When the weather outside is dreary and your students need to stay inside for recess, you don’t need to sit with your hands in your hair wondering what fun game to play with them. Here are 60 indoor recess games that are guaranteed to help your kids enjoy their break, and perhaps learn a thing or two along the way!
1. Would You Rather?
Would you rather is a game that your kids will be begging to play! First, you’ll need to create a line with tape or yarn down the middle of the classroom and have your students line up on top of it. Then, you’ll ask “would you rather” questions like, “Would you rather eat moldy macaroni or sugar-covered spiders?” Your students will hop forward for the 1st option, and backward for the 2nd option. The more outrageous your questions are, the more fun they’ll have!
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2. Find It Fast
In this active game, your students will gather together and wait for you to call out a descriptor. You’ll prompt them to “find something round” or “find something hard” and watch them scramble around the class in search of the item. You can scatter a few items around beforehand to make it easier!
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3. Museum Guard
This is a great indoor game that doesn’t require any running. Assign one of your kids to be the “museum guard”. They’ll turn their back to the class while the other students dance and make silly faces. They must be careful because once the museum guard turns around, they’ll need to freeze because if caught moving, they’ll become the next guard!
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4. Musical Chairs
This classic game never fails to amuse! Begin by counting how many students are playing and placing the same amount of chairs back-to-back in the center before then taking one away. Next, start the music and have your kids circle the chairs; finding a seat once the music stops. At the end, one kiddo will be left chairless and removed from the game. Keep removing chairs each round until there’s one kid left sitting; the winner!
Learn More: Gamesver
5. Pass the Rubber Chicken
A rubber chicken is always good to have on hand! Use it as a timer as your students pass it in a circle before another student completely answers a question. Questions like, “Name 7 mammals” are perfect and will give your students a chance to pass the chicken around the circle as their peers name away. If the speaking student cannot complete the task in time, they’ll have to do the chicken dance!
Learn More: Education World
6. Fly Swatter
This highly customizable, competitive game is played in 2 teams. Line up the two teams and give each of the students in front a flyswatter. On the whiteboard, write possible answers to your questions- for example, numbers, colors, or names. Ask a question and have the front members of each team race to swat the correct answer on the board; keeping points as you go.
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7. Human Knot
In this no-prep classroom game, one student will start by taking the hands of two different students. In turn, they’ll then take the hands of other students. The aim is to form a human knot as everyone’s arms become entwined. Once they’re all knotted up, they’ll need to try and undo the knot without breaking the chain. They can go under or over and twist in any direction, but the trick is that they must continue holding hands!
Learn More: YouTube
8. Movement Memory
In this indoor recess game, your students will have a chance to add a movement to a chain of movements. Student 1 might clap their hands. Student 2 will then clap their hands and turn around. Student 3 will then need to copy both previous actions and add a third. The goal is to see how far the class chain can continue without anyone making any mistakes.
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9. Hot or Cold
Your kids must try not to spoil the surprise in this fun game of hot or cold. Hide a treasure in the class while one of your students, the treasure hunter, waits outside. When they return, they’ll need to search while the rest of the class provides clues as to where the treasure is by telling them if they’re hot (getting closer) or cold (getting farther) in relation to the object.
Learn More: YouTube
10. Stop the Bus
Divide your class into teams and hand each team a paper with the headings “name”, “place”, “animal”, and “thing” on it. This template can also change if you want to incorporate topics that you’re currently learning about. Then, randomly choose a letter from the alphabet and ask your students to quickly write down one thing in each category starting with that letter. The first team to complete their table must yell, “Stop the bus” and they’ll be declared the winners!
Learn More: ESL Kids Games
11. Charades
This classic party game is perfect for indoor recess because your kids won’t even realize they’re learning as they have fun! Let them act out animals, historical figures, book titles, and any other topics they’ve been learning about. Your students can take turns to mime the names for the rest of the classmates to guess, and they’ll be eliminated if they speak.
Learn More: Gamesver
12. Four Corners
This game takes little to set up, but involves lots of entertainment! Begin by putting up 4 sheets of paper in each corner of the class; each with a direction or number labeled on it. Then, one student will stand in the middle with their eyes closed and count backward from 10. The rest of your class will scramble to choose one of the four corners. When the counter reaches 0, they’ll call out one of the corners while their eyes remain closed. All of your students in that corner will then be eliminated. The game will continue until there’s one man standing!
Learn More: Playworks
13. 100 Cup Challenge
We love this collaborative indoor recess game! To set up for play, you’ll need to split your class into small groups and give each team 100 plastic cups (or less as long as each team receives an equal amount). You’ll then instruct everyone to build the tallest structure possible within a given time frame.
