10 Easy Indoor Games with Just a Ball, Cones, or Chairs
No fancy equipment? No problem! Whether you’re running a youth group, school session, or rainy-day activity, these 10 indoor games only need the basics — a ball, a few cones, or some chairs. They’re fast to set up, super fun, and perfect for keeping everyone moving and laughing.
1. Cone Game
A crowd favourite! Set a cone in the middle of the room and split players into teams, each sitting on chairs in a line. Give everyone a number. When you call a number, those players race to their team’s chair and throw a ball or beanbag at the cone. First to hit it wins a point!
Why it’s great: Fast, competitive, and works for all ages.
2. Chair Hockey
Use chairs as “goals” and a soft ball for the puck. Players use sticks (or rolled-up newspapers) to score through their own team’s chair legs.
Why it’s great: Energetic and hilarious chaos — hockey without the ice!
3. Pick Up Bean Bag
Just like Cone Game, but with one item in the middle. When a number is called, players rush to grab it and return to their seat. If they’re tagged on the way back, the point goes to the other team.
Why it’s great: Simple to set up, great for reaction speed.
4. Death Ball
Two players throw large soft balls across the room as others try to run from one side to the other. Get hit, and you’re out (or become a thrower). Last one standing wins!
Why it’s great: High energy and great for large groups.
5. Dodgeball (Indoor Edition)
Split the room in half and play the classic game — soft balls only, and hits below the waist count.
Why it’s great: Everyone knows it, everyone loves it!
6. Silent Ball
Stand or sit in a circle and throw the ball around — but no talking! Drop it or make noise, and you’re out.
Why it’s great: Calm, controlled energy — perfect for classrooms or youth groups that need a breather.
7. Catch / Head
The leader throws the ball while shouting “Catch!” or “Head!” — but players must do the opposite! Mess up, and you’re out.
Why it’s great: Quick reflexes, laughter guaranteed.
8. Cup on Head
Balance a cup or cone on your head while trying to knock others’ off with a ball. No hands allowed!
Why it’s great: Silly, simple, and surprisingly competitive.
9. Cones Up / Down
Half the players flip cones up, the other half flip them down. After one minute, count which team has more facing their way.
Why it’s great: A non-stop burst of movement that works in small spaces.
10. Protect the King
Everyone stands in a circle, except for the king and his bodyguard. Everyone stands in a circle and works together to hit the king with the ball whilst the bodyguard blocks the ball. If the king gets hit the king joins the circle the bodyguard becomes the king, and the person who hit the king becomes the bodyguard. Smaller the ball the harder!
Why it’s great: Combines teamwork, strategy, and plenty of laughs.