Love games? Who doesn’t? But what type of game? From providing entertainment and social interaction to promoting mental stimulation and physical activity these games provide all. Some like outdoor games as they are adventurous, thrilling, tiring and fun to play. But some like indoor games as they are fun to play, safe, skilful and amazing. Indoor games are activities or games that are played inside a confined space, such as a room, house, or indoor facility.

These games are typically designed to be played without the need for large outdoor spaces or specialised equipment. However, outdoor games are played outside in fields, balconies or other open spaces. Indoor games include board games, card games, puzzles, indoor sports like table tennis or badminton, and video games. Outdoor games include games like cricket, badminton, football and others games. 

But the indoor or outdoor game, the choice is yours….

Why We Love Indoor Games –

1. Can be played in bad weather:

Indoor games are not affected by weather conditions, so you can play them regardless of whether it’s raining, snowing, or too hot outside.

2. Convenience:

Indoor games can be played at home or in other indoor spaces, making them convenient and accessible. You don’t have to travel to a specific location or deal with outdoor elements.

3. Social Interaction:

Many indoor games are designed for multiple players, fostering social interaction and bonding among friends and family members. They can be a great way to spend quality time together.

4. Mental Stimulation:

Board games, puzzles, and strategic video games can challenge your mind, improve cognitive skills, and enhance problem-solving abilities.

5. Physical Activity:

While not all indoor games involve physical activity, some indoor sports like table tennis or dancing games can provide a fun way to stay active indoors.

6. Variety:

There is a wide variety of indoor games available, catering to different interests and preferences. Whether you enjoy strategy, teamwork, creativity, or competition, there’s likely an indoor game that suits your tastes.

25 Indoor Games to Play With Your Friends 

1. Board Games
2. Card Games
3. Chess
4. Puzzle Games
5. Trivia Games
6. Charades
7. Karaoke
8. Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi
9. Table Tennis
10. Chinese Whisper
11. Darts
12. Billiards/Pool
13. Video Games
14. Escape Room Games
15. Blind Fold Games
16. Indoor Bowling
17. Cooking/Baking Challenges
18. Join the Dots Game
19. Musical Chair
20. Freeze Group Games
21. Pictionary
22. Minute to Win It Challenges
23. Escape Room Challenge
24. Murder Mystery Dinner
25. DIY Craft Stations

1. Board Games: (Ludo)

These are tabletop games with specific rules and objectives. They often involve strategy, luck, and social interaction. Games like Settlers of Catan have players competing to build settlements and trade resources, while Monopoly involves buying properties and managing finances. Ticket to Ride tasks players with building train routes across a map. Ludo, chess etc can also be considered the same. 

2. Card Games:

Card games use a standard deck or specialised cards with unique rules. Poker is a popular card game where players bet on the strength of their card combinations. Bridge is a trick-taking game requiring teamwork and communication. Uno is a family-friendly fun game where players match colours and numbers to discard their cards.Rummy, poker, teen patti etc can also be considered here. 

3. Chess:

A two-player strategy game played on an 8×8 grid. Players control different pieces with distinct movement rules, aiming to checkmate their opponent’s king while protecting their own. The goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king, which means putting it in a position where it can’t escape capture. A game can also end in a draw or a tie

4. Puzzle Games:

These games challenge players to solve problems or assemble pieces. Jigsaw puzzles require assembling a picture from interlocking pieces. Brain teasers, like Sudoku or Rubik’s Cube, test logical thinking and spatial reasoning. Players must solve logic puzzles or navigate challenges to progress to the next, more difficult challenge. Many puzzle games involve a real-time element and require quick thinking, such as Tetris (1985) and Lemmings (1991)

5. Trivia Games:

Trivia Pursuit involves answering questions across various categories to earn wedges and complete a game board. Jeopardy is a quiz show game where players respond to clues in the form of questions. Questions can cover a wide range of topics, including science, maths, sports, culture, religion, and politics. Trivia games typically consist of multiple-choice or true/false questions.

6. Charades:

In this fun party game, players act out a word or phrase without speaking while their team guesses the answer. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and nonverbal communication. The objective is for the guessing team to guess the phrase as quickly as possible.

7. Karaoke:

Participants sing along to instrumental tracks of popular songs, with lyrics displayed on-screen. It’s a social activity that combines music and performance. Karaoke machines typically include a music player, microphone inputs, pitch-altering features, and audio output. The word “karaoke” is a clipped compound of the Japanese words kara (empty) and ōkesutora (orchestra).

8. Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi:

Play Raja, Mantri, Chor, and Sipahi roles, sparking a thrilling game of deduction and strategy. Safety lies with the player who draws Raja, while the Mantri skillfully navigates to uncover the elusive Chor. Victory awaits those who guess correctly, but the excitement persists as roles shift, accompanied by laughter and camaraderie in this lively group adventure.

9. Table Tennis:

The best Indoor game for adults also known as ping pong, players use paddles to hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table with a net. It’s a fast-paced game that improves hand-eye coordination. The lightweight hollow ball is propelled back and forth across the net by small rackets (bats, or paddles) held by the players.

10. Chinese Whisper:

This group game is best in a big circle of friends. Designed to test your group’s communication skills in the most hilarious way possible! Form a circle, kick-start the game by whispering a complex phrase into your neighbour’s ear, and watch as it morphs and twists through each participant. The final revelation is often a delightful surprise, showcasing the whimsical nature of human understanding and sparking endless amusement. Chinese Whisper: Group Challenge is not just a game—it’s a riotous adventure celebrating the joys of shared laughter and playful communication.

