20 Exciting Summer Games For When You’re Stuck Inside
Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean summer fun has to stop!
These exciting indoor summer games will keep boredom low whether it’s a rainy day, a heatwave, or you just need a break from the sun!
From creative challenges to active games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—no backyard required!
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20 Wildly Entertaining Summer Games to Play Inside
1. Easy Minute to Win It
For minute to win it, players compete in 60-second challenges using simple items. The tasks are simple but require speed, precision, and creativity.
Straw & Marshmallow Move: Gather straws, marshmallows, and plates for this entertaining game. Players aim to transfer marshmallows from one plate to another using only suction from the straw!
Related: Olympic Minute to Win It Games
2. Fun 4th of July Memory Game
*Great for younger kids!
This 4th of July Memory Game is the perfect way to bring a group together for a little friendly competition around the holiday.
3. Summer This or That
Sun’s out, fun’s in! These Summer This or That questions spark laughs, debates, and plenty of good vibes.
Get ready to make some tough summer choices!
—Flip-flops or barefoot? Beach day or backyard BBQ? S’mores by the fire or ice cream on a cone?
4. Clever Pirate Scavenger Hunt
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for an exciting pirate treasure hunt with kids searching for hidden clues, solving riddles, and racing to find the ultimate pirate’s loot! This free printable makes it easy to set up a thrilling adventure at home.
5. Play the 5 Second Game: Summer Edition
Next, turn the traditional 5 Second Game into a summer variation.
In this hilarious game, players must name 3 things within 5 seconds. Categories you could use for the game:
- Name 3 summer foods
- Name 3 summer symbols
- Name 3 types of summer desserts
- Name 3 things you might do on the 4th of July
6. Try Lego Challenge Cards
Put your building skills to the test with these free printable LEGO challenge cards!
Design epic creations as each card sparks creativity and fun for kids (and grown-ups too!). Whether you’re looking for a solo challenge, a friendly competition, or a boredom buster, there are two printables (basic and advanced) to inspire endless building.
Print, pick a card, and start building—what will you create?
7. Cute Summer Bingo Game
This free printable Summer Bingo Game will have you checking off all your favorite summer activities and things. It’s the ultimate way to make your summer even more exciting!
8. Most Exciting Summer Trivia
Heat up your game night with Summer Trivia!
Challenge your friends and family with fun questions about everything from the beach to summer movies, and see who knows the most about the sunny season.
9. Hilarious Summer Charades
In charades, players act out words or phrases without speaking, while their team tries to guess what they portray. It’s a game that leads to lots of laughs and creative interpretations!
Fun words could include:
- Building a sandcastle
- Surfing a big wave
- Eating a melting ice cream cone
- Applying sunscreen
- Catching fireflies
- Jumping into a pool
- Having a water balloon fight
- Roasting marshmallows over a campfire
- Running through a sprinkler
- Paddling a kayak
Pro Tip: Turn the same words into a game of Pictionary!
10. Most Engaging Family Feud
Challenge your family with a classic Family Feud Game! See who can guess the most popular answers and compete for the top spot in this fast-paced, laughter-packed game. It’s perfect for game night, parties, or family gatherings!
11. Wild 4th of July Mad Libs
Fill in the blanks of this free printable 4th of July Mad Libs with funny words to create your own patriotic story full of fireworks, parades, and all-American fun. This Mad Libs game will have everyone laughing all day!
Related: 4th of July Left Right Story Game
12. Most Fun Taboo Game
Can you describe “pizza” without saying “pepperoni” or “cheese”?
How about “birthday” without saying “cake” or “candles”?
This family-friendly Taboo game promises to bring laughter and challenging fun for everyone!
13. Riddle Me This
Check out these “what am I” riddles or “4th of July riddles” to keep everyone thinking over summer break! The brain teasers range from easy to hard, so everyone can join in on the fun.
14. The Telephone Game
*Great for young kids. And this one doesn’t require supplies!
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud game of miscommunication with the classic Telephone game!
Start with a message, pass it on from player to player, and watch as it hilariously transforms along the way. The fun comes when the final message is nothing like the original. Who knew words could get so jumbled?
15. Free Roll the Dice Exercise Game
The Roll the Dice Exercise Game adds an exciting twist to a group that needs to get the wiggles out! Each roll of the dice determines the next exercise challenge, so every round is a surprise! This game keeps everyone active, engaged, and having a blast.
16. Scattergories
Ready to put your quick thinking to the test?
Scattergories is the ultimate fast-paced word game where creativity wins! Come up with unique answers that fit the category and start with the chosen letter—just don’t match anyone else’s! It’s fun, challenging, and guaranteed to get everyone laughing.
17. What’s Your Firework Name?
Mesmerize McFountain
Colorful McFlash
What’s your fireworks name? Find out with this funny and FREE fireworks name generator! It’s perfect for adding some explosive excitement to your Independence Day celebration!
18. DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Can’t get outside? No problem! Use furniture and household items to set up an exciting indoor challenge. Then race to see who can do it fastest.
Or pretend you are spies and use string to create a maze of lasers!
19. Truth or Dare
*Family Favorite
Truth or Dare is a hilarious game full of surprises. Will you spill your secrets with a truth, or take on a wild challenge? This classic game brings out the fun and excitement with every turn—whether you’re playing with friends, family, or at a party.
*There’s a free game printable on the post too!
20. The Desert Island Game
These Desert Island Game Rules will have kids thinking on their feet!
The game is wonderful for keeping kids entertained without supplies. (My kids love doing it in the car.) But it’s also great for critical thinking skills too. Players have to problem-solve to figure out the rule!
Related Summer Fun:
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