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
Rock-paper-scissors-type game (1–10)
ladder rock-paper-scissors
Divide into two teams and decide the order of players in each team.
Place a rope ladder or similar on the floor, and have one representative from each team start from opposite ends.
When they meet, play rock-paper-scissors; the loser yields the way, and the winner runs toward the opponent’s territory.
As soon as someone loses, the next player on that team should start immediately.
The team that reaches the opponent’s territory first wins.
It’s a very simple game, but since rock-paper-scissors is based on luck, plenty of dramatic turnarounds await.
It can get pretty heated!
Rock-Paper-Scissors Basketball
Let me introduce “Rock-Paper-Scissors Basket,” a game that’s fun with a large group.
If you know the game “Fruit Basket,” think of this as a rock-paper-scissors version.
First, everyone forms a circle, and the It player stands in the center.
Everyone plays rock-paper-scissors with It; anyone who loses must move from their current spot to a different one.
Whoever can’t find a new spot stands in the middle and becomes the next It.
It’s easy to understand if you play seated in a circle on chairs, so that’s recommended.
As long as players are old enough to understand rock-paper-scissors, they can enjoy it—give it a try!
Body, look that way—hoi!
Speaking of “Acchi Muite Hoi,” it’s a game where you predict the direction your opponent will face with your finger, and the person being pointed at turns only their face in any direction they like.
How about trying a full-body version of Acchi Muite Hoi that you can enjoy even while seated? First, play rock-paper-scissors; the winner points in a direction with their finger.
The loser moves their whole body toward the left or right if they want to face sideways, jumps if they want to face up, and crouches if they want to face down.
Keep repeating Acchi Muite Hoi like this.
Since it uses the whole body, you can get a good workout even indoors.
Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors
Perfect for class or grade-level activities! Here’s a fun idea for Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors.
Rock-Paper-Scissors is a simple, classic game that always gets everyone excited, and with a few tweaks, it becomes even more engaging for kids! After splitting into Defense and Offense teams, the Defense team stands on the lines drawn in a pyramid shape.
The Offense team aims to defeat the King by playing rock-paper-scissors against the Defense team and advancing with each win.
A key rule for the Offense team: if you lose a round, you must return to the starting point!
Rock-paper-scissors-type games (11–20)
playing rock-paper-scissors after seeing the opponent’s move (i.e., acting with hindsight/cheating)
Rock-paper-scissors is deeply ingrained in everyday life as a quick way to decide an order or settle something.
Precisely because the game is so instinctive, this challenge is tricky: it’s a game where you must instantly choose a late move that results in the specified outcome.
Since we’re conditioned to unconsciously throw a winning hand, producing a losing hand or a tie really tests your concentration and judgment.
Switching the required outcome on the fly or increasing the speed at which you must play ramps up the difficulty and makes the game even more engaging—highly recommended.
Psychological rock-paper-scissors
@cocoskip♪ Original song – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪ – Yuzu (๑′ᴗ‵๑)♪
A new kind of invisible rock-paper-scissors! Introducing the idea for “Psychological Rock-Paper-Scissors.” In this game, you face each other with a wall between you so neither can see the other’s hand.
While talking—saying things like “I’m throwing ___” or “Are you throwing ___?”—try to guess what your opponent is putting out.
Until the time limit is up, you can change your hand as much as you like.
When time’s up, who will be winning? It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding way to play.
Rock-paper-scissors tail tag
A game that combines two popular activities! Here’s an idea for “Rock-Paper-Scissors Tail Tag.” First, set up home bases, then go about 20 meters away and play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner runs back to their base, while the loser tries to grab the winner’s tail before they reach it.
Once you get used to playing one-on-one, switching to team battles will really amp up the excitement.
Another fun aspect is making strategies with friends or teachers and thinking about how to win as you play.
Give it a try and add it to your activities!