85 Best & Fun Youth Indoor Activities for Your Kids

Are you a youth leader hosting a youth event looking for fun indoor activities to keep them entertained? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we will cover fun youth indoor activities to do while inside. 

This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you!

Regardless of the weather outside (raining, snowing, or too hot), these activities will keep your group entertained for hours!

We’ve included must-know tips plus everything from a simple game for younger kids to a human knot for older kids, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time. So gather your small or large youth group together, and let’s dive in.

Also check out 80+ Fun & Amazing Things To Do When Kids Are Bored for additional inspiration and ideas.

Here are 85 fun-filled youth indoor activities and games that will keep your child engaged, energized, and mentally stimulated for hours.

For big groups make sure the games you pick follow these 4 rules:

1. Include everyone

2. Should be simple to set up (quick prep time) 

3. Easy to explain (think: easy games)

4. Don’t take too long 

Top 10 Fun Activities for Teens When Inside At A Youth Event For a Large Group

Hosting a youth event can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to it and it is inside with lots of kids. After all, you want the games to be as fun as possible so they want to come back for future events, week after week. 

Here are some great indoor youth group games to keep an entire group entertained and organized. 

1. Crab Soccer

If you have a large room this is a great game to play.

2. Defenders of the cones

3. Obstacle Course

4. Human knot 

5. Dance party  

Put on some music and dance around the house, a great way to have fun while keeping active.

6.  Karaoke  

Singing improves mood, relieves stress, and is just plain fun.

7. I Have Never Ever

8. A Lie And Two Truths

9. Heads up 7 up

10. World Record 

Come up with an activity the entire group is capable of doing, such as jumping jacks or push ups, and have each person tell you how many they “think” they can do. The person who says they can attempt to do the highest number, challenge them to compete. If they complete their record, they win world record for the group.

Team-Based Indoor Activities

Many of these are outdoor Games & activities that can also be played inside.

These are fun indoor activities but do require a larger space, like a warehouse or be willing to move some furniture around if meeting in your home. 

Here are some great indoor group games. 

11. Hide and Seek

A fun classic game that is sure to keep your child entertained.

12. Simon Says

A great way to keep kids physically active while also developing listening skills.

13. Hula Hoops

Make it a contest. Get in small groups and have each person compete with the others in their groups. All of the winners from the smaller groups compete against each other to see who is the best Hula Hooper. 

Having prizes are not required, but do add to the over all fun of the evening. But usually just the bragging rights and knowing you won is worth it enough for teenagers. 

14. Red light, Green light

15. Indoor golf

Set up an indoor miniature golf course using everyday objects.

16. Indoor bowling

Use plastic bottles as pins and a ball, and you have a fun indoor bowling game.

17. Escape room

Create groups and have each group compete to solve the problem and escape the room.

18. Scavenger Hunt

Set up a scavenger hunt throughout the house or apartment. Make it extra fun with giving every team a camera and they have to take pictures of the items they find.

19. Charades

A fun game that encourages creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.

20. Hot Potato

Doesn’t matter how old you are, hot potato is always a crowd pleaser. Get in a circle and have an object that is deemed the “hot potato”. Play music, as the music plays the object is passed from kid to kid going around the circle. Once the music stops, the child with the object is out. 

21. Musical Chairs

Have chairs either in a circle or back to back facing each other. The number of chairs is dependent on how many participating. You will always have one LESS chair then person. when the music is playing the kids are walking around the chairs. As soon as the music stops the participates need to sit as quickly as they can in a chair. Since there is one less chair then player, the person who doesn’t have a chair is out. Remove a chair each time and start the music again. Winner is last person sitting in the last remaining chair. 

22. Trivia

Team up in groups and play trivia. Great team bonding.

23. Pictionary 

Smaller Groups Indoor Games For Youth

Here are some fun indoor games that can be played in your living room and everyone will have a great time.

24. Video games 

Kids love playing video games, and it’s a great way to keep them engaged and entertained. Look for age-appropriate games that align with your parenting values. 

