Fun Games to Play with Cousins – Indoor & Outdoor Ideas
Spending time with cousins is always special, but finding engaging games to play with cousins can take the fun to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a sleepover, or just hanging out at home, having a list of games ready can keep everyone entertained.
From thrilling outdoor activities to cozy indoor games, there are countless ways to bond and create lasting memories.
In this post, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of games to play with cousins, including indoor fun, outdoor challenges, and nighttime adventures. Whether you’re looking for things to do with cousins at home, fun games to play with younger cousins, or activities to keep everyone entertained when bored, we’ve got you covered.
**Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of this page.
Let’s dive into these exciting games that promise laughter, competition, and unforgettable moments.
✅ Indoor Games to Play with Cousins
1. Charades
Charades is a classic game that never gets old and can be played with all age groups. It’s easy to set up and requires nothing more than some paper, a pen, and a bowl. Write down a variety of phrases, movies, TV shows, or activities on slips of paper and place them in the bowl.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- One player picks a slip and acts out the word or phrase without speaking.
- The other team members try to guess the word within a set time limit (e.g., 60 seconds).
- Each correct guess earns a point, and the team with the most points wins.
Pro Tip: Add categories like movies, famous people, or books to make it more challenging.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Charades Party Game – Family Edition – Comes with pre-made cards, a timer, and score pads.
2. Pictionary
Pictionary is perfect for those who enjoy drawing and guessing. It’s a creative twist on charades that fosters both teamwork and artistic skills.
How to Play:
- Divide into two teams.
- Each team takes turns drawing a word or phrase from a card while the rest of the team tries to guess it within a set time.
- The team that guesses the most drawings correctly wins.
Variation: Add a “No Words” rule where the drawer can’t write letters or numbers to make it more challenging.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Pictionary Game – Quick Draw Family Game – Includes game board, dry-erase markers, and cards.
3. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts aren’t just for the outdoors — they can be just as fun inside the house. You can customize the hunt based on the ages of the players and the size of the area.
How to Play:
- Create a list of household items to find, such as a red sock, a wooden spoon, or a family photo.
- Assign point values to each item, with harder-to-find objects worth more points.
- Set a timer and let the hunt begin!
Variation: Add riddles or clues for each item to make it more challenging.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Scavenger Hunt for Kids – Indoor Edition – Includes pre-made clue cards and reward stickers.
4. Board Games Marathon
A board game marathon can transform a regular afternoon into hours of family fun. Pick games that suit the group’s ages and interests.
Suggested Games:
- Monopoly: For those who love strategy and money management.
- Clue: A mystery game that challenges players to solve a crime.
- Scrabble: A word game that’s both fun and educational.
- Jenga: A game of skill, balance, and patience.
Variation: Organize a tournament and keep track of winners for each game. The player with the most wins gets a prize.
Amazon Product Suggestions:
5. Blanket Fort Movie Night
Transform the living room into a cozy movie fort with pillows, blankets, and fairy lights. Choose family-friendly movies, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a night of laughter and bonding.
How to Set Up:
- Gather pillows and blankets to create the fort structure.
- Use string lights to add ambiance.
- Set up a mini snack station with popcorn, candy, and drinks.
- Let each cousin choose a movie for a movie marathon.
Amazon Product Suggestions:
Related Article: 37 Fun and Hilarious Family Reunion Games for All Ages
✅ Outdoor Games to Play with Cousins
6. Water Balloon Fight
A water balloon fight is a refreshing and thrilling game for hot days. It’s easy to organize and guarantees lots of laughs.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Designate a “safe zone” where players can reload and strategize.
- The objective is to hit the opposing team members with water balloons while avoiding being hit.
Variation: Set up specific targets and award points for each hit to make it a more structured game.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
7. Obstacle Course Challenge
Turn the backyard into a full-fledged obstacle course using household items. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and competing.
Setup Ideas:
- Crawl under chairs or pool noodles.
- Jump through hula hoops.
- Balance on a beam made from a wooden plank.
- Hop through a series of cones or markers.
Scoring:
- Time each player as they complete the course.
- The fastest time wins a small prize.
Amazon Product Suggestions:
8. Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is a high-energy game that’s perfect for large groups and outdoor spaces. It requires teamwork, strategy, and speed.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Each team hides a flag in their designated area.
- The objective is to capture the opponent’s flag and bring it back to your territory without getting tagged.
