Charades for Kids: 40 Easy Prompts and Quick Rules
Pick a prompt, explain that the actor gives clues without speaking, and let the first actor begin. This set has 40 family-clean ideas in four groups, a random picker and simple rules suggested for children ages 6 and up. No props are needed. You can play indoors or outside with a group of four to 20.
How to play charades with kids
You need the prompt pack above and enough room for one person to act at a time. Allow about two minutes to clear the space and explain the rules; printing and cutting prompt slips will take extra time. Split into two teams, or skip teams and take turns guessing together. Before starting, agree on a short turn limit and whether players can pass.
- Keep the screen facing only the host and actor, then use the picker to select a prompt. Show it privately to the actor, or let them draw a folded printed slip. Keep the answer hidden from the guessers.
- The actor gives clues silently: no talking, spelling words in the air, or pointing to objects in the room. Acting out part of the prompt is fine.
- Set a 60-second limit if you want a timer. The team gets one point for a correct guess, then the next team takes a turn. You can also play without points and focus on taking turns.
For younger readers, an adult or older child can quietly read the prompt to the actor. If you would rather not use a timer, let the actor finish or pass when ready. These are suggested house rules; adjust them for your group.
40 charades prompts kids can act
Use the random picker above to choose a prompt, or use its Print all 40 button to prepare slips. Keep the screen and printed list out of the guessers’ view. Quietly read the selected prompt to the actor if they need help; do not read it aloud to the group.
The full prompt pack has four groups: big actions, animal moments, everyday scenes and make-believe roles. Start with a movement the child recognizes, then try a different group when they are ready. If a prompt depends on a character or activity they do not know, swap it before the timer starts.
When a child gets stuck or wants to pass
Let a player pass once without losing a turn. A fresh prompt usually gets the game moving again without guessers giving away the answer. You can also agree that the actor may trade an unfamiliar character or activity before the timer starts.
If a child does not want to act, invite them to guess from their seat, help keep score, or act alongside someone they know. They can take an acting turn later if they want. Pairing a younger player with an older teammate can make a prompt easier to read and act out.
Demonstrate one silent turn without scoring so children can see how acting and guessing work. Choose a prompt with a clear movement when children are new to charades. Charades ideas has more action-based options, while charades words offers familiar single-word prompts. For younger children, see icebreaker games for kids for simple ways to join a group, or group games for activities with different roles.
Give the actor a clear patch of floor and move breakable items out of the way before a lively turn. Indoor party games can help you find another game that suits the room. If the group is ready for something else, browse party games for a different activity.
For a movie round, try movie charades with titles guests are likely to know. Disney charades is another themed option when the group recognizes the characters. Both work best when players can picture the people or stories in the prompt.
Charades for kids questions
What are good charades prompts for kids?
Start with a familiar action, animal or everyday scene that can be shown with a clear movement. The prompt pack above includes all three, along with make-believe roles. If a child has to ask what a prompt means before acting, choose another card.
Can young children read the prompts?
An adult or older child can quietly read a prompt to an early reader, or the actor can choose from pictures prepared before the game. Keep the prompt hidden from the guessers and read it only to the actor.
How long should each charades turn last?
A 60-second turn is one suggested limit. If the actor is still stuck after about 20 seconds, you can allow a pass and draw a new prompt. Shorten or lengthen the limit to suit the group.
Are props allowed in kids’ charades?
The prompts here do not require props. If your group decides to use household objects, agree on the same rule for both teams before play starts.
How do you keep charades fair for mixed ages?
Pair a younger actor with an older teammate, or let younger children pick first from the action prompts. Keep points optional so a child who is still learning can take part without worrying about the score.
What if a child does not want to act?
Let them guess from their seat, help with scoring, or pass for now. They can join an acting turn later if they choose.
More games and charades prompts
Looking for another kind of prompt or a different activity? Browse more charades ideas, charades words, movie charades, or Disney charades. For a wider choice, visit Party Games and Question Packs or explore kids’ party themes.