Charades Generator for Kids

Whisper the card to the actor, then press Play a 1-minute round: 458 cards, from single words to scenes.

Charades Generator for Kids

Sandbox

Next step The full deck of charades ideas

All 458 kids charades ideas

First action words 46

  • Call Hold a pretend phone to your ear and wave hello.
  • Carry Hold a big pretend box and walk slowly.
  • Catch Look up, hold out both hands and hug the ball.
  • Clap Clap without letting your hands touch.
  • Clean Spray, wipe and polish until it shines.
  • Climb Reach up hand over hand, as if on a ladder.
  • Crawl Go on hands and knees like a baby.
  • Cry Rub your eyes with both fists.
  • Cut Snip with two fingers like scissors.
  • Dance Wiggle and twirl to music nobody can hear.
  • Dig Push a pretend shovel in with your foot and lift.
  • Draw Draw a big circle in the air with a pretend crayon.
  • Drink Tip a pretend cup, then wipe your mouth.
  • Eat Spoon pretend food into your mouth and chew.
  • Fly Spread your arms and glide around the room.
  • Give Hold out a pretend present with both hands.
  • Grow Start curled up small and rise until you are tall.
  • Hop Hop on one foot, then the other.
  • Hug Wrap your arms around yourself and squeeze.
  • Jump Bend your knees and jump on the spot.
  • Kick Kick a pretend ball, gently.
  • Laugh Hold your tummy and shake without a sound.
Show all 458 kids charades ideas (436 more)

First action words, continued

  • Look Shade your eyes with one hand and search the room.
  • March Lift your knees high and swing straight arms.
  • Open Turn a knob and swing a door toward you.
  • Pick Reach up high and pick apples into a basket.
  • Pull Pull a heavy rope, hand over hand.
  • Push Lean on a pretend wall with both hands.
  • Read Open your hands like a book and turn a page.
  • Ride Hold the reins and bounce along.
  • Run Run on the spot and pump your arms.
  • Sing Hold a pretend microphone and open your mouth wide.
  • Sit Pull out a pretend chair and sit down with a happy sigh.
  • Sleep Rest your cheek on both hands and close your eyes.
  • Sneeze Ah, ah, then one big silent choo.
  • Stop Hold up one flat hand like a crossing guard.
  • Swim Paddle your arms and puff your cheeks.
  • Think Tap your chin and look up at the ceiling.
  • Throw Wind up your arm and let a pretend ball go.
  • Tiptoe Creep on your toes with a finger on your lips.
  • Walk Walk in a circle and swing your arms.
  • Wash Scrub your hands, then your face.
  • Wave Wave hello with your whole arm.
  • Wish Close your eyes, cross your fingers and blow out a candle.
  • Write Write on your palm with a pretend pencil.
  • Yawn Stretch both arms and open your mouth wide.

Pets and farm animals 37

  • A cat watching a bird through the window Crouch low and swish your tail.
  • A cow chewing grass Chew in slow circles and stare at the guessers.
  • A dog digging a hole Dig fast with both front paws.
  • A dog fetching a stick Run, pick it up in your teeth and bring it back.
  • A dog shaking off water Shake from your head all the way down to your tail.
  • A dog waiting by the door for a walk Sit, stare at the door and wag faster and faster.
  • A duck leading her ducklings across the road Waddle, stop and count the line behind you.
  • A hamster stuffing its cheeks with food Pack in seed after seed and puff your cheeks.
  • A hen laying an egg Settle down, wiggle, then look proudly behind you.
  • A horse jumping a fence Gallop, leap and land with a toss of your head.
  • A kitten chasing yarn Bat at the string, then pounce.
  • A pig rolling in mud Lie down and roll slowly with a big smile.
  • A puppy that does not want a bath Dig your paws in while someone pulls the leash.
  • A rabbit eating a carrot Hold it in two paws and nibble quickly.
  • A rooster waking the farm Stand tall, flap and crow without a sound.
  • A turtle hiding inside its shell Pull in your arms, legs and head, then peek out.
  • Cat Lick the back of your hand and wash your ears.
  • Chick Curl up in an egg, then peck your way out.
  • Chicken Flap your elbows and peck at the ground.
  • Cow Chew slowly and swish a tail behind you.
  • Dog Pant, wag and beg with both paws up.
  • Duck Waddle with your hands tucked in as wings.
  • Goat Make horns with two fingers and butt the air.
  • Goose Stretch your neck long and flap your wings.
  • Hamster Run in a wheel with tiny fast paws.
  • Horse Gallop and paw the ground with one foot.
  • Kitty Curl up small, purr and rub against a pretend leg.
  • Lamb Skip about on wobbly new legs.
  • Mouse Hold tiny paws at your chin and nibble fast.
  • Parrot Perch on one leg and tilt your head side to side.
  • Pig Push your nose up with one finger and root around.
  • Pony Trot with high knees and toss your mane.
  • Puppy Chase your own tail, then flop down.
  • Rabbit Hold two fingers up for ears and twitch your nose.
  • Sheep Walk on all fours and nibble the grass.
  • Turkey Tuck your thumbs under your arms and bob your head.
  • Turtle Walk very slowly, then pull your head in.

