When teens get together for youth group activities, the right games can turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable one. Indoor games are especially valuable because they work in any weather, require minimal setup, and can be adapted to fit groups of all sizes. They provide more than just entertainment; they break the ice, build teamwork, encourage laughter, and help teens form stronger friendships.
Whether you’re a youth leader planning a church night, a teacher organizing a classroom activity, or simply looking for fun ways to keep a group of teens engaged, having a list of reliable games is a lifesaver. From energetic movement games to creative storytelling and brain teasers, the following collection covers a wide variety of options that every group can enjoy.
Here are 30 fun indoor youth group games for teens that will keep everyone moving, thinking, laughing, and bonding.
1. Two Truths and a Lie
This classic icebreaker is always a hit with teens because it combines fun, creativity, and a little bit of mystery. Each player takes turns sharing three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that is false. The rest of the group then guesses which statement is the lie.
The beauty of this game is how quickly it helps teens learn surprising or funny facts about one another. It sparks laughter, encourages conversation, and helps even shy participants feel more at ease. Best of all, you don’t need any supplies, and it works well in groups of any size.
To keep the game lively, remind players to be creative with their statements. The more unexpected or unusual the truth, the harder it is for others to guess the lie which makes the game more fun for everyone.
2. Would You Rather
“Would You Rather” is another simple but endlessly entertaining game. The leader asks a series of questions that give players two choices, such as “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?” or “Would you rather never use social media again or never watch TV again?” Teens must pick one option and explain their choice.
This game is great for sparking interesting discussions and discovering different personalities within the group. Some answers will be funny, while others might reveal surprising preferences or creative thinking.
You can tailor the questions to your group. Keep them light and silly for laughs, or mix in thought-provoking questions for deeper conversations. Either way, it’s a perfect game for filling short pockets of time or warming up the group before other activities.
3. Human Bingo
Human Bingo is a fun, interactive way to get teens mingling. Each player gets a bingo-style card filled with personal traits or experiences, such as “Has traveled abroad,” “Plays a musical instrument,” or “Has the same favorite color as you.” The goal is to move around the room, ask other players questions, and fill in the squares with names of people who match.
The first person to complete a row, column, or full card shouts “Bingo!” and wins. The game not only gets everyone talking but also helps them discover common interests.
Human Bingo works especially well with large groups or when participants don’t know each other very well. It breaks down barriers quickly and creates lots of laughs as players rush to complete their cards.
4. Name That Tune
This game is perfect for teens who love music and enjoy a little friendly competition. To play, prepare a playlist with short clips of songs. You can choose current chart-toppers, classic hits, or even theme songs from popular movies and TV shows. Divide the group into teams and play a few seconds of each song. The first team to correctly guess both the song title and the artist earns a point.
What makes this game so fun is the mix of excitement and challenge. Some players will instantly recognize certain songs, while others may struggle to recall a familiar tune. The variety keeps everyone engaged, and the energy in the room grows with each round. For an extra twist, you can include songs from different decades or genres to test their knowledge.
Name That Tune works especially well for larger groups because it is fast-paced and creates plenty of laughter. It is also flexible, since you can play for just a few rounds as a warm-up or extend it into a longer activity with a tournament-style format.
5. Who Am I? (Sticky Note Game)
Who Am I is a guessing game that never gets old, and teens especially enjoy it because it is easy to play and always hilarious. Start by writing the names of famous people, fictional characters, or even animals on sticky notes. Without looking, each player sticks a note to their forehead so everyone else can see who they are. Players then take turns asking yes or no questions to figure out their identity.
The fun comes from the mix of creative guesses and unexpected answers. A player might ask, “Am I real?” or “Am I in movies?” and the group’s responses guide them closer to the answer. Teens love watching their friends struggle with silly or tricky clues, and the game often leads to bursts of laughter when the identity is finally revealed.
This game requires little setup but works well with medium to large groups. You can even choose a theme, such as superheroes, musicians, or historical figures, to make it more challenging. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and communication while keeping the atmosphere light and playful.
6. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic game that has stood the test of time because it combines movement, suspense, and lots of laughter. To play, arrange chairs in a circle with one fewer than the number of participants. Play upbeat music while everyone walks around the circle. When the music suddenly stops, players scramble to find a chair. The person left without a seat is out, and one chair is removed before the next round. The game continues until only one player is left sitting.
