There are days when stepping outside just doesn’t feel possible. Your child might want a peaceful day at home, or it may be pouring or scorching. No matter the reason, you’re not the only parent dealing with a high-energy child indoors. Children enjoy being active. They like to jump, climb, crawl, and discover new things. Being indoors doesn’t mean the play has to stop.
Guess what? There’s some great news! You can keep your child active without needing a park or playground! Just a bit of creativity, some everyday items you have at home, and a great list of indoor games with pictures can really get the fun started!
Here’s a list of indoor games for kids that will get your child moving, thinking, and smiling—all while staying inside. This indoor games name list has something for every age group.
Animal Walk Races
Transform your hallway into a tropical haven! Tell your kid to walk like a crab, hop like a rabbit, or pound his or her foot back and forth like a dinosaur. You can join in or turn it into a friendly race.
Why try this? It builds strength, coordination, and makes everyone laugh.
Balloon Volleyball
Hang a string across the room (like a mini net) and grab a balloon. Your child can bat it over the string and try to keep it in the air. No furniture damage, no loud thuds—just soft, active play.
Why it works: Great for energy release, balance, and reflexes.
Paper Plate Ring Toss
Cut the centers out of paper plates to make rings. Place a bottle or stick on the floor as a target. Take turns tossing the rings to see who scores most.
Fun twist: Let your child decorate the plates before the game starts.
Freeze Dance
If you play music, dance like no one is watching, and then stop when the music stops. It’s better if the pose is silly.
As a parent, you can make your child feel more involved by letting them be the DJ.
The Floor Is Lava
Throw pillows, newspapers, and mats on the floor and pretend the rest is lava. Kids must hop from one “safe zone” to another without touching the ground.
Why they love it: It feels like a real adventure right at home.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Use what you have: a tunnel made from chairs, cushions to jump over, a line of tape to balance on. You can even set a timer to make it exciting.
Skill builder: Encourages planning, agility, and problem-solving.
Sock Toss Game
Roll up a few pairs of socks and place a basket across the room. Mark different throw lines for more challenge. Let your child try tossing the socks from different distances.
Learning perk: Improves aim and control in a very simple setup.
Colour Hunt
Say, “Find me three things that are yellow!” or “Bring something square-shaped.” Your child runs around hunting for items. You can even turn it into a timed challenge.
Why try this? It sharpens observation and keeps your child moving.
Simon Says
A classic that never gets old. Add fun movement-based instructions like “Simon says hop on one foot” or “Simon says stretch like a cat.” Easy to start, and no setup needed.
Add variety: Let your child take over as Simon—it boosts confidence.
Stack the Cups
Ask your kid to build the biggest tower they can out of paper or plastic cups. Tell them to try again when it falls, which it will.
It teaches basic physics, patience, and balance—even if it doesn’t feel like a lesson.
A Puzzle Test
Race to finish one of the two puzzles you’ve laid out. For games with just one child, set a timer and try to beat the old time.
Plus, it’s a nice break between games with a lot of action.
The Mirror Game
Talk to your child straight on. As one of you moves, the other tries to look like a mirror. They may wave their arms, touch their nose, or spin around.
It’s fun because it makes kids laugh and helps them focus.
Rolling Die Exercise
Take a regular die and assign an action to each number. For example:
5 jumping jacks
10 toe touches
Run in place for 10 seconds
Touch the floor and jump
Do 5 squats
Spin like a top
Roll and perform the action together.
Why they love it: Kids enjoy the randomness and feel like they’re in charge.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Write down clues or simple challenges like:
“Find something soft”
“Bring me something shaped like a circle”
“Find a toy with wheels”
You can keep it spontaneous or make it themed—colours, shapes, textures.
Why it works: Active learning that doesn’t feel like learning.
Story Action Game
Make a quick story together. For every action in the story—like “the rabbit hopped over a rock”—act it out. Keep building the story with physical movements.
Best part: You get creativity and movement in one go.
That was our definitive list of indoor games for kids!
Indoor Games That Actually Work (And Kids Love Them Too)
Some days your child’s movement will keep you sane and you only need a few tried-and-tested indoor games. Having a few go-to ideas will help to greatly simplify any rainy afternoon or quiet weekend at home.
And here’s the thing: you don’t need anything fancy. Most of the games in this list are low on prep and high on fun. No mess, no big expenses. Just the kind of play that keeps kids active, helps them focus, and lets them express all that energy in a good way.
You can even turn this into a little tradition—click a few photos while your child is playing and build your own indoor games list with images. The next time they say, “I’m bored,” you’ve got a ready list to flip through together.
Better yet, let them choose. When you make a small indoor games name list and give your child the chance to pick, it builds confidence and independence. And honestly, the simple stuff—like tossing socks into a bucket or crawling like a bear—often ends up being the most fun. Especially when you are a part of the fun 🙂
Kangaroo Kids International Preschool views play as an integral part of the educational process, rather than an afterthought. Each day, kids play, explore, learn, and grow through exploration, walking, listening, singing, and hands-on activities. All of it is meant to enable their normal and joyous growth. Eager to learn more? Visit www.kangarookids.in.
