It’s official: Summer is here, and that means the kids are ready to be entertained. While we encourage summer reading and spending time outside, sometimes, only a game of charades will do. If it’s raining or too hot to go outside, a fun, interactive game can be the way to beat the chorus of “I’m bored” coming from the younger members of the family.
First: a quick refresher on the activity for those who need it. In charades, you act out a concept in silence—that’s right, no talking allowed—and the rest of your crew has to guess the chosen word or phrase.
Before deciding on your charades words or theme, you’ll want to consider the age and skill level of your players. For younger kids, pick easy charades ideas (i.e. everyday activities, musical instruments) they’ll be likely to guess. Charades ideas for adults, on the other hand, can include more abstract ideas, such as movie titles and favorite songs. (You’ll also always score proverbial points with your crew for acting out something hilarious.)
If you’re ready to take charades to a whole new level, we’ve got just the thing to kickstart the experience: 200 creative and funny charades ideas for kids and adults.
Charades ideas can include any subject—from silly ones to food-themed picks.
Hilarious Charades Ideas for Kids
Think about topics that will be easy for kids to guess, like everyday activities, animals, sports themes, and food.
- Licking an ice-cream cone
- Going camping
- Juggling
- Hula-hooping
- Sleeping
- Waking up
- Cooking
- Sweeping the floor
- Mowing the grass
- Brushing teeth
- Brushing hair
- Chewing Gum
- Taking a shower
- Tying shoes
- Walking a dog
- A bird flying
- A cat meowing
- Talking on the phone
- Reading a book
- Playing video games
- Putting together a puzzle
- Eating
- Drinking
Charades Ideas for Kids: Animals
- Turkey
- Mouse
- Parrot
- Bull
- Alligator
- Cat
- Dog
- Bee
- Snake
- Fish
- Cow
- Horse
- Rabbit
- Spider
- Bird
- Owl
- Monkey
- Penguin
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Lion
- Tiger
- Squirrel
- Pig
- Chicken
Charades Ideas for Kids: Sports
- Ice skating
- Calling a time out
- Sliding into home base
- Skiing
- Diving off diving board
- Cheerleading
- Pogo stick
- Running/jogging
- Playing pickleball
- Playing baseball
- Playing basketball
- Playing tennis
- Throwing a football
- Throwing a frisbee
- Playing golf
- Swimming
- Skateboarding
- Riding a bike
- Riding a scooter
- Jumping rope
- Roller Skating
Charades Ideas for Kids: Food
- Sushi
- Mac-and-cheese
- Banana
- Orange
- Apple
- Ice cream
- Lollipop
- Bubblegum
- Spaghetti
- Sandwich
- French fries
- Cotton Candy
- Corn on the Cob
- Hot dog
- Taco
- Pizza
- Gummy Bears
- Milk and cookies
- Chips and dip
- Cake/pie
Charades for Kids: Musical Instruments
- Harmonica
- Cymbals
- Ukelele
- Violin
- Guitar
- Drums
- Trumpet
- Flute
- Trombone
- Clarinet/recorder
- Saxophone
- Stand-up bass
- Tuba
- Piano
Charades ideas can run the gamut, from everyday topics to pop culture references.
Funny Charades Ideas for Adults
In addition to the more everyday terms listed here, consider popular book, movie, and TV show titles to make charades for grown-ups even more challenging.
- Having a snowball fight
- Doing the macarena
- Applying makeup
- Getting dressed/undressed
- Applying lotion
- Washing hair
- Buckling a belt
- Buttoning a shirt
- Feeding a baby a bottle
- Feeding a baby food
- Burping a baby
- Pushing a baby in a stroller
- Changing a diaper
- Cutting food with a knife
- Opening a can
- Putting dishes in the dishwasher
- Washing dishes in the sink
- Doing laundry
- Mopping floors
- Sweeping floors
- Vacuuming floors
- Dusting furniture
- Fluffing pillows
- Making a bed
- Cooking pancakes
- Icing a cake
- Driving a car
- Listening to music
- Singing
- Typing
- Writing
- Shopping for groceries
- Checking the mail
- Opening a letter
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Scratching
- Mowing the lawn
- Raking leaves
- Picking flowers
- Shoveling snow
- Watering plants
- Smoking a cigarette
- Lighting candles
- Blowing out candles
- Sharpening a pencil
- Spray painting
- Painting with a brush
- Watching television
- Going to the movies
- Going on a picnic
- Opening a present
- Going to church/praying
- Going to the gym
- Going to school
- Going to the hospital/doctor
Charades Ideas for Adults: Sports & Leisure Activities
- Doing a cross-stitch
- Participating in a roller derby
- Doing yoga
- Ballet dancing
- Tap dancing
- Salsa dancing
- Playing croquet
- Playing horseshoes
- Playing corn hole
- Surfing
- Water skiing
- Snow skiing
- Riding a motorcycle
- Playing hacky sack
- Playing pool/billiards
- Bowling
- Fishing
- Shooting a bow and arrow
Charades Ideas for Adults: Personalities and Jobs
- Farmer
- Baker
- Florist
- Astronaut
- Cashier
- Bartender
- Lumberjack
- Car mechanic
- Teacher
- Computer coder
- Police officer
- Judge
- Doctor/nurse
- Pro wrestler
- Beauty queen
- Hair stylist
- Makeup artist
- President
- Firefighter
- Waiter/server
- Valet Driver
- Santa Claus
- Lifeguard
- Music conductor
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.