As someone who has extensive experience in indoor recreational activities, I can confidently say that they are a great way to spend your vacation time. From classic board games and fun shooting sports to virtual reality experiences, there are plenty of options available for people of all ages and interests.
I’m excited to share some of the best indoor recreational activities that I’ve tried and tested over the years. Whether you’re looking for something to do with your family, friends, or even by yourself, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you’re looking for some ideas to keep yourself entertained and engaged while indoors, then keep reading! I’m here to share my expertise and help you make the most of your leisure time.
1. Laser Tagging
As an expert in recreational activities, I can attest that laser tag is a thrilling shooting game that involves using infrared-emitting toy guns to tag opponents and score points. With a digital display on the laser tag gun or a scoreboard in the arena, players can keep track of their score as they battle it out in a darkened, maze-like indoor arena featuring barriers, walls, and other structures for cover.
Players wear vests equipped with sensors that detect hits from the infrared beams emitted by the toy guns. The objective of the game is to tag as many opponents as possible while avoiding being tagged yourself. This popular recreational shooting game is enjoyed by both children and adults and can be played in dedicated laser tag facilities, as well as at home with personal laser tag sets.
Related: 10 Types Of Toy Guns
2. Virtual Reality Gaming
I find it fascinating that virtual reality shooting games have become so popular in recent years. With a virtual reality headset on, I can immerse myself in a simulated environment and use a replica gun to shoot at targets or enemies. The experience is incredibly realistic and can be used for teaching and adventure.
Although some virtual reality gaming experiences can be found in outdoor venues like theme parks or amusement parks, most of these games are played indoors. They are often found in dedicated virtual reality gaming centers, but some people even have personal virtual reality devices at home. I love being able to try out different shooting games without ever leaving the comfort of my own home!
3. Darts
This is an indoor recreational activity where you throw small, pointed darts at a circular board with numbered sections. When playing, my friends and I take turns throwing darts at the board, trying to hit specific areas to score points.
It is a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or skill level. I like playing darts both socially and competitively, like when I’m a part of a dart league or participating in a tournament.
I’ve been immersed in the world of darts for quite a while, and I have to admit, it’s an absolute blast. My home setup includes both bristle and electronic dart boards, which I frequently enjoy with my sister and friends. Our collective enthusiasm for this game knows no bounds!
4. Mini Golf
I really enjoy playing mini golf as an indoor recreational sport, which is a miniature version of outdoor golf. To play, I have to use a putter to knock a golf ball into a sequence of holes on a miniature golf course, which has obstacles like windmills, tunnels, and water hazards. The goal is to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.
What makes it even more fun is that I can play it alone or with a group of friends and family. Mini golf is a great way to spend time with loved ones and it’s suitable for all ages and skill levels. Overall, mini golf is an enjoyable and engaging activity that I highly recommend trying.
5. Quidditch Pong
When I’m looking for a fun and exciting indoor activity to do with friends, I often suggest playing Quidditch Pong! This game is a unique combination of beer pong and the fictional sport of Quidditch from Harry Potter. To set up the game, we place cups in a triangle formation on either end of a standard beer pong table and also include a “snitch cup” in the middle of the table.
The goal of Quidditch Pong is to score points by tossing ping pong balls into the opposing team’s cups while also defending our own cups. When a ball lands in the snitch cup, the game enters a special phase where the first team to land a ball in the opponent’s snitch cup wins the game. This game is always a hit at parties and social gatherings!
6. Jenga
I absolutely love playing Jenga! It’s a classic block-stacking game that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family game night or a party with friends. The game involves players taking turns removing blocks from a tower and placing them on top, trying to avoid causing the tower to collapse.
Jenga is played with a set of 54 rectangular blocks that are stacked in rows of three, perpendicular to the previous layer. The winner of the game is the last person to successfully remove a block without the building collapsing. It’s a game that requires strategy, skill, and a steady hand.
During the game, each player takes turns removing one block at a time from any layer except the top, and then carefully placing it on top of the tower to create a new layer. The game continues in this manner until the tower falls or becomes unstable and cannot be played without collapsing.
I find Jenga to be a thrilling and exciting game that is sure to keep everyone entertained and on the edge of their seats!
7. KanJam
It is one of my all-time favorite disc-based games that I love to play with my friends. This game involves tossing and deflecting a frisbee to collect points, and it can be played both indoors and outdoors by players of all ages, including teens, tweens, and adults.
In KanJam, two teams take turns throwing the frisbee and trying to hit the kan – a little barrel-shaped target – at the opposite end of the playing field. The game is won by the first team to reach 21 points with a two-point margin. I must say, it’s always an exciting moment when my team scores a point, and we’re getting closer to the winning score.
