When New Zealand keeps you inside, why not enjoy indoor games with your family? New Zealand’s unpredictable weather can sometimes leave you searching for ways to stay entertained indoors. Luckily, there are plenty of enjoyable games that will help you pass some entertaining time while creating memories.
Here’s a series of 7 fun and entertaining indoor games for families in New Zealand:
1. Twister
Twister is a game of physical skills that gets everyone moving and laughing. This fast-paced indoor game is played on a large plastic mat. It’s a multiplayer game where everyone takes turns spinning the wheel, which calls out a colour and body part (left hand on blue and right leg on red). Here comes the real challenge: balance and twist your body into increasingly awkward positions without falling over.
Twister is an excellent way to involve everyone, keeping the entertainment quotient extremely high.
2. Simon Says
Simon Says is an interesting multiplayer children’s game. One player takes the role of ‘Simon’ while others take the instructions. This game mainly involves young kids, where Simon gives commands, such as “Simon says jump up and down,” and others have to follow it. If the leader doesn’t mention “Simon says,” and someone follows the command, they are out. It is an excellent way to improve listening skills.
3. Scavenger Hunt
If you want everyone moving and thinking, try playing a Scavenger Hunt with your family. Although it’s a popular outdoor activity, you can enjoy it indoors with a few tweaks. Create a list of things for everyone to find around the house, like a pair of red socks, a blue book, a white shawl, etc. You can either set a time limit for the hunt or give clues for each item to make the game interesting.
To increase the enthusiasm, add a winning price.
4. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a classic indoor game which is loved not only in New Zealand but across the world. You might know it as ‘Passing the Parcel’, where everyone sits in a circle and passes a small object without being caught holding it when the music stops. It’s a great game to involve people of all age groups. As the clock tickles, the games start becoming competitive. The tension builds as the music slows down, and it’s always a laugh when someone is left holding the object.
5. Pictionary
Pictionary is one of the most beloved indoor games for families in New Zealand. If you love drawing or want to test your artistic skills, you can have an awesome time with your family. The game begins with players drawing a word or phrase while their team tries to guess what it is. The idea is to be quick and creative as the timer tickers for each team. It’s always hilarious to see how each person interprets different words.
6. Jenga
You must have seen at least one Instagram picture of your friends or acquaintances playing Jenga. The game involves skill and concentration. Every player takes turns removing blocks from a tower and placing them on top without causing it to collapse. It can keep you entertained for hours.
7. Darts
Darts is a fun and competitive indoor game that’s perfect for family members of all ages. The game involves throwing small, pointed missiles (darts) at a circular board (dartboard) fixed to a wall. Points are scored based on where the darts land on the board, with certain areas yielding higher points. You can play a range of games, from basic “501” to simpler variations that work well for kids. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy some friendly competition, develop precision and aim, and have plenty of laughs as everyone takes turns.
So, gather your family, pick a game, and enjoy quality time together.