10 Fun Indoor Group Games for Kids to Boost Wellbeing
Keeping children entertained indoors, especially on a rainy day, can feel like a challenge. Yet, the right activities do far more than just pass the time. With children's mental health becoming an increasing area of focus, structured play offers a powerful, positive tool. In the UK, it is estimated that one in six children aged 7 to 16 has a probable mental health problem. This article provides a curated collection of 10 engaging indoor group games for kids, each selected not only for its fun factor but for its capacity to nurture crucial emotional and social skills.
We will explore how seemingly simple games can build resilience, enhance communication, and foster teamwork. For each activity, we will provide clear setup instructions, a list of materials needed, and insights into the emotional intelligence outcomes you can expect. This list is designed to be a practical resource for parents, carers, and educators looking to create joyful, supportive environments.
While these games are a wonderful way to support a child's wellbeing, it is vital to remember that play is not a substitute for professional help. I am not a mental health professional, and if you have serious concerns about a child's mental health, please seek guidance from a doctor or a qualified practitioner. Now, let's dive into some fantastic games that build more than just memories.
1. Charades: The Silent Game of Big Expressions
Charades is a classic pantomime game where players act out words or phrases without speaking, while their team tries to guess the answer. This timeless activity is more than just fun; it’s a fantastic way to develop crucial social and emotional skills. As one of the most versatile indoor group games for kids, it encourages them to think creatively and observe closely, boosting non-verbal communication abilities.
This game powerfully supports a child's mental well-being by building their emotional vocabulary. By acting out feelings like 'brave', 'confused', or 'joyful', children learn to recognise and express complex emotions in a safe, playful environment. This practice is vital for developing empathy, as they must consider how their actions will be interpreted by others. A practical example could be acting out 'anxious' by wringing hands and looking around nervously, helping other children visually connect a behaviour to a feeling.
How to Get Started
Setting up is simple, making it perfect for spontaneous fun at birthday parties, family gatherings, or as a classroom brain-break.
- Materials Needed: Slips of paper, a pen, a container (like a hat or bowl), and a timer.
- Setup: Write words or phrases on the slips of paper and fold them. Divide the children into two teams.
- How to Play: A player from one team draws a slip and acts out the word without speaking. Their team has a set time (e.g., 90 seconds) to guess. If they succeed, they get a point. Teams take turns until all the slips are gone.
Key Insight: Focusing on emotion-themed words transforms Charades from a simple guessing game into a targeted emotional intelligence exercise. Discover more about how games can support children's emotional growth and check out our list of powerful emotional intelligence games for kids.
2. Scavenger Hunt: The Thrill of the Search
A scavenger hunt is an exciting adventure where children follow clues or a list to find specific items hidden around an indoor space. This game turns any environment into a world of discovery, making it one of the most adaptable indoor group games for kids. It sharpens problem-solving skills, encourages teamwork, and promotes active listening as children work together to decipher clues.
From a mental well-being perspective, a scavenger hunt is fantastic for building resilience and improving focus. The satisfaction of solving a clue and finding a hidden object provides a powerful sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem. As children collaborate, they learn to negotiate, share ideas, and manage the small frustrations of a tricky clue—for instance, when one child is certain the clue leads to the bookshelf, but another thinks it means the toy box—developing crucial emotional regulation skills in a supportive, goal-oriented setting.
How to Get Started
Setting up a scavenger hunt can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making it ideal for birthday parties, rainy days, or school activities.
- Materials Needed: Paper, a pen, and items to hide (or a list of items to find). Clues can be written, drawn as pictures for younger children, or even given as riddles.
- Setup: Prepare a list of clues leading from one spot to the next, or a checklist of items to find. Hide the items or clues in safe, accessible locations.
- How to Play: Give each team or individual the first clue or the full list. The first one to find all the items or reach the final prize wins. Setting a time limit can add an extra layer of excitement.
Key Insight: Structuring clues around identifying and describing emotions (e.g., "Find something that makes you feel cosy") adds a brilliant layer of self-awareness. It prompts children to connect feelings with objects, strengthening their emotional vocabulary and mindfulness.
3. Freeze Dance: The Energetic Game of Self-Control
Freeze Dance is a lively musical game where children dance enthusiastically while music plays and must freeze in position the moment it stops. This simple yet highly engaging activity is a staple in nurseries and parties, making it one of the most beloved indoor group games for kids. It combines physical movement with the crucial skill of impulse control, teaching children to regulate their bodies in a fun and dynamic way.
