Remember those days when a deck of cards or a board game was the ultimate entertainment? In our screen-dominated world, it's easy to forget the simple, profound joy of gathering with friends or family, putting away the phones, and just *playing*. But let's be honest, buying new board games can get expensive, and sometimes you just need a quick, no-fuss activity for a party, a quiet evening, or even a road trip. That's exactly where free printable games for adults come in – a secret weapon for instant fun that I stumbled upon after one too many "what should we *do* tonight?" moments with my friends. Trust me, finding the perfect game that evening saved us from another endless scroll through streaming services!
This isn't just about saving money; it's about fostering connection, sparking laughter, and engaging our minds in creative, often hilarious ways. Whether you're planning a lively party, a cozy date night, or just looking for a mindful solo activity, the world of free printable games offers an incredible array of options. From brain-teasing puzzles to side-splitting icebreakers, intricate mysteries to creative storytelling prompts, there's a printable game out there designed to fit every mood, every group size, and every occasion. We're going to dive deep into this treasure trove, exploring categories you never even knew existed, offering practical tips, and sharing some personal insights that will help you transform any gathering into an unforgettable experience. Get ready to download, print, and play your way to endless entertainment!
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Table of Contents
- [The Ultimate Icebreakers & Party Starters](#the-ultimate-icebreakers--party-starters)
- [Brain-Teasing Puzzles & Mind Benders](#brain-teasing-puzzles--mind-benders)
- [Hilarious Wordplay & Trivia Challenges](#hilarious-wordplay--trivia-challenges)
- [Mystery, Deduction & Escape Room Fun](#mystery-deduction--escape-room-fun)
- [Creative & Storytelling Games](#creative--storytelling-games)
- [Relaxing & Solo Play Options](#relaxing--solo-play-options)
- [Holiday & Seasonal Sensations](#holiday--seasonal-sensations)
- [Games for Specific Occasions & Settings](#games-for-specific-occasions--settings)
- [Retro Reimagined & Nostalgia Nudges](#retro-reimagined--nostalgia-nudges)
- [DIY & Customizable Game Templates: Your Creative Playground](#diy--customizable-game-templates-your-creative-playground)
- [How to Choose the Best Free Printable Games for Your Needs](#how-to-choose-the-best-free-printable-games-for-your-needs)
- [Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Printable Games](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-using-printable-games)
- [Advanced Tips for Experts: Elevating Your Printable Game Nights](#advanced-tips-for-experts-elevating-your-printable-game-nights)
- [Conclusion: Print, Play, & Make Memories!](#conclusion-print-play--make-memories)
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The Ultimate Icebreakers & Party Starters
Let's face it, getting a group of adults to mingle, especially if some don't know each other, can sometimes feel like herding cats. That's where *free printable games for adults* shine brightest in the form of icebreakers and party starters. These aren't just silly warm-ups; they're designed to break down walls, spark immediate conversation, and inject a dose of genuine laughter into any gathering. The right icebreaker sets the stage for an evening of effortless camaraderie, making everyone feel included and entertained right from the get-go.
1. Human Bingo: This is a classic for a reason! Create bingo cards where each square contains a trait or experience (e.g., "Has traveled to another continent," "Can play a musical instrument," "Has never seen *The Godfather*"). Guests mingle to find someone who matches each square and gets their signature. The first to get Bingo wins a small prize. It’s a fantastic way to get people talking and discovering surprising connections.
2. "Who Am I?" (Famous Person Guessing Game): Write names of famous people (real or fictional) on sticky notes. As guests arrive, stick a name on their back or forehead without them seeing it. They then ask yes/no questions to others to figure out who they are. The trick is to encourage interacting with multiple people. One time, I was stuck as "Beyoncé" for ages because I kept asking if I was a historical figure, and my friends were cracking up watching me struggle!
3. Two Truths and a Lie: A timeless icebreaker that never fails to reveal surprising tidbits about people. Each person shares three "facts" about themselves – two true, one false. The group then votes on which one they think is the lie. This works equally well for new acquaintances and old friends, often unearthing hilarious or shocking stories.