I find KanJam to be a perfect game for social events and parties. It’s a great ice-breaker, and it brings people together for some friendly competition. Whenever we play KanJam, my friends and I often get really into the game, strategizing on how to make the perfect shot to score points.
Overall, KanJam is a fun and engaging game that I recommend to anyone looking for an exciting and interactive indoor recreational activity.
Also Read: Most Exciting Outdoor Recreational Activities
8. Kubb
Kubb is a Swedish game, originated as an outdoor activity, but can be played with indoor settings too. The game involves two teams of players trying to knock down the opposing team’s wooden blocks and eventually topple the “king” block at the center of the field. Each team has several batons which they use to throw at the opposing team’s blocks.
If a player successfully knocks down a block, they are allowed to throw again until they miss. The game continues in this manner until one team successfully knocks down all of the opposing team’s blocks and then knocks over the king block to win the game.
I must say, Kubb is not only fun but also challenging. It requires strategy, accuracy, and teamwork, making it a great game for players aged five and above. Whenever I play Kubb, I always find myself strategizing with my team members, trying to aim for the blocks that will give us the best advantage. It’s amazing how much fun and excitement this game can bring to a group of friends.
9. Archery Tag
As an experienced adventurer who loves to try new things, I can tell you that Archery Tag is a thrilling indoor recreational activity that combines archery, dodgeball, and paintball into one exciting game. When you play Archery Tag, you use specially designed foam-tipped arrows and bows to tag opponents and score points.
The game takes place in an arena with barriers and obstacles that provide cover and increase the challenge. The objective of the game is to eliminate all members of the opposing team or to score the most points before time runs out. Having played Archery Tag before, I know firsthand that it requires skill, strategy, and quick reflexes to win.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity alternative to paintball involving friends and family, I highly recommend giving Archery Tag a try. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that you won’t forget!
10. Escape Rooms
As an avid fan of indoor games and adventure, I can tell you that escape rooms are a relatively new and thrilling recreational activity for indoors. When you play, you and your team are confined in a themed area and must solve puzzles, find clues, and uncover hidden objects to escape before time runs out.
Escape rooms can be found in many locations around the United States, and they offer a variety of themes and difficulty levels, ranging from classic mysteries to science fiction and horror scenarios. As someone who’s tried different escape rooms before, I can tell you that they require teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills to succeed.
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging activity to try with your friends, I highly recommend checking out an escape room near you. You never know what kind of adventure awaits!
11. Karaoke
With a love for karaoke and experiences at many karaoke bars, I found it a fun and entertaining way to spend time with friends. When you do karaoke, you get to choose from a wide variety of songs and sing along while the lyrics are displayed on a screen. Karaoke bars often have a lively atmosphere, with food and drinks available to help you relax and enjoy the experience.
If you’re not able to go to a karaoke bar, you can also create an artificial karaoke setup at home using a karaoke machine or computer program. This is a great option if you prefer to sing in the comfort of your own home or if you want to practice your singing skills before heading out to a karaoke bar. Regardless of where you choose to sing, karaoke is a fun and enjoyable leisure activity for people of all skill levels.
12. Dancing Party
As someone who has organized dance parties for kids, I can tell you that they are a great way for children to expend their energy while having a blast. Kids can create their own playlists with their favorite songs or follow along with dance videos on YouTube. It’s amazing to see how much fun they have and how they let loose on the dance floor!
13. Gel Blasting
I’ve recently become more interested in playing gel blasters, which are toy guns that shoot small, soft balls made of a water-absorbent polymer. These gel balls are safe to use indoors because they break apart upon impact and leave no residue.
Gel blaster guns are designed to shoot at a low velocity, typically between 90-250 feet per second (FPS), which is much slower than airsoft or paintball guns. This makes them a safer and more exciting recreational hobby for those looking to play real life shooting games. I’ve found that playing gel blasters is a great way to have fun with friends and family and provides a thrilling and unique experience.
14. Indoor Obstacle Activities
Indoor obstacle activities are a fun and exciting way to challenge yourself and stay active inside the house. These activities typically involve navigating through a course that is designed to test your strength, agility, and balance.
Those indoor activities can range from simple courses with basic obstacles like hurdles and balance beams to more complex courses with climbing walls, monkey bars, and zip lines. Some indoor obstacle courses also incorporate team-building challenges and problem-solving tasks.
One of the things I enjoy most about indoor obstacle activities is that they provide a great workout while also being a lot of fun. They’re an exciting way to get your heart rate up and challenge yourself physically, all while having a good time with friends or family.
Making an indoor obstacle course is a fun and challenging project that may keep youngsters interested and active. Whether you’re looking for a new and exciting way to stay active or just want to try something new, I highly recommend giving this indoor activity a try!