Zoo and jungle animals 35

  • A baby dinosaur hatching Push the shell apart and blink at the light.
  • A baby elephant holding its mother's tail Walk behind a pretend parent with your trunk held out.
  • A bear catching a fish Stand in the river and swipe with one paw.
  • A bear scratching its back on a tree Rub up and down with a happy face.
  • A frog catching a fly Sit still, then shoot your tongue out.
  • A kangaroo with a baby in its pouch Hop gently and pat the pouch now and then.
  • A lion cub learning to roar Try a big roar, look surprised, then try again.
  • A monkey eating a banana Peel it, take a bite and scratch your head.
  • A monkey swinging on a vine Reach from hand to hand above your head.
  • A sleepy lion yawning Give a huge yawn, then rest your chin on your paws.
  • A snake sliding up a tree Wiggle your whole body while you slowly stand up.
  • A squirrel hiding a nut Dig a quick hole, drop it in and pat the ground.
  • An elephant spraying water Dip your trunk, lift it and spray your back.
  • Bear Stand tall, paws up, and lumber side to side.
  • Chipmunk Stuff your cheeks and dash about.
  • Crocodile Snap your two arms together like long jaws.
  • Deer Hold your hands up as antlers, freeze, then leap away.
  • Dinosaur Tuck in short arms and stomp with big feet.
  • Elephant Swing one arm like a trunk and stomp.
  • Fox Trot on tiptoe and swish a bushy tail.
  • Frog Squat low and spring up.
  • Giraffe Stretch one arm up high as a neck and nibble leaves.
  • Gorilla Walk on your knuckles, then drum on your chest.
  • Hippo Open your mouth as wide as it goes, very slowly.
  • Kangaroo Hold your paws at your chest and take big jumps.
  • Lion Shake your mane and roar without a sound.
  • Lizard Dart forward, freeze and flick your tongue.
  • Monkey Scratch under your arms and bounce.
  • Panda Sit down and munch a long stick of bamboo.
  • Rhino Hold one finger on your nose as a horn and charge slowly.
  • Sloth Hang from a branch and move in slow motion.
  • Snake Press your palms together and wiggle them forward.
  • Squirrel Hold a nut in two paws and flick your bushy tail.
  • Tiger Prowl low on all fours and show your claws.
  • Zebra Trot, then draw stripes down your sides.

