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
Handmade Craft Game (1–10)
PET bottle darts
This is “PET Bottle Darts,” a game that helps build concentration.
All you need are a 2-liter plastic bottle and a few wooden chopsticks.
The rules are simple: from above waist height, drop a chopstick into the bottle’s mouth placed on the floor.
It looks easy, but it’s surprisingly tricky! The bottle opening is actually quite narrow.
That’s why it feels so satisfying and fun when a chopstick hits the mark and goes in.
It’s great for indoor recreation, and it really gets exciting if you turn it into a team competition—highly recommended.
Stacking Game
This is a stacking game you can play using only plastic bottle caps.
You can simply see how many caps you can stack within a time limit, or try building a pyramid shape.
The pressure of the time limit adds a thrilling sense of tension that can make stacking tricky.
It would be great for team play, too.
Using small objects to move your fingers makes it useful as an educational toy for children, and it can help stimulate the brain.
It’s also nice that plastic bottles we usually throw away can be repurposed as toys.
Indoor Curling Game
This is a game where you try indoor “curling,” like the kind you often see at the Winter Olympics.
Draw a target on a sheet of paper, place it in the center, and throw beanbags or balls aiming for the middle.
You can block your opponent or go straight for the center—it’s sure to get exciting! It’s fun as a team competition or a one-on-one match.
Stick topple game
Bundle some disposable chopsticks and place them inside a tube, like the core of a tape roll.
Stand it upright on a table so it’s well balanced, then take turns pulling out chopsticks; whoever makes it fall loses.
It’s quick to make, so it seems like a fun, game-like way for a family to decide something.
Paper Cup Fort Relay Game
When you can’t play outside, the “Paper-Cup Territory Push Game” is a great option.
It’s a two-player game: place empty paper cups along the center line of a table.
For one minute, use a fan to create wind from your own side to push the cups into your opponent’s territory; whoever pushes more cups over wins.
A minute is surprisingly long, so even if you fall behind at first, you can turn things around with a late push.
Since you move your arms, it’s a nice way to get a bit of activity indoors.
If you’re looking for a light, indoor physical game, give it a try! It’s a hit with seniors, too.
Mini bowling
Let’s try playing bowling indoors! With mini bowling, you don’t need much space and it’s easy to enjoy.
If you don’t have a mini bowling set, how about making your own pins using empty bottles or plastic bottles? Have fun adding weights inside and decorating the outside.
You could also vary the point values by using plastic bottles of different sizes!
Fluffy Tennis Using Scrap Materials
Here’s an idea for fluffy tennis using recycled materials.
Tennis usually involves a racket and a ball, but this time let’s try tennis using a plastic bottle and a bag! You’ll need a plastic bottle, a bag, stickers, a pen, and masking tape.
Draw your favorite illustrations on the bag, then fill it with air.
Decorating the plastic bottle freely with masking tape and stickers will get everyone excited.
Work together to keep the softly floating bag from falling.
Picture-matching card game
A simple indoor recreation: a picture-matching card game.
Prepare several pairs of your favorite images, along with cardboard, a utility knife, scissors, and glue.
Carefully cut the cardboard into pieces of the same size and glue the images on to make cards.
Make a duplicate of each card, and create several pairs in this way.
Turn the cards face down and play a matching game like Concentration (Memory).
It’s a fun activity that also helps train fine motor skills, memory, concentration, and thinking, so it’s highly recommended.
Paper Cup Jenga
Let’s enjoy the thrill! Here are some ideas for Paper Cup Jenga.
Jenga is a simple party game played with wooden blocks, where players take turns removing blocks from a stacked tower without toppling it.
This time, let’s put a twist on Jenga—fun for both kids and adults—using paper cups and printer paper.
It’s also great because setup and cleanup are easy.
It’s perfect for recess or short breaks, so give it a try!
Handmade Craft Games (11–20)
ball basket
A ball toss game using cardboard is also simple and fun.
First, unfold the flaps of the cardboard box, secure them with packing tape, and make it into a deep box shape.
Next, draw your favorite shapes on the cardboard and cut them out with a utility knife.
Since cardboard is sturdy, the cutting should be done by an adult.
After freely drawing around the holes, crumple newspaper into balls and secure them with tape to make the balls.
Having plenty of balls is recommended so the game can continue without stopping.
Try playing to see if you can get the balls into the target holes!
