Let’s be real – the words “indoor recess” can make any teacher’s skin crawl. The weather’s bad, the kids are restless, and you’re left wondering how to keep them entertained. Having a list of Indoor Recess Games available can turn this time into something fun and productive. Plus, these games can be easy to set up and require minimal effort on your part. Whether you need something active, creative, or brain-challenging, this list has you covered.
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1. Puzzles
Word puzzles like crossword puzzles, word searches, and letter Sudoku are perfect for keeping students engaged. These activities encourage mental stimulation and problem-solving. Students can work individually or in small groups.
Best of all, puzzles are hands-off for teachers, allowing you to focus on other tasks if needed. You can find pre-made puzzles based on your current classroom topics.
2. Boggle
Boggle is a fun word search game where students create words from a grid of letters. You can project a Boggle grid on the board or make copies for each student. Students race to find as many words as possible. It’s a great way to improve spelling and vocabulary and keeps them busy.
Afterward, you can quickly go over the answers with the class for a fun review!
3. Board Games
Quick games like Connect 4, Jenga, and LCR (one of personal favorites) are perfect for indoor recess. These games encourage friendly competition and some can encourage strategy. You can set up a few stations allowing students to rotate through. It’s a great way to keep them engaged.
Plus, they’re easy to organize with minimal setup.
4. Card Games
Card games is one of the best indoor recess games. That’s because they keep students engaged while helping them develop memory, strategy, and social skills. Another advantage is that multiple students can play with just one deck. Great options are: Memory, Uno, Set, Go Fish, and Old Maid.
These games are also easy to set up and store.
5. Charades
Charades is a classic game that gets students up and moving while practicing communication skills. Write down different actions or phrases for students to act out, and let the rest of the class guess. You can even use it to review topics you are covering in class.
It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and teamwork, plus it always brings plenty of laughter.
6. Indoor Sports (Basketball + Football Toss)
Set up simple indoor sports games like basketball toss or football toss using soft balls and makeshift goals. Use baskets or trash cans for basketball hoops or create targets to aim for.
These games five students a chance to burn off some energy while practicing hand-eye coordination. Plus, they’re easy to set up and perfect for a quick, active break!
7. Would You Rather?
Would You Rather? is a fun and thought-provoking game that sparks conversation and critical thinking. Ask students questions like, “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?”
It’s a simple activity that can be played individually or in groups. It’s a great way to engage students while letting them express their preferences and reasoning. It is also a a fun way for students to get to know each other better.
8. Kahoot!
Kahoot! is an exciting, interactive quiz game that can be used to review any subject. Students absolutely LOVE this technology game! You can create quizzer based on classroom material or better yet search for pre-made ones. Students compete against each other to answer questions quickly. This makes it a fun way to reinforce learning.
9. Heads Up 7 Up
Heads Up 7 Up is a quiet game that keeps students engage. Choose save students to be “it.” They walk around while the rest of the class keeps their heads down and one thumb up. The chosen students tap the heads of classmates (one per person). The “it” group makes their way to the front of the classroom. One by one, each tapped student gets one guess at who tapped them. If they get it right, they become an “it” for the next round. If they guessed wrong, the person who tapped them makes it into the next round.
It’s a fun and calming activity.
10. Silent Ball
Silent Ball (previously known as Silent Dynamite) has been around since I was a young girl. In this game, students sit on their desktops and pass around a soft ball or object.
There are two ways to play:
- Have music playing. When the music stops, the student holding the object is “out.” They sit in their chair.
- Each person throws the ball to a classmate. The person has 3 seconds to point at a person and toss the ball to them quietly. If the person misses the ball, they are out. If the thrower throws it poorly, they are out.
It’s a simple, low-energy way to keep students engage and excited without all the noise! And we know, sometimes we need a moment of silence.
11. Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a quick and easy way to get students moving. Play some fun music and let the students dance. When the music stops, they freeze! If someone moves during the “freeze,” they are out. It’s a great way to burn energy and work on listening skills.
12. Simon Says (with a Twist)
Most people know how to play Simon Says. It’s been around for decades if not longer. To add a twist, have students make two rows. Each row faces each other. Put an object between them like a plastic cup or pencil. Call out commands. Make the last command “cup” or “pencil.” The person who grabs the object first, wins. Continue until one person is left.
13. Cross the Line
For Cross the Line, create on a line on the floor with painter’s tape. One side is considered green and the other is considered red. Write “green” on the corresponding side of the board. Write “red” on the other side of the board to make it clear. Have all students stand on the green side. You will call out either green or red. Students need to either step into the color you called out or stay in the color you called out. If someone moves over the line incorrectly, they are out. Continue until one person is left.
It’s a fun way to practice listening skills and keep students moving.
14. How Well Do You Know Your Teacher?
How Well Do You Know Your Teacher? is a fun and interactive game. In this game, students answer questions about you, their teacher. You cam prepare a list of fun questions like, “What’s my favorite food?” or “What’s my favorite color?” You can also find some premade How Well Do You Know Your Teacher? slides. Students can work independently or in small groups. Have them write their answers on a response board. They get points for each correct answer.
It’s a fun way to bond with your students.
Conclusion
With these Indoor Recess Games, you can keep our students engaged and active while minimizing effort on your part. Whenever it’s a fun game of Simon Says or a brainy round Boggle, these games will make recess enjoyable and productive for everyone.
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