What Are the 5 Best Indoor and Outdoor Games to Play Today?

Ever been stuck inside on a rainy afternoon, or maybe you’re looking for a reason to get outside and move your body? Games aren’t just for kids-they’re for anyone who wants to laugh, connect, or just burn off some energy. Whether you’ve got a backyard, a park nearby, or just a living room, there are five games-indoor and outdoor-that never get old and always deliver.

Tag (Outdoor)

Tag is the original outdoor game, and it hasn’t changed much in 100 years. One person is ‘it,’ and they chase everyone else. When they tag someone, that person becomes ‘it.’ Simple. Fast. No equipment needed. What makes it great is how it scales: you can play with three people or thirty. In Sydney’s Centennial Park, you’ll see groups of teens, parents with kids, even retirees playing tag on weekends. It’s not just about running-it’s about quick turns, hiding behind trees, and that moment when you almost get caught. The rules are loose, which is the point. No scoreboards. No winners. Just pure, unstructured fun.

Badminton (Outdoor or Indoor)

Badminton is one of those games that looks easy until you try it. A shuttlecock moves faster than you think, and the net is lower than it seems. You can set it up in a backyard, on a balcony, or even in a gym. All you need is a net, two rackets, and a shuttlecock. Unlike tennis, it doesn’t require heavy gear or a big space. A standard badminton court is just 13.4 meters long, so even a small backyard works. People in Australia love it because it’s low-impact but still gets your heart pumping. It’s also one of the few sports where kids and grandparents can play together without anyone feeling left out. The shuttlecock’s flight path is unpredictable, so every rally feels different. You’ll sweat, you’ll laugh, and you’ll want to play again.

Charades (Indoor)

Charades doesn’t need a table, a ball, or even a light switch. Just a group of people who are willing to look silly. One person acts out a movie, book, or phrase without speaking, while the others guess. It’s the perfect game for rainy nights, holiday gatherings, or when you’re stuck inside with too many people and not enough Wi-Fi. What makes charades work is how it forces you to think differently. You’re not just guessing-you’re decoding body language, timing, and exaggerated gestures. I’ve seen grown men try to act out ‘The Lion King’ using only arm flaps and a roar. It’s chaotic. It’s hilarious. And it’s the kind of game that becomes a memory, not just a pastime. No need to buy anything. Just pick a category, take turns, and let the awkwardness begin.

Scavenger Hunt (Indoor or Outdoor)

A scavenger hunt turns any space into a game board. For outdoors, list things like ‘a red flower,’ ‘a bird’s nest,’ or ‘something made of metal.’ For indoors, go for ‘a sock with holes,’ ‘a book with a bookmark,’ or ‘a spoon from the kitchen.’ You can make it competitive with timers and points, or just collaborative-everyone works together to find everything. It’s flexible, educational, and great for all ages. In Melbourne, families use scavenger hunts to explore botanical gardens. In Sydney, people turn their own homes into mystery zones during school holidays. You can print a list, write it on paper, or even use a phone app. The real magic? It gets people moving, looking closely, and noticing things they normally walk past. It’s not just a game-it’s a way to rediscover your surroundings.

Board Games (Indoor)

Board games aren’t just for rainy days-they’re for connection. Games like Catan, Codenames, or even Monopoly aren’t about winning. They’re about talking, negotiating, laughing, and sometimes arguing over who stole the last hotel. Modern board games have exploded in popularity because they’re designed for interaction, not just solo play. A game of Codenames takes five minutes to learn and can last an hour. Players split into teams, give one-word clues, and try to guess which words belong to their side. It’s like charades with words. You need strategy, creativity, and a little luck. Board games are the opposite of scrolling through your phone. They require eye contact, voice, and presence. In homes across Australia, Sunday afternoons are becoming ‘board game nights.’ No screens. No distractions. Just people, pieces, and a shared goal.

Why These Five?

These five games-tag, badminton, charades, scavenger hunts, and board games-work because they’re simple, adaptable, and human. They don’t need apps, batteries, or subscriptions. You don’t need to be athletic, artistic, or even good at games to enjoy them. They work for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. They fit in small spaces or big ones. They can be played alone with a friend, or with a crowd. And they all have one thing in common: they bring people together in a way that screens never can.

If you’re looking to break the routine, pick one of these and try it this weekend. Play tag in the park. Set up a badminton net on the balcony. Pull out a board game after dinner. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to show up-and play.