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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- [Part 2] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for December
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- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
Balloon and Ball Play (1–10)
Strikeout
Struck Out is a game where you throw a ball at a board with numbers on it.
When the section of the board you hit pops out, you earn the number of points written there.
The most common type uses a 3×3 grid of nine targets, and you often see celebrities try it on TV shows! You might think you need a special board to play, but you can easily make one yourself using cardboard or wooden boards.
Even if you don’t make a version where the numbers pop out, you can play endlessly by simply awarding points whenever the ball hits a numbered section.
Bomb Game
The Bomb Game is played by sitting in a circle and passing around a balloon while answering prompts.
For example, if the prompt is “animal names,” players would answer with lion, elephant, rabbit, and so on.
The game has a time limit, and when time is up, the balloon “explodes,” and the person holding it loses.
Don’t worry, though—the balloon doesn’t actually explode.
You might feel pressured to pass it quickly, but be careful: if someone gives the same answer as someone else, the balloon will “explode” as well.
Balloon beanbag toss
Let’s try a beanbag-toss style game using balloons, where you aim to get them into a basket placed up high.
Participants each hold a uchiwa fan and swat the balloons to send them flying into the basket.
Since balloons get blown around by the wind, play indoors.
Also, it’s better if the basket isn’t too high.
If you don’t have a traditional basket for the game, you can put a stand on a table and place a basket on top.
Balloons don’t fly straight, and it’s hard to aim where they’ll land—but that’s part of the fun! Give it a try with everyone.
Balloon target shooting
In the balloon target game, you hang balloons with strings on a wall as targets and play by throwing balls at them.
You can use store-bought balls, or you can make one by crumpling newspaper and securing it with tape.
Young children will have fun just throwing the ball, but if you want to increase the difficulty, try changing the size of the balloons.
You can also write numbers on the target balloons and award points based on the numbers hit, turning it into a points competition with others.
Be careful not to hit people around you with the ball while playing.
Balloon and ball play (11–20)
Balloon release
Use tape to mark a frame on the floor and place inflated balloons inside it.
Give each participant beanbags, and at the start signal, have them aim at the balloons.
It’s a success if they can knock all the balloons out of the frame! This game can be played while seated, so it’s recommended for older adults.
Also, beanbags don’t bounce or fly off like balls, making it easy to gather them after throwing.
You can compete for the fastest time to clear all the balloons, or have two people play simultaneously and see who can knock out more balloons.
Balloon Soccer
Great for first-time soccer players! Here are some balloon soccer ideas.
Many parents may want to enjoy soccer together with their children.
This is a recommended idea when you’re unsure where to start playing soccer.
All you need is a balloon.
First, use the balloon as a stand-in for a ball and get used to the rules.
It’s good to help kids get a feel for body movement and eye coordination through activities like juggling with the thighs or toes and heading with the head.
Balloon Tennis
Kids’ smiles bursting with joy! Here are some balloon tennis ideas.
Tennis is usually played with a racket and a tennis ball, right? In the video, they’re using rackets with Anpanman illustrations.
Using larger-than-normal balloons might make it easier to hit with the racket.
Since balloons can easily be carried away by the wind, if you play balloon tennis outdoors, it’s best to choose a spacious area and a day with little wind.
It’s also a fun idea for indoor play.