15. Charades
As I have organized children’s parties before, I highly recommend Charades where kids take turns acting out various phrases or sentences while the other players try to guess what they are doing.
This game is not only fun but also an excellent way for children to improve their communication and teamwork abilities. It’s a timeless recreation activity that always keeps the kids engaged and excited to play.
16. Magic
After witnessing many magic performances, I can say that magic is a fascinating art that involves creating illusions and performing tricks that can captivate audiences of all ages. I have seen people learn magic as a hobby, and it can be a fun and enjoyable indoor recreational activity.
You can easily buy magic sets and instructional videos online or from magic shops, and rehearsing and performing tricks can help build your confidence while entertaining your friends and family.
17. Baking
I have always enjoyed baking as an indoor recreational hobby. My friend Kieren is a master in this art and has taught me a lot about baking. From cookies to cakes to bread, I have produced numerous baked goods from scratch at home.
Baking can also be an excellent way to teach children about measuring, numeracy, and following directions. I have found that involving kids in baking activities can help them develop these skills in a fun and interactive way. Plus, the delicious treats we create together are a bonus!
18. Human Snakes
I’ve recently played a game called Human Snakes- it’s a lot of fun! It involves creating a “snake” by holding onto the waist or shoulders of the person in front of you. The leader of the snake begins to move around, and the rest of the group follows, weaving and turning through the space.
The objective is to navigate the snake through obstacles and narrow spaces without breaking the chain or letting go. It requires coordination and teamwork, and it’s a great way to get moving and have fun with friends or family.
19. Minefield
I’ve played Minefield before, and it’s a great indoor team-building game that requires everyone to work together. We needed a large room and a few objects to serve as obstacles, like pillows or cones. Then, one person was blindfolded and had to navigate the “minefield” without touching any of the obstacles.
The real challenge was that the blindfolded person had to rely entirely on the verbal cues from their teammates to avoid the obstacles. It was a fun and engaging way to develop communication and teamwork skills while also having a good time. Plus, it was always hilarious to see someone accidentally step on a “mine” and hear the whole team groan in disappointment!
20. Horseshoes
As someone who has played horseshoes several times, I can tell you that it’s a classic game that has been around for centuries. The objective is to toss a metal horseshoe at a stake in the ground and earn points based on how close the horseshoe lands to the stake.
The indoor recreational game is a lot of fun and can be played with two or more players. It’s a great way to enjoy some outdoor time with friends and family, and the winner is usually determined by a combination of skill and luck.
21. Croquet
I have played croquet many times before, and it is a classic game that is always fun to play with friends and family. The objective of the game is to use a mallet to strike wooden balls through a series of hoops placed around a playing field. Players take turns and can also try to knock their opponent’s ball out of play. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and a lot of fun!
22. Board Games
As someone who loves indoor recreational activities, one of my favorite pastimes is playing board games. These are games played on a flat surface using pieces, cards, or other game components. Board games can be played by two or more players and typically have rules and objectives that players must follow to win.
Some of the most popular board games include classic games like Chess and Checkers, strategy games like Risk and Settlers of Catan, and party games like Cards Against Humanity and Taboo.
I find board games to be a great way to spend time with friends and family, especially on cold or rainy days when outdoor activities are not an option. They are also a great way to keep my mind engaged and improve my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In addition to being a fun recreational game, board games can also be educational. Many board games are designed to teach players about history, geography, math, and other subjects. They can also help develop important social skills like communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
23. Arts And Crafts
As I enjoy spending time with kids and train them, I find arts and crafts to be a great way to keep them engaged and entertained. These recreational activities not only provide a fun outlet for children to express themselves, but also help to develop their artistic abilities.
Whether it’s painting, drawing, or sculpting, arts and crafts allow students to unleash their creativity and imagination. They can experiment with different colors, shapes, and textures to create their own unique works of art. And the best part is, they can do it all while having fun!
Not only are arts and crafts a great way to keep children occupied, they also offer a range of developmental benefits. These indoor activities can help to improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.
They also provide an opportunity for children to learn about different art techniques and styles. So grab some paper, paint, and markers, and let your children’s creativity run wild!
24. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
An indoor scavenger hunt is a game where participants are given a list of items or clues to find within a designated area, such as a house or office building. The great thing about indoor scavenger hunts is that they can be customized to suit any occasion or group of people. For example, you could plan a scavenger hunt for a birthday party, a team-building exercise for coworkers, or a fun family activity on a rainy day.
To plan an indoor scavenger hunt, you’ll need to come up with a list of items or clues that participants must find or solve. You can make the clues as easy or difficult as you like, depending on the age and skill level of the participants. You’ll also need to designate a specific area for the hunt and hide the items or clues in various locations.
