloons and plastic bottles to idea-driven challenges that make the most of teamwork, we’ll introduce a variety of fun options.
Why not discover new ways to play with your friends and family? Welcome to the world of indoor recreation, where everyone can smile!
- [Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- [Children’s Club] Easy and fun indoor games. Exciting party games
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Games and activities everyone can enjoy together. A collection of fun play ideas.
- Elementary School Fun Day a Big Hit! Indoor Game Idea Collection
- Fun Indoor Games for Elementary School Kids Without Any Equipment
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
Rock-paper-scissors-type games (11–20)
Gyoza Rock-Paper-Scissors
Let’s each throw out something different with rock-paper-scissors! Here’s an idea for “Gyoza Janken.” In this game, rock is meat, scissors are chives, and paper is the wrapper.
At the call, “Let’s make gyoza!” everyone shows rock, scissors, or paper.
If all three are different, the gyoza is complete—say “Itadakimasu!” with energy.
If everyone shows the same thing, shout “We can’t make any ◯◯!” If only two types are shown, shout “We’re missing ◯◯!” It’s a unique game for groups of three!
Rock-Paper-Scissors Wheelbarrow
@mimasakadaigaku A must-see for elementary school teachers! Build bodies while having fun with the “Rock-Paper-Scissors Wheelbarrow” activity! Mimasaka University – Elementary School Teacher – Fun Exercise
♬ Lilac – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a game where pairs form a wheelbarrow (one person holds the other’s legs) and challenge other pairs to rock-paper-scissors; depending on the result, the roles switch.
After each round of rock-paper-scissors, the previous pairs break up.
The winning pair both take the easier role of holding the legs, while the losing pair has to do the tougher role of moving on their hands.
If you keep managing to team up with someone good at rock-paper-scissors, you might make it to the end without suffering, so let’s also see who has the luck of the draw.
It’s a game that lets you enjoy the strategy of the contest while having fun and getting a good workout.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Dash
It’s a game that tests how quickly you can react: you look at the result of rock-paper-scissors and immediately switch to the role that matches the outcome.
The winner becomes the attacker and chases, while the loser takes the defender role and runs away to avoid being caught—both roles must be decided in an instant.
Even if you’re a fast runner, you might lose at rock-paper-scissors, so it seems that balancing different strengths is important.
It’s also a good idea to experiment by making small adjustments, like adopting a stance during rock-paper-scissors that makes it easier to break into a run.
Territory-Janken
Let’s move our bodies and play! Here’s an idea for a territory-taking rock-paper-scissors game.
Two players face off; if you win, take three steps forward, and if it’s a tie, both take one step, racing toward the goal.
It’s fun to see each person get creative—taking big strides or making big jumps to move ahead! You can also customize the rock-paper-scissors itself, like using your whole body for “body rock-paper-scissors” or using your feet for “foot rock-paper-scissors.” It’s a great way to have fun while inventing ideas together with the kids.
King Janken
A King Rock-Paper-Scissors game everyone can get excited about.
The rules are simple: everyone plays rock-paper-scissors, and the child who keeps winning until the end becomes the first King.
If a participant loses to the King, they go to the back of the line.
If they beat the King, they switch places and become the new King.
The child who remains King at the end of the time limit is the winner.
The thrill of competition and cheering will further boost the atmosphere.
It’s also recommended to prepare a crown for the King to wear.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Balance Challenge
It’s a game where, depending on the rock-paper-scissors result, each player balances in a specific way, aiming to become more stable than the opponent.
If you win rock-paper-scissors, the basic posture is standing on one leg for 5 seconds.
If you lose, you spin 3 times before taking the one-legged stance, and if it’s a tie, you spin 2 times before the stance.
If you can maintain the one-legged stance, you proceed to the next round of rock-paper-scissors.
The more you lose in a row, the harder it becomes to keep your balance.
A fun twist is that even if you don’t win the rock-paper-scissors, you might still win overall if your sense of balance is good.
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!