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14. The Floor is Lava
The floor of your room just turned into hot lava and your kids can’t fall in! Place pieces of paper or objects like pillows, beams, or tape marks on the floor at alternating distances. Then, task your learners with crossing the room by only stepping on the objects; or risk falling into the boiling lava and being eliminated! For added difficulty- add a Twister spinner to determine colors that your students can step on.
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15. Balloon Wrangling
This joyful game will definitely release some pent-up energy. Start by dividing your class into teams and assigning each team a color. Essentially, each team must try and wrangle their colored balloons into a corner without letting them touch the ground. You can give them paper plates to hit the balloons into the air, even interfering with the other teams’ colors if they wish. Will they choose the path of sabotage or will they work as a team to get all of their balloons to the same side first?
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16. Balloon Volleyball
Balloon volleyball is a great active game to let your learners burn off some excess energy before they hit the books again! Simply hang a piece of string in the middle of the class to serve as a volleyball net. You’ll then split the class into 2 teams and give them one balloon to hit back and forth. Whichever team manages to hit the balloon to the ground on their opponent’s side of the net will score a point. Play until the first team reaches 10!
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17. Playdough Pictionary
Your creatives will certainly enjoy playdough pictionary! Your students will be tasked with constructing something out of playdough in 30 seconds. The rest of the class will be yelling out guesses until they figure out what they’ve made! Whoever guesses correctly will get to mold the playdough next.
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18. Heads Up, 7Up
This is an ongoing game that your students will be begging to play on a rainy day! Seven students should be chosen to stand in the front of the class, while your other students close their eyes and put their heads down on their desk with one thumb up. The 7 standing students will then roam around the class- each picking one student to push their thumb down. Once they’re done, the teacher can say, “Heads up, 7 up” and the ones with their thumbs down will stand up. Suspiciously they’ll guess who picked them. If they guess correctly they can swap places with that student and start another round!
Learn More: YouTube
19. Indoor Obstacle Course
Transform your classroom into an obstacle course with pillows, hoops, chairs, tables, and more! Invite your students to make their way through in an allotted time. You can also blindfold one of your students and have the others explain to them how to get through the obstacles; targeting their motor skills and coordination.
Learn More: Lowveld Media
20. Judge
In this silly game you’ll assign one of your students to be the judge; standing in front with their back to the class. You’ll point to one student who has to say aloud, “Hello, Mr. Judge” in their best-disguised voice. The judge will then guess who said it! If they’re correct, they can remain in front. If they’re wrong they’ll swap with the student that tricked them. See who can identify most of their classmates correctly.
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21. Glow in the Dark Ringtoss
This game is the perfect pick for when it’s dark and stormy outside! Light up some glow sticks and connect them into rings. Then, place one glowstick in a jar as the target. Let your kids take turns throwing different-sized rings at the target to see who can score the most points!
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22. Mafia
This classic party game can easily be translated into a class setting and is a favorite among students of many ages. The card game is suitable for up to 36 players so everyone can join in the fun; trying to bluff their way out of being convicted. If you don’t have the physical game, you can still adapt the game to work in a class setting by writing on rolls on paper or using a deck of playing cards.
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23. Rock Paper Scissors Tag
This game is high-energy and fast-paced; best played in a gym or large indoor space. Begin by having 2 lines of kids face each other on one side of the room. They’ll have to play 3 quick-fire rounds of rock paper scissors. Once the winner is determined, they must immediately start chasing the loser to the other side of the room in a game of tag!
Learn More: Youth Ministry Great Games
24. Rock paper Scissors Hoop Hop Showdow
This is another excellent indoor recess game involving rock paper scissors. To set up play, lay hula hoops across the gym floor so that they touch one another. Then, have 2 players go head to head starting at opposite ends of the hula hoops and hopping towards each other. Once they meet at a hula hoop in the middle they’ll have to challenge each other to a game of rock, paper, scissors- with the loser returning to the beginning and hopping again until they meet their next challenger!
Learn More: The World Rock Paper Scissors Association
25. Balloon Hockey
Playing a competitive sport is a fun way to involve the whole class and build some team spirit, but it isn’t necessarily always indoor-friendly. That’s why we chose this version of hockey which is perfect for kids of all ages. To set up for play everyone will need to build their own sticks out of toilet paper tubes, tape, and cardboard- balloons will act as the pucks. Designate the two nets and let your kids work together to get multiple balloons of their teams’ color into the nets!
Learn More: Creative Connection for Kids
26. Paper and Straw Game
This game is fast, fun, and competitive, and can even be played as a tournament! To play, simply cut up pieces of colored paper and scatter them on a table. Teams should then use a straw to suck up their papers and drop them into a bowl. The first team to get all of their paper in will be crowned recess royalty!
