Free halloween charades cards. Print at home on cardstock for spooky fun with the whole family.
Get the halloween spirit going with this fun halloween game you can print and play in minutes. Our free printable halloween charades cards are perfect for a classroom halloween party, family game night or a halloween gathering with friends. Download the set at the bottom of this post, print onto cardstock, cut the game cards, and you're ready for a great time.
What is Halloween Charades?
It's the classic party game with a spooky twist: one person acts out halloween-themed words while the rest of the team guesses within a time limit. No talking, no sound effects-just acting skills, a good laugh and lots of halloween fun. It's a fantastic way to keep the whole family (including younger kids and younger players) entertained at this time of year.
What's Included (Free PDF)
- A ready-to-print set of halloween charade cards with halloween-themed clues.
- Simple rules and a quick refresher so anyone can jump in.
Download the free printable here.
How to Set Up (Print & Prep)
- Download the printable halloween charades game PDF (link at the end).
- Print on A4 white cardstock (200-250 gsm works well) for durable game cards.
- Cut the cards along the lines. A paper trimmer makes this quick.
- Optional: Laminate for repeat use, then store in a small box or envelope in your game room.
- Gather supplies: A bowl for the cards, a phone timer, and a notepad to tally correct guesses.
Quick Refresher: Simple Rules
- Split into teams. Place the game cards face down in a bowl.
- Choose the first person to act for Team A; the opposing team runs the timer.
- Set a time limit (30-60 seconds). The person acts; their team guesses.
- No talking or sounds. Use actions only-think haunted house, pumpkin patch, halloween costumes, etc.
- Scoring: 1 point per correct answer. If time runs out, play passes to the opposing team.
- Rounds of halloween charades: Each team takes turns until the end of the game-tally points to crown the winning team.
Difficulty Levels (so everyone can play)
- Younger children: Use the easiest cards first, allow slower pacing (60-90 seconds), and let the first person show simple gestures.
- Mixed ages: Set a standard 60-second time limit and mix easy/medium clues.
- Older kids & adults: Shorten the time limit to 30 seconds and use only medium/hard clues.
- Classroom tip: Pre-sort by difficulty level and colour the card backs lightly so you can grab the right stack for younger kids.
Game Variations & Fun Ideas
- Halloween Minute: Try a lightning round where the person acts as many clues as possible in exactly one minute.
- Catch Phrase twist: Allow a single spoken word before mime begins-great way to help younger audience members.
- Theme rounds:
- Scary movie titles (Hocus Pocus, Addams Family, classic monsters).
- TV shows with a spooky vibe.
- Random words only from the deck for a tougher challenge.
- Team steals: If Team A can't get it, allow the rest of the team on Team B one guess for a bonus point.
- Silent cinema: No props-just big gestures. Perfect game for a living room with limited space.
Tips for a Smooth Halloween Charades Game Night
- Choose a "referee." Keeps simple rules clear and tracks the number of words guessed per round.
- Rotate roles. Everyone gets a turn acting so younger players feel included.
- Set clear house rules. For example, no spelling, no mouthing words, no drawing.
- Mix in breaks. After three rounds of halloween charades, take a snack break-great activity pacing for the entire family.
- End-of-game awards. Fun certificates for the winning team, best actor or most correct guesses.
Extra Word Ideas (add to your deck)
If you want to expand your set of halloween charades ideas, try adding: cobwebs, black cat, witch's hat, trick-or-treat, cauldron, mummy, vampire, zombie, bat, broomstick, potion, graveyard, skeleton, jack-o'-lantern, full moon, ghost, werewolf, spider, tombstone, candy corn. These make a fantastic game even bigger for family gatherings.
Download Your Free Printable
Ready to play halloween charades? Grab the free PDF below, print on cardstock and start your game of halloween charades in minutes.
FAQ's
How many cards should we use per game?
20-30 cards usually keeps the fun game snappy; add more for a longer session.
What's the best way to time turns?
A phone timer is easiest-30, 45 or 60 seconds. Shorter limits up the challenge and give a better chance of a tie-break.
Can I use this in my classroom?
Yes-print multiple copies on cardstock, laminate, and wipe clean between groups. It's a great activity for a classroom halloween party.
Is this for personal use?
Yes, the printable halloween games download is for personal use (home, classroom, church/school events-non-commercial).
Before You Go…
If you try this printable halloween charades game, let me know your favourite games or fun ideas in the comments-did your team guess the correct answer in time? And if you need more halloween party games, check back soon; I'm always adding new spooky games with a seasonal halloween theme.
P.S. If you prefer a printable score sheet or blank cards to add your own words, tell me in the comments and I'll pop one together for your next halloween party.
If you liked this Halloween Charades game you might also like these other posts...
Leave a Reply