How to Play Indoor Baseball Games with Your Kids

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in America, affectionately called America’s Sport, baseball and its rules, traditions, and fandom are often passed down from generation to generation.  However, as the weather gets colder, gloomier, and wetter, playing a game of baseball outdoors may be difficult.

That is why, below, we are going to discuss how to play indoor baseball games with your kids.  While a traditional game of baseball will pit two opposing team of nine players against one-another, these games can be played with just two, three, or even four people.

And while the space may be a bit more cramped than a baseball field, it is important to have fun and utilize this time to build bonds and friendships with your kids.  In addition, playing these simple, fun indoor baseball games will help your kid to begin understanding the basic rules of the sport.

Balloon Baseball

Balloon baseball is, perhaps, one of the most fun and enjoyable baseball games that can be had indoors.  Requiring little more than an inflated balloon and an old tube from wrapping paper or a paper towel, you will need to setup four bases around the room.

Utilizing pillows or even stuffed animals, measure an equal distance between each base.  Have your child stand at the home plate and get ready for the pitch.  Toss the inflated balloon and have your child attempt to hit it, with three strikes counting as an out.

However, if your child does hit the balloon, they will only be considered “out” if you or your teammate is able to successfully toss the balloon and make contact with the batter.  In this version of the game, holding the balloon and tapping the runner out is not allowed!

Sock Baseball

If your kids are a bit older, than sock baseball may be a better option than balloon baseball.  Rather than utilizing an inflated balloon, you should find a pair of rolled up socks as an alternative to a baseball or a balloon.  However, as rolled up socks are definitely heavier than an inflated balloon, be sure to move or remove any fragile items from the room to avoid breaking any items.

However, unlike in a game of balloon baseball, sock baseball does allow for tagging a player out with the rolled-up sock in hand.  And unlike a game of balloon baseball, it is generally advised to utilize a plastic baseball bat for play.  Utilizing an old tube from wrapping paper or a paper towel may not be sufficient enough to withstand the force of the rolled-up sock and could bend or break the tube.

Personally, we recommend purchasing and utilizing the Franklin Sports MLB 30” Authentic Plastic Bat.  Although the set comes with a plastic baseball, we don’t recommend utilizing it indoors as it may end up breaking or damaging items and walls within the home.  In addition, as this is an authentic plastic baseball bat that has been commissioned by the MLB, it is both sturdy and comfortable to grip and swing with.

Baseball Name Game

Although this game doesn’t include actually playing a game of baseball, it is still aa fun activity to have with your kids.  In addition, this game typically requires some general baseball knowledge and information, so be sure to only play this game if your kids have some previous baseball knowledge and understanding.

To play, simply choose a baseball position, such as pitcher, shortstop, or even a designated hitter.  Then, going around the room, have each player call out a current or former MLB player who played that position.  Be sure to write down all correct responses as repeats aren’t allowed!

If a participant answers incorrectly, then they’re out of the game.  The last participant to continue answering correctly is named the winner.

Alternatively, this game can be played by MLB team’s, such as current New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox players.  Furthermore, to make the game a bit less challenging, you can open it up to all current MLB players.  The choice is yours and what’s important is that you have fun while playing.

The Ball is Lava

One of the most fun baseball games that you can play indoors, the ball is lava is a game that is more enjoyable with more people.  Standing in a circle, players will pass the baseball amongst each other and at random.  This means that a player is able to not only pass the ball to a person standing directly next to them, but also to a player opposite from them.

With a volunteer on the music, the game will start when the music begins.  However, the volunteer on the music should pause the music at random, with the player left holding the baseball considered out of the game.  Once the music has resumed, so has the game.  Continue play until there is only one player left.

Baseball Skills

Baseball skills is another great baseball game that can be played indoors and is more of a competition based on skill level.  While the initial setup of the game is a bit longer than the other games listed here, the game is just as enjoyable.

With household buckets, pots, and pans placed across the room in a specific order, each player will attempt to toss the baseball into the specific item.  While each player will attempt to complete the entire course in one-go, you should time each players performance.

The player that is able to complete the course in the shortest amount of time is considered the winner.

M.L.B. The Show

If you have a dedicated gaming console at home, then consider playing a game of M.L.B. The Show with your kids.  With the rise of eSports and video games, you may just find that your children are more adept at the game than even yourself.

M.L.B. The Show is the premiere and only officially licensed baseball game for major gaming consoles.  It puts you directly in the action, allowing you to play the game virtually and in a faster, deeper, and more intense manner.  And with a variety of different game modes, you’ll have countless hours of fun playing with your kids or even with others online.

Grandma Smiley’s What About Baseball Board Game

If you’re looking for a fun and enjoyable baseball game away from the electronics, consider Grandma Smiley’s What About Baseball.  Made in America, this game is sure to help you bond with your friends and family alike.  Similarly, the game features no electronics, helping your kids to enjoy the moments off their screens.  And lastly, the game is perfect for most kids, helping them understand both strategy and just a bit of luck.