11. Darts:

This is a classic game where players throw small pointed projectiles (darts) at a circular board divided into numbered sections. The goal is to score points by hitting specific areas of the board. Darts is a competitive sport where players throw darts at a circular dartboard with 20 numbered sections. The goal is to be the first player to reduce their score to zero. 

12. Billiards/Pool:

Players use a cue stick to strike cue balls and pocket them into designated holes on a pool table. Different variations of the game include 8-ball, 9-ball, and snooker. You can rank it as one of the best indoor party game. 

13. Video Games:

Electronic games played on consoles, computers, or handheld devices. They encompass various genres like action, adventure, strategy, and simulation, offering both single-player and multiplayer experiences. Players can interact with the game using an input device, such as a controller, keyboard, or joystick. Video games can be used for entertainment, relaxation, competitions, and computer learning.

14. Escape Room Games:

These games simulate the experience of being trapped in a room and require players to solve puzzles and find clues to “escape” within a set time limit. An escape room game, also known as an escape game, puzzle room, exit game, or riddle room, is a life-size adventure game where players are locked in a room and must solve puzzles and riddles to find clues and escape before time runs out.

15. Blind Fold Games:

A blindfold game is any game or activity where one or more participants are blindfolded, meaning their eyes are covered to prevent them from seeing. This element of blindness adds a challenging and often suspenseful dimension to the game. Blindfold games can be played indoors or outdoors and are popular in various contexts, including parties, team-building exercises, and recreational activities. 

16. Indoor Bowling:

Set up makeshift bowling pins (such as empty plastic bottles) and use a ball to roll toward the pins, aiming for strikes and spares. Fun to play with friends and even good to play at parties. 

17. Cooking/Baking Challenges:

Participants compete to create dishes or baked goods based on specific themes or ingredients, showcasing their culinary skills. This is fun when you challenge your friend to bake the best cookies or you both can bake it together. 

18. Join the Dots Game:

Asking for the best party game? This is the one, a great game with an amazing gaming experience. Spend an extended period playing multiple board games consecutively, providing a varied and engaging gaming experience. Join the dots, also known as connect the dots or dot to dot, is a puzzle game that involves connecting a series of numbered dots to form the outline of an object.

19. Musical Chair:

A Chair-national Twist on a Classic party game! Set up chairs in a circle, always keeping one chair fewer than the merry participants. As the music kicks in, friends dance around the chairs, eagerly eying their chance to snag a seat once the music halts. But here’s the twist: whoever’s left standing sans chair faces the musical boot! The stakes rise with each round, turning up the heat on this exhilarating game. And for an added dose of mischief, throw in dares or fun penalties for the ousted ones. Friends’ Musical Showdown transforms Musical Chairs into an uproarious, action-packed affair that guarantees laughs and unforgettable moments!

20. Freeze Group Games:

As one of the best indoor party games, this game will make your party the hype of the evening. The music stops and the person shouts Freeze!! and everyone freezes in their current position like statues. Now whoever shakes or moves a little bit is caught and is eliminated from the game. The game continues with new scenes unfolding each time the caller shouts “Freeze!”

21. Pictionary:

Similar to charades but with drawing involved, Pictionary challenges players to convey words or phrases through illustrations. This is a fun group activity to play with your friends. Teams compete to guess the drawings correctly, making it a great game for unleashing artistic talents and sparking laughter.

22. Minute to Win It Challenges:

Bring the thrill of game shows into your party with Minute to Win It challenges. This game ensures friendly competition. Set up a series of quick, timed tasks using everyday items like cups, balloons, or cookies. Guests compete individually or in teams to complete these mini-games within a minute, creating hilarious moments and memorable experiences.

23. Escape Room-style Challenges:

Party games are exciting so is this game. Transform your indoor space into an escape room adventure with themed challenges and puzzles. Divide guests into teams and task them with solving clues to “escape” within a set time. This immersive and interactive game adds an element of mystery and excitement to your party.

24. Murder Mystery Dinner:

Host a murder mystery dinner party where guests take on roles as suspects, detectives, and witnesses. With a compelling storyline and clues scattered throughout the evening, this game promises intrigue, suspense, and a thrilling experience for everyone involved.

25. DIY Craft Stations:

For a more relaxed yet engaging activity, choose a fun group game. Set up DIY craft stations where guests can unleash their creativity. Provide materials for activities like painting, crafting, or decorating, allowing guests to create personalised keepsakes while socialising and having fun.

Best Indoor Games For Adults FAQs

1. What are indoor games?

Indoor games are activities or games that are played inside, typically within a confined space like a room, house, or indoor facility. They can include board games, card games, puzzles, indoor sports, and video games, among others.

2. Are indoor games suitable for all ages?

Yes, indoor games can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are games designed specifically for children, adults, and even games that can be enjoyed by players of different ages together. It’s important to choose games that are age-appropriate and align with the interests and abilities of the players.

3. How can I organise an indoor game night or event?

To organise an indoor game night or event, start by choosing a variety of games that appeal to the participants. Consider the number of players, the duration of each game, and the overall theme or atmosphere you want to create. Provide snacks and beverages, set up playing areas, and ensure that all necessary game materials are available.

4. Are there virtual or online indoor games?

Yes, there are many virtual or online indoor games available. These include multiplayer video games, online versions of board games and card games, virtual escape rooms, and trivia games hosted on digital platforms. Virtual games allow players to connect and play remotely, making them accessible and convenient for online gatherings.

5. Can indoor games be educational?

Yes, many indoor games have educational benefits. Board games and puzzles can improve critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Trivia games can enhance general knowledge. Creative activities like cooking challenges or crafting workshops promote creativity and practical skills. Educational indoor games can be both fun and enriching.