Sea animals, birds and bugs 37

  • A baby bird learning to fly Flap hard, hop off the branch and wobble.
  • A bee landing on a flower Buzz around, land and rub your front legs together.
  • A bird building a nest Carry twigs in your beak and tuck them into place.
  • A butterfly landing on your nose Go cross-eyed and stand very still.
  • A caterpillar turning into a butterfly Crawl, wrap up tight, then open your wings slowly.
  • A dolphin jumping through a hoop Swim, leap through the circle and splash down.
  • A firefly blinking Open and close your hands as you float around.
  • A fish blowing bubbles Open and close your lips and watch the bubbles rise.
  • A hummingbird at a flower Beat tiny wings very fast and sip.
  • A mother bird feeding her chicks Fly in, lean over the nest and drop in a worm.
  • A pelican scooping a fish Open one big arm as a beak, scoop and gulp.
  • A penguin sliding on its belly Lie on your tummy and push along with your flippers.
  • A seagull stealing a french fry Swoop down, grab it and fly off fast.
  • A spider spinning a web Draw big circles in the air with one finger.
  • A woodpecker pecking a tree Hold on to the trunk and tap fast with your nose.
  • An octopus opening a jar Wrap both arms around the lid and twist.
  • Ant March in a line with something heavy on your back.
  • Bee Flap tiny fast wings and zigzag to a flower.
  • Bird Flap your arms, land and hop.
  • Butterfly Link your thumbs and flutter your hands.
  • Crab Walk sideways and pinch with both hands.
  • Dolphin Press your hands together and dive up and over.
  • Eagle Hold your arms out wide and soar without flapping.
  • Fish Suck in your cheeks and open and close your lips.
  • Flamingo Stand on one leg and tuck the other up.
  • Jellyfish Bob up and down and let your arms hang loose.
  • Ladybug Crawl along your own arm, then open your wings.
  • Nest Weave twigs in a circle, then sit down in the middle.
  • Octopus Wave both arms like floppy tentacles.
  • Otter Float on your back and crack a shell on your tummy.
  • Owl Make circles around your eyes and turn your head slowly.
  • Penguin Keep your arms stiff at your sides and waddle.
  • Robin Hop along the grass and tug up a worm.
  • Shark Hold one hand on your head as a fin and circle.
  • Snail Slide along very slowly with two finger feelers up.
  • Spider Walk all ten fingers along like legs.
  • Whale Swim slowly, then spout water from the top of your head.

Morning, bedtime and chores 40

  • Baby Rock a bundle in your arms and hush it.
  • Bed Pull back the covers, climb in and tuck yourself up.
  • Blanket Pull it up to your chin and snuggle in.
  • Box Lift the flaps and peek inside.
  • Brushing your hair Hit a tangle and pull a face.
  • Buttoning a shirt Work your way down, one tiny button at a time.
  • Chair Pull it out, sit down and scoot in.
  • Coat Push in one arm, then the other, and do up the front.
  • Doll Brush its hair and give it a cuddle.
  • Door Knock, turn the handle and step through.
  • Feeding a goldfish Pinch a little food and sprinkle it over the bowl.
  • Feeding the cat Shake the box, pour and step back as the cat rushes in.
  • Folding towels Shake it out, fold it in half and pat the stack.
  • Getting dressed Pull a shirt over your head, then step into pants.
  • Helping carry in the groceries Take one bag in each hand and lean back.
  • Hugging a teddy bear Squeeze it tight and rock side to side.
  • Letter Lick the envelope, press it shut and post it.
  • Looking for a lost sock under the bed Lie flat, reach far in and pull out the wrong thing first.
  • Packing a backpack Drop things in, zip it and swing it onto your back.
  • Picking up toys Bend, grab and drop each one into a bin.
  • Pretending to be asleep when a grown-up checks Peek with one eye, then shut it tight.
  • Putting a shoe on the wrong foot Walk a few steps, look down and swap them.
  • Putting on pajamas Hop on one leg to get the other one in.
  • Putting on shoes Push your heel in and stamp your foot down.
  • Reading a bedtime story Turn the pages, yawn and nod off.
  • Setting the table Lay out a plate, a fork and a cup for each seat.
  • Shoe Push your foot in and tie a bow.
  • Shower Turn the tap, then scrub your hair under the water.
  • Spilling milk and wiping it up Knock the cup, gasp and grab a cloth.
  • Sweep Push a broom in long strokes and gather a pile.
  • Taking a bubble bath Scoop up foam and give yourself a beard.
  • Taking out the trash Hold the bag far away and pinch your nose.
  • Toothbrush Squeeze the paste on, then brush up and down.
  • Turning off the light Click the switch, then feel your way to bed.
  • Waking up Stretch, rub your eyes and look around.
  • Washing the car Scrub with a big sponge, then spray the hose.
  • Watch Tap your wrist and hold it up to your ear.
  • Watering a flower Tip the can slowly and watch it grow.
  • Window Push it up with both hands and wave to someone outside.
  • Wiping the table Wipe big circles, then check for a spot you missed.