Variation: Play a glow-in-the-dark version at night using light-up flags and glow sticks.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
✅ Games for Younger Cousins
9. Simon Says
Simon Says is perfect for younger kids as it’s simple, requires no equipment, and encourages listening and quick thinking.
How to Play:
- One person is “Simon” and gives commands, such as “Simon says jump up and down.”
- If the command doesn’t start with “Simon says,” players must remain still.
- Players who follow incorrect commands are out.
10. Musical Chairs
Musical chairs is another classic that’s easy to set up and great for kids.
How to Play:
- Arrange chairs in a circle, with one less chair than the number of players.
- Play music as everyone walks around the chairs.
- When the music stops, players must find a seat.
- The one left standing is out, and a chair is removed each round.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
Related Article: 50 Fun Sleepover Party Games for Kids, Teens, Adults, and Boys
✅ Games to Play with Cousins at Night
11. Flashlight Tag
Flashlight Tag combines hide-and-seek with a thrilling nighttime twist.
How to Play:
- Designate one player as “It” and give them a flashlight.
- The other players hide while “It” searches for them using the flashlight beam.
- If “It” spots someone, they must say their name and shine the light directly on them to tag them.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
12. Ghost Stories & S’mores
Gather around a backyard fire pit or living room fort to share spooky stories. Add some marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for a s’mores feast.
Amazon Product Suggestions:
✅ Games to Play with Cousins When Bored
When boredom strikes, having a few quick and easy games ready to play can turn a dull afternoon into hours of entertainment. Here are some simple yet fun games to play with cousins when bored:
13. 20 Questions
A guessing game that’s easy to play anywhere and requires no equipment. It encourages critical thinking and creativity.
How to Play:
- One player thinks of a person, place, or object.
- The other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it is.
- The question limit is 20, so make each one count!
Variation: To make it more challenging, restrict the category (e.g., famous people, animals, movie titles).
14. Would You Rather
A hilarious game that gets everyone thinking and debating. It’s perfect for all ages and can be tailored to suit younger or older cousins.
How to Play:
- One player asks, “Would you rather [Option A] or [Option B]?”
- Each player must choose one of the options and explain their choice.
- The wackier the options, the more fun the game becomes!
Examples:
- Would you rather eat pizza every day for a month or never eat pizza again?
- Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
15. Telephone
Telephone is a classic game that showcases how easily messages can become garbled. It’s great for laughter and perfect for groups.
How to Play:
- Players sit in a circle.
- The first player whispers a phrase to the person next to them.
- The phrase is whispered around the circle until the last person says it out loud.
- Compare the final phrase to the original to see how much it has changed.
Pro Tip: Start with tricky phrases or tongue twisters to make it even more entertaining.
✅ Games to Play with Cousins Online
If your cousins are far away, online games can help you stay connected and have fun together. Here are some engaging online games to play with cousins:
16. Jackbox Party Pack
Jackbox Games offers a variety of multiplayer games that can be played via phone, tablet, or computer. Each player joins via a game code, making it easy to connect virtually.
Popular Games in Jackbox Packs:
- Quiplash: Create funny answers to prompts and vote for the best ones.
- Drawful: Draw ridiculous prompts and guess what others drew.
- Fibbage: Bluff your way to victory by making up convincing lies.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Jackbox Party Pack – Includes multiple games in one purchase.
17. Among Us
Among Us is a social deduction game where players work together to complete tasks while trying to identify the Impostor. It’s perfect for groups and can be played online.
How to Play:
- Players are assigned as either Crewmates or Impostors.
- Crewmates complete tasks around the spaceship while the Impostors try to sabotage them.
- Meetings are called to discuss and vote out suspected Impostors.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Among Us Plushies – Game Characters – A fun keepsake for fans of the game.
18. Uno Online
The classic card game Uno is now available online, allowing you to play with cousins no matter where they are. The objective is to match cards by color or number and be the first to get rid of all your cards.
Variation: Play the “Stacking” version, where Draw Two and Draw Four cards can be combined for extra chaos.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
✅ Games to Play with Teen Cousins
Teens often enjoy games that are a bit more strategic or competitive. Here are some ideal games for older cousins:
19. Mafia
Mafia is a social deduction game that requires strategy, deception, and a good poker face. It’s perfect for large groups and can be played indoors or outdoors.
How to Play:
- Assign roles: Mafia members, a doctor, a detective, and villagers.
