A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
Are you looking for teamwork games that bring smiles to everyone in a gym or event hall? Games that sometimes call for coordination with teammates and other times let you enjoy a sense of unity are essential for strengthening the bonds within an organization.
In this feature, we’ll introduce cooperative indoor games that anyone can join with ease.
These games have simple rules but offer full participation, new discoveries, and a real sense of achievement.
Try them out to help create a positive atmosphere for your group!
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- [For Kids] Exciting Class-vs-Class Games: Team Competition Activities
- [Simple Games] Recommended Indoor Recreational Activities for Adults
- No worries even in the rain! Fun recreational activities you can do in the gym
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Fun games recommended for making friends with people you’ve just met
- A collection of simple indoor recreational games
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
- A fun, everyone-joins-in game that gets everyone excited!
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
Fun co-op games for large groups (1–10)
Picture shiritori
When it comes to shiritori, it’s a classic pastime for recreation and killing time—but there’s a version that adds drawing to the mix: picture shiritori.
You look at the picture drawn by the previous person and continue the shiritori chain from there.
You’re not allowed to explain it verbally; you have to communicate solely through drawings and illustrations.
The most important factor here is whether you’re good at drawing or not.
People who aren’t great at it—so-called “master artist” types, ironically—might be at a bit of a disadvantage.
That said, even that can become a fun topic of conversation and help boost the group’s energy.
Treasure-catching game
@kidschallengeclubLupin the Third Theme (High Quality) – Sound Works
Who will win, the police or the thieves? Here’s an idea for a treasure-grabbing game.
Through the roles of thieves and police, players can work with teammates to devise and execute strategies while developing quick decision-making skills—it’s a fun game! The thieves sneak past the police to carry the treasure, while the police run around to catch the thieves.
With a perfect balance of competition and cooperation, kids will burn off energy while getting totally absorbed in play.
The rules are simple, and everyone who joins the game will feel the thrill and excitement!
Fun co-op games for large groups (11–20 players)
Who am I? game
It’s a game where the answerer asks questions to guess what I am.
Players compete based on how quickly they get the correct answer.
If you ask good questions, the answer becomes clearer and your time might get shorter.
Watch how everyone reacts to the questions you ask and zero in on the core.
It’s also a game that tests the teamwork of the members answering the questions.
Clapping game in turns
Introducing a simple team game where rhythm, focus, and coordination are key: the “Clap-in-Order Game.” Participants form a circle and, starting from the first person, each claps once in sequence.
You can time how long it takes until the last member claps and enjoy competing against other teams, but the essence of this game is not just speed.
To keep the rhythm of the claps flowing, it’s important to attune your breathing and sense your teammates’ movements.
Even within the competitive aspect, it’s packed with elements that enhance teamwork, making it ideal for team building.
It requires no equipment, is easy for anyone to enjoy, and offers surprising depth as a recreational activity.
Ten people, ten colors game
Let me introduce a game that helps you understand others more deeply: the “Ten People, Ten Colors” game.
From a small group, choose one person as the respondent and have them think about the given prompt.
However, they must not say their answer out loud.
The remaining players will try to figure out the answer the respondent came up with.
Of course, you may ask the respondent questions.
The key to this game is to ask good questions that lead toward the answer.
Consider what the respondent is likely to think, recall what they like, and explore these ideas to arrive at the answer.
boat race
@hiyoko_sakuranbo You can start tomorrow! Group rhythm “Boat Race” “Solo boat” and “Two-person boat” are fun, but doing it as a group of 7 or 8 is even more fun! If you include it at the end of a requested staff training, the teachers’ smiles burst forth, and you can finish the session in a joyful atmosphere. It’s the same with children. If you end with a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy together, you’re sure to see the biggest smiles. ✨ Give it a try in tomorrow’s childcare! **************** “Saito Kimiko’s Cherry Rhythm Play” is a scientifically grounded method that promotes children’s development through play. We share rhythm activities that can be implemented immediately in educational settings through workshops and at preschools nationwide. **************** Mayumi Murata | Cherry Rhythm Play ▶ Book text composition for “DVD Book Complete Visual Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Childcare” ▶ Planning and editing for “Illustrated Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Sakura·Sakuranbo Rhythm Play” Thank you for your likes and follows!#Cherry Rhythm PlaySakura Sakura-nbo Rhythm#Rhythm PlayRhythm PlayHiroko SaitoNursery teacher / Childcare workerKindergarten TeacherGroup boat race
♪ Original Song – hiyoko_sakuranbo – hiyoko_sakuranbo
We’d like to introduce a team competition game called “Boat Race,” where everyone moves forward in a tucked-seated position.
Form a team and sit in a single line.
The person at the front faces backward in a tucked-seated position.
The other members also sit tucked, firmly wrapping their arms around the person in front’s abdomen.
Once the front person’s hands are securely held, everyone uses their heels to push forward together.
The scene looks just like a boat! When you reach the goal, the front and back positions switch, and the team turns around and heads back—this is the highlight that really amps up the excitement.
Coordinated calls and timing within the team are key to moving in sync.
As long as you have a bit of open space, you can start right away, making it an easy, inclusive recreation activity for anyone.
Bamboo Shoot Nyoki
Here’s an idea for a classic quick-reaction game that large groups can enjoy at a lively tempo: “Takenoko Nyokki.” Participants sit in a circle and, in order, strike a “bamboo shoot” pose while calling out “one-nyokki, two-nyokki,” and so on.
The key is to speak without overlapping with anyone else’s timing.
If two people overlap or someone is left to the very end, they’re out—making for a heart-pounding set of rules.
As a variation, you can add a brainy prompt like “the nth letter from the end of the English alphabet.” Players must maintain the tempo and instantly give the correct answer; anyone who answers incorrectly is also out, adding to the thrill.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that engages both mind and body.