The game directly supports a child’s mental well-being by strengthening their self-regulation and listening skills. As they anticipate the music stopping, children practise mindfulness, staying present and aware of their surroundings. This exercise in stopping and starting builds the foundational skills for managing emotions and impulses, which is a key component of emotional resilience and can help children navigate feelings of frustration or excitement. It’s a physical way of practising the mental skill of 'pausing' before reacting.
How to Get Started
Setting up Freeze Dance is incredibly easy, requiring minimal preparation for maximum fun. It’s an ideal activity for birthday parties, classroom breaks, or any time children need to burn off some energy indoors.
- Materials Needed: A music source (like a phone or speaker) and an open space for dancing.
- Setup: Simply clear a space large enough for the children to move around safely. Choose a playlist with varied tempos to keep the game interesting.
- How to Play: One person is designated as the DJ to control the music. When the music plays, everyone dances. When the DJ suddenly stops the music, everyone must freeze immediately. Anyone who moves while the music is off is out for that round. The last dancer remaining is the winner.
Key Insight: Freeze Dance is more than just a physical game; it’s a powerful tool for teaching self-control. This skill is vital for managing emotional responses and is a cornerstone of good mental health. Learning to pause before acting helps children make more considered decisions in all areas of life.
4. Indoor Treasure Hunt with Puzzles
An Indoor Treasure Hunt with Puzzles elevates the classic scavenger hunt into an immersive, brain-boosting adventure. Instead of just finding items, children must work together to solve riddles, decipher codes, and complete mini-challenges to uncover the next clue. This game is a fantastic way to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it one of the most intellectually engaging indoor group games for kids.
This collaborative challenge strengthens a child's mental well-being by fostering resilience and teamwork. When faced with a tricky puzzle, children learn to communicate their ideas, listen to others, and persevere through frustration. For example, if a riddle seems impossible, the group must encourage each other to think differently rather than giving up. Successfully cracking a code as a team delivers a powerful sense of shared accomplishment, boosting confidence and reinforcing the value of cooperation.
How to Get Started
Setting up a puzzle-based treasure hunt requires some planning but creates an unforgettable experience for birthday parties, STEM clubs, or a special family activity.
- Materials Needed: Paper, pens, envelopes for clues, a final ‘treasure’ (like small toys or treats), and props for puzzles (e.g., a jigsaw, a lockbox, or invisible ink pens).
- Setup: Design a series of puzzles or riddles, with each solution leading to the location of the next clue. Place the clues in their hiding spots around the house or classroom. Create a master sheet with all puzzle solutions and locations.
- How to Play: Give the children the first clue. As they solve each puzzle, they will be guided to the next station. The game concludes when they solve the final puzzle and find the hidden treasure.
Key Insight: Varying the types of puzzles, from logic problems to physical challenges, ensures every child can contribute their unique strengths. If you're looking for more puzzle-based activities to enhance cognitive skills, consider exploring additional resources on puzzles for inspiration.
5. Simon Says: The Fun-Filled Listening Challenge
Simon Says is a classic command game that sharpens listening skills and impulse control in a lively, engaging format. One player, acting as 'Simon', gives commands that others must only obey if the phrase "Simon says" precedes them. As one of the most adaptable indoor group games for kids, it’s a brilliant way to improve focus, attention, and executive functioning skills without any complex setup.
This game directly supports a child's mental well-being by strengthening their ability to manage impulses and pay close attention. In a world full of distractions, particularly with the rise of social media shortening attention spans, practising mindful listening is a valuable skill. By having to wait for the specific cue, children exercise self-regulation, a cornerstone of emotional resilience. This playful practice helps them learn to pause and think before acting, which is a crucial skill for navigating social situations and managing emotional responses effectively.
How to Get Started
Simon Says requires no materials, making it a perfect game for any spontaneous moment, whether in a classroom, at a birthday party, or during a rainy day at home.
- Materials Needed: None. Just an open space and enthusiastic players.
- Setup: Designate one person to be 'Simon'. All other players stand facing Simon, ready to follow instructions.
- How to Play: Simon gives a series of commands. If the command starts with "Simon says..." (e.g., "Simon says touch your nose"), players must do the action. If it doesn't (e.g., "Touch your nose"), they must stay still. Anyone who makes a mistake is out for that round. The last player remaining wins and can become the next Simon.
Key Insight: To enhance the mental health benefits, incorporate actions related to mindfulness. Commands like "Simon says take a deep breath" or "Simon says stretch your arms up high" can introduce gentle relaxation techniques into the game, blending fun with self-care.
