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!
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- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
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Indoor games for children (11–20)
Gorilla Game
Let me introduce a game that will have your class roaring with laughter: the Gorilla Game.
Choose one child in the classroom, and have them answer every question from the questioner with the word “Gorilla.” For example, if the question is, “What did you eat for breakfast today?” the child answers, “Gorilla.” Of course, the questioner should react with a funny comeback to the “Gorilla” answer.
This back-and-forth will make the kids burst into laughter.
Make sure the final question sets up a punchline.
Also, the questioner’s reactions are key—add some facial expressions to make it even more exciting.
Arm Wrestling Tournament
Arm wrestling: all you need is a table and you can do it anywhere! From adults to kids, almost everyone has tried it at least once.
There are probably many dads who shed a tear when the child who could never beat them finally grew up and won.
The basics are simple: rest your elbows on the table, lock hands with your opponent, and whoever presses the back of the opponent’s hand—or their whole arm—down onto the table wins.
There are various rules too, like not putting your body weight into it or not moving your upper body excessively.
It’s something you can do in a spare moment, so try it with your family or friends to kill some time!
kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)
Kotorokotoro is a game that seems to have evolved from tag.
Unlike tag, where you chase each other around a large area, the key point is that it can be played even in a small space.
The game is played with two sides: one “it” and several children.
The children form a line by placing their hands on the person in front of them.
The “it” wins by tagging the person at the very end of the line; if the time runs out without a tag, the children win.
If the line breaks at any point, the children lose.
Quick footwork on the spot is likely the key to victory.
123 game
A no-equipment, easy-to-play activity! Here’s an idea for the 123 Game.
It’s a simple and effective game that leverages English learning.
First, say, “Put your hands out!” Then teach three words and their gestures, and participants choose one and act it out.
If they choose the same one as the teacher, they’re out—great for building attention and quick reactions.
This game lets learners move their bodies while using English without any props, and it provides a practical way to use and remember the words they’ve learned!
Card Flipping Game
A card-flipping game where you flip floor-laid cards to your team’s color.
First, lay out many two-sided cards on the floor, each side a different color.
At the start, make sure the same number of cards are face up for each color.
When the signal is given, flip any cards that aren’t your team’s color to turn them into your team’s color.
Even if the other team flips them back, you can re-flip as many times as you want within the time limit.
In the end, the team that has flipped more cards to their own color wins! It’s surprisingly active, so if you feel your child might not be getting enough exercise, give it a try.
domino toppling
It’s the “domino toppling” everyone knows! Even if you’ve heard of it, there may not be many people who’ve actually tried it.
For those who have, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of someone accidentally knocking them over after you worked so hard to set them up, making it feel like there’s no end in sight.
But the sense of accomplishment when you finish setting them all up and finally topple them is amazing, isn’t it? It’s fun for all ages, so if you’d like, give it a try at least once!
Spinning tops
Many of you probably played with spinning tops when you were little, right? It’s a traditional pastime that’s been around for ages, and it’s surprisingly deep—once adults start playing, they often find themselves getting really into it.
There are also various tricks you can try, so if you have time, definitely give those a shot!
Russian amidakuji
Get ready for big laughs with prepared penalties and rewards! Here are some ideas for a Russian-style Amidakuji.
Amidakuji is that lottery game where you draw two or more vertical lines on paper, hide labels like “win/lose” at the ends, and each person chooses a starting point to see where they end up, right? This time, let’s try a Russian Amidakuji with penalty games prepared.
The video we’re introducing shows four people playing, but it’s a game you can enjoy with excitement and suspense even with just two players!
Indoor games for children (21–30)
Color tag
Let’s learn colors in English! Here’s a color tag game idea.
Ask the tagger, “What color do you want?” The tagger answers, “I want [color]!” Players then find the specified color somewhere in the room and try to avoid being tagged.
It’s a simple game that helps you learn color names in English while moving your body, and it also develops reaction speed and attention.
With this method, you’ll naturally pick up English color vocabulary through play, gaining both fun and learning at the same time!
The cup game that requires cooperation
@justjol_ #schoolactivity#teambuilding#teambuildinggames#teamwork#indoorgames#amazingrace#GSP
♬ School Activity – Daily Music
You can only clear the game if everyone who joins works together! Here’s an idea for a cooperation-required cup game.
It’s great for strengthening class unity and building bonds.
It also takes little prep, so give it a try.
All you need are paper cups, a rubber band, and strings.
Tie one string per participant to the rubber band and you’re ready to go! Aim to clear the challenge by arranging or stacking the paper cups.
The key is controlling your strength!