At school 27

  • A teacher writing on the board Write high up, then turn and point to the class.
  • Book Open your hands like covers and follow a line with one finger.
  • Building with blocks Stack them carefully higher than your head.
  • Carrying a lunch tray Walk slowly with both hands and watch the soup.
  • Counting to ten Count on your fingers, one hand then the other.
  • Crayon Peel the paper back and color inside the lines.
  • Cutting paper Turn the paper slowly while your scissors snip.
  • Dropping all your crayons on the floor Watch them roll away in every direction.
  • Erasing a mistake Frown at the page, rub it out and try again.
  • Globe Spin it and stop it with one finger.
  • Glue Squeeze the bottle, press two things together and count.
  • Handing out papers Walk along a row and give one to each desk.
  • Lining up Stand behind a pretend friend and face the front.
  • Looking for your homework in your backpack Pull out everything except the homework.
  • Opening a lunchbox Pop the lid and smile at what is inside.
  • Painting a picture Step back, tilt your head and add one more dab.
  • Pencil Write, stop and chew the end.
  • Raising your hand Stretch up high and wave it a little.
  • Ringing the school bell Pull a rope up and down with both hands.
  • Ruler Measure your arm, then draw a long straight line.
  • Sharpening a pencil Turn it, check the point and turn again.
  • Show and tell Hold something up proudly and point to its parts.
  • Trying not to laugh in class Press your lips together and shake.
  • Waiting for the bus Look down the road, check your watch and look again.
  • Walking quietly in the hall Tiptoe in a line with a finger on your lips.
  • Whispering a secret to a friend Cup your hand by their ear and look around first.
  • Writing your name Stick out your tongue while you form each letter.

Playground and outdoors 27

  • Ball Bounce it, catch it and bounce it again.
  • Bike Grip the handlebars and pedal with your knees high.
  • Blowing a dandelion Pick it, take a big breath and watch the seeds float.
  • Bubbles Dip the wand, blow gently and pop one with a finger.
  • Catching a butterfly Creep up with a net and swish.
  • Chasing a ball that keeps rolling away Almost grab it three times.
  • Climbing the monkey bars Swing from one hand to the other above your head.
  • Digging in the sand Fill a bucket, flip it over and lift it off.
  • Drawing with chalk Squat down and draw a long line on the ground.
  • Finding a worm under a rock Lift the rock, jump back, then lean in for a closer look.
  • Getting sand in your shoe Hop, take the shoe off and tip it out.
  • Having a picnic Shake out a blanket, sit down and wave away a bug.
  • Hiding during hide and seek and trying not to giggle Crouch small and clamp a hand over your mouth.
  • Holding a balloon on a windy day Get tugged along by the string.
  • Kite Hold the string, look up and run backward a few steps.
  • Picking flowers Pick one at a time and smell each one.
  • Playing catch Throw, watch it come back and catch it at your chest.
  • Playing tag Run, dodge and tap someone on the shoulder.
  • Pulling a wagon Lean forward and tug as it gets heavier.
  • Pushing a friend on a swing Push with two hands, step back and push again.
  • Rolling down a hill Lie down, roll across the floor and sit up dizzy.
  • Sandbox Sit down, fill a bucket and pat the top flat.
  • Scooter Push off with one foot and glide.
  • Slide Climb up, sit down and whoosh with your arms up.
  • Stick Pick it up, drag it along a fence and draw in the dirt.
  • Tent Crawl in through a low flap and zip it shut.
  • Waiting for your turn on the swing Tap your foot and watch the swing go back and forth.

