Fun Indoor Games for Elementary School Kids Without Any Equipment

Dosukoi Game

@ve4snxqh♬ original sound – LUMINARY FOR CARS – LUMINARY FOR CARS

Dosukoi is a game that seems like it would get really lively with four players.

Everyone keeps their thumbs down, then one person (the caller) says “Dosukoi [vowel sound/letter]” and a single character.

After that, players randomly raise whichever thumbs they want.

Combining the number of raised thumbs with the first letter the caller said, the first person to quickly say a word that matches that pattern—[word] dosukoi—wins.

Because you have to rhythmically find a word with that number of syllables/characters, it’s a game that uses both your brain and your reflexes.

Some people also use an extra rule that allows players who have already dropped out to give answers.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Rock-Paper-Scissors Train Game

Yanagi Kindergarten, good friends of the Chick Class! Let’s play energetically!

Let me introduce the Rock-Paper-Scissors Train game.

Move around the room pretending to be a freight train to the music of a freight train.

When the music stops, play rock-paper-scissors with a friend.

The person who loses places their hands on the winner’s shoulders, boards the same train, and sets off together.

Repeat this process to add more friends to your freight train.

When everyone is riding on the same train and departs together at the end, the game is complete.

Try speeding up or slowing down the music to match the children’s pace and have fun!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Don Janken

[Batting Average 100% Class Activity] Don-Janken | It gets so hyped that it’s almost a problem.

A game everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults! Here’s an idea for “Don Janken.” Split into two teams; the team that reaches the opponent’s territory first wins.

When you do rock-paper-scissors, the chant is “Don janken pon!” This idea requires almost no preparation and works great with large groups—that’s the key recommendation.

However, because players can get too fixated on winning, disputes may arise near the territory line, so it’s best for adults to make the final call on wins and losses.

Give it a try!

Back Telephone (a game like “Chinese whispers” played by tracing on someone’s back)

Yuen Channel (Kids Staff ②: Back Telephone Game 1)

A communication-based game that sparks laughter and surprise: the Back-to-Back Drawing Telephone Game.

A few people line up in a single file.

The person at the front looks at a picture on a sheet of paper and traces it with a finger on the back of the next person to pass it along.

Each person continues the same way in turn, and the last person draws the picture on a whiteboard or similar so everyone can compare the result.

The more accurate the transmitted drawing is, the more surprising it is; if it turns into a completely different picture, it leads to big laughs.

Differences in drawing ability and perception stand out, and the unexpected twists are sure to energize the group.

The rules are simple, it requires minimal materials, and it can be enjoyed in classrooms or indoors.

It’s a game where communication and imagination are put to the test, and the unpredictable ending is part of the fun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Post-decision rock-paper-scissors according to instructions

Rock-paper-scissors after the fact, according to the instructions!

This activity requires quick decision-making, and in response to instructions, playing “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors” also hinges on your ability to concentrate.

The method is simple: participants march in place and play rock-paper-scissors with the instructor.

During the game, the instructor gives commands like “Lose” or “Win,” so participants must think on their feet and choose their hand accordingly.

Keeping a lively tempo makes it even more exciting.

If your response ends up opposite to the instructor’s instruction, you lose on the spot.

Give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

The say-the-same, do-the-same game

Sharpen reflexes and concentration! Here’s an idea for the “Same Words, Opposite Actions” game.

The game is played with a commander and players.

Until everyone gets used to it, it will go smoothly if the teacher is the commander and the children are the players.

After the commander calls out “Same words, opposite actions,” they give directions like “front” or “right” that indicate forward, backward, left, or right.

The players say the exact same words as the commander, but they must move in the opposite direction, making it a unique game where you’ll make mistakes if you’re not fully focused.

[Tag] Keep holding hands and try to escape!

One for all, all for one. #recreation #gymnasticsclass #NijiiroSportsAcademy

This is a variation of tag that tests teamwork and cooperation: everyone runs away from the tagger while holding hands.

The runners must keep holding hands as they flee, and the tagger chases them to make them let go.

For safety—since forcing hands apart could cause injuries—it’s recommended to use a foam rod or similar; if it touches a player’s hand, they have to let go.

It’s also a fun challenge because coordinating to run in the same direction without getting caught can be surprisingly difficult, which really livens up the game.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem