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
Physical activity games (1–10)
Hand-push sumo
Many of you may have played this on rainy days when you were kids: “hand push sumo.” You can’t move your feet, you only use your hands, and touching with anything other than your hands is not allowed.
The offensive and defensive feints—thrusting and pulling your hands—make it fascinating, and it takes skill, making it a surprisingly deep game!
Finger Catch
A game anyone can enjoy right away with no equipment: Finger Catch.
Stand in a circle.
Raise the index finger of your right hand, and make a ring with your left hand.
Put your right index finger into the ring made by the person on your right, and let the person on your left put their right index finger into the ring you made with your left hand.
Once you’re set, the leader calls out “Catch!” At that moment, quickly pull your index finger out of your neighbor’s ring while trying to grab your other neighbor’s finger with your left-hand ring.
If you manage to slip your own finger out and catch your neighbor’s finger, you win! For the leader, it’s fun to fake out the group by saying words that start with “ca-” before saying “catch.”
The Human Chair
A slightly mysterious game called “Human Chair.” Four people sit on chairs.
They sit sideways and place their heads on the knees of the person behind them.
Once all four have their heads resting on the knees of the person behind, someone removes the chairs they were sitting on.
Then, even though there are no chairs, for some reason everyone can keep their posture, leaning back on the person behind them.
It might be more fun to watch than to actually do!
Butt-walking relay
The “butt-walking relay” is a game where you compete to see who can scoot along on their bottom the fastest.
It looks simple, but moving on your butt takes some technique and really wears you out.
Still, it’s a fun game where you won’t know who will win until the very end, even when kids go up against adults.
Give it a try when you feel like you might not be getting enough exercise.
Quick Towel Grab Showdown
This is a towel grab race to see who can pick up a towel from the floor the fastest.
First, spread a bath towel on the floor, and have the participants stand with their backs to the towel.
It’s recommended to play one-on-one, but depending on the towel’s size, you might be able to play with about four people.
When the person acting as the caller gives the signal, everyone, still facing away, quickly feels around and grabs the towel from the floor.
Until the signal, keep your hands on top of your head.
The person who grabs the towel the fastest wins.
It’s easy to set up, so give it a try!
Tag Rugby Game
Recommended for elementary school students too! Here are some ideas for tag rugby games.
Tag rugby is a sport based on rugby where, instead of tackling the opponent, the game progresses by removing tags attached to the players’ waists.
For example, one of the five play ideas shown in the video is a game where you set up three cones and run laps around them while trying to take your opponent’s tag.
Give them a try and see how they work for you!
Physical Activity Games (11–20)
Reaction game using markers
It’s a game where players compete to see who can grab a specified marker fastest from a circle of markers in various colors.
There’s a cone placed at the center of the marker circle, so the game starts with everyone running around that cone.
The key is that everyone runs in the same direction, and the caller will either give an instruction to switch running direction or call out a color.
It’s a game that tests each player’s reflexes, where predicting when a color will be called—and which color it will be—is also important.
