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
Balloon and ball play (11–20)
Balloon Trampoline
Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.
The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.
All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.
Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.
Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!
Boccia
Let me introduce a ball game called “Boccia.” The white ball is the target ball.
Divide into red and blue teams, and each team throws its red or blue balls toward the white target ball.
The goal is to see how close your team’s balls can get to the target ball to score points.
Discuss and decide the throwing order.
The team with the higher total score wins.
Where you throw from and how you throw are also important.
It’s a fun game for both adults and children—give it a try!
Ball Drop Game
In today’s world, not only adults but also young children are familiar with digital games.
This time, let’s step away from the digital realm and try a simple, everyone-can-enjoy “Ball Drop Game”! First, make a ping-pong-ball-sized hole in a box lid, place a ping pong ball inside, and close the box.
That’s all you need to prepare the game.
The rules are very simple: if you can take the ping pong ball out through the hole, you win.
It’s an easy, gentle activity that small children can enjoy, too.
Perfect for rainy days!
Ball-catching game
Here’s a game called “Ball Grab” that can strengthen concentration and decision-making.
First, two people stand facing each other with a ball placed between them.
It’s a simple game where the person who grabs the ball first when the caller says “Ball” wins.
The caller also says other words like “head,” “shoulders,” or “butt,” and the players must touch that body part accordingly while waiting.
Because you have to listen carefully, react, and move your body, it also helps build quick reflexes.
It’s a game you can enjoy even in a small space, so give it a try!
small-ball rolling
Let me introduce the “Small Ball Rolling Game” using an umbrella and a ball.
Roll the ball with the umbrella, go around the cones, and come back to the goal.
When circling the cones, it may go more smoothly if you slow down and control your speed.
Next, change the cones to a straight line and aim for the goal by rolling the ball with the umbrella in a zigzag.
If the ball drifts off in a different direction while you’re moving it, correct it and restart from that spot.
You can also use other safe items instead of an umbrella to roll the ball.
Changing the size of the ball may make it easier to roll.
Towel ball toss
Games that use a ball and can be played while seated—and that are fun for everyone from kids to adults—can be hard to come by, but this towel-based ball toss is perfect! Pair up and sit facing each other.
Each person holds one end of a towel so it’s stretched tight.
Place a ball on the towel, loosen the tension slightly, then pull it taut again to launch the ball with momentum.
Send it to the person next to you, who catches it and passes it on to the next, and so on.
If someone drops it, start over—add rules like penalties or forfeits to make it even more fun!
Guess the letters written on the balloon
Participants form a circle, and one representative stands in the center.
Prepare balloons with hiragana written on them and toss them around.
Work together to keep the balloons from falling while simultaneously guessing the characters written on them.
If there are only a few participants, you can skip having someone stand in the center.
The characters on the balloons can be random hiragana, or you can choose ones that form words when combined.
Reading the characters while keeping the balloons in the air is quite challenging, but it’s a lot of fun—give it a try!
In conclusion
There are plenty of indoor recreation activities that everyone can enjoy together.
You can get excited competing in teams, work together to achieve goals, and even discover unexpected surprises or moving moments through games.
Why not try the easy-to-start games we introduced this time and find a new way to have fun?