Indoor party games are an essential part at any party. To select the most appropriate games, it's a good idea to think about what purpose such games should achieve.
More than just enjoyment!
It goes without saying that the games should be enjoyable and enjoyed by everyone. Neverthless, it’s also worth bearing in mind that many indoor games can be great ways of developing kids' life skills.
Interacting and sharing
Games in which the partygoers are required to associate with each other are a better idea to those where the participants are acting alone. Allowing interaction lets the kids to foster social skills. Further, it is worth remembering that indoor games similar to 'show and tell' are great at developing their sharing skills.
However, it is always important to incorporate a balance of indoor games to add choice and hone different skills. Plus, if the games are not enjoyed by the partygoers, they won’t play and as such will not hone skills or have fun! If the games are enjoyed, you'll be able to have a relaxing time, and therefore enjoy the party as well yourself.
When should they be played?
Indoor games are not only played when it is snowing or raining. They’re an excellent way to focus the attendees' attention in a small space, which will allow you to explain what the party will include, when the snacks will be available, when the birthday cake will be available and any stipulations.
An excellent idea for the beginning of the party is to incorporate a few icebreaker games like the classic, 'charades', ‘guess what emotion i’m acting’ and ‘guess who i’m acting like’. If the partygoers don’t yet know one another, sticky badges will help move things forward.
Having the indoor games played just before the partyfood becomes available is a great way of settling the attendees before they eat. Also, the theme may make games played inside more suited than games played outside.
Categories of party games to be played inside
Party games that are played indoors don't have to be quiet. Indeed, some should be bouncy and noisy. This enhances the kids' skills of behaving themselves in a home environment without breaking things(!); however as accidents may occur, you might want to remove any precious heirlooms from the party zone
Indoor games: excellent examples
Typical indoor party games include 'musical chairs’ and 'statues'. Also, ‘hide and seek’ is an excellent choice if your residence has a few interesting hiding places.
Kids also love playing ‘slo-mo tag’ which is basically a tag game, but with all the players speaking and moving in slow motion(!); it ensures that nothing gets broken!
‘Card games’ are popular with my girls too; 'snap' is always a good laugh (particularly with a large group of people) as is 'Uno'. My
party games for girls blog has lots of ideas suitable for girls!
You can also include some ‘craft games’ (e.g. competing to decorate a cookie to make it look like the most delicious cookie ever made) or dress-up games (e.g. dressing up as a character – some old curtains are great for this, as are random clothes you can get at charity stores).
‘Pass the parcel’ is immensely enjoyable, though we mix it up a little so that everyone but one of the partygoers holds a parcel. On the music stopping, the girl who doesn't have a parcel is given all of the sweets under that layer of wrapping from all of the other parcels. It’s great fun!
My girls love having 'dance-offs' and 'sing-offs'; but, again, we change the rules so that everyone feels involved. If some of the kids don't enjoy dancing or singing, we let them perform their personal skill, and everyone is able to vote as to who wins the round.
However, the clear winner with my children are ‘role-play games’. These range from full-on fancydress parties to match a specific theme, to asking all the partygoers to develop a character before the party and everyone else having to guess it at the party. Play-acting develops their imaginations and creativity, and is something that I am a key supporter of.
Final remarks
There are many indoor games that you can use. Getting the children involved in making suggestions helps to ensure they all have a great time. You’re not limited to the normal
indoor party games, because the rules of usually outdoor games can be adapted (by you and/or the partygoers) to become indoor games. You should let their creativity do the hard work for you and enjoy the rest of the party!