6. Indoor Relay Races: Collaborative Speed and Fun
Indoor relay races transform the classic outdoor sport into a dynamic, fast-paced game perfect for enclosed spaces. This activity involves teams competing to complete a series of tasks or movements in sequence, promoting both physical activity and teamwork. As one of the most adaptable indoor group games for kids, it channels competitive energy into a cooperative and exciting challenge, ideal for large rooms or hallways.
This game is brilliant for building resilience and sportsmanship. Children learn to manage the pressure of competition in a supportive team environment, understanding that winning and losing are collective experiences. It teaches them to encourage teammates, communicate clearly under pressure, and persevere through challenges, all of which are fundamental skills for robust mental well-being and managing social anxieties. For instance, a child might drop the spoon in an egg-and-spoon race, but the team's encouragement helps them recover and keep going.
How to Get Started
Setting up an indoor relay is quick and requires minimal equipment, making it perfect for PE classes, birthday parties, or rainy-day fun.
- Materials Needed: Cones, tape, or other markers; items for tasks (e.g., beanbags, spoons, balls).
- Setup: Create a clear start and finish line and mark out the course. Define the tasks for each leg of the relay (e.g., hopping on one foot, crawling under a chair). Divide children into equal teams.
- How to Play: The first player from each team completes their task and tags the next player in line. This continues until every member has completed their turn. The first team to have all its players finish wins the race.
Key Insight: Incorporating problem-solving tasks, like a simple puzzle, into a relay leg encourages children to regulate their excitement and focus their minds under pressure. Explore more engaging group activities for children to see how organised play supports developmental milestones.
7. 20 Questions: The Art of Clever Questioning
20 Questions is a classic guessing game where one person thinks of an object, person, or place, and the other players ask up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure it out. This simple yet profound activity is one of the best indoor group games for kids to develop critical thinking, logical reasoning, and strategic questioning. It challenges children to process information, eliminate possibilities, and formulate precise queries to solve a puzzle.
This game is a brilliant tool for boosting cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. By having to narrow down a world of possibilities, children learn to categorise information and build a mental framework, which strengthens their executive functions. This process also builds patience and resilience, as they learn that the first few questions may not lead directly to the answer, teaching them to persist through uncertainty and adapt their strategy.
How to Get Started
With no materials required, 20 Questions is the ultimate go-to game for rainy days, long car journeys, or any time you need a quick and engaging activity.
- Materials Needed: None. Just imagination!
- Setup: One person is chosen to be the "thinker". They silently choose a person, place, or thing.
- How to Play: The other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions (e.g., "Is it alive?", "Is it bigger than a loaf of bread?"). The thinker can only answer with "yes," "no," or sometimes "I don't know." The group must guess the answer within 20 questions.
Key Insight: To enhance social-emotional learning, choose concepts related to feelings or situations, like 'a surprise party' or 'feeling proud'. This encourages children to think abstractly and consider the components of different emotional experiences, building empathy and understanding.
8. Duck, Duck, Goose: A Circle of Anticipation and Joy
Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic circle game where children sit in a circle while one player walks around, tapping each on the head and saying "duck" until they choose someone to be the "goose". This triggers a chase around the circle, with the goose trying to tag the picker before they can take the goose's empty spot. As one of the most beloved indoor group games for kids, it’s a brilliant way to teach impulse control and spatial awareness.
This simple game supports children’s mental well-being by helping them manage anticipation and surprise in a controlled setting. The moment of being chosen as the "goose" creates a burst of excitement, teaching children to react quickly and positively to unexpected events. It also helps them practise emotional regulation, as they must sit patiently and wait for their turn, building focus and resilience.
How to Get Started
This game requires no special equipment, making it a perfect, spontaneous activity for birthday parties, school P.E. lessons, or a rainy day at home.
- Materials Needed: None, just an open space.
- Setup: Children sit in a circle facing inwards. One child is chosen to be the first "picker".
- How to Play: The picker walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each player's head and saying "duck". When they choose, they tap a player and shout "goose!" The goose then jumps up and chases the picker around the circle. The picker must try to reach the goose's empty spot before being tagged. If tagged, they are the picker again; if not, the goose becomes the new picker.
Key Insight: Duck, Duck, Goose teaches children about taking turns and handling the small thrill of being chosen or the mild disappointment of being missed. This practice in managing minor emotional highs and lows is a foundational skill for building robust mental health.
9. Board Games and Card Games (Group Versions)
Board and card games offer a structured way to bring children together for shared fun and learning. From classics like Uno and Jenga to cooperative challenges like Pandemic, these activities are perfect indoor group games for kids that teach valuable life skills. They provide a framework for social interaction, requiring players to take turns, follow rules, and manage both victory and defeat with grace.