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27. Paper Plane Race
Put your students’ engineering skills to the test by holding a good old-fashioned paper plane race! They can test different materials and styles of folding to see which one stays airborne the longest and drifts the furthest.
Learn More: Meaningful Mama
28. Jeopardy
Create a fun, non-academic Jeopardy Game; using trendy topics that your kids will undoubtedly be excited about! Split your class into teams and see who’s the most up-to-date with pop culture and current events!
Learn More: Jeopardy Labs
29. Zip Zap Zoom
Zip Zap Zoom is a super simple game that will test your students’ listening abilities. There are just three commands, each prompting them to pass an imaginary ball of energy around. Zip has them pass it in a clockwise direction, zap has them pass it in a counter-clockwise direction, and zoom has them pass it across the circle.
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30. Yoga
Recess is a time to get active and release some energy. A structured classroom yoga session is therefore a great way to ensure that your kids burn some energy while enjoying themselves. With some luck, they’ll return to their after-lunch lesson cool, calm, and collected!
Learn More: Cosmic Kids Yoga
31. Learn a Magic Trick
What kids wouldn’t want to learn how to do magic tricks during their indoor recess time? There are tons of simple card or coin tricks that they’ll be able to easily pick up. They might not be able to fool their classmates, but your kids will love taking their new skills home and impressing their families with their newly-acquired knowledge!
Learn More: YouTube
32. Learn Origami
Get out the paper and show your kids some of the amazing origami videos on the web! They’ll be folding paper dogs, flowers, and swans in no time! Not only is this folding technique a fun and calming activity, but it’ll also teach your kiddos valuable listening and focus skills.
Learn More: YouTube
33. Feed the Woozle
If there’s one rainy-day board game to invest in, this is the one! This kooky game will get your kids moving and laughing as they try to feed the hungry Woozle. It’s made for kids aged 3 and up, but even your much older kids will love the challenge! In a class setting, adapt gameplay to include 5 teams instead of 5 players.
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34. Bean Bag Toss
A classic game of bean bag toss or corn hole is a great way to fill an indoor recess session. To ramp up the fun, create an easy-themed game by making a custom bean bag toss set or decorating the cornhole according to a popular theme that you know your kids love.
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35. Marble Run
Your class will spend their indoor recess constructing an elaborate marble run using building blocks, lego, books, and any other random objects found around the class. When complete, they can release their marbles to test if their creation was a success!
Learn More: Oskars Wooden Ark
36. Learn a Clap Routine
Learning elaborate handshakes or clapping routines seems to be a lost game. Let your kids rediscover this fun pastime and make up their own clap routines or shakes that they can impress their friends with.
Learn More: YouTube
37. Learn String Tricks
Here’s another old-school activity that your kids don’t know they’re missing out on- string tricks, aka, cat’s cradle! By knotting two ends of a piece of string together to form a loop- they can practice making a star, a teacup, and the Eiffel Tower in pairs.
Learn More: YouTube
38. Learn a Cup Routine
Kids will never get enough of learning a choreographed routine. Instead of a lengthy dance routine, opt for this easy-to-learn rhythmic cup routine that they can quickly pick up and perform together by the end of indoor recess!
Learn More: YouTube
39. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Print out a scavenger hunt that needs no prep. This list is guaranteed to contain items that are already strewn around the classroom and your kiddos can even find different items to match the descriptions.
Learn More: Thrifty Northwest Mom
40. Drawing Tutorial
These quick drawing tutorials are a calm way to spend indoor recess. Project the video and invite your students to learn how to draw a variety of cute doodles. Don’t be surprised when you see them pop up on all their future assignment submissions!
Learn More: Art for Kids Hub
41. Kahoot!
Kahoot is a digital real-time response quiz that will have your kids begging for more. There’s a library of non-academic quizzes you can choose from, or tie it into a lesson you’ve covered earlier in the day to use recess time constructively. Either way, they’ll love this timed quiz challenge.
Learn More: Kahoot
42. Indoor Bowling
Host a quick bowling tournament in class with a DIY set of pins. Collect pringle cans or Coke bottles over time and stick numbers on them to assign values to them. This is both easy to set up and not messy or too noisy; making it the perfect indoor recess game for your kiddos to enjoy!
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43. Bingo!
Score! Here’s a handful of engaging, free printable bingo templates to keep your kids busy during indoor recess days. Choose a themed printout or stick to basic numbers.
