Elementary School Fun Day a Big Hit! Indoor Game Idea Collection
Here are some active indoor games that will get elementary school students excited at their fun party! Even on rainy days or in cold seasons, if you have games you can really enjoy in the classroom, everyone can have a great time together.
From relay-style games that build teamwork, to brain-teasers that get minds working, to physical activities that get everyone moving, we’ve gathered games the whole class can dive into while cooperating.
Preparation is simple, and they all use familiar materials, so there are plenty you can start right away—give them a try and have fun!
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Team-based games emphasizing cooperation and communication (1–10)
Presence Slash
How about playing Kehai-kiri, a classic party game? It’s a thrilling head-to-head match where you’re blindfolded and have to find your opponent.
It’s safe too, since you use foam swords.
You listen for sounds and sense movements in the air to locate your opponent—but the key is not to give away your own presence.
The tension in the silence is irresistible.
Spectators might even find themselves shouting out.
It’s a great way to get moving indoors, perfect for the rainy season.
It’s sure to get everyone excited!
Beef Tongue Game
No tools or prep needed! Here’s an idea for the “Gyutan Game.” Gyutan means beef tongue, a popular cut at yakiniku restaurants.
This game uses your hands and voice.
Put your hands together and hold them out in front—ready to start! Say “gyu” out loud, and for each “tan,” one person claps in turn.
The first round rhythm is “gyu-tan gyu-tan gyu-tan-tan.” From the second round on, the number of “tan” at the end increases by one each time.
It’s simple, but it’ll trip you up and get everyone laughing!
Mystery-Solving Treasure Hunt
Introducing puzzle-filled treasure hunt ideas that kids will join with excitement! A treasure hunt is a game where you search for hidden items, right? This time, let’s take on the challenge by adding puzzle-solving elements to the hunt.
It can be played in teams or individually, so feel free to adapt it to the number of participants in your activity.
It’s a thrilling and fun game, and through play it can also help improve thinking and problem-solving skills.
Give it a try!
Finger Catch
No-prep recreation! Here’s a finger-catch game idea.
It works with two people or large groups, so it’s very flexible, and you don’t need any equipment—highly recommended! Participants stand in a circle, and once they hear the facilitator’s signal, they’re ready to go.
Make your right hand into a tube shape, and with your left hand, raise your index finger and place it inside the tube made by the person on your left.
When the facilitator says “Catch,” squeeze your right hand to catch the right neighbor’s index finger that’s inside your tube.
At the same time, quickly pull your left index finger out so it won’t be caught by the person on your left.
It’s a simple game, but it really gets everyone excited!
Epicenter Game
It looks like everyone is doing the same moves, but in fact they’re all copying one person.
The person standing in the middle of the circle has to guess who the “epicenter” is.
The epicenter changes their movements so the tagger doesn’t notice.
The more people there are, the harder it gets, so setting a time limit might be a good idea.
It’s a game that works with both small and large groups.
You can enjoy it indoors with lots of energy, and since you don’t need any equipment, preparation is a breeze.
Perfect for a party or fun gathering.
Team-based games emphasizing cooperation and communication (11–20)
Team Battle Treasure Hunt
Let’s play by exchanging riddles! Here’s an idea for a team-based treasure hunt battle.
It’s an exciting concept that stimulates cooperation and creativity! Split into a team that creates riddles and a team that solves them to find the next clue, all aiming for the treasure.
By playing this game, you can not only improve problem-solving and reasoning skills, but also learn the importance of teamwork and communication.
The real appeal is getting absorbed in the fun of solving puzzles with your teammates and experiencing a sense of accomplishment.
duck‐duck‐goose
The English version of a game similar to ‘Hankachi Otoshi’ is called duck-duck-goose.
It’s a game that tests your ability to listen carefully to subtle differences in words and act on them—your judgment is key.
Everyone sits in a circle facing inward, and the tagger lightly taps each person’s back in turn while saying “duck.” When the tagger says “goose,” the roles switch: the previous tagger tries to sit in the newly opened spot without being caught by the new tagger.
The anticipation of when “goose” will be said and the thrill of reacting instantly make it an exciting game.
