Finding fun and engaging games for a youth group can be challenging, especially when you’re limited to indoor spaces. The right activities can make a youth gathering more memorable, foster friendships, and create a lively, inclusive environment. Here’s a list of 15 indoor games that are sure to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re in a church basement, a classroom, or a community center. All you need is a little space and a sense of adventure!
Keep your kids safe online with SentryPC – Monitor, filter, and control their computer use anytime, anywhere! Get started today
1. Human Knot
Materials Needed: None
How to Play: Participants stand in a circle, shoulder to shoulder, and reach across to grab hands with two different people. The goal is to untangle themselves into a circle without letting go of hands. It’s a great game for building teamwork and communication.
2. Four Corners
Materials Needed: None
How to Play: Label each corner of the room with a number (1-4). One person stands in the middle with their eyes closed, counting to ten while the others move quietly to a corner. The person in the middle then calls out a number, and those in the chosen corner are out. This continues until one person remains.
3. Sardines
Materials Needed: None
How to Play: A twist on hide-and-seek, one person hides while the rest count. As people find the hider, they join them in their hiding spot until only one seeker is left. It’s a game that quickly turns into lots of laughter and squishing into tight spaces!
4. Bible Verse Scramble
Materials Needed: Paper, pens
How to Play: Write out Bible verses and cut them into individual words. Split participants into teams, and give each team a scrambled set. The goal is to put the words back in order as quickly as possible. It’s a great way to combine learning with fun.
5. Balloon Volleyball
Materials Needed: Balloons, tape or string for a net
How to Play: Divide the room with a line of tape or string as a “net.” Use balloons as the volleyball, and have teams try to keep the balloon off the ground. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving without the risk of broken windows!
6. Charades
Materials Needed: Slips of paper, bowl
How to Play: Write down different phrases, characters, or scenarios on slips of paper. Players take turns drawing a slip and acting it out while their team tries to guess what it is. Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
7. Reverse Scavenger Hunt
Materials Needed: Small objects
How to Play: Instead of finding objects hidden around the room, give each team an object and a list of things to find that match the object. For example, if they receive a spoon, they might look for other round or metallic objects.
8. Minute to Win It Challenges
Materials Needed: Various household items
How to Play: Set up quick challenges like stacking cups, balancing cookies on the forehead, or picking up candy with chopsticks. Each challenge is only a minute long, making it a fast-paced and high-energy game that keeps everyone laughing.
9. Pictionary
Materials Needed: Whiteboard or large paper, markers
How to Play: Just like charades but with drawings! Players draw a word or phrase while their team tries to guess what it is. Perfect for creative youth who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
10. Heads Up!
Materials Needed: Phone or paper slips with categories
How to Play: One person holds a card (or a phone with the Heads Up! app) on their forehead without seeing the word. The group gives clues until they guess it correctly. It’s a great way to get everyone involved.
11. Duct Tape Fashion Show
Materials Needed: Rolls of duct tape, old newspapers
How to Play: Divide into teams and give each one a roll of duct tape and some newspapers. Their task? Create the most stylish (or hilarious) outfits in 15 minutes. After the time is up, have a mini fashion show where each team shows off their creations.
12. Telephone
Materials Needed: None
How to Play: A classic game where a message is whispered from person to person down a line. By the time it reaches the last person, the message is almost always hilariously altered. A great icebreaker for new groups!
13. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
Materials Needed: Glow sticks
How to Play: Turn down the lights and play hide-and-seek with glow sticks. Each seeker holds a glow stick, while the others try to hide. It’s perfect for adding an extra element of excitement to a classic game.
14. Capture the Flag (Indoor Edition)
Materials Needed: Two flags, tape to divide the room
How to Play: Use tape to split the room into two halves and place a “flag” (it could be any object) on each side. Teams try to grab the other team’s flag without being tagged in enemy territory. It’s a great way to bring an outdoor game indoors.
15. Story Chain
Materials Needed: None
How to Play: Sit in a circle. One person starts a story with a sentence, and each person adds a line as the story progresses. The goal is to create the funniest and most unexpected story possible. A great way to end the night with creativity and laughter.
Tips for Indoor Group Games
- Choose games that match the size of your space: Ensure there’s enough room for safe movement.
- Be mindful of noise levels: Games like Charades and Pictionary are perfect if you need to keep the volume down.
- Encourage everyone to participate: Make sure the rules are easy to follow and inclusive so that all youth feel comfortable joining in.
These indoor games can transform any gathering into a fun and memorable experience. Whether you’re aiming to build teamwork, get the group moving, or simply create opportunities for laughter, there’s a game on this list for every situation. Happy playing!