Managing screen time can be challenging, as you don’t want your teenager to sit for hours playing video games every day. Setting a timer with a pre-decided transition activity helps transition kids away from devices. 

25. Balloon games

Balloons can be used for all sorts of games, from balloon volleyball to balloon basketball.

26. DIY photo booth

Set up a DIY photo booth with props and costumes to encourage creativity and play.

27. Ice breaker games

28. Board games & Card Games  

This a classic indoor activity that can keep the whole family engaged. From Monopoly to Scrabble, to Uno and Black Jack, the options are endless.

29. Parachute with balls in the center

Indoor Activities For Small Groups, Younger Children ages 10 and Under

These activities are great for younger children. Can be used for Sunday school, or even in your home when kids are off of school during breaks.

30. Building blocks

Blocks can be enjoyed by children of all ages, and they’re a great way to develop motor skills and creativity.

31. Legos

Legos are another great option for building and creating, and there are endless possibilities.

32. Crafting

Arts and crafts are a popular indoor activity for kids, and there are countless options, from creating jewelry to building a scrapbook.

33. Reading

Encouraging your child to read not only keeps them occupied but also helps them develop valuable skills.

34. Coloring

Coloring is a great way for kids to unwind and relieve stress, and it’s a great way to stimulate creativity.

35. Puzzles

Puzzles are a fun way to keep kids engaged while also developing critical thinking skills.

36. Building Forts 

With a little imagination and creativity, with cardboard boxes

37. Memory game

Drawing pairs of cards to match helps improve memory and increase concentration.

38. Magnetic fishing

Magnetize some objects, toss them into a bin or container filled with water, and fish them out with a magnet.

39. Marble races

Kids can race marbles along a constructed track using gravity.

40. Indoor games

There are a wide variety of indoor games that can keep kids entertained and engaged, including games like Twister, Pictionary, and Uno.

41. Tea Party

A fun activity that encourages imagination and creativity.

42. Magnetic poetry

A fun way to encourage creativity, kids can use magnetic words to create poetry and stories.

Arts and Crafts Are Great Indoor Activities For Younger Kids

43. DIY Slime

Slime is still a popular trend with kids, and it’s an easy activity that can keep them occupied for hours.

44. Fingerprint art

Using ink or paint, kids can create unique artwork by using their fingerprints.

45. Salt Art

Kids can create different drawings on paper, sprinkle salt, and watch the magic unfold.

46. Paper plane races

Kids can create custom paper planes and have races to see which one flies the fastest and farthest.

47. Paper flowers

These delicate, beautiful paper flowers can be used as home decor or as a gift to friends and family.

48. DIY bracelets

With beads, string, and other materials, your child can create unique bracelets that they can wear every day.

49. Make a mini garden

Using soil, rocks, and miniature models, kids can create their own mini garden.

50. DIY Christmas ornaments

Get into the holiday spirit by making Christmas ornaments to decorate the tree.

51. Paint by numbers

A fun way to teach kids how to paint.

52. Paper Mache

Create fun shapes and designs using paper Mache.

53. DIY snow globe

Create a personalized snow globe using glitter, glue, and small toys.

54. Miniature diorama

Create small models or scenes using everyday objects.

55. Finger painting

Kids can unleash their creativity with finger painting on paper or canvas.

56. Shadow puppetry

Using a light source and hands, kids can create fun and imaginative shadow puppets.

57. DIY Jewelry

Kids can create unique pieces of jewelry using materials like beads, string, and wire.

58. DIY Playdough

Making Playdough at home is easy, and kids can get creative with their creations.

59. Make Paper Bag Puppets

Encourage storytelling and imaginative play by making paper bag puppets.

60. DIY Stickers

Kids can create their own stickers using markers, paper, and glue.

61. Origami

A fun and rewarding activity that teaches patience and fine motor skills.

62. Rice Art

Kids can create interesting art by using rice dyed in different colors.