Sports and games 28

  • A goalie saving a goal Stretch to one side and hug the ball.
  • A referee blowing the whistle Blow, point and hold up a card.
  • Ballet Rise on your toes with your arms in a circle above your head.
  • Baseball Swing a bat, drop it and run.
  • Basketball Bounce the ball, jump and flick your wrist.
  • Bowling Swing one arm low, let go and watch the pins.
  • Doing jumping jacks Jump your feet apart while your hands meet overhead.
  • Doing the backstroke Walk backward and windmill your arms.
  • Duck, duck, goose Tap heads around a circle, then run.
  • Follow the leader March, look behind you and change the move.
  • Football Tuck the ball under one arm and dodge.
  • Freeze dance Dance wildly, then freeze in a silly pose.
  • Giving your team high fives Run down a line of raised hands.
  • Golf Line up, swing gently and shade your eyes.
  • Hockey Slide on skates and sweep a stick along the ice.
  • Jumping into a pool Hold your nose, jump and shake your hair dry.
  • Missing the ball and spinning around Swing hard, hit nothing and end up facing the wrong way.
  • Playing a board game Roll a die, count the squares and move your piece.
  • Playing a video game Lean left and right with the controller.
  • Playing marbles Kneel down and flick with your thumb.
  • Red light, green light Creep forward, then freeze when someone turns around.
  • Rock, paper, scissors Shake your fist three times and show a shape.
  • Skating Glide with long steps and hold your arms out.
  • Soccer Dribble with little kicks, then shoot.
  • Standing on the winner's podium Step up, bow your head for the medal and wave.
  • Tennis Bounce a ball, toss it up and swing a racket.
  • Throwing a paper airplane Fold it, pinch the nose and send it gliding.
  • Winning a race Run in slow motion and break the tape with your chest.

Jobs and helpers 30

  • A bus driver waiting for one last kid Open the door, check your watch and wave them on.
  • A cashier scanning groceries Slide each item past and drop it into a bag.
  • A crossing guard stopping traffic Hold up a sign and wave the walkers across.
  • A firefighter rescuing a kitten from a tree Climb the ladder, reach out and tuck it in your coat.
  • A librarian saying shh Hold a finger to your lips and point to a book.
  • A lifeguard watching the pool Sit up high and scan from side to side.
  • A mail carrier delivering a package Carry a box to the door and ring the bell.
  • A vet checking a puppy Lift a floppy ear and look inside.
  • A zookeeper giving an elephant a bath Scrub high above your head with a long brush.
  • An astronaut floating in space Drift slowly and chase a floating snack.
  • Artist Hold up your thumb, squint and dab at an easel.
  • Astronaut Bounce in slow motion and plant a flag.
  • Baker Knead dough and slide a tray into the oven.
  • Barber Snip around a head and hold up a mirror.
  • Builder Lay a brick, spread the mortar and tap it level.
  • Chef Chop fast, stir a pot and taste from the spoon.
  • Coach Blow a whistle and wave players along.
  • Dancer Twirl, leap and take a bow.
  • Dentist Ask for a wide open mouth and peer inside.
  • Doctor Listen to a chest, then look in an ear.
  • Drummer Tap two sticks fast and crash a cymbal.
  • Farmer Wipe your forehead and toss feed from a bucket.
  • Firefighter Aim a heavy hose and lean back against it.
  • Music teacher Wave both hands to keep a class in time.
  • Nurse Wrap a bandage around an arm and pat it.
  • Pilot Flip switches overhead and pull back on the controls.
  • Pizza maker Flatten the dough and spin it on your fingertips.
  • Swim teacher Show an arm stroke from the side of the pool.
  • Train driver Lean out of the cab and wave to the crowd.
  • Waiter Carry a tray high on one hand and set down the plates.

