Indoor games are popular with both children and adults. They need little to no physical exertion and make for a perfect choice at gatherings with family and friends. The options of indoor games that can be played are vast, but below are the most popular choices in India.
Indoor games hold a special place in childhood memories, especially during summers or rainy days when outdoor activities aren’t an option. Many of us recall gathering with friends or family in the cozy confines of our homes to play classic indoor games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno.
School breaks meant more time for indoor fun, whether it was playing board games during sleepovers or challenging classmates to a game of chess during lunch breaks. These games weren’t just about entertainment; they also taught valuable lessons like strategy, critical thinking, and social skills. But indoor games transcend age barriers and are enjoyed by people of all generations. For adults, indoor games offer a reprieve from the stresses of daily life, providing a chance to unwind.
Indoor games cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels, making them accessible to everyone. Whether someone is a seasoned chess player, a casual Scrabble enthusiast, or a novice at board games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Read More: 25 Best Indoor Plants for Home and Office 2024
20 Best Indoor Games to Play
1. Board Games
Board games are considered the best option when it comes to indoor games. The likes of ludo, snakes and ladders and chess are among the most popular board games which have been played for decades now. Though popular, chess is not a game most people know how to play. In that case, ludo makes for a quick and great option.
Said to have originated in India, Ludo is popular both among children and adults and was one of the widely played games on the phone during the Covid19 lockdown. The objective of Ludo is to be the first one to move four of your pieces from the starting positions to the end, also known as the ‘home’ on a board.
2. Pool
Pool is another popular option when it comes to indoor games. Also known as pocket billiards, the cue sport is played on a table with six pockets and 16 balls with typically two players. The objective of the game is to send the ball to the pockets of the table using a cue stick. There are a total of 16 balls – one cue ball and 15 object balls.
Pool is available at high-end hotels and restaurants, recreational places and sports complexes among other places. There are also professional pool tournaments held around the world. Over the last few years, the game has become popular as a mobile game as well.
3. Carrom
Carrom, which originated in India, is similar to pool in terms of the main objective, but its rules are different. The game is played on a square wooden board having a pocket in each of its four corners. The objective is to send the discs into the pockets using a striker. The player who sends the most number of discs into the pockets wins.
Carrom is popular because it can be played by people of all ages, and needs little to no tutoring or learning to be able to play it. However, a good hand-eye coordination would be a plus in acing the game.
Carrom is a traditional board game that originated in South Asia and is now enjoyed by people worldwide. Players use a striker to flick disks into pockets at the corners of a square board, aiming to score points and pocket all their pieces before opponents.
4. Chess
Chess is a classic strategy game played on a checkered board with 64 squares. Each player controls a set of pieces, including kings, queens, knights, and pawns, which move in different ways to capture the opponent’s pieces and ultimately checkmate their king.
It’s a game of intellect, where players must anticipate their opponent’s moves while planning their own. Chess teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, making it a favourite among both casual players and serious competitors.
5. Ludo
Ludo is a classic board game that brings friends and family together for a fun-filled experience. Players race their coloured tokens around the board, aiming to be the first to reach the finish line.
The game involves a combination of tactics and strategy, as players roll dice to determine their moves while strategically blocking opponents and navigating through obstacles. With its simple rules and colourful design, Ludo is enjoyed by players of all ages, making it a popular choice for game nights and gatherings.
6. Uno
Uno is a fast-paced card game known for its excitement. Players take turns matching cards by colour or number, using special action cards to shake up the game and sabotage opponents. The goal is to be the first to empty your hand, but beware of the dreaded “Draw Four” card, which forces opponents to pick up extra cards.
Uno is easy to learn but offers endless strategic possibilities, keeping players engaged and entertained for hours. Whether playing with friends or family, Uno guarantees laughter and friendly competition, making it a favourite choice for get togethers.
Suggested Read: All about UNO: Origin, History, Rules & How to Play
7. Poker
Poker is a popular card game that combines skill, strategy, and psychology. Players raise money on the strength of their hands, bluffing and reading opponents to win chips or money. With its various forms like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, poker offers endless possibilities for gameplay and excitement.
8. Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic board game where players buy, sell, and trade properties to build their wealth and bankrupt opponents. With its iconic tokens, colourful board, and economic themes, Monopoly teaches financial literacy and negotiation skills while providing hours of competitive fun. From buying prime real estate to constructing houses and hotels, Monopoly offers a glimpse into the world of business and capitalism.
9. Scrabble
Scrabble is a word game where players use letter tiles to create words on a grid, earning points based on the letters’ values. Players compete to maximize their scores while strategically blocking opponents and expanding their vocabulary.
With its simple rules and endless combinations, Scrabble offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for players of all ages. From forming high-scoring words to utilizing bonus squares, Scrabble encourages creativity, critical thinking, and linguistic skills. Whether played casually at home or competitively in tournaments, Scrabble remains a beloved pastime for word enthusiasts and puzzle lovers alike.
