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 (11–20)
Butt tag
@jr_12340301 Good morning! This is Iroha Child Development Support. Our staff tried playing “butt-walking tag”! This is an activity and a game the children also do on their own. We’d appreciate a follow on Instagram as well. Username: jr_12340301After-school day serviceChild Development SupportAfter-school Day Service IrohaChild Development#NeurodevelopmentalDisorders# developmental support (ryōiku)ParentingNaka River#Nakagawa CityOno CastleŌnojō CityKasuga#Kasuga CityFukuoka CityChikushinoChikushino CityTagIndoor Games#Indoor Play#IWantToBeOnTheRecommendations
♬ Original song – jr_12340301 – jr_12340301
When we think of tag, we usually imagine running around as fast as we can, but this is a more relaxed version you can enjoy at an easier pace.
The basic rules are the same as regular tag, but the way you flee and chase is different.
Both the runners and the chaser (the “it”) move forward while sitting with their knees up, using only their bottoms and arms.
You must never stand up! Anyone tagged by “it” becomes the next chaser.
To make it clear who’s “it,” it might be good for that person to wear something noticeable like a hat or a sash.
Since foot speed doesn’t matter here, people can play together regardless of differences in physical ability!
triathlon
Let’s clear the challenges set at each station and aim for the finish! Here’s a triathlon-inspired idea.
A triathlon is a race where you swim, cycle, and run in sequence to reach the goal, right? This time, let’s try playing a game where you aim for the finish by overcoming a series of continuous challenges, just like a triathlon.
In the video, it looks like pairs are cooperating and playing together.
How about incorporating this into your activities with some adaptations?
Physical activity games (21–30)
Newspaper race
@kazenomori.piconursery You can move your body and have fun even indoors!#Nursery schoolA day at the nurseryNursery teacher / Childcare workerChildcareChildcarenewspaper (newsprint)#Indoor Play#Pico Nursery
♬ Athletic Meet “Heaven and Hell” (No Introduction) – Shinonome
Move your body while sitting? A brand-new kind of footrace! Here’s an idea for a newspaper footrace.
A footrace normally means a short-distance race where you run as fast as you can.
Usually, it’s done by running from a set starting point to a finish line, but this time, let’s try a unique version where you compete while seated: the newspaper footrace.
Once you’ve taped sheets of newspaper together into a long strip, you’re ready.
Spread the newspaper out long from underneath the chair, and using only the strength of your legs, pull the newspaper back under the chair.
It’s trickier than you might think, so give it a try!
Towel Drop

This “Towel Drop” activity is recommended for anyone who feels, “I haven’t been getting enough exercise lately,” or “My muscle strength is starting to decline.” With just one towel, you can have fun while addressing everyday inactivity! The rules are very simple.
Sit on a chair and place the prepared towel over your knees.
Then, open and close your legs to see how fast you can make the towel fall.
You can also add variations to this game.
By folding the towel in half or trying it with only one leg, you can change the difficulty, so you can keep enjoying it without getting bored!
Exercise games you can do without equipment

This is a game where you carefully follow the quizmaster’s instructions, judge your actions correctly, and aim to reach the goal faster than anyone else.
You only jump forward when the signals “tobe,” “jump,” or “tonde” are given; if you jump on a different word, you have to return to the starting position and try again.
People with strong jumping ability can get closer to the goal in fewer jumps, and those with good reflexes can clear the instructions accurately—so the rules let each person’s strengths shine.
It also seems like the quizmaster’s sense of how to give confusing instructions will be put to the test.
Crawling tail tag

Here’s a crawling tail-tag game everyone can enjoy.
The runners attach a “tail” to their backside and crawl to escape.
The tagger chases by crawling and tries to grab the tail.
If your tail is taken, do five jumps on the spot to revive and rejoin the game.
Adjust the play area size based on the number of players.
If it’s too large, it can be hard to catch anyone since everyone is crawling.
Choose a moderate space and have fun.
Setting a time limit for each round is recommended.
Indoor Games for Children (1–10)
playing ninja (make-believe)

Ninjas that kids love—let’s all play ninja together! Ninjas are all about stealth.
Move quietly so no one notices you.
When the person in front suddenly turns around and shouts, “Who goes there?”, everyone must freeze perfectly still.
Add variations to make it more fun, like speeding up the tempo little by little or requiring everyone to crouch when the leader turns around.



