170+ Fun Charades Ideas for All Ages

Put your dramatic acting skills to the test with these easy, hard, and downright funny charade topics.

By Amy Mitchell and Janece Maze Updated: Nov 28, 2023 Save Article

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Any day of the year is perfect for a fun night of games with your family and friends—no need to save it for special occasions. But what to do if you find yourself away from home and that sky-high pile of the best family board games in your den? Not to worry, there are plenty of classic icebreaker games that require no equipment at all, like a good old-fashioned game of charades. Entertaining for all ages, it can be played at any time and in any place, whether you're on vacation, visiting with your neighbors up the street, or hosting a virtual game night. All you need is a good list of charades ideas (we've got that part covered!).

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: over 170 creative and funny charades ideas for kids and adults.

a group of children playing charades ideas

StockPlanets // Getty Images Charades ideas can include any subject—from silly ones to food-themed picks.

Charades Ideas for Kids

Think about topics that will be easy for kids to guess, like everyday activities, animals, sports themes, and food.

  1. Sleeping
  2. Waking up
  3. Cooking
  4. Sweeping the floor
  5. Mowing the grass
  6. Brushing teeth
  7. Brushing hair
  8. Chewing Gum
  9. Taking a shower
  10. Tying shoes
  11. Walking a dog
  12. Talking on the phone
  13. Reading a book
  14. Playing video games
  15. Eating
  16. Drinking

Charades Ideas for Kids: Animals

  1. Alligator
  2. Cat
  3. Dog
  4. Bee
  5. Snake
  6. Fish
  7. Cow
  8. Horse
  9. Rabbit
  10. Spider
  11. Bird
  12. Owl
  13. Monkey
  14. Penguin
  15. Elephant
  16. Giraffe
  17. Lion
  18. Tiger
  19. Squirrel
  20. Pig
  21. Chicken

Charades Ideas for Kids: Sports

  1. Ice skating
  2. Skiing
  3. Diving off diving board
  4. Cheerleading
  5. Pogo stick
  6. Running/jogging
  7. Playing baseball
  8. Playing basketball
  9. Playing tennis
  10. Throwing a football
  11. Throwing a frisbee
  12. Playing golf
  13. Swimming
  14. Skateboarding
  15. Riding a bike
  16. Riding a scooter
  17. Jumping rope
  18. Roller Skating

Charades Ideas for Kids: Food

  1. Banana
  2. Orange
  3. Apple
  4. Ice cream
  5. Lollipop
  6. Bubblegum
  7. Spaghetti
  8. Sandwich
  9. French fries
  10. Cotton Candy
  11. Corn on the Cob
  12. Hot dog
  13. Taco
  14. Pizza
  15. Gummy Bears
  16. Milk and cookies
  17. Chips and dip
  18. Cake/pie

Charades for Kids: Musical Instruments

  1. Violin
  2. Guitar
  3. Drums
  4. Trumpet
  5. Flute
  6. Trombone
  7. Clarinet/recorder
  8. Saxophone
  9. Stand-up bass
  10. Tuba
  11. Piano

group of adults playing charades game ideas

monkeybusinessimages // Getty Images Charades ideas can run the gamut, from everyday topics to pop culture references.

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.

  1. Applying makeup
  2. Getting dressed/undressed
  3. Applying lotion
  4. Washing hair
  5. Buckling a belt
  6. Buttoning a shirt
  7. Feeding a baby a bottle
  8. Feeding a baby food
  9. Burping a baby
  10. Pushing a baby in a stroller
  11. Changing a diaper
  12. Cutting food with a knife
  13. Opening a can
  14. Putting dishes in the dishwasher
  15. Washing dishes in the sink
  16. Doing laundry
  17. Mopping floors
  18. Sweeping floors
  19. Vacuuming floors
  20. Dusting furniture
  21. Fluffing pillows
  22. Making a bed
  23. Cooking pancakes
  24. Icing a cake
  25. Driving a car
  26. Listening to music
  27. Singing
  28. Typing
  29. Writing
  30. Shopping for groceries
  31. Checking the mail
  32. Opening a letter
  33. Coughing
  34. Sneezing
  35. Scratching
  36. Mowing the lawn
  37. Raking leaves
  38. Picking flowers
  39. Shoveling snow
  40. Watering plants
  41. Smoking a cigarette
  42. Lighting candles
  43. Blowing out candles
  44. Sharpening a pencil
  45. Spray painting
  46. Painting with a brush
  47. Watching television
  48. Going to the movies
  49. Going on a picnic
  50. Opening a present
  51. Going to church/praying
  52. Going to the gym
  53. Going to school
  54. Going to the hospital/doctor

Add a celebrity to a word or phrase. For example, add "Beyoncé" to the word "dancing" to really liven things up.

Charades Ideas for Adults: Sports & Leisure Activities

  1. Doing yoga
  2. Ballet dancing
  3. Tap dancing
  4. Salsa dancing
  5. Playing croquet
  6. Playing horseshoes
  7. Playing corn hole
  8. Surfing
  9. Water skiing
  10. Snow skiing
  11. Riding a motorcycle
  12. Playing hacky sack
  13. Playing pool/billiards
  14. Bowling
  15. Fishing
  16. Shooting a bow and arrow

Charades Ideas for Adults: Personalities and Jobs

  1. Cashier
  2. Bartender
  3. Lumberjack
  4. Car mechanic
  5. Teacher
  6. Computer coder
  7. Police officer
  8. Judge
  9. Doctor/nurse
  10. Pro wrestler
  11. Beauty queen
  12. Hair stylist
  13. Makeup artist
  14. President
  15. Firefighter
  16. Waiter/server
  17. Valet Driver
  18. Santa Claus
  19. Lifeguard
  20. Music conductor
More Game Night Inspiration

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Managing Editor

Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.

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.