- During the “night,” the Mafia secretly chooses a player to eliminate.
- During the “day,” players discuss and vote to eliminate a suspect.
- The game continues until either all Mafia members are eliminated or the Mafia outnumbers the villagers.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Mafia Party Game Set – Includes character cards and a game guide.
20. Escape Room Game
Transform a room into a mystery-solving challenge with a DIY escape room game. These games require teamwork, problem-solving, and quick thinking.
How to Play:
- Choose a theme (e.g., prison break, haunted house, bank heist).
- Create puzzles and clues leading to a final objective.
- Set a time limit for players to solve the mystery and “escape.”
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Escape Room in a Box – Family Edition – Includes puzzles, clues, and a complete storyline.
21. Truth or Dare (Teen Edition)
A classic game with endless possibilities. This version can be made more challenging for teens by adding dares that are a bit more daring (but still safe!).
How to Play:
- Players take turns choosing “Truth” or “Dare.”
- For “Truth,” they must answer a question honestly.
- For “Dare,” they must complete a task, such as singing a song or doing a silly dance.
Pro Tip: Write the questions and dares on cards in advance to keep the game moving smoothly.
✅ Games to Play with Younger Cousins
For younger cousins, keep games simple, easy to understand, and fun.
22. Red Light, Green Light
A simple game that encourages listening skills and quick reflexes.
How to Play:
- One player is the “traffic light” and stands at the front of the playing area.
- The other players line up at the opposite end.
- When the “traffic light” says “Green Light,” players run forward. When they say “Red Light,” they must stop.
- If anyone moves after “Red Light” is called, they must return to the start.
23. Balloon Pop Race
A fast-paced, energetic game that’s great for young kids.
How to Play:
- Inflate balloons and place them at one end of the room.
- Players race to pop as many balloons as possible using only their bodies (no hands allowed).
- The player who pops the most balloons in a set time wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
✅ Games to Play with Cousins Outside
For sunny days, these outdoor games offer plenty of active fun:
24. Kickball
A simple mix of soccer and baseball that’s perfect for all ages.
How to Play:
- Set up bases like in baseball.
- Players kick the ball and run the bases.
- The opposing team tries to catch the ball and tag runners out.
25. Freeze Tag
An energetic game that never goes out of style.
How to Play:
- One player is “It” and must tag other players.
- When tagged, players must freeze in place.
- Other players can unfreeze them by touching them.
- The game continues until all players are frozen.
✅ More Fun Games to Play with Cousins
Let’s dive deeper into more engaging and creative games that can keep cousins entertained for hours. From quiet games that promote creativity to high-energy outdoor challenges, this list has it all.
✅ Games for Large Groups of Cousins
Large group games are ideal for family reunions, sleepovers, or backyard barbecues. Here are some crowd-pleasers:
26. Human Knot
A classic icebreaker game that requires teamwork and communication.
How to Play:
- Have everyone stand in a circle and extend their hands to grab the hand of someone across from them (not the person next to them).
- The objective is to untangle the “knot” without letting go of each other’s hands.
- The game ends when the group is fully untangled or gives up.
Variation: Time the game to add a competitive edge.
27. Tug of War
A classic outdoor game that’s perfect for testing strength and teamwork.
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Mark a center line and have each team hold onto opposite ends of a strong rope.
- On the count of three, each team pulls the rope in their direction.
- The team that pulls the other team past the center line wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Heavy Duty Tug of War Rope – Includes a center flag and handles.
28. Sardines
Sardines is a reverse version of hide-and-seek that works well with large groups.
How to Play:
- One player hides while everyone else counts.
- Once the counting is done, players search for the hidden person.
- When a player finds them, they squeeze into the hiding spot.
- The last person to find the group becomes the next hider.
Pro Tip: Play in a dark room with flashlights for extra suspense.
29. Balloon Stomp
A fast-paced game that gets everyone running around and laughing.
How to Play:
- Tie a balloon to each player’s ankle using a piece of string.
- The objective is to pop other players’ balloons while protecting your own.
- The last person with an intact balloon wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Balloon Stomp Party Game Kit – Includes balloons and ankle ties.
✅ Creative and Imaginative Games
These games promote creativity and are perfect for indoor play or quiet time:
30. Story Chain
A storytelling game that’s great for developing creativity and quick thinking.
How to Play:
- The first player starts a story with one sentence, such as “Once upon a time, there was a magical forest.”
