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    You are here: Home / Games / 14 Fun Indoor Family Games (No Board Necessary)

     

    14 Fun Indoor Family Games (No Board Necessary)

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    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.

    child raising arms in victory for indoor family games

    (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!

    Mad libs at family dinner 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

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    « 10 Creative Indoor Family Activities
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alana - eSpectacularKids says

      November 29, 2014 at 9:39 am

      Spoons is a great game! Kids get really into it, and it always ends up in laughter...

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 30, 2014 at 7:44 am

        I agree!

        Reply
        • Layla says

          July 08, 2020 at 4:49 am

          Me too! I love the laghter! Makes me happy!

          Reply
      • Mumtaz says

        May 06, 2021 at 7:03 am

        Wow! Awsome games they are very fantastic and mind blowing

        Reply
    2. writersideup says

      November 29, 2014 at 8:06 pm

      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 30, 2014 at 7:44 am

        Our Thanksgiving was great! I hope yours was, too.

        Reply
    3. Vicky says

      November 30, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      Lots of fun suggestions for this winter. Looks like it will be a long one in Ohio this year 🙂

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 30, 2014 at 3:24 pm

        Oh, dear. Good luck!

        Reply
      • Tracy says

        January 01, 2017 at 2:10 am

        I will be trying a lot of them

        Reply
    4. Lynn says

      December 01, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      With Winter coming.. so helpful!! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        December 01, 2014 at 12:25 pm

        You're welcome! Hope it helps you get through the loooong cold days!

        Reply
    5. Jeanette Nyberg says

      December 02, 2014 at 8:19 am

      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.

      Reply
    6. Suzanne Holt says

      December 24, 2014 at 11:20 am

      Great post and great links! Pinned to my "Frugal Family Fun" board.

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        December 26, 2014 at 6:18 am

        Thanks, Suzanne!

        Reply
    7. Tracy says

      January 01, 2017 at 2:06 am

      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

      Reply
      • Layla says

        July 08, 2020 at 4:53 am

        Fun! I will try it with my husband and kids!

        Reply
    8. Tracy says

      January 01, 2017 at 2:07 am

      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

      Reply
    9. Marc says

      November 28, 2017 at 8:47 am

      Thanks for the ideas. I've been looking for some indoor things to do with the kids now that the weather is getting cooler.

      Reply
    10. Shweta Kale says

      February 06, 2019 at 3:21 am

      Great information. Thanks for sharing. I have come across an article, they have won 'Family Choice Awards. You can give it a read to the link https://logicroots.com/MathBlog/logic-roots-games-win-the-family-choice-awards-2019/

      Reply
    11. Himali Parikh says

      March 05, 2022 at 7:31 am

      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.

      Reply

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