The excitement builds with each round as the number of chairs shrinks. Teens love the thrill of racing for a seat and the playful competition that unfolds. Although simple, this game always generates high energy and brings the whole group together in fun.
Musical Chairs is especially useful for breaking the ice or re-energizing the group when attention starts to fade. It requires minimal setup and works in almost any indoor space. While it is competitive, the focus remains on fun, and even players who are eliminated stay engaged by cheering for their friends.
4. Name That Tune
This game is perfect for teens who love music and enjoy a little friendly competition. To play, prepare a playlist with short clips of songs. You can choose current chart toppers, classic hits, or even theme songs from popular movies and TV shows. Divide the group into teams and play a few seconds of each song. The first team to correctly guess both the song title and the artist earns a point.
What makes this game so fun is the mix of excitement and challenge. Some players will instantly recognize certain songs, while others may struggle to recall a familiar tune. The variety keeps everyone engaged, and the energy in the room grows with each round. For an extra twist, you can include songs from different decades or genres to test their knowledge.
Name That Tune works especially well for larger groups because it is fast-paced and creates plenty of laughter. It is also flexible, since you can play for just a few rounds as a warm-up or extend it into a longer activity with a tournament-style format.
5. Who Am I? (Sticky Note Game)
Who Am I is a guessing game that never gets old, and teens especially enjoy it because it is easy to play and always hilarious. Start by writing the names of famous people, fictional characters, or even animals on sticky notes. Without looking, each player sticks a note to their forehead so everyone else can see who they are. Players then take turns asking yes or no questions to figure out their identity.
The fun comes from the mix of creative guesses and unexpected answers. A player might ask, “Am I real?” or “Am I in movies?” and the group’s responses guide them closer to the answer. Teens love watching their friends struggle with silly or tricky clues, and the game often leads to bursts of laughter when the identity is finally revealed.
This game requires little setup but works well with medium to large groups. You can even choose a theme, such as superheroes, musicians, or historical figures, to make it more challenging. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and communication while keeping the atmosphere light and playful.
6. Musical Chairs
Musical Chairs is a classic game that has stood the test of time because it combines movement, suspense, and lots of laughter. To play, arrange chairs in a circle with one fewer than the number of participants. Play upbeat music while everyone walks around the circle. When the music suddenly stops, players scramble to find a chair. The person left without a seat is out, and one chair is removed before the next round. The game continues until only one player is left sitting.
The excitement builds with each round as the number of chairs shrinks. Teens love the thrill of racing for a seat and the playful competition that unfolds. Although simple, this game always generates high energy and brings the whole group together in fun.
Musical Chairs is especially useful for breaking the ice or re-energizing the group when attention starts to fade. It requires minimal setup and works in almost any indoor space. While it is competitive, the focus remains on fun, and even players who are eliminated stay engaged by cheering for their friends.
7. Balloon Volleyball
Balloon Volleyball is a fun, safe, and energetic game that works perfectly indoors. Instead of using a real volleyball, players hit a balloon back and forth over a “net,” which can be a rope, a row of chairs, or even an imaginary line. The rules are simple: keep the balloon from touching the ground on your side, and try to land it on the other team’s side.
What makes this game special is that it levels the playing field. Because balloons move slowly and unpredictably, everyone has a fair chance to play, regardless of athletic ability. Teens love the laughter that comes from chasing a balloon that floats in unexpected directions. You can play casually for fun or keep score to make it more competitive.
This game encourages teamwork, coordination, and plenty of laughter. It is a great choice when you want an activity that is active but not too rough for indoor spaces.
8. Four Corners
Four Corners is a classic indoor game that keeps everyone moving and guessing. To set it up, number the corners of the room from one to four. One player stands in the middle with their eyes closed and counts down from ten. While counting, the other players quietly choose a corner and move to it. When the countdown ends, the player in the middle calls out a number, and everyone standing in that corner is out.
The game continues until only one player remains, who then takes over as the caller. Teens enjoy the suspense of choosing a corner and the thrill of surviving another round. Because it requires no supplies and very little preparation, Four Corners is a go-to game for youth groups.It is fast-paced, exciting, and keeps everyone engaged. Best of all, it works for small or large groups and can be played again and again without losing its charm.
9. Indoor Relay Races
Relay races are a great way to bring energy and teamwork into an indoor setting. Instead of running long distances, the challenges are short, silly, and creative. You can design races where players balance a spoon with a ping-pong ball, hop across the room on one foot, or carry a cup of water without spilling it. Teams compete to finish their relay first, cheering on their teammates along the way.