Feelings and faces 30

  • A loose tooth Wiggle it with your tongue, then with one finger.
  • A tummy ache Rub your tummy and bend over a little.
  • Being tickled Squirm and tuck your elbows in tight.
  • Brave Put your hands on your hips and lift your chin.
  • Calm Breathe in slowly and let your shoulders drop.
  • Cheering up a sad friend Sit beside them, pat a shoulder and pull a funny face.
  • Cold Hug yourself, shake and blow on your hands.
  • Grumpy Cross your arms and frown.
  • Happy Give a big smile and a little bounce.
  • Having the giggles Try to stop, then start shaking again.
  • Hearing a loud noise Jump and cover both ears.
  • Hiding under the covers in a thunderstorm Flinch at each boom and pull the blanket higher.
  • Hot Fan your face and wipe your forehead.
  • Losing a game and being a good sport Slump for a second, then shake hands.
  • Mad Stamp one foot and scrunch your face.
  • Opening a present you really wanted Rip the paper, gasp and hug the box.
  • Sad Let your lip drop and hang your head.
  • Showing everyone the drawing you are proud of Hold it up high and carry it around the room.
  • Shy Hide behind your hands and peek out.
  • Sick Hold your tummy and a pretend thermometer.
  • Silly Pull a goofy face and wobble about.
  • Smelling something stinky Sniff, freeze and pinch your nose.
  • So excited you cannot sit still Sit, bounce, stand up and sit down again.
  • Sorry Look at your shoes, then offer a hug.
  • Stubbing your toe Hop on one foot and hold the other.
  • Surprised Open your eyes and mouth wide and step back.
  • Tasting something sour Take a bite and squeeze your whole face shut.
  • Too sleepy to keep your eyes open Nod off, jerk awake and nod off again.
  • Waiting and waiting Tap your fingers, sigh and check the clock.
  • Worried Bite your lip and wring your hands.

Food and eating 38

  • A sneaky dog stealing your sandwich Look away, look back and find an empty plate.
  • Apple Polish it on your shirt and crunch.
  • Banana Peel it in three strips and take a bite.
  • Bread Saw off a slice and spread it with butter.
  • Cake Blow out candles and cut a slice.
  • Carrot Nibble it down fast like a rabbit.
  • Cookie Dunk it in milk and take a bite.
  • Corn Hold both ends and nibble along the rows.
  • Cutting a pizza Roll a cutter across and pull the slices apart.
  • Drinking hot cocoa Hold the mug in two hands and blow across the top.
  • Eating a very drippy ice pop Lick one side while the other runs down your arm.
  • Eating an ice cream cone Lick around the edge to catch the drips.
  • Eating peas one at a time with a fork Chase a pea around the plate.
  • Eating with chopsticks Pinch, lift and drop it again.
  • Egg Tap it on the bowl and open the shell.
  • Grapes Pluck them off a bunch one by one.
  • Lemon Take a lick and pucker your whole face.
  • Licking a spoon Clean every bit of batter off both sides.
  • Milk Drink a big glass and wipe off the mustache.
  • Packing a lunch Put in a sandwich, a fruit and a drink, then close the lid.
  • Pancakes Pour the batter, wait and flip one in the pan.
  • Picking strawberries Bend low, pick one and eat one.
  • Pizza Pull a slice away and stretch the cheese.
  • Popcorn Toss pieces into your mouth one at a time.
  • Pouring juice Tip the jug slowly and stop just in time.
  • Putting sprinkles on a cupcake Shake gently, then the lid falls off.
  • Roasting a marshmallow Hold a stick over the fire and turn it slowly.
  • Rolling cookie dough Push a rolling pin away from you and back.
  • Sandwich Stack bread, filling and bread, then squash it down.
  • Shaking a ketchup bottle Shake, tap the bottom and get far too much.
  • Soup Blow on the spoon and sip.
  • Spaghetti Twirl a fork and slurp one long noodle.
  • Spreading jelly on toast Scoop with a knife and spread to every corner.
  • Stirring cake batter Hold the bowl with one arm and stir hard.
  • Taco Tilt your head sideways for the first bite.
  • Toast Wait by the toaster, then jump when it pops.
  • Trying a vegetable you do not like Take the tiniest bite with your eyes shut.
  • Watermelon Hold a giant slice with two hands and chomp along it.

