Games to Play at Home

One-Sentence Mystery

Build a mystery story by adding one sentence at a time.

3+ players10 min–45 minVery lowNo equipment

Start here: Start with “The door was locked from the inside.”

Build a Bridge Together

Create a bridge from limited everyday materials.

3+ players15 min–1 hrRelaxedHousehold basics

Start here: Try spanning 12 inches using paper and tape.

Mystery Bag Challenge

Identify hidden household objects by touch.

2+ players10 min–45 minVery lowHousehold basics

Start here: Use five easy objects with different textures.

Story Hijack

Take over a shared story whenever a trigger word appears.

3+ players10 min–30 minVery lowNo equipment

Start here: Use 'suddenly' as the trigger word.

Memory Tray

Study a group of objects, then recall as many as possible.

2+ players10 min–1 hrVery lowHousehold basics

Start here: Start with ten everyday objects and 30 seconds.

Dots and Boxes

Claim more boxes than your opponent by drawing one line at a time.

2–4 players10 min–40 minVery lowHousehold basics

Start here: Start with a 4-by-4 dot grid.

Balloon Keep-Up

Keep a balloon off the floor while adding simple restrictions.

2+ players10 min–45 minActiveSimple game gear

Start here: Start by counting how many taps the group can manage.

Secret Rule Conversation

Work out the hidden rule that decides which answers are accepted.

3+ players10 min–30 minVery lowNo equipment

Start here: Use a very simple rule based on first letters.

Drawing Telephone

Pass a message between words and drawings until it changes completely.

2+ players15 min–1 hrRelaxedHousehold basics

Start here: Use a short phrase such as “a penguin at a picnic.”

Homemade Trivia

Turn whatever your group knows into a quick trivia game.

2+ players10 min–1 hrVery lowHousehold basics

Start here: Write three questions each on different subjects.

Would You Rather

Choose between two unusual options and explain your pick.

2+ players5 min–30 minVery lowNo equipment

Start here: Start with an easy choice such as sunrise or sunset.

Classic Charades

Act out a prompt without speaking while everyone guesses.

2+ players10 min–45 minRelaxedNo equipment

Start here: Act out a familiar activity such as brushing your teeth.