Charades Ideas: 40 Prompts for Your Next Game
Choose a prompt, give the actor a clear turn, and let the group guess. This family-clean collection has 40 ideas in four groups, with options for a quick round at home or while traveling. It is best for ages 8 and up and intended for groups of 2–20. Allow about five minutes to choose prompts and explain the rules.
How to play a round of charades
You only need one prompt to begin. Pick an everyday action for a first turn, or use the random picker to let chance choose. Show the prompt only to the actor. They mime it without speaking while everyone else guesses.
- Choose a prompt from the pack or use the random picker.
- Show the prompt only to the actor, who acts without speaking while everyone else guesses.
- Pass the turn, pick another prompt, or change sections whenever the group is ready.
Before the first turn, explain that players can pass or swap a prompt. If someone is new to the game, show how to mime one simple action, such as opening a stuck jar. For example, the actor can mime gripping a jar and twisting its lid; the others guess what they are doing. Keep the rules short and let the guesses get the round going.
For a beginner-friendly round, browse charades words for single-word prompts. If younger children are playing, charades for kids has age-focused ideas and a way to move on when a child gets stuck.
40 charades prompts for your next game
Everyday actions are a straightforward place to start: players can mime familiar movements such as twisting a jar lid or carrying shopping bags. Big adventures suit players who enjoy imaginary scenes; Animals in trouble adds silly combinations, and Party moments draws on familiar celebrations.
Browse the four groups in the 40-prompt pack, or use Pick another charades idea to draw from the same collection. Keep the screen facing only the actor so the guessers cannot see the answer. For a screen-free round, select Print all 40, cut the prompts into slips, and let the actor read one privately.
For a movie-themed round, use movie charades when the group knows the titles, or Disney charades for familiar character names and gestures. For a different kind of group game, Mad Libs gives players a story to fill in together.
Help everyone join the game
Not everyone wants to act right away. Let a player guess from their seat, join a team, or pass for now. A partner can act alongside someone who wants company; show both actors the prompt privately. A seated actor can use hand movements and facial expressions. While traveling, play only when everyone acting or looking at prompts can do so without distracting the driver. Keep the joke on the prompt, not on a player, and skip anything that feels personal or uncomfortable.
For a group that prefers drawing, switch to Pictionary words. When people are still getting to know one another, try icebreaker games before asking anyone to act alone. Group games has options for a larger crowd or when acting does not suit the room.
The prompts are marked family clean and best for ages 8 and up. Younger children may prefer simpler, familiar ideas; choose prompts they know and give them room to guess or pass. Adults can add detail to a scene while keeping the prompt itself clean.
What can we play next?
You do not need to use all 40 prompts in one sitting. Try a few turns from one section, then ask whether the group wants another round. If guesses are slowing down, choose a new kind of prompt or switch games.
For a seated break, Would You Rather questions give everyone a choice to answer. This or That questions make an even quicker change of pace. Browse Party Games and Question Packs for more prompt-based activities or Party Games for full group games.
Charades questions and answers
How do you play charades?
Show a prompt only to the actor, let them act it out without speaking, and have the others guess. Give each player a turn and let anyone pass or swap a prompt.
How many people can play charades?
These prompts are intended for groups of two to 20. With a larger group, teams can keep the game moving while one person acts.
What ages are these charades prompts for?
The collection uses family-clean language and is best for ages eight and up. Choose prompts the players recognize, and let anyone skip one that does not suit them.
Do players need supplies?
No special supplies are needed to act out the prompts. You can read from the page or print the list.
How long should a round last?
A short round may take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many people take a turn. Try a handful of turns, then switch sections or stop if the group is ready for something else.