Indoor recess doesn’t have to be a boring experience for elementary students. With a variety of well-organized and low-prep indoor games, students can have just as much fun inside as they would outside. Whether it’s a rainy day recess or a quick brain break, there are plenty of indoor games to keep students engaged and entertained.
Whole-Class Indoor Recess Games
Some indoor recess games are best enjoyed when the whole class participates. These games are perfect for bringing the entire class together for some indoor fun.
Play Would You Rather with movement
Would You Rather is a fun and interactive game suitable for elementary grades. To make it more active, divide the room with a line and have students stand on the side that represents their choice for each question. You can also incorporate activities based on the students’ choices.
Would You Rather | Rainy Day Edition | Indoor Recess | Interactive Game
By Forever Teaching Littles
Grades: K-6th
Get their wiggles out with Four Corners
Keep the energy flowing with a game of Four Corners. Label each corner of the room with a number and have students race to the called corner based on a math fact. The last student standing wins!
Four Corners Indoor Recess Game
By Teacher Gameroom
Grades: K-5th
Exercise indoors with a group stretch break
Engage students in a guided set of stretches to keep them active and focused during indoor recess. This resource includes exercise task cards with various activities for students to enjoy.
Indoor Recess Scoot Game | Task Cards
By Almost Friday
Grades: K-3rd
Group and Individual Indoor Recess Games
For times when students prefer to play in small groups or individually, these indoor recess games are perfect for keeping everyone entertained.
Choose a unique focus for a game of charades
Charades is a classic game that promotes teamwork and creativity. Try a themed version like animal charades to keep students engaged and entertained.
Animal Movement Charades Card Game – Physical Therapy Brain Breaks Indoor Recess
By Sunshine and Lollipops
Grades: 1st-2nd
Inspire young artists with small-group Draw It!
Encourage students to showcase their artistic skills with a game of Draw It! This game includes a set of cards with various drawing prompts for students to choose from.
Draw It! Drawing Indoor Recess Game | Free Choice | Pictionary Inspired
By Learning with Miss LaGrow
Grades: 3rd-6th
Get four in a row with a digital game
Put a digital spin on the classic game of Four in a Row by playing it on a slideshow. This interactive game is perfect for pair play during indoor recess.
Four in a Row | Google Slides | Indoor Recess & Fun Friday Game
By Golden State Classroom
Grades: 2nd-8th
Indoor Recess Kits and Printables
Make indoor recess more enjoyable with printable games and activities that students can enjoy individually or in small groups.
Hand out printable games and activities
Printable games and activity worksheets are a great way to provide students with a fun break from lessons. This resource includes a variety of activities like Sudoku, word searches, and cootie catchers.
Indoor Recess Kit Ideas and Activities for Inside Recess Rainy Day Recess Games
By Lucky Learning with Molly Lynch
Grades: 1st-3rd
Foster independent play with indoor recess games
Encourage independent play with a variety of indoor recess games. This kit includes activities like Word Hero, Spin and Draw, and Memory Game to keep students engaged and entertained.
Indoor Recess Games and Morning Bin Games
By Miss DeCarbo
Grades: K-3rd
Select mini-games from a rainy-day jar
Keep indoor recess exciting by picking mini-game prompts from a rainy-day jar. This resource includes a variety of activity prompts for students to enjoy.
Recess in a Jar: Activities for Indoor Recess
By Aimee VanMiddlesworth
Grades: K-6th
Classic and Easy Indoor Recess Ideas
Don’t forget about the classics when it comes to indoor recess games. Board games, card games, and dance competitions are all great options to keep students entertained during indoor recess.
- Board Games: Have a collection of board games ready for indoor recess.
- Card Games: Teach students popular card games or use them for math practice.
- Heads Up 7 Up: A classic mystery game for indoor recess.
- Simon Says: Practice listening skills with a game of Simon Says.
- Kahoot: Organize a fun learning game with Kahoot.
- Puzzles: Provide puzzles for students to complete during indoor recess.
- Dance Competitions: Host a dance competition for students to showcase their moves.
- Musical Chairs: A fun game to play indoors.
- Yoga: Relax and stretch with a yoga session.
- Beach Ball Hot Potato: A lively game to keep students engaged.
Look forward to the next indoor recess with TPT
Keep the indoor recess fun going all year long with a variety of indoor recess ideas and resources from TPT Teacher-Authors. From activity stations to printable games, there are plenty of options to keep students entertained during indoor recess.
