Keeping children entertained indoors can sometimes be a challenge, especially when they’re full of energy and looking for fun activities. However, with the right games, you can keep kids aged 6 to 12 happily engaged for hours. Whether you’re trying to keep them entertained on a rainy day, during a winter season, or simply need a fun way to bond indoors, there are plenty of exciting options. Here are ten entertaining indoor games that children ages 6 to 12 can play together:
Hide and Seek
A classic indoor game that never gets old, Hide and Seek is a great way to encourage physical activity and problem-solving. Children can take turns hiding and seeking, and they’ll love the thrill of trying to find a perfect hiding spot or searching for their friends. This game works well in any room with enough space to hide.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of household items for the kids to find, or give them riddles to solve that will lead to hidden treasures. You can customize the difficulty level based on the children’s age. For instance, for younger kids, you can provide picture clues, while for older children, you can use written clues. This game is a fantastic way to promote teamwork and sharp thinking.
Simon Says
“Simon Says” is an excellent way to get kids moving while teaching them to follow directions. One player (Simon) gives commands, but the children should only follow the instructions if the phrase “Simon says” precedes the action. If Simon doesn’t say “Simon says,” and a child follows the command, they’re out for that round. This game encourages listening skills and is lots of fun!
Bard Games
Classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or The Game of Life are perfect indoor activities for children aged 6 to 12. These games provide a fun mix of strategy, teamwork, and friendly competition. Whether it’s about accumulating wealth or solving word challenges, board games are a great way to bond and practice important skills like turn-taking, decision-making, and patience.
Charades
Charades is a hilarious game where kids act out words or phrases without speaking, while their teammates try to guess what they’re miming. This game is ideal for enhancing creativity and improving communication skills. Kids can play in teams or as individuals, and you can adjust the complexity of the phrases to match their age group.
Balloon Volleyball
You don’t need a volleyball net to play volleyball indoors. Just blow up a balloon and set up an imaginary “net” between two spaces, such as across the living room or between two chairs. Players must keep the balloon off the ground by hitting it back and forth over the net. It’s an exciting game that allows for plenty of movement while remaining safe indoors.
Obstacle Course
Turn your living room into an indoor obstacle course using pillows, cushions, chairs, and other household items. Kids can race through the course, jumping over obstacles, crawling under tables, or balancing on cushions. This is an excellent way to burn off energy while improving agility and coordination.
Pictionary
Pictionary is a drawing game where one player sketches an object, and the other players guess what it is. You can use a whiteboard, paper, or even an app that generates words for players to draw. Pictionary encourages creativity and teamwork, making it a fun and educational activity for kids.
Hot Potato
This simple yet exciting game involves passing a small object, like a beanbag or ball, around the circle while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the object is out. Hot Potato helps children work together while enhancing their focus and reflexes. It’s a perfect activity for a group of children looking for a quick, action-packed game.
Twister
Twister is a fantastic indoor game that combines physical movement and balance. Players take turns spinning a wheel that tells them which body part to place on which colored dot on the mat. As the game progresses, players must stretch and bend in unusual ways, making it both fun and physically engaging. This game is excellent for building coordination and flexibility in children.
Conclusion
These ten entertaining indoor games that children ages 6 to 12 can play together are perfect for keeping kids engaged, active, and having fun inside. Whether it’s a traditional game like “Hide and Seek” or something creative like “Pictionary,” these activities are sure to bring joy and laughter to your home. They not only help children develop various skills like teamwork, communication, and coordination but also allow them to burn off excess energy. So, the next time you find yourself stuck indoors with kids, try one or more of these exciting games to create lasting memories.