- The next player adds another sentence, continuing the story.
- Play continues around the circle until the story naturally ends or becomes hilariously off-track.
Variation: Add a theme, such as “spooky,” “sci-fi,” or “adventure,” to guide the story.
31. Drawing Telephone
A fun combination of Pictionary and the game of Telephone.
How to Play:
- Each player gets a piece of paper and a pen.
- The first player writes a simple sentence, then passes the paper to the next player.
- The second player draws a picture based on the sentence, then folds the paper to hide the sentence.
- The third player writes a sentence based on the drawing, then folds the paper to hide the drawing.
- Repeat until the paper is full, then reveal the hilarious results.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Drawing Telephone Game Set – Includes sketch pads and pens.
✅ Games for Small Spaces or Indoors
When space is limited, these games keep the fun going without requiring a lot of room:
32. Cup Stack Challenge
A competitive game that requires focus and steady hands.
How to Play:
- Give each player a set of plastic cups (at least 10).
- The objective is to stack and unstack the cups as quickly as possible without them toppling over.
- Time each round, and the fastest player wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Speed Stack Cups – Competition Set – Includes cups, a timer, and a mat.
33. Sticky Note Face-Off
An amusing game that’s great for small spaces and minimal setup.
How to Play:
- Give each player a stack of sticky notes.
- Set a timer for 1 minute.
- The objective is to stick as many notes as possible to a specific area (like a forehead or arm).
- The player with the most notes stuck wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Colorful Sticky Notes Pack – Includes various colors for extra fun.
✅ Games for Nighttime Play
Night games add an element of mystery and excitement. Here are some fun ones:
34. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
A twist on traditional hide-and-seek using glow sticks for added visibility and thrill.
How to Play:
- Give each player a glow stick to wear around their neck or wrist.
- The “Seeker” counts while everyone else hides.
- The glow sticks make it easier to spot players but still provide enough cover for creative hiding spots.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
35. Flashlight Limbo
A fun, silly game that’s perfect for nighttime gatherings.
How to Play:
- Two players hold a flashlight beam steady while others try to limbo under it.
- Lower the beam after each round.
- The last player remaining is the limbo champion.
Variation: Use multiple flashlights to create a laser obstacle course.
✅ Games to Play with Younger Cousins
These games are easy to understand, safe, and perfect for younger kids:
36. Animal Charades
A simpler version of charades for younger children, focusing only on animals.
How to Play:
- Write down various animals on slips of paper.
- Players take turns acting out the animal without using sounds or words.
- The rest must guess the animal.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Animal Charades Card Game – Includes pre-made cards with animal illustrations.
37. Hot Potato
A game that’s easy to set up and guarantees giggles.
How to Play:
- Pass a soft object (like a plush toy or ball) around the circle while music plays.
- When the music stops, the player holding the object is “out.”
- The last player remaining wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
✅ Games for Teens and Older Cousins
Older cousins often enjoy games that are more strategic or mentally challenging:
38. Werewolf
A social deduction game similar to Mafia but with a mystical twist.
How to Play:
- Assign roles (Werewolf, Villager, Seer, etc.).
- During the “night,” the Werewolf eliminates one player.
- During the “day,” players vote to eliminate a suspect.
- The objective is to eliminate the Werewolves before they eliminate the Villagers.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
39. Spicy Uno
A more intense version of the classic card game Uno, with extra rules.
New Rules:
- If a Draw 2 or Draw 4 is played, the next player can play the same card to stack the penalty.
- If a 0 is played, all players must switch hands.
- If a 7 is played, the player chooses two players to switch hands.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
✅ Themed Games for Specific Age Groups: Toddlers, Preteens, and Adults
To keep the fun going, let’s break it down by age group and theme. This way, everyone can have a great time with games tailored to their interests and skill levels.
✅ Games for Toddlers (Ages 2-5)
Toddlers thrive on simple, colorful, and active games that promote motor skills, basic concepts, and social interaction.
40. Color Hunt (Educational Theme)
A simple yet engaging game that teaches colors while keeping toddlers moving.
How to Play:
- Assign each child a color (e.g., red, blue, yellow).
- Set a timer and ask them to find as many objects of that color as they can within the time limit.
- The child who collects the most objects wins.
Variation: Make it a shape hunt by asking them to find circles, squares, and triangles.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Color Sorting Toy – Rainbow Set – Includes colorful objects and storage bins.