Things that go 25

  • A boat rocking on big waves Sway, grab the rail and hold your hat.
  • A car going over bumps Bounce in your seat and grip the wheel.
  • A train going through a tunnel Chug along, duck low in the dark and pop back up.
  • Airplane Hold your arms out straight and bank into a turn.
  • Ambulance Drive fast with one hand flashing above your head.
  • Boat Row with two oars, leaning forward and back.
  • Buckling your seat belt Pull it across and click it by your hip.
  • Bus Drive, stop and pull the lever to open the door.
  • Car Hold the wheel, check the mirror and drive.
  • Digger Use one arm as the scoop: dig, swing and drop.
  • Dump truck Back up slowly and tip your load out.
  • Garbage truck Lift a can with two arms, tip it over your back and set it down.
  • Helicopter Spin one arm above your head and hover.
  • Honking the horn Press the middle of the wheel and look cross.
  • Ice cream truck Drive slowly, lean out of the window and hand down a cone.
  • Motorcycle Twist the handle grips and lean into a turn.
  • Paddling a canoe Kneel and paddle on one side, then the other.
  • Pumping up a bike tire Push the pump down again and again, then squeeze the tire.
  • Race car Zoom in a circle and wave a checkered flag.
  • Rocket Crouch, count down on your fingers and shoot up.
  • Roller coaster Click slowly up the hill, then throw your arms up.
  • Ship Turn a big wheel and look through a spyglass.
  • Tractor Bounce on the seat and steer a big wheel.
  • Train Pump your bent arms like wheels and chug along.
  • Waiting at a red light Tap the wheel and watch for the green.

Make-believe 28

  • A baby dragon learning to fly Flap hard, lift off a little and puff out smoke.
  • A genie coming out of a lamp Rise from the floor, swaying like smoke.
  • A giant tiptoeing past a sleeping village Take giant steps as softly as you can.
  • A knight riding a horse Gallop with a lance tucked under one arm.
  • A mermaid combing her hair Sit with your legs together and flick your tail.
  • A pirate with a spyglass Look out to sea, then point and jump.
  • A robot running out of battery Slow down, droop and stop mid-step.
  • A scarecrow coming to life Hang limp, lift your head and step down stiffly.
  • A superhero who is afraid of a mouse Pose bravely, spot the mouse and leap back with your knees up.
  • A toy that comes alive at night Sit frozen, peek around, then stretch and sneak off.
  • A wizard mixing a potion Add a pinch, stir and jump back from the puff.
  • An alien landing on Earth Step out slowly and wave with the wrong hand.
  • Dragon Flap big wings and breathe out fire.
  • Elf Tap with a tiny hammer and tiptoe away.
  • Explorer Look through binoculars and hack through leaves.
  • Fairy Flutter on tiptoe and tap things with a wand.
  • Finding a treasure map Unroll it, trace the path and point to the X.
  • Giant Take huge slow steps and look far down.
  • King Set a crown on your head and wave slowly.
  • Knight Lower a visor and hold up a shield.
  • Pirate Cover one eye and swing a hook hand.
  • Princess Hold out your skirt and curtsy.
  • Puppet Let someone lift your arms by pretend strings.
  • Robot Move in stiff jerks and turn your head in clicks.
  • Statue Freeze in a pose and do not blink.
  • Superhero Put one fist forward and fly.
  • The tooth fairy Tiptoe in, slide a coin under a pillow and flutter off.
  • Unicorn Hold one finger on your forehead and prance.

Weather and seasons 30

  • A leaf falling from a tree Drift down in slow zigzags to the floor.
  • A snowman melting Stand tall, then sink slowly to the floor.
  • Boots Tug one on with both hands and stomp.
  • Catching snowflakes on your tongue Tip your head back and stick your tongue out.
  • Cloud Drift slowly across the room with puffed cheeks.
  • Flower Crouch down, then open your hands like petals by your face.
  • Getting caught in the rain without a coat Hunch over, hold a book on your head and run.
  • Holding your hat in the wind Clamp one hand on your head and lean forward.
  • Hunting for eggs Look under things and drop each find into a basket.
  • Ice Slide your feet along carefully with your arms out.
  • Jumping in leaves Rake a pile, run and land in the middle.
  • Jumping over waves Hold hands with a pretend friend and jump on three.
  • Looking for shells Walk slowly, bend down and hold one up to your ear.
  • Mittens Pull on one, then use your teeth for the second.
  • Opening an umbrella Push it up over your head and peek out at the sky.
  • Picking a pumpkin Try to lift a big one, then settle for a smaller one.
  • Puddle Look down, step back, then jump in.
  • Pulling a sled up a hill Lean forward with the rope over your shoulder.
  • Rain Wiggle your fingers downward and turn up your collar.
  • Rainbow Draw a huge arc from one side of the sky to the other.
  • Seed Pinch something tiny, poke a hole in the soil and drop it in.
  • Seeing your breath on a cold day Puff out air and watch it float away.
  • Snow Let your fingers drift down slowly and catch a flake.
  • Snowman Stand round and still with stick arms out.
  • Sun Make a big circle overhead and shade your eyes.
  • Throwing a snowball Pack it, throw it and duck.
  • Thunder Jump at a boom and cover your ears.
  • Tree Plant your feet and sway your branches.
  • Wind Lean forward and let your arms blow behind you.
  • Zipping a coat all the way up to your nose Zip, then peek over the collar.