This format is incredibly beneficial for a child's mental well-being, as it strengthens skills like strategic thinking, patience, and resilience. Collaborative games, in particular, show children how to work towards a common goal, building communication and teamwork. Facing challenges within the safe confines of a game helps them develop problem-solving abilities and emotional regulation, as they must handle the frustration of a bad move or the excitement of a win.
How to Get Started
These games are ideal for family nights, classroom centres, or birthday parties, with minimal setup required beyond the game itself.
- Materials Needed: Your chosen board or card game (e.g., Uno, Twister, Jenga, Pandemic).
- Setup: Unpack the game and read the instructions aloud with the group to ensure everyone understands the rules and objectives.
- How to Play: Follow the specific rules of the chosen game. Encourage communication and good sportsmanship throughout. Consider adapting rules slightly (e.g., using a timer for turns) to suit your group's age and energy levels.
Key Insight: Board games are not just for entertainment; they are practical workshops for developing crucial social abilities. Explore more ways to build these skills with our guide to powerful social skills activities for kids.
10. Arts and Crafts Competitions: Creative Showdowns
Arts and crafts competitions turn a typically quiet activity into a dynamic and engaging group challenge. These activities involve children creating art, building structures, or completing creative tasks within specific themes or time limits, adding a layer of friendly competition to the creative process. As one of the most adaptable indoor group games for kids, it channels their energy into productive, imaginative expression.
This game is a brilliant way to support children's mental well-being by fostering self-expression and resilience. When children are given a prompt, they must think on their feet and problem-solve, building confidence in their decision-making. The act of creating something tangible provides a powerful sense of accomplishment, which is vital for building self-esteem, especially in a world where children's mental health is a growing concern. Celebrating every child's unique creation, regardless of a 'winner', teaches them to value effort over perfection.
How to Get Started
Setting up an arts and crafts competition is simple and can be tailored to any age group or available materials, making it ideal for holiday parties or school enrichment classes.
- Materials Needed: A wide range of craft supplies like paper, pens, glue, scissors, recycled materials (cardboard tubes, boxes), and any other fun items you have on hand.
- Setup: Organise the materials so they are easily accessible to all participants. Clearly explain the theme or challenge (e.g., "Build the tallest tower," "Create a fantasy creature").
- How to Play: Set a reasonable time limit (e.g., 30 minutes). Once the time is up, each child or team presents their creation. You can award prizes for different categories like 'most creative', 'most colourful', or 'judge's choice' to ensure everyone feels recognised.
Key Insight: Focusing on the process rather than just the final product is crucial. This teaches children that creativity is a journey of exploration and problem-solving, not just about winning. This mindset builds resilience and a healthier approach to challenges.
10 Indoor Group Games Comparison
| Activity | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resources & Efficiency ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases ⭐ | Key Advantages 💡 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charades | Low — simple rules, quick setup | Minimal materials; requires open space; highly efficient | Nonverbal communication, creativity, team bonding (⭐⭐⭐) | Parties, team-building, classrooms | Low cost; adaptable themes; encourages laughter |
| Scavenger Hunt | Moderate — needs planning and layout | Moderate prep; props/clues or app; moderate efficiency | Observation, problem-solving, movement (⭐⭐⭐⭐) | Birthday parties, camps, field days | Highly customisable; educational and active |
| Freeze Dance | Very low — easy to run rounds | Minimal (music); very fast setup; high energy efficiency | Motor skills, listening, energy release (⭐⭐⭐) | Nurseries, parties, assemblies | High-energy; minimal prep; inclusive for many |
| Indoor Treasure Hunt with Puzzles | High — multi-stage design and testing | Significant prep and materials; lower efficiency per hour | Critical thinking, sustained engagement, teamwork (⭐⭐⭐⭐) | Escape-room alternatives, STEM activities, older kids | Deep engagement; scalable difficulty; memorable |
| Simon Says | Low — simple facilitator-led rules | No materials; instant start; very efficient | Attention, listening, impulse control (⭐⭐⭐) | Classrooms, camps, early childhood programmes | Teaches focus; easy to adapt; leadership chance |
| Relay Races (Indoor) | Moderate — course design and safety planning | Moderate resources (markers, supervision); needs clear space | Teamwork, fitness, excitement (⭐⭐⭐⭐) | PE classes, field days, camp competitions | Builds cooperation; adaptable tasks and formats |
| 20 Questions / Guessing Games | Low — minimal facilitation | No materials; efficient for small/quiet groups | Deductive reasoning, vocabulary, strategic questioning (⭐⭐⭐) | Classrooms, car trips, quiet indoor times | Accessible to shy kids; develops questioning skills |