10. Darts
Darts is a popular pub game where players throw small missiles (darts) at a circular target (dartboard), aiming to score points and hit specific targets. It’s a game of accuracy, concentration, and technique, requiring players to maintain focus and control their throws to hit the bullseye. Darts can be played casually among friends or competitively in leagues and tournaments
11. Table Tennis
Table tennis challenges players’ agility, reflexes, and precision. Using small paddles, players rally a lightweight ball back and forth across a table divided by a net. Table tennis requires quick reactions and strategic placement to outsmart opponents and score points.
With its accessible rules and minimal equipment requirements, table tennis is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether playing recreationally with friends or competing in tournaments, table tennis offers a fun and engaging way to stay active and improve hand-eye coordination.
Suggested Read: Play World of Tennis and Win Money
12. Snooker
Snooker is a popular cue sport that challenges players’ strategy. Played on a large rectangular table with six pockets, snooker involves potting coloured balls in a specific sequence, earning points and going past opponents. Players use a cue stick to strike the balls with accuracy and finesse, aiming to pocket them while avoiding fouls and penalties.
13. Mobile and video games
Mobile games are also considered as indoor games these days. There is an endless list of games that you can play on your phone, including fantasy sports, all at the comfort of your home. From fantasy cricket to fruit samurai and a lot more, the options you can choose from are plenty. Video games that can be played on the television are also an excellent choice of indoor game. You can play them alone or with multiple players.
14. Card games
Card games are the cheapest and best option when it comes to indoor games. There is a wide variety of card games you can play, ranging from uno to solitaire. Card games are a popular choice in indoor gatherings with friends and family or even on long journeys by car or train. They are light to carry as well.
15. Jenga
Jenga is a classic indoor game that requires skill, focus, and a very steady hand. The game involves stacking wooden blocks to build a tower, and players then take turns to remove one block at a time and then place it on top without causing the tower to fall. As the game progresses, the tower becomes more unstable, increasing the tension and excitement. Jenga is easy to learn and perfect for players of all ages, making it a fun choice for family gatherings or casual game nights.
16. Pictionary
Pictionary is a creative and fun-filled drawing game that tests players’ ability to communicate through illustrations. In this game, players are divided into different teams and one member of each team then has to draw a word or phrase even as their teammates try to come up with the word.
There is a time limit for each round and hence, this game encourages fast thinking and teamwork. It has become an excellent game for parties or family game nights, providing endless laughter and entertainment as players attempt to interpret each other’s drawings.
17. Charades
Charades is a lively game that involves acting out a word or phrase without speaking, while teammates guess what it is. It can be played in small or large groups, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
In this game, players need to take turns even as they mimic actions or gestures to convery clues. The team that guesses correctly in the shortest time is the winner of the game. Charades fosters creativity, teamwork, and quick thinking, making it an exciting and interactive indoor game.
18. Puzzles
Puzzles are a relaxing and intellectually stimulating indoor game option. They range from simple picture puzzles for children to complex jigsaw puzzles with thousands of pieces for adults. Working on a puzzle requires patience, problem-solving skills, and focus.
Whether completed alone or with others, puzzles offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment when the final image comes together. They are an excellent choice for leisurely indoor activities that promote mental engagement.
Suggested Read: Popular Puzzle Games You Must Play in 2024
19. Dominoes
Dominoes is a classic tile-based game that involves strategy and planning. Each player takes turns placing a domino tile with matching numbers next to another on the playing surface. The objective is to be the first to place all your tiles while blocking opponents from doing the same.
Dominoes can be played with two or more players, making it a versatile game for both small groups and large gatherings. It’s simple to learn and provides hours of fun with just a set of tiles.
20. Twister
Twister is an engaging physical game that challenges players’ flexibility and balance. A large mat with colored circles is placed on the floor, and a spinner is used to dictate which body part (hand or foot) players must place on a specific color.
As more body parts are involved, players find themselves in awkward positions, trying to avoid falling while touching the designated colors. Twister is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering plenty of laughter and a great way to get everyone moving indoors.
Further Read: Top 12 Most Famous Skill-Based Games
FAQ’s about Indoor Games
Q) What are indoor games?
A) Indoor games are activities played indoors, requiring little to no physical exertion, perfect for family and friends’ gatherings.
Q) Why are indoor games popular in India?
A) Indoor games are popular in India because they offer fun, relaxation, and are ideal for rainy or hot days when outdoor activities aren’t possible.
Q) What are some classic indoor games?
A) Classic indoor games include Monopoly, Scrabble, Uno, chess, and board games, enjoyed by both children and adults.
Q) Can adults play indoor games too?
A) Yes, adults enjoy indoor games as they provide entertainment, relaxation, and a break from daily stress.
Q) What skills do indoor games teach?
A) Indoor games teach strategy, critical thinking, and social skills, making them both fun and educational.
