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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Brainy quizzes, deduction, and telephone-style games (1–10)
Theme Bingo
All you need is paper and a pen to enjoy “Prompt Bingo” anytime! While traditional bingo usually uses numbers, this version skips numbers and instead has you write words that fit a given theme into a 3×3 grid of nine squares.
For example, themes with lots of variety like “vegetables” or “fruits” are recommended.
When a word you wrote is called, mark it with a circle; if you line up three in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, you get bingo! Compared to regular bingo, this game helps children develop their thinking skills, so why not include it in your party or fun gathering?
Who am I? game
The quiz where you give various hints and guess the thing is called the “Who am I?” game.
You might know it from TV quiz shows as well.
The key to this quiz is personification! For example, if the topic is “refrigerator,” it’s fun to describe it as if it were a person: “My body has one to three or more doors,” or “Inside my body are all kinds of foods.” You can also split into a team that gives the questions and a team that answers, or add a Q&A time—those tweaks can make the game even more exciting.
Gesture Game
Let’s try playing a “gesture game,” where you communicate using only gestures without any words.
When a prompt is given, think of actions to express it.
The observers try to guess what is being represented.
Because you can’t rely on words, it really highlights the guessers’ ability to read others’ feelings and the performers’ creativity.
It’s sure to get everyone excited.
As you move your bodies and share lots of smiles, it’s a wonderful game that also boosts communication skills.
Perfect for a fun gathering!
Air-reading game
Let’s read the room so we don’t overlap with our friends! Here’s an idea for a “reading the room” game.
It’s a unique game that helps elementary school students develop the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s happening around them.
In a group of 4–5 players sitting in a circle, you take turns standing up while calling out numbers.
The rule is simple, but what matters is avoiding overlapping timing with your friends.
Through the game, kids can build awareness of others and quick decision-making skills.
The atmosphere is tense at the start, but when two people stand up at the same time, everyone can’t help bursting into laughter!
What’s in the box? game
Use your sense of touch and your friends’ reactions to guess the answer! What’s in the box? Here’s a game idea for you.
It’s a unique idea that you can play with excitement and suspense.
Cut a hand-sized hole in a cardboard box and try to guess what’s inside using only your sense of touch! The key is to keep your eyes open but not peek into the box.
Set a time limit to make it even more exciting—guaranteed fun! Give it a try!
Brain Teasers, Logic, and Telephone-Style Games (11–20)
Colorful Ninja
A color-and-category ninja game that tests quick thinking and a sense of rhythm.
The first player says “Shu-shu!” while miming a shuriken throw and names a color and a category, like “red foods.” The chosen player must, in rhythm, answer with something that fits, such as “apple.” If correct, they mime throwing a shuriken to the next person and present a new prompt.
Anyone who can’t answer is out, and the last person remaining wins.
Using not only colors but also ideas like “blue characters” adds variety and makes it more exciting.
Keeping a steady rhythm increases the pace and the thrill.
With simple rules that make it easy for the whole class to join, it’s a fun game that works across grade levels.
Finding the good points
As you play repeatedly, you’ll naturally start to find them! Here are some ideas for discovering good qualities.
When someone tells you your strengths, it feels incredibly uplifting, doesn’t it? Plus, when you share your friends’ good points, it makes them happy and feels great for you too! It’s a wonderful idea that boosts self-esteem, so I highly recommend it.
When writing down good qualities, it can help to specify things like how the person might be in the future or a specific episode that made you happy.
Feel free to adapt and incorporate these ideas in your own way.