Learn More: Bugaboo City
44. Indoor Golf
Why not bring a sport like golf into the classroom? Your kiddos can practice their putting during an indoor recess with this cool setup. Once you’ve created this 5-hole target you can use it over and over again; letting everyone practice their short game while stuck indoors.
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45. Silent Ball
Gather ’round for a round of Silent Ball! Have your students sit in a circle or on top of their desks. They’ll then have to pass a plush ball to each other in total silence. If a sound is made or the ball is dropped, they’re out. It’s a great exercise in concentration and coordination while practicing maintaining a quiet environment.
Learn More: Playworks
46. Story Chain
Begin a story by uttering a single sentence. Then, let your students take turns adding sentences to it. Together, they’ll work to create a collaborative tale that’s sure to turn out to be hilarious or profound. Who knows where the story will lead?
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47. Simon Says
Engage your students in a classic game of Simon Says. You or a student leader will give commands; only to be followed if preceded by “Simon says”. It’s a fun and active way to boost your kiddos’ attention and ability to follow directions.
Learn More: YouTube
48. Memory Game
Challenge your students’ memory with this absorbing game. It’s an online game, so it’ll work best if your students are positioned at individual computers. Their focus and recall will be tested as they engage in quick-fire rounds of play!
Learn More: Mental Up
49. Word Chain
Lead your students in a game of Word Chain. To do so, have them sit in a circle and take turns to say words that start with the last letter of the previous word. It’s an exciting way to expand their vocabulary and promote quick thinking. How far will the chain go?
Learn More: Word Finder
50. Pictionary Telephone
Merge the games of Pictionary and Telephone for endless laughter. Your students will need to draw, describe, and reinterpret images in a chain that’s sure to result in amusing misinterpretations. Talk about an entertaining way to foster their communication and creativity.
Learn More: Imagine Forest
51. Indoor Soccer
Why not play soccer indoors? Use a soft ball and makeshift goals, divide your students into teams, and let them enjoy a friendly match. This engaging game will promote teamwork and get them moving.
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52. Emoji Charades
Introduce a modern twist on Charades with emojis. Your students will act out and guess common emojis; offering a fun and lively indoor recess period.
Learn More: Download Youth Ministry Blog
53. Shadow Puppets
Let your students’ imaginations run wild with shadow puppetry. Simply turn off the lights and bring out a flashlight to shine on a white wall. Have them then use their hands to create various shadow shapes, maybe even adding dialogue to their play.
Learn More: YouTube
54. Indoor Hopscotch
Bring the classic outdoor game inside! Hopscotch can be set up with tape or string and some paper. Your students can then take turns tossing a bean bag to cover one square and hopping on the rest. What an active way to burn some energy!
Learn More: Kiwi Co
55. Giant Jenga
Will the tower be standing when recess time is over? Giant Jenga is a fun game that relies on the use of wooden blocks. When it’s your kiddo’s turn they’ll have to carefully pull out one of the blocks from the tower and place it on top; without toppling it over. Play continues until the tower comes crashing down!
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56. Emoji Memory Game
Here’s a printable memory game with popular emoji faces that will certainly excite your students. This delightful matching game aims to exercise concentration and recognition whilst upping the ante on the fun element.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
57. Name That Tune
Engage your students in a musical challenge! Play snippets of familiar songs, and let them guess the titles. Vary genres and decades to keep them on their toes. They’ll be guessing and dancing as they go!
Learn More: Moms & Munchkins
58. Mirror Mirror
You’ll get a hoot out of watching your students mimic each other in this mirror game. Simply have them pair up and try to replicate one another’s physical movements and poses; enhancing coordination and focus in the process.
Learn More: Twinkl
59. Indoor Frisbee Golf
Who says Frisbee is just an outdoor game? Set up goals in your classroom and let your students team up for this exciting game; using a frisbee constructed with a paper plate! Coordination and strategy will come into play as they try to toss it into a basket and score!
Learn More: Deceptively Educational
60. Spelling Bee
Why not host a spelling bee during recess? Your students will simply take turns spelling words aloud; enhancing their spelling skills and vocabulary! Be sure to adjust the difficulty level to fit their age and grade.
Learn More: ESL Printables
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do for indoor recess?
When students have to stay inside for recess, it is important to get them active with some awesome movement activities and allow for enough time for brain breaks. Play games where they can get active whether it is with a dance or running from one side of the class to the other. This is also a time where students should interact in teams and develop some social skills.
Is indoor recess good?
When students have to stay inside for recess, it is important to get them active with some awesome movement activities and allow for enough time for brain breaks. Play games where they can get active whether it is with a dance or running from one side of the class to the other. This is also a time where students should interact in teams and develop some social skills.
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