| Duck, Duck, Goose | Low — simple setup, circle formation | No materials; needs safe open circle; efficient | Coordination, social interaction, quick reactions (⭐⭐⭐) | Nursery recess, birthday play, free play | Simple rules; active and social; easy to teach |
| Board & Card Games (Group) | Variable — rules range from simple to complex | Requires purchased games; setup time varies | Strategy, turn-taking, social skills (⭐⭐⭐⭐) | Family game nights, enrichment classes, small groups | Structured play; wide variety; inclusive options |
| Arts & Crafts Competitions | Moderate — planning materials and judging | High material needs and cleanup; lower time efficiency | Creativity, fine motor skills, tangible outcomes (⭐⭐⭐⭐) | Camps, parties, enrichment workshops | Encourages expression; produces keepsakes; scalable |
| 20 Questions / Guessing Games | Low — minimal facilitation | No materials; efficient for small/quiet groups | Deductive reasoning, vocabulary, strategic questioning (⭐⭐⭐) | Classrooms, car trips, quiet indoor times | Accessible to shy kids; develops questioning skills |
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Wellbeing
As we've explored through games like Charades, Scavenger Hunts, and Freeze Dance, a rainy day indoors doesn't have to mean boredom or isolation. Instead, it presents a golden opportunity to transform your living room into a vibrant hub of learning, laughter, and connection. These engaging indoor group games for kids are far more than simple pastimes; they are powerful, practical tools for nurturing essential life skills.
Each game, from the collaborative problem-solving of a Treasure Hunt to the emotional expression required in Charades, serves as a mini-workshop for developing emotional intelligence. Children learn to manage disappointment when they don't win a relay race, practise empathy by guessing a teammate's actions, and build resilience by trying again after a wrong guess in '20 Questions'. These playful interactions are the very foundation upon which a child’s future wellbeing is built.
Key Takeaways for Lasting Impact
The true value of these activities lies not in winning or losing, but in the shared experience and the emotional growth that happens along the way. Remember these core principles:
- Participation Over Perfection: The goal is to encourage involvement and effort. Praising a child for trying a difficult clue or helping a friend is more impactful than celebrating a win.
- Communication is Key: These games naturally create scenarios where children must listen, interpret non-verbal cues, and articulate their own ideas clearly. This builds a crucial toolkit for navigating social situations throughout their lives.
- Emotional Regulation in Action: Games provide a safe, low-stakes environment for children to experience and process a spectrum of emotions, from the excitement of a win to the frustration of a setback.
Actionable Next Steps: Continuing the Conversation
Fostering this open environment for emotional expression shouldn't end when the game does. The conversations that follow are just as important. Ask open-ended questions like, "What was the most fun part of that for you?" or "It seemed you got a bit frustrated there, what did that feel like?".
Normalising discussions around mental health is one of the most significant gifts we can give our children. In the UK, the rise in mental health challenges among young people, often exacerbated by the pressures of social media, is a serious concern. By creating a home where feelings are openly discussed, we equip them with the confidence to seek support when needed. Poor mental health is not just a personal issue; it has a wider economic impact. A 2022 Deloitte report found that poor mental health costs UK employers up to £56 billion per year, highlighting the lifelong importance of building these foundational emotional skills from a young age.
Important Disclaimer: Please remember, I am not a mental health professional. The insights and activities shared here are intended to support wellbeing and positive development. If you have serious concerns about a child's mental or emotional health, the most responsible and caring step is to consult a GP or a qualified mental health practitioner.
For adults, simple actions like wearing mental health apparel can act as a conversation starter, signalling to children and other adults that mental wellbeing is a priority and something we can talk about without shame. It's a small but powerful way to champion a culture of openness. You can also introduce relaxation tips into daily routines, like practising 'box breathing' (inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four) after a high-energy game to help children calm their bodies and minds.
Ultimately, by integrating these playful, purposeful indoor group games for kids into your routine, you are not just entertaining them. You are actively investing in their emotional resilience, their social skills, and their capacity for a happy, healthy future. You are building a foundation of connection and understanding that will support them for a lifetime.
Ready to take the next step in nurturing your child's emotional world? Reading mental health books for children is another fantastic way to open up discussions. The resources at Little Fish Books are designed to complement these playful experiences by providing beautifully illustrated stories and activities that make it easy to talk about big feelings. Explore their collection to find the perfect tools to continue these vital conversations. Little Fish Books