41. Animal Parade (Animal Theme)
A fun game that encourages imagination and movement.
How to Play:
- Write down different animals (e.g., elephant, frog, bird) on cards.
- Each child draws a card and must move and make sounds like that animal.
- The rest of the group guesses the animal.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Animal Action Cards – Includes illustrated cards for easy recognition.
42. Bean Bag Toss (Carnival Theme)
A simple game that improves hand-eye coordination and counting skills.
How to Play:
- Set up a board with different-sized holes labeled with point values.
- Give each child a set of bean bags.
- They take turns tossing the bean bags and aiming for the holes.
- The player with the highest score wins.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Bean Bag Toss Game Set – Includes a folding board and soft bean bags.
✅ Games for Preteens (Ages 8-12)
Preteens enjoy games that require more strategy, creativity, and friendly competition.
43. Escape Room in a Box (Mystery Theme)
Preteens love problem-solving and mystery, making escape room games perfect for them.
How to Play:
- Set up a series of puzzles and clues around the room.
- Create a backstory (e.g., “You’re detectives trapped in a haunted house and must solve clues to escape”).
- Set a timer and challenge players to solve the mystery before time runs out.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Escape Room The Game – Family Edition – Includes multiple themed escape room challenges.
44. Spy Training Obstacle Course (Adventure Theme)
An action-packed game that combines physical activity with imaginative play.
How to Play:
- Set up a “spy training” course using household items (e.g., crawl under tables, jump over pillows, weave through chairs).
- Assign a “mission” such as retrieving a secret code or disarming a “bomb” (a soft toy).
- Time each player and track the best score.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Spy Gear Set – Complete Kit – Includes walkie-talkies, a flashlight, and a mission book.
45. Emoji Pictionary (Pop Culture Theme)
A creative guessing game that taps into their love for emojis.
How to Play:
- Create a series of phrases, movies, or book titles using only emojis (e.g., 🦁👑 = The Lion King).
- Show each emoji sequence to the group and let them guess.
- Award points for correct guesses.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Emoji Party Game Set – Includes emoji cards and a scoreboard.
✅ Games for Adults (Ages 18+)
For adults, focus on games that involve strategy, wit, and a bit of humor.
46. Codenames (Strategy & Wordplay Theme)
A strategic game that involves guessing words based on clues given by a “Spymaster.”
How to Play:
- Divide players into two teams, each with a Spymaster.
- Lay out a grid of word cards.
- The Spymaster gives one-word clues that relate to multiple words on the grid.
- The team tries to guess the correct words while avoiding the “Assassin” word.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Codenames Game – Includes word cards and clue cards.
47. What Do You Meme? (Humor & Pop Culture Theme)
A hilarious card game where players compete to create the funniest meme using caption cards.
How to Play:
- A photo card is placed in the center.
- Each player submits a caption card that they think best fits the image.
- The judge picks the funniest caption, and the player who submitted it wins the round.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- What Do You Meme? Party Game – Includes meme cards and captions.
48. Mafia (Murder Mystery Theme)
A social deduction game that involves lying, bluffing, and deduction.
How to Play:
- Assign roles (Mafia, Detective, Doctor, and Villagers).
- During the “night,” the Mafia secretly selects a target.
- During the “day,” players debate and vote to eliminate a suspect.
- The goal is for the Mafia to remain undetected while the Villagers try to identify them.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Mafia Party Game Set – Includes role cards and a guide.
49. Drunk Jenga (Party Theme – 21+)
A Jenga game with a twist — each block has a challenge, question, or dare.
How to Play:
- Write a challenge or dare on each Jenga block.
- Players take turns pulling blocks and completing the task written on it.
- If the tower falls, the player who caused it must complete a penalty challenge.
Amazon Product Suggestion:
- Drunk Jenga Set – Customized Blocks – Includes pre-labeled blocks and shot glasses.
Final Thoughts,
Cousin time is all about creating cherished memories, and the right games can make those moments even more special. Whether you’re playing games to beat boredom, organizing fun activities for younger cousins, or hosting a game night with older ones, there’s something for everyone on this list.
From indoor fun to outdoor adventures, these games to play with cousins are perfect for bonding, laughing, and sharing unforgettable experiences.
So, the next time you’re planning a family get-together, consider incorporating some of these exciting activities. Want more ideas for family fun? Share this post with your cousins and start planning your next game day!
