Charades Words: 40 clean prompts for your next round
Pick a prompt and start playing. This list has 40 family-clean words and phrases in four groups, from easy nouns to trickier expressions. It is best for ages 8 and up. Use the random picker to draw another word, or print all 40 to keep the list nearby. Keep the screen or printed prompt out of the guessers’ view during each turn.
How do you play charades with these words?
- Choose one of the four word groups, or use the random picker with the screen facing only the actor.
- Show or quietly read the prompt only to the actor. That player acts it out silently while everyone else guesses.
- Let the player pass if they would rather not act. Then give the next person a turn, choose another prompt, or stop when the group is ready.
Plan for 2–20 players, with one person acting and the others guessing. For a big group, split into teams so people can guess together. Keep the first turns simple, then try the phrase list if players want more of a challenge. For more ways to play in teams, see Charades Ideas.
Which charades words fit your group?
Start with a type of prompt the player can picture or act out. The Easy nouns group has familiar things such as a banana, camera, or snowman. Action words such as crawl, juggle, and whisper give the actor a movement to show. People and roles includes jobs and characters like a baker, detective, or astronaut. Try Tricky phrases when the group is ready to act out an expression such as “cold feet” or “spill the beans.”
If a phrase is unfamiliar, let the player swap it for another word. For younger children, Charades for Kids has age-specific prompts; Movie Charades and Disney Charades offer themed choices for groups who know those films or characters.
What if a charades prompt is hard to act?
Give the player a moment to think, then let them pass or take a new prompt. A phrase does not have to be acted out word for word: players can show a clue or action that helps the group guess the whole idea. For example, someone acting “piece of cake” might mime cutting and eating a slice. Treat that as one possible clue, not a required rule.
If acting is not a good fit for the group, switch to drawing with Pictionary Words. For a sillier drawing round, try Funny Pictionary Words; for more challenging sketch prompts, see Hard Pictionary Words.
How can everyone enjoy the round?
Keep turns short and let players decide whether they want to act. A host can read the prompt quietly to the actor, allow a pass, or choose an easier word when someone gets stuck. Nobody needs to explain why they would rather skip a turn.
Try a short round of 10–15 minutes, then stop or switch word groups if the players want to continue. Keep jokes kind and skip personal topics. If the group wants a different activity, choose one that fits the room. Group Games has options for different group sizes, and the Party Games guide covers activities by age, space, and energy level.
Common charades questions
How do you play charades with these words?
Show or quietly read the prompt only to the actor, who acts it out silently while everyone else guesses. Choose prompts from any group, allow players to pass, and take turns acting.
How many people can play?
Plan for 2–20 players. If you have a larger group, teams can guess together while one person acts.
What ages are these charades words for?
These family-clean prompts are best for ages 8 and up. If a player does not recognize a prompt, offer another one.
Do players need supplies?
Acting out prompts does not require special supplies. Use the “Print all 40” button if you would like a paper copy of the complete list.
How long should a round last?
Try a short round of 10–15 minutes, then stop or switch word groups if the players want to continue.