4th of July Charades

Words and scenes to act for the Fourth: fireworks night, the parade, the cookout and a day at the lake.

4th of July Charades

Fireworks

Next step Fourth of July riddlesThe full deck of charades ideas

All 112 4th of July charades ideas

Fireworks night 16

  • A dog hiding from the booms On all fours, flinch at each bang, tuck your tail and crawl under a chair.
  • A firework that fizzles Shoot up with full confidence, give one tiny pop with a finger and shrug.
  • Carrying a sleeping child back to the car Scoop up a heavy bundle, settle it on your shoulder and walk very softly.
  • Covering your ears Jump at the bang, clap both hands over your ears and peek up anyway.
  • Falling asleep before the fireworks start Yawn, rub your eyes, fight it, then slump sideways just as the first one goes up.
  • Filming the whole show on your phone Hold the phone up in both hands and watch the tiny screen, never the sky.
  • Firefly Flit about on tiptoe, opening and closing your cupped hands like a blinking light.
  • Fireworks Crouch, shoot up with your whole body and burst open, arms and fingers wide.
  • Glow stick necklace Snap it, shake it, bend it into a ring and lower it over your head.
  • The grand finale Burst after burst, faster and faster, arms everywhere, then freeze and let your hands drift down like smoke.
  • Mouthing ooh and aah with the crowd A round ooh as your eyes climb, a wide aah as the sparks come down. No sound.
  • Picnic blanket Shake it out, let it float down, smooth the corners and sit in the middle.
  • Saving a spot on the hill hours early Lay out a blanket, sit in the middle, check your watch and guard every corner.
  • Sparkler Hold a thin stick at arm's length and draw a slow circle in the air.
  • Stuck in the parking lot after the show Grip the wheel, roll forward a little, stop, look at the cars on every side and sigh.
  • Thinking the show is over, twice Stand, fold the blanket, jump at one more boom, sit back down. Then do it all again.

The parade 16

  • A float that breaks down mid-parade Glide along waving, jolt to a stop, keep waving, then climb down and push.
  • Bass drum Strap it to your chest, lean back and swing a mallet at each side in turn.
  • Baton twirler Spin it in one hand, toss it high, watch it turn and catch it behind your back.
  • The drum major nobody followed March out front with a tall staff, turn smartly, march on, then look back and find the band went the other way.
  • Fire truck in the parade Drive very slowly, pull the horn cord and wave out of the window.
  • The grand marshal in a slow convertible Perch on the back of the seat and wave with a cupped hand, left and right, for a very long time.
  • Lifting a child onto your shoulders to see Hoist someone up over your head, hold two ankles and sway while they point.
  • Marching band March on the spot, knees high, playing whichever instrument you like.
  • Marching right behind the horses March proudly, look down, step neatly to one side, march on, step aside again.
  • Parade float Stand tall, glide slowly sideways and give a turning wave to both sides of the street.
  • Playing the tuba down Main Street Wrap a huge horn around your shoulders, puff your cheeks and march.
  • Riding a bike with streamers on the handlebars Pedal slowly, ring the bell and flick the ribbons with your fingers.
  • Scooping up candy thrown from a float Watch it fly, dart to the curb, scoop, fill both pockets and look for more.
  • Setting out lawn chairs at the curb at dawn Yawn, unfold two chairs, line them up exactly, sit down and wait.
  • Walking on stilts in a tall striped hat Up on tiptoe, long stiff steps, one hand holding your hat on, wave down at everyone.
  • Waving a little flag Pinch a small stick between two fingers and wave it fast above your head.

The cookout 16

  • A paper plate folding under the baked beans Load the plate, feel it sag in the middle and save it with your other hand.
  • The burger that falls through the grate Flip with a flourish, watch it drop, stare into the coals, then look around to see who noticed.
  • Carrying too many plates to the picnic table Stack them up one arm, balance a bowl on top and walk in tiny steps.
  • Chasing a napkin the wind took Reach, miss, run three steps, stamp on it, miss again.
  • Corn on the cob Hold both ends and eat along the row, then turn it and go back.
  • Cranking homemade ice cream Turn a handle around and around, switch arms, lift the lid and look in.
  • Decorating a cake like a flag with berries Set tiny berries in a square, lay long rows beside it, stand back and count the stripes.
  • Finding ants on the picnic blanket Sit down happily, look at your plate, look closer, follow the line of ants and move everything.
  • Flipping burgers Slide the spatula under, flip, press down and listen to it sizzle.
  • Giving advice to whoever is at the grill Stand behind the cook, point at each burger, mime the flip, get handed the tongs and back away.
  • Ketchup on a hot dog Bun in one hand, shake the bottle, squeeze one long wiggly line.
  • Lighting the charcoal grill Pile the coals, lean back from the heat and fan them with a paper plate.
  • Pitcher of lemonade Lift a heavy jug with both hands and pour along a row of cups.
  • Slice of watermelon Hold a big wedge in two hands, bite along it and wipe your chin.
  • Spitting watermelon seeds for distance Bite, work a seed to the front, lean back, send it, then shade your eyes to see where it landed.
  • Swatting a fly Follow it with your eyes, wave it off the bowl, follow it again.

