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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- [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
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- [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!
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- Elementary School Fun Day a Big Hit! Indoor Game Idea Collection
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- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
Indoor Games for Children (1–10)
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.
A Day in the Life of Daruma
If you find the classic “Daruma-san ga Koronda” a bit underwhelming, try playing “Daruma-san’s Day”! The basics are the same: you approach the It (the tagger) and try to touch them while they’re not looking, then run away.
The twist is that you can change the word “koronda” in the chant “Daruma-san ga koronda” to anything you like, and everyone must follow that setting.
For example, if it’s “Daruma-san fell asleep,” players must strike a sleeping pose.
If someone fails to pose correctly or the It doesn’t accept the pose, they get caught.
Try lots of variations and have fun!
Indoor games for children (11–20)
Tissue Catch
Let’s spice up rainy days indoors with “tissue catch,” a game enjoyed on popular variety shows.
The rules are simple: just grab a fluttering tissue as it falls from above.
Try adjusting the difficulty—catch it with your non-dominant hand, or use chopsticks to pick it up.
You can also set a time limit and compete to see how many tissues you can catch within the time.
It actually uses more of your body than you’d expect, making it perfect for getting some exercise when you can’t go outside!
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.
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!