63. DIY Phone Case

Personalize your phone case with different colors and designs.

64. Balloon Rockets

Race balloons down a string to see which one goes the fastest.

66. DIY Lanterns

Create paper lanterns to decorate your child’s room or for a special occasion.

67. DIY Fireworks

Create homemade fireworks to celebrate special occasions.

68. DIY Party Hats

Create party hats for special occasions and holidays.

69. DIY Photo Frames

Decorate frames and add pictures for memorable and personalized keepsakes.

70. Soap Carving

Using soap, kids can create intricate designs and sculptures.

71. DIY Handprint Art

Make a keepsake by creating art with your child’s handprint.

72. DIY Bird Feeders

Encourage bird watching and get creative by creating bird feeders.

73. DIY Beaded Curtains

Create beaded curtains for decoration and play.

74. Button art

Button art is a fun activity that can produce beautiful, intricate designs.

75. DIY Room Decor

Kids can customize their rooms with DIY room decor, including posters, string lights, and wall art.

76. DIY Dreamcatchers

Dreamcatchers help keep bad dreams away, and making one is an excellent activity for kids of all ages.

78. DIY Popsicle Stick Characters

Popsicle sticks are versatile, and there are a wide variety of characters that your child can create.

79. T-shirt design

Grab some fabric paint, stamps, or stencils, use iron-on transfers to add designs and sayings to T-shirts and help your child create a unique, custom T-shirt, 

Cooking & Baking Are Great Indoor Activities

80. Make homemade ice cream

81. Make homemade popsicles

82. Make homemade cupcakes

83. Make homemade cookies.

Exercise Activities

84. Group kid Yoga is a great activity for when kids are stuck inside and are bored and need something to do.

85. Jumping Rope is a great youth activity for groups.

Fun Indoor games FAQ’s

What Are Some Fun Church Activities?

There are many fun activities for kids at church such as board game competitions, laser tag, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and escape rooms. Additionally, many churches host movie nights, potlucks and parties to provide a sense of community. 

Many of the art and craft ideas mentioned above would be great for a Sunday School class for kids.

What Is The Number One Game In The World?

According to Statista, the number one video game in the world is PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). Developed by PUBG Corporation, the battle royale title pits up to 100 players against each other on a massive battleground. Players must loot weapons and gear while fighting for survival in an ever-shrinking game world. The game has been a massive success since its release in 2017, and continues to be one of the most popular games on the market. 

What Game Is Trending Right now (2023)?

The popular video game right now is Fortnite. Developed by Epic Games, the battle royale shooter allows players to compete in a massive online world and fight for survival against up to 100 other players.

What is the most popular indoor activity

One of the most popular indoor activities is playing video games. With the release of consoles like the Playstation 4 and Xbox One, gaming has become more accessible than ever before. Not only can you play alone or with friends, but online gaming opens up a world of possibilities to compete with others around the world. 

As a youth leader or a parent to a teenager, being in daily interaction with teenagers can be challenging at times. to feel most prepared, these inspiring and funny teenager quotes can help a lot! 

For more mom hacks to make life easier, sign up for my Genius Mom Hacks newsletter to be sent to your inbox monthly.

Since mom life is already so busy, I do not spam, as I don’t have time for that. I send 1-2 emails per month loaded with free resources, efficient tips to make mom life easier and of course lots of mom encouragement!

Indoor activities and games are an excellent way to keep kids occupied, active, and engaged for youth events or when the weather is not conducive to outdoor play.

From board games to DIY crafts and from physical games to painting activities, there are countless indoor activities and games for children of all ages and interests.

Whether you want to encourage creativity, develop critical thinking skills, or have some fun, these games and activities are sure to keep your child engaged, energized, and mentally stimulated for hours.

So, the next time your child complains about being bored or looking for something to do indoors, remember these 85 fun-filled youth indoor activities and games to keep them entertained and happy.

I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, and share your favorite youth indoor activities below.

Want to remember this post? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board!