Backyard games and contests 16

  • A water balloon that will not pop Throw it, watch it bounce, throw it harder, then squeeze it over your own head.
  • An egg toss that ends badly Catch gently, step back, catch gently, step back, then look at your hands.
  • Bean bag toss Swing your arm low, let go and lean sideways to steer it into the hole.
  • Decorating a bike for the kids' parade Weave ribbon through the spokes, tape a flag to the seat and spin the wheel to check.
  • Hitting a home run at the family ballgame Swing, watch it go, drop the bat and trot the bases waving.
  • Hopping to the finish line in a sack Pull the sack up to your chin, bunny-hop, tip over, hop on.
  • Losing tug of war one step at a time Dig in, slide forward, dig in again, and end up flat on the grass still holding the rope.
  • Pie-eating contest Hands behind your back, face down in the plate, come up for air.
  • Running through the sprinkler Wait for it to swing around, dash through with a squeal and shake off.
  • Three-legged race Tie one leg to a partner who is not there and hop-step out of time.
  • Throwing horseshoes Swing a heavy U back and forth, let it fly and listen for the clang.
  • Tug of war Grip the rope, dig in your heels and lean back until you are nearly sitting.
  • The umpire whose own kid is up to bat Crouch behind the plate, watch the pitch, start to call it, glance at the batter and call it safe.
  • Water balloon toss Catch it softly in both hands, take one step back and toss it underhand.
  • Wheelbarrow race Hold two ankles at hip height and steer your partner across the lawn.
  • Winning the pie contest and regretting it Raise both arms, then hold your stomach and sit down slowly.

Lake day 16

  • A boat parade with a flag on every boat Stand at the wheel, steer slowly with one hand and wave to the shore with the other.
  • Climbing back onto the swim raft Grab the edge, heave, slide back in, heave again and flop on like a seal.
  • Drying off with a towel that is already wet Wrap up, shiver, hunt for the one dry corner and use only that.
  • Fireworks reflected in the lake Burst upward with one hand while the other bursts downward and wobbles.
  • The fish that got away Reel hard, lift the rod, watch it drop off, then show how big it was, bigger each time.
  • Fishing off the dock Cast, sit, wait, feel a tug and reel in something very small.
  • Getting into a canoe without tipping it One foot in, wobble, arms out, other foot, wobble harder, sit very suddenly.
  • Inner tube Lean back in a ring with arms and legs dangling and paddle with one hand.
  • Jumping off the dock Run three steps on the spot, hold your nose and tuck. No real jump needed.
  • Kayak Sit down, dip the paddle left, then right, and glide.
  • Life jacket Arms through, click three buckles and pull the straps tight.
  • Riding a tube behind the boat Lie flat, grip two handles, bounce and hang on around the bend.
  • Skipping a stone across the lake Pick a flat one, crouch, fling it sidearm and count the hops with a finger.
  • Starting the outboard motor Yank the cord, nothing. Yank again, nothing. Third time it roars and throws you back.
  • Watching fireworks from a rowboat Rock gently side to side, look up, point, and grab the side to steady yourself.
  • Water skiing Crouch holding a handle, get pulled up, lean back and bounce over the wake.

