Family time often means game time, but not everyone likes board games. These fun indoor family games are good alternatives when everyone is stuck inside. All of these ideas are super simple, so family members of all ages can learn quickly, and much less rowdy than our indoor ball games!
Because these games don't require special supplies, they are perfect for last minute ideas. Indoor family games are great to have on hand when the weather is not conducive to herding everyone out to play a rowdy game of football or tag. Remember, not all family games need to be competitive. In fact, they are often more fun when everyone cooperates towards a common goal.
(Note: this post contains affiliate links.)
You may be thinking that these seem like games for kids. Well, they are! But adults with flexible mindsets will enjoy them too. Who doesn't want to enjoy life just like a kid again?
Indoor Family Games for All!
Here are 14 family time ideas to get you started!
Drawing Games
All you need is pen and paper! Start a drawing game. One person starts by drawing a shape on a piece of paper and passing it to the next player, who adds to it. Keeping passing around the drawing until everyone has a turn (if it's a large group), or for a predetermined number of times (if it's a small group). This can be played with as many players as you wish
Another fun drawing game is Exquisite Corpse (yes, that's the real name!) Here's a video to see how it's done.
Thinking Games
These family thinking games can be played instantly, anywhere! Games like "Imaginary Traveler" and "Name Five" will also make everyone laugh and they try to be quick on their feet!
Or try these these waiting games, designed to pass the time in those oh-so-boring moments.
Mad Libs
I've recommended Mad Libs so many times, I might have reached the limit. But Mad Libs continues to be a family favorite, and the laughs are undeniable. It's also a great ice breaker when families get together after not seeing each other for a long time!
Hide and Seek
This is not a joke! It's not just for kids! Kids absolutely love to find grown-ups! It gives them a sense of accomplishment and the smiles and giggles are so worth it.
Pencil and Paper Games
Like family drawing games, all you need is pencil and paper. One of our absolute favorites is Dots and Boxes. If you haven't learned how to play, read these instructions (there's also a helpful video) and you'll be a master in no time. Here are some more pencil and paper games to try out, too!
Play a card game!
Everyone has a deck of cards! You could go for laughs and play an old fashioned game of spoons! Or you could try one of these 10 card games every kid should know.
Games on Your Feet
Get everyone up on their feet for a little (very light) exercise! Play these games:
- Simon Says
- Land, Sea, Air. Land Sea Air is a hit with everyone who has tried it!
- Charades is another option.
Guessing Games
Play a guessing game: put an assortment of items on a tray, everyone tries to memorize the items. Everyone closes their eyes then one person removes a few items and players try to guess what was removed. We have tons more memory games ideas here.
Minute to Win It Style Games
Minute to Win It Style Games have become very popular. Our favorite is the paper cup tower. Divide into teams and see who can make the highest paper cup tower without it falling over. Here are more simple Minute To Win It style games.
Dominoes
Set up dominoes to make a domino run! This is great for settling everyone down, because one false move and boom! It all falls down.
MORE: Does your family like to laugh? Try one of these Creative Indoor Family Activities.
We also have 35 indoor games for kids, perfect for when the weather gets bad and you are trying to keep the kids busy so you can actually get something done!
Do you prefer board games and want to stock your game closet for future family game nights? Check out our favorite games with tips for playing with young kids at the table.
P.S. When you are able to get outdoors try these ---> Outdoor Family Games
Alana - eSpectacularKids says
Spoons is a great game! Kids get really into it, and it always ends up in laughter...
Erica MomandKiddo says
I agree!
Layla says
Me too! I love the laghter! Makes me happy!
Mumtaz says
Wow! Awsome games they are very fantastic and mind blowing
writersideup says
Erica, I will always enjoy your typically "unplugged" and creative approach to all this. Thanks for all the great ideas 🙂 I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Our Thanksgiving was great! I hope yours was, too.
Vicky says
Lots of fun suggestions for this winter. Looks like it will be a long one in Ohio this year 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Oh, dear. Good luck!
Tracy says
I will be trying a lot of them
Lynn says
With Winter coming.. so helpful!! Thank you!
Erica MomandKiddo says
You're welcome! Hope it helps you get through the loooong cold days!
Jeanette Nyberg says
Hot potato in our house would quickly turn into a lot of fat lips and black eyes. But really, I love these ideas. I think I'll print them out to keep on the fridge.
Suzanne Holt says
Great post and great links! Pinned to my "Frugal Family Fun" board.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Suzanne!
Tracy says
Love it always making or playing games...we do a lot of poster board games and usualy there's a spot to loose a turn or go back to start or switch with another ...they get fun
Layla says
Fun! I will try it with my husband and kids!
Tracy says
We like to make full size versions of games on the side walk or in the garage ...us being the pieces ...it's great fun
Marc says
Thanks for the ideas. I've been looking for some indoor things to do with the kids now that the weather is getting cooler.
Himali Parikh says
A very interesting article on indoor games for kids. In India we also play carrom as an indoor family game. Yours are lovely ideas that we can follow for indoor games.