These games encourage cooperation and friendly competition. Teens love the challenge of unusual or funny tasks, especially when they watch their friends struggle to complete them under pressure. You can adjust the difficulty level based on the group’s size and space.
Indoor relay races are highly flexible. They can be quick warm-ups or extended into a full competition with multiple challenges. Either way, they are guaranteed to bring laughter and excitement to the group.
10. Simon Says (Teen Edition)
Simon Says is a childhood favorite, but with the right twists, it becomes just as fun for teens. The leader calls out commands, starting with “Simon says,” and players must follow them. If a command is given without “Simon says,” anyone who follows it is out. The last player standing wins.
To make the game more appealing to teens, add fun, silly, or unexpected challenges. For example, “Simon says do your best dance move,” “Simon says act like a zombie,” or “Simon says take a selfie pose.” These creative twists keep the game lighthearted and hilarious.
Simon Says is perfect for energizing a group, breaking the ice, or filling short breaks between activities. Teens enjoy the challenge of staying alert and the laughter that comes with silly commands. It is easy to organize, requires no supplies, and can be played almost anywhere.
11. Escape Room Challenge
Escape rooms are popular with teens because they combine teamwork, problem-solving, and excitement. You can create a simple DIY version indoors by setting up a series of puzzles, riddles, or clues that the group must solve to “escape” within a time limit. For example, hide a code inside a book, lock a box with a simple combination, or scatter clues around the room that lead to the final answer.
The best part of this game is the teamwork it builds. Teens must communicate, think creatively, and use their strengths together to solve each puzzle. Leaders can adjust the difficulty level depending on the group. Some groups might enjoy quick, easy clues, while others will thrive with more challenging puzzles.
This game works especially well for youth nights because it feels adventurous and different from typical indoor games. It creates a sense of accomplishment when the group solves the final challenge and “escapes” in time.
12. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to get teens moving and thinking at the same time. Create a list of items for them to find around the building, such as “something red,” “a paperclip,” or “an item that starts with the letter T.” You can also add riddles or clues that point to hidden objects.
This game can be played individually or in teams. Teens love the competition and the rush of racing to be the first to complete the list. You can make it educational, themed, or just silly and fun depending on the group.
Indoor scavenger hunts are highly flexible and work in almost any setting. They encourage observation skills, quick thinking, and teamwork. Plus, they always bring plenty of laughter as teens scramble to find unusual objects.
13. Cup Tower Challenge
All you need for this game is a stack of plastic cups, and you are ready to go. Divide teens into small teams and challenge them to build the tallest freestanding tower they can within a time limit. Once time is up, measure each tower to see which team wins.
The game sounds simple but quickly becomes exciting as teams experiment with different strategies. Should they build wide and sturdy or tall and wobbly? The suspense of watching towers tip over at the last second keeps everyone entertained.
The Cup Tower Challenge teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and patience. It is inexpensive, easy to set up, and can be played anywhere indoors, making it a great go-to activity for youth groups.
14. Trust Walk
The Trust Walk is both fun and meaningful because it builds communication and trust among teens. To play, divide the group into pairs. One partner is blindfolded, while the other guides them through a path filled with simple obstacles like chairs or cones. The guide can only use verbal instructions to help their partner navigate safely.
This game often leads to laughter when blindfolded players bump into harmless obstacles or hesitate at every step. At the same time, it teaches the importance of clear communication and trusting others. Afterward, you can even take a few minutes to reflect on what it felt like to guide and to be guided.
The Trust Walk is an excellent activity for deepening relationships and encouraging cooperation. It works well as part of team-building nights or retreats.
15. Human Knot
The Human Knot is a high-energy team-building game that never fails to make a group laugh. To start, everyone stands in a circle and holds hands with two different people across from them. Once everyone is linked together, the group must work to untangle themselves without letting go of hands.
At first, the knot may seem impossible to solve, but with patience and communication, the group can slowly move, twist, and step over each other to return to a complete circle. Teens love the challenge and the funny positions they find themselves in during the process.
This game encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. It is especially effective for helping groups bond, since success requires everyone to work together.
16. Charades
Charades is a timeless party game that teens never outgrow. One player acts out a word or phrase without speaking while their team tries to guess it before the time runs out. The topics can be movies, songs, animals, or anything you choose. The sillier the prompts, the funnier the game becomes.