How this list was compiled: Every card is something a child can act without props, speech or an explanation from a grown-up, and was checked against the site's family-safe rule and its rule for pages children use: nothing scary, nothing unkind, no film, show, book or character names, no brands, no real people, and no stunt a child could copy and get hurt (no cartwheels, no climbing on furniture). Levels are set by a rule, not by feel: every Easy card is exactly one word, for ages 4 to 6; a Medium card is one character doing one thing; a Hard card is a small scene of five words or more with a start and an end. The line under each card is our acting hint for a grown-up to whisper, not a rule. Reading level was checked against two published sight-word lists: the Dolch list (220 service words and a separate list of nouns, compiled by Edward William Dolch and published in 1936 and 1948), read from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolch_word_list on 2026-09-19, and the first 300 Fry words (Dr. Edward Fry, revised 1980), read from https://sightwords.com/sight-words/fry/ on 2026-09-19. Of the 241 one-word Easy cards, 77 are words on those lists: 46 Dolch nouns, 30 Dolch service words, and Book, which is in the Fry first 300 only. The rest are animal, food, job and vehicle names a young child knows by ear. A deck of everyday words a small child knows shares many of them with the site's other children's lists. On 2026-09-20, 101 of the 458 cards were also in the drawing words for kids, 96 in the main drawing word list, 74 in the main charades deck, 50 in the 20 questions list for kids and 4 in the Christmas charades deck. Nearly all the shared cards are single common words such as Cat, Dog and Pizza, and a few are short everyday phrases such as Garbage truck and Setting the table. Ten card texts are also answers in the emoji puzzle deck. The acting hint under each card is written for this deck. The common rules of charades mentioned on the page follow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charades, checked 2026-09-19. Licence: own work

How it works

This charades generator for kids deals 458 kids charades ideas that need no explaining. Every Easy card is one word, such as Hop, Elephant or Pizza, so a four-year-old can play. Medium and Hard grow into small scenes.

Read the full guide

Pick the level by age

The 241 Easy cards are single words, written for ages 4 to 6. Of those, 77 are on the Dolch or Fry sight-word lists for beginning readers, so a new reader can often manage alone: Jump, Cat, Bed, Rain. The 150 Medium cards show one character doing one thing, such as A kitten chasing yarn. The 67 Hard cards are small scenes, such as A robot running out of battery. Save those for ages 8 and up.

Run a round with small children

First action words is a good warm-up: all 46 cards are Easy verbs such as Tiptoe and Sneeze. With mixed ages, switch the level before each turn.

  • The charades list for kids below has a hint per card. Elephant: Swing one arm like a trunk and stomp.
  • With kids under six, forget teams and let the whole room guess. The tool still counts the cards you cleared.

Questions and answers

What age can kids start playing?

Easy is written for ages 4 to 6. Whisper the word to a child who cannot read yet. Start with Pets and farm animals, because a child already knows how a duck walks. Move to Medium once one-word cards get guessed in seconds.

Why do these kids charades ideas have no cartoon characters?

A character only works when every child in the room has seen the same show. These cards come from a child's own day: feeding the cat, waiting for the bus. Make-believe has pirates, dragons and robots without naming any one story.

Do kids have to stay silent?

Charades is acted without speaking, but its rules vary widely, so the host decides. A common rule bans mouthing words and pointing at objects. Relax it for the youngest: allow animal noises, and let a grown-up whisper the hint from the full list.

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