In my experience, indoor scavenger hunts are always a hit with both children and adults. They provide a fun and engaging way to spend time indoors, and can be customized to suit any group or occasion. So if you’re looking for a fun and creative recreational activity, I would highly recommend organizing an indoor scavenger hunt!
25. Hopscotch
As someone who loves playing games, I have found that hopscotch is not only a traditional outdoor game but can also be a fun indoor activity. The goal of the game is to jump or hop through a pattern of numbered squares on the ground to reach the end.
Indoor hopscotch can be easily modified by drawing the pattern on a smooth surface using masking tape or chalk. This makes it a great indoor recreational activity for when the weather is not suitable for outdoor play or when you simply want to switch things up.
It can be played solo or with multiple players taking turns. It’s a great way to get some exercise and improve coordination and balance skills. Plus, Hopscotch’s an easy game to customize with different patterns or variations, making it a versatile activity that can be enjoyed time and time again.
Overall, I highly recommend giving hopscotch a try. It’s a fun and simple game that can provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.
26. Hydroponics
I’ve discovered that hydroponics is a fascinating way to grow plants indoors without soil. Instead of planting in soil, plants are placed in pots or baskets suspended in water. The roots collect nutrients from a nutrient-rich solution supplied to the water, which allows for faster plant growth compared to traditional gardening methods.
Hydroponic gardening can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, and flowers, and is especially useful in regions with limited space or soil. It can be done indoors and can be used as an exciting and rewarding recreational activity for both kids and adults.
One of the benefits of hydroponics is that it is a clean and environmentally friendly method of gardening, with no need for pesticides or harmful chemicals. Additionally, hydroponic plants are less prone to pests and diseases, which means less maintenance and more time to enjoy the beauty of the plants.
Overall, I highly recommend trying hydroponic gardening as a fun and engaging indoor activity for anyone interested in growing their own plants.
27. Tissue Box Skating
I’ve played a really fun game where we attach an empty tissue box to our waist and fill it with ping pong balls or other small objects. The goal of the game is to race around a circuit and shake our hips as fast as possible to get the balls out of the tissue box. The player who finishes the course and empties their tissue box first is declared the winner.
It’s a hilarious and entertaining indoor recreational activity to play with friends and family, as it requires lots of energy and coordination. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun.
You can modify the game by changing the type of objects placed in the tissue box or by adding obstacles to the course to make it more challenging. Overall, it’s a unique and exciting game that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good time.
28. Pass The Chicken
It’s a game where players have to pass a rubber chicken around a circle without using their hands. Instead, players must use their elbows, knees, or any other body part to pass the chicken to the next player. The game gets even more challenging when you add obstacles or require players to pass the chicken while blindfolded.
It’s a great activity to play with friends and family because it’s so silly and lighthearted. Everyone ends up laughing and having a good time. It’s also a good way to get people moving and active, as you have to use different parts of your body to pass the chicken around.
I would definitely recommend “Pass the Chicken” to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining game to play with a group. It’s sure to bring lots of laughs and create some great memories.
29. Balloon Hitter
This is a fun game that I’ve recently played with my cousins. It’s a simple game that requires balloons and any type of stick or bat, like a broom or a plastic bat. The objective of the game is to hit the balloon back and forth between two or more players without letting it touch the ground.
To start the game, we blow up a balloon and use a stick or bat to hit it into the air. The first player hits the balloon to the second player, and the second player has to hit it back without letting it touch the ground. If a player misses the balloon or it hits the ground, they’re out of the game. The last player standing is the winner.
It’s a great game to play indoors or outdoors and can be played with any number of players. It’s also a fun way to improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes. Plus, it’s a low-cost recreation activity that can be played with items found around the house.
30. The Orange War Game
I remember playing the Orange War game, and it was a blast! We were divided into teams, and each team was given an orange. The objective of the game was to hit players from the opposing team with our oranges while avoiding being hit ourselves.
The rule was that we could only use our oranges to hit other players, and we had to avoid using any other objects. The game was fast-paced and challenging, as we had to dodge and weave to avoid being hit while trying to hit our opponents.
In the end, the team with the most players left standing was declared the winner. It was a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon with friends, and also a great way to improve our coordination and reflexes.
Indoor recreational activities offer people a pleasant and interesting way to spend their spare time, especially when the weather is bad or outdoor activities are limited. The possibilities are boundless, ranging from board games to DIY crafts, indoor scavenger hunts, hopscotch, hydroponics, tissue box challenges, and rubber chicken games- the options are endless.
Not only do they provide us with entertainment and a break from the monotony of everyday life, but they also help us bond with our loved ones and unleash our creativity. So, the next time you’re feeling bored or stuck indoors, try out one of these activities or come up with your own! You might be surprised at how much fun you can have without leaving your home.