Teens love Charades because it lets them be goofy and creative. It is also very flexible since you can adjust the difficulty or theme to match your group. With no supplies needed beyond slips of paper or a phone app, it is easy to set up anywhere.
The laughter and energy that fill the room during Charades make it perfect for breaking the ice or wrapping up a youth night on a high note.
17. Pictionary
Pictionary turns drawing into a hilarious guessing game. Players take turns drawing a word or phrase while their team guesses what it is. You can use a whiteboard, large paper, or even an app. The challenge comes from the pressure of drawing quickly and clearly while the clock is ticking.
This game works well because it combines creativity with teamwork. Teens often laugh hardest when the drawings are wildly inaccurate but somehow still guessed correctly. It is a fantastic way to get everyone involved, even those who say they “can’t draw.”
Pictionary is a flexible game that works for small or large groups. You can create themed rounds, such as Bible characters for church youth groups, or just keep it random for maximum fun.
18. Mafia / Werewolf
Mafia (also called Werewolf) is a storytelling game of mystery, strategy, and bluffing. Players are secretly assigned roles such as Mafia, Villager, Doctor, or Detective. Each round alternates between “night,” when the Mafia secretly choose a victim, and “day,” when the group discusses and votes on who they think the Mafia is.
The game is exciting because it combines logic, persuasion, and acting skills. Teens enjoy trying to outsmart each other, whether by lying convincingly as Mafia or persuading others of their innocence as Villagers. With the right storyteller or moderator, the drama builds round after round.
This game is best for medium to large groups and can last as long as you want. It quickly becomes a favorite because every round feels different and unpredictable.
19. Hot Potato
Hot Potato is fast-paced and hilarious, making it a perfect choice for youth groups. Players sit in a circle and pass an object around as music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the “potato” is out. Play continues until only one person remains.
The suspense of not knowing when the music will stop keeps everyone on edge, and the quick passing often turns into laughter and chaos. You can make it more fun by using silly objects like a stuffed animal, ball, or even a rolled-up sock.
Hot Potato is easy to set up and works well for groups of any size. It is especially useful as a short, high-energy filler game between longer activities.
20. Pass the Clap
Pass the Clap is a simple rhythm game that requires focus and quick reactions. The group stands in a circle, and one person starts by clapping once while making eye contact with someone else. That person immediately claps once and passes it on to another. The rhythm continues around the circle, getting faster as the group improves.
The challenge comes from keeping the rhythm steady and not missing a beat. If someone hesitates or claps out of turn, they are out. Teens enjoy the tension and laughter that come from silly mistakes or unexpected speed-ups.
This game is great for warming up the group, building energy, and encouraging quick thinking. It does not need any supplies, making it an easy go-to activity at any time.
21. Trivia Quiz Night
Trivia games are a fantastic way to challenge teens’ knowledge while keeping things fun and competitive. Divide the group into teams and ask questions from different categories such as pop culture, sports, movies, history, or even fun facts about the group itself. Each correct answer earns points, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
Teens enjoy Trivia Quiz Night because it allows everyone to contribute. Even if someone is not great at sports questions, they might shine in music or movie trivia. You can tailor the questions to fit your group’s interests or add a theme to make it more exciting.
This game encourages teamwork, listening, and friendly competition. It is also easy to adjust for time—you can play a short round or make it a full-length activity.
22. Minute to Win It Challenges
Inspired by the TV show, this game involves quick, silly tasks that must be completed in under a minute. Examples include stacking cups into a pyramid, moving marshmallows with chopsticks, or balancing a cookie on your forehead and getting it into your mouth without using hands.
The short time frame makes the challenges intense and hilarious. Teens love the mix of pressure and silliness, especially when friends cheer them on or laugh at near misses. You can run each challenge individually or organize them as part of a larger competition between teams.
This game is flexible and requires only simple household items. It is one of the easiest ways to bring instant fun and high energy into a youth group night.
23. Codenames (Board Game)
Codenames is a strategy-based word game that works wonderfully for older teens. Players split into two teams, and each team has a “spymaster” who gives one-word clues to help their teammates guess the correct words on the board. The challenge is to avoid picking words that belong to the other team or the dreaded assassin word, which ends the game.
Teens love this game because it requires both creativity and logic. The tension of giving or interpreting clues keeps everyone engaged, and the team-based format ensures that all players can participate.
Codenames is excellent for smaller groups or breakout sessions. It builds communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills while still being lighthearted and fun.