Red, white and blue 16

  • A birthday cake for a whole country Light a great many candles, step back, and take the deepest breath of your life.
  • A flag that wraps itself around the pole Wave proudly, twist around and around until your arms are pinned, then try to shake loose.
  • Bald eagle Arms wide, glide in a slow circle with a fierce frown, then swoop.
  • Counting the stars on the flag Point along a row, lose your place and start again with both fingers.
  • Dressing in red, white and blue from hat to socks Hat, shirt, shorts, socks: put each one on and check it in the mirror.
  • Folding a flag into a triangle Fold it lengthwise twice, then triangle over triangle to the end, and tuck the flap in.
  • Hand on your heart Stand straight, right hand flat on your chest, eyes forward.
  • Hanging bunting on the porch rail Drape a half circle, pin it, step along and drape the next.
  • Painting a star on a child's cheek Hold a chin steady, dip a tiny brush, make five careful strokes and lean back to look.
  • Pinwheel Hold a stick, blow, and spin one hand fast in front of it.
  • Planting little flags along the driveway Push a stick in, step, push in the next, look back to see if the line is straight.
  • Raising the flag Pull the rope hand over hand while your eyes follow the flag up the pole.
  • Salute Heels together, flat hand snapped up to your eyebrow, hold it.
  • Standing so still someone hangs bunting on you Freeze with arms out, feel a ribbon land on one arm, then the other, and roll your eyes.
  • Stars and stripes Twinkle your fingers up in one corner, then draw long level lines across with flat hands.
  • Statue of Liberty One arm straight up with a torch, the other cradling a tablet, chin high.

Colonial days 16

  • A rider galloping through the night with news Gallop, cup a hand to your mouth at each door, gallop on.
  • A town crier reading the news in the square Swing a handbell, unroll a paper and mouth the news to all four corners.
  • Hanging two lanterns in a tower window Climb a great many stairs, light one and hang it, light the second, then look out into the dark.
  • Playing the fife Hold a small flute sideways, fingers dancing, and march on the spot.
  • Printing a notice on a hand press Ink the type, lay the paper, pull the long lever, peel the sheet off and hang it up to dry.
  • Quill pen Dip the feather, tap off the ink and write with a flourish.
  • Reading a very long document to a restless crowd Unroll a scroll, read, glance at the fidgeting crowd, and find there is more scroll.
  • Ringing a big bell Both hands on the rope, pull down with your whole body and ride it back up.
  • Sending a letter to a king an ocean away Write, seal it with wax, hand it to a sailor, then stand on the dock watching the horizon for weeks.
  • Sewing a star onto a flag Thread the needle, stitch five points and hold it up to the light.
  • Signing your name so large nobody can miss it Dip the pen, sign with a sweep as wide as the table and step back pleased.
  • Three-cornered hat Pinch three corners into shape, set it on your head and tip it to the room.
  • Unrolling a scroll Hold the top, let it roll open to the floor and read down it.
  • Waiting in a long line to sign one sheet of paper Shuffle forward, crane to see, shuffle again, get the pen at last and find the ink is dry.
  • Wearing a powdered wig on a hot day Set the wig on, pat it, fan yourself and lift one side to scratch underneath.
  • Writing a first draft and crossing most of it out Write a line, read it, cross it out, crumple the page, start again and cross that out too.

How it works

These 4th of July charades are 112 cards at three levels: Easy, Medium and Hard. They run from Sparkler and Bald eagle to The burger that falls through the grate.

Read the full guide

Play on the blanket while you wait for dark

The slow hour of the Fourth is the one before the show. Split the blankets into two teams and press Play a 1-minute round for each actor. As the light goes, switch the topic to Fireworks night: Fireworks and The grand finale are whole-body acts a team can read from a blanket away.

Seven topics, from the parade to the fireworks

Match the cards to where the party is: The cookout at the picnic table, Lake day on the dock. Colonial days is the history topic, with Quill pen, Three-cornered hat and Signing your name so large nobody can miss it. It names no person, so nobody is asked to play one.

  • Fireworks, sparklers and the grill are mimed: no card needs a prop, a flame or a real jump.
  • Hand the Hard cards to whoever likes an audience: Marching right behind the horses, The drum major nobody followed.

Questions and answers

What are good 4th of July charades words?

The Easy cards, one thing or one action each: Fireworks, Sparkler, Marching band, Corn on the cob, Tug of war, Bald eagle, Statue of Liberty and Quill pen. Every topic has six of them, 42 in all.

What do you act out for Fourth of July charades?

What the day is known for. Wikipedia's article on Independence Day ties the holiday to fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games and family reunions, with decorations in red, white and blue. This deck adds a lake day and the colonial era.

Can I print the 4th of July charades cards?

Yes. Print 112 cards, under the card, gives slips to cut apart and drop in a ball cap. All 112 go on paper in one press. Choose a topic first and the button prints only its 16.

Do the cards suit a party of mixed ages?

Yes. No card involves a drink, a brand, a song title or a real person. Switch the level between turns: Easy, such as Salute or Kayak, suits a nervous actor.

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