Indoor recreation popularity ranking
Indoor recreation ideas that come in handy when plans or events are canceled due to rain.
In this article, we introduce popular indoor recreation activities in ranking format.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for “fun indoor games for all ages,” “indoor recreation that even toddlers can enjoy,” or “large-group indoor activities that work in a gym.”
Blow away the gloom of canceled plans or events with indoor recreation!
Find the perfect activity to match your group size and location.
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Indoor recreation popularity ranking (21–30)
Thunder Game22rank/position
Let’s move our bodies while having fun! Here’s a thunder game idea.
If you’re spending time indoors, you might worry about not getting enough exercise.
That’s when this thunder game is perfect.
Children should lie down on their backs.
Make sure to leave enough space so they don’t bump into furniture or other people.
While a parent or teacher says “goro goro” (rumble), the children stay lying down.
When they hear the cue word “dokan” (boom), they quickly flip to put their stomachs on the floor.
Try whispering or speeding up the cues to add variety and keep it fun.
Quiz: Let’s Aim for the Sweet Spot!23rank/position
The buzzworthy board game “Good to go! Quiz SHOW!” features quiz questions that are all answered with numbers—and nobody actually knows the correct answers.
The rules are simple: players take turns tackling a question and write down the number they think is correct on a board or card.
The person closest to the correct answer earns points, and after multiple rounds, the total scores determine the winner.
Since all the questions are ones you don’t really know the answers to, the thrill of making a guess and the excitement it creates are the highlights.
Playing with family or friends sparks conversation and laughter, making for a great time.
It’s a quiz game anyone can jump into with ease.
BlindSquare24rank/position
This is a game where blindfolded participants hold a looped rope and move to form a perfect square.
Since they can only rely on how voices carry to gauge each other’s positions, not only creative calling but also strong teamwork is put to the test.
Because they’re moving while blindfolded, there’s a risk of bumping into each other; focusing on clear communication is essential to prevent that.
If everyone moves freely, it may become harder to complete the square, so it might be easier to have someone act as a coordinator giving directions.
Hula hoop down25rank/position
Simple yet exciting, the surprisingly tricky “Hula Hoop Down.” Participants form a circle, extend their index fingers, and rest a hula hoop on top.
At the starting signal, everyone slowly lowers their fingers toward the floor, aiming to set the hoop down.
It’s a success if the hoop reaches the floor; however, if even one person’s finger loses contact with the hoop at any time, it’s a failure.
It sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly hard—somehow the balance slips, fingers come off, or the hoop tilts.
It’s a game that really requires teamwork.
Drop the Handkerchief26rank/position
Speaking of Drop the Handkerchief, it’s a classic indoor game that’s been around forever, and it’s still loved because it’s thrilling and fun.
First, choose the tagger.
The tagger walks around the outside of the circle and secretly drops a handkerchief behind someone.
After dropping it, the tagger runs and completes a lap to sit in the spot of the person they dropped it behind.
If the person who had the handkerchief dropped behind them catches the tagger before they finish the lap, the tagger remains the tagger for another round.
If the person doesn’t notice even after the tagger completes the lap, they go to the center of the circle and can’t join the next game.
Sinking Game27rank/position
The “Sinking Game” is a fun game that lets you experience the thrill of “the ship might sink!” In a large space like a hall or gym, place several mats randomly.
These mats are the ships, so divide the children into groups and have them stand on the mats.
The teacher plays the role of a scary shark living in the sea.
When the shark-teacher shouts, “We’re sinking!” the children must get off their current mat-ship and move to a different mat-ship.
If they’re caught by the shark-teacher while moving, they’re out! If they can reach another mat-ship without being caught, they’re safe.
Try mixing in other words that start with “chi” instead of “chinbotsu da” to keep the game interesting!
Escape Game28rank/position
How about trying a slightly more elaborate activity: an escape room game? It does take some prep work and careful selection of puzzles, but escape rooms almost always get people excited.
And if you turn a familiar place—a room at home, school, or the office—into the setting, it’ll bring a different kind of thrill and fun than usual.
Look up puzzles on video platforms or puzzle websites and hide them around the room.
You can time how long it takes to escape, and turning it into a team competition is a great idea too.