24. Uno or Card Game Tournament
Uno and other card games are simple, portable, and always fun. Setting up a tournament takes them to the next level. Teens compete in rounds, moving up brackets until there is one final winner. Uno works well because it is fast, colorful, and easy to learn, but you can also include other quick card games for variety.
This type of tournament is exciting because players feel both competitive and social. There are plenty of opportunities for laughter as “Draw Four” cards change the game or as someone makes a surprising comeback.
Card tournaments are perfect for when you want a lower-energy but still engaging activity. They are especially good for rainy days or times when space is limited.
25. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a simple guessing game that tests creativity and logic. One person thinks of an object, person, or place, and the rest of the group has up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. The challenge lies in asking smart questions that narrow down the possibilities quickly.
Teens love this game because it feels like a puzzle. Everyone can join in, and the answers often lead to funny or unexpected guesses. For an added twist, you can set themes like “famous people,” “animals,” or “things you find in school.”
This game requires no supplies, making it a perfect last-minute option. It also works well for both small and large groups, filling time while keeping the group engaged and laughing.
26. Improv Skits
Improv Skits give teens a chance to be creative, silly, and confident in front of their peers. Divide the group into small teams and give each team a random prompt, such as “a superhero at the grocery store” or “a detective who is afraid of the dark.” Each group then has a few minutes to prepare a short skit and perform it for everyone else.
This game is always fun because the results are unpredictable. Teens often surprise themselves with how creative and funny they can be on the spot. It also encourages teamwork, quick thinking, and stepping outside of comfort zones.
Improv Skits are perfect for youth groups that enjoy performance or drama. They can be lighthearted entertainment or even used to explore deeper themes in a fun way.
27. Lip Sync Battle
Lip Sync Battle is a performance-based game that combines music and comedy. Players choose a song, pretend to sing along, and act out the lyrics with exaggerated dance moves and gestures. The audience then votes on the best performance.
Teens love this activity because it allows them to be silly, show off their creativity, and perform without the pressure of actual singing. You can make it more fun by adding costumes, props, or themed rounds.
This game is high-energy and gets everyone laughing and cheering. It works well as a main event or as a highlight to end the night.
28. Story Chain
Story Chain is a collaborative storytelling game that sparks imagination. Everyone sits in a circle, and one person begins with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, there was a dragon who loved pizza.” Each person then adds a new sentence to continue the story, building on what the last person said.
The story quickly becomes silly and unexpected, which is what makes it so entertaining. Teens love trying to surprise their friends with plot twists, funny characters, or bizarre endings.
This game is excellent for creativity and group bonding. It requires no supplies, works in any size group, and can be as short or as long as you want.
29. Telephone Game
The Telephone Game is a simple but hilarious classic. Players sit in a circle, and the first person whispers a phrase to the next. That person whispers what they heard to the next, and so on until the message reaches the last player. The final version is then said out loud to the whole group.
The fun comes from how much the phrase changes along the way. Teens will laugh at how a simple sentence like “The cat chased the mouse” turns into something completely different by the end.
This game is low-energy, easy to set up, and perfect for filling short breaks. It works best with larger groups, since more players usually means funnier results.
30. Would You Rather (Chill Round)
This is a slower-paced version of the classic “Would You Rather” game, designed for winding down at the end of an activity. Instead of rapid-fire silly questions, the leader asks relaxed or thought-provoking ones, such as “Would you rather live near the beach or in the mountains?” or “Would you rather always have free books or free movies?”
The Chill Round gives teens space to share their opinions in a calmer way. It encourages conversation and helps transition the group from high-energy games to a more reflective mood.
This version is perfect for ending the night on a positive and thoughtful note. It leaves everyone feeling connected and relaxed before heading home.
Conclusion
Indoor youth group games are more than just a way to pass the time. They bring energy, laughter, and connection to any gathering of teens. Whether it is a fast-paced game like Musical Chairs, a creative challenge like Improv Skits, or a relaxed activity like Story Chain, each one has the power to break the ice and build stronger friendships.
The best part is that these games are flexible. You can choose high-energy activities when the group needs to burn off excitement or slower-paced ones when you want to encourage conversation and reflection. With this list of 30 fun indoor games, you will always have options ready for any occasion.
When teens play together, they do not just have fun. They learn teamwork, communication, and confidence in ways that feel natural and enjoyable. So the next time you are planning a youth group night, try mixing a few of these games. You will see how quickly the room fills with laughter, energy, and lasting memories.
