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.
StockPlanets//Getty ImagesCharades 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.
Charades Ideas for Kids: Animals
Charades Ideas for Kids: Sports
Charades Ideas for Kids: Food
Charades for Kids: Musical Instruments
monkeybusinessimages//Getty ImagesCharades 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.
Charades Ideas for Adults: Sports & Leisure Activities
Charades Ideas for Adults: Personalities and Jobs
More Game Night Inspiration
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.
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