4. Never Have I Ever (Printable Edition): While often associated with drinking games, you can easily create a family-friendly or sober version. Provide a list of "Never Have I Ever..." statements. Players put up five fingers, and for each statement that applies to them, they put a finger down. The last person with fingers up wins. It’s amazing what you learn about people!
5. "Desert Island" Dilemma: Print out cards with various items or skills. Each person or small group must choose a limited number of items they would take to a desert island and justify their choices. This sparks debate, collaboration, and often reveals differing priorities and problem-solving styles.
6. Find the Guest Scavenger Hunt: Similar to Human Bingo, but more specific. Create a list of quirky "find someone who..." prompts (e.g., "Find someone who speaks three languages," "Find someone who owns a cat named Mittens," "Find someone who can do a handstand"). Guests collect signatures next to each one.
7. Printable Charades or Pictionary Word List: Sometimes the hardest part of these classic games is coming up with good words! Print out themed lists (movies, animals, actions, abstract concepts). This makes setup a breeze and keeps the game flowing. *My personal go-to for instant laughs is a list of obscure movie titles for Pictionary; the drawings are always hilariously off!*
8. "Would You Rather?" (Adult Edition): Create a list of amusing or thought-provoking "Would You Rather..." questions. Go around the room and have everyone answer and explain their choice. These can range from silly ("Would you rather fight a horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?") to philosophical ("Would you rather know the date of your death or the cause of your death?").
9. Blindfolded Taste Test Game: Prepare a list of common foods or drinks (e.g., different types of juice, cheese, chips). Print scorecards for guests to guess what they're tasting while blindfolded. This is a sensory experience that always leads to funny reactions and terrible guesses. *I once hosted this, and someone swore they were eating a carrot when it was clearly a potato chip. The memory still makes me chuckle!*
10. Printable "Minute to Win It" Challenge Cards: Design cards with simple, silly challenges that can be completed in under a minute using household items (e.g., "Stack 10 cookies on your forehead," "Move cotton balls with your nose," "Unroll a toilet paper roll with one hand"). These are excellent for quick bursts of energy and competitive fun.
11. Collaborative Story Starters: Print out various opening lines for a story. Each person picks one, writes a sentence or two, then passes it to the next person. The goal is to create a ridiculous, unpredictable collaborative story. It's a fantastic way to see how different minds weave narratives.
12. "Most Likely To..." Game: Create a list of scenarios ("Most likely to win the lottery and disappear," "Most likely to accidentally start a fire while cooking"). Read each one aloud, and everyone points to the person in the room they think is "most likely to." It's a light-hearted way to share perceptions and get a good laugh.
Brain-Teasing Puzzles & Mind Benders
Sometimes, the best kind of fun involves a little mental gymnastics. Free printable games for adults in the "brain-teasing" category are perfect for a quiet night in, a focused solo challenge, or a collaborative effort that gets everyone's gears turning. These aren't just about wasting time; they're about sharpening your wits, improving problem-solving skills, and enjoying the satisfying "aha!" moment.
1. Advanced Sudoku Variations: Beyond the standard 9x9 grid, look for printable Sudoku puzzles with irregular shapes (Jigsaw Sudoku), diagonal constraints (X-Sudoku), or even larger grids. These offer a significant step up in challenge and mental engagement.
2. Logic Grid Puzzles: These are fantastic for deductive reasoning. You're given a scenario and a series of clues, and you use a grid to eliminate possibilities and deduce the correct pairings (e.g., "Who lives in which house and owns which pet?"). They can be surprisingly addictive and incredibly satisfying to solve.
3. Crossword Puzzles (Themed & Challenging): Move beyond the daily newspaper crossword. Seek out printable crosswords with challenging clues, specific themes (e.g., literature, science, pop culture), or cryptic designs. They're a great way to test your vocabulary and general knowledge.
4. Word Search Puzzles (Hidden Messages & Complex Grids): While seemingly simple, advanced word searches can hide secret messages within the unused letters, or feature diagonal and backward words in complex, overlapping grids. Look for puzzles with a high density of words or unusual themes.
5. Rebus Puzzles: These are picture puzzles where words, letters, or symbols are arranged in a way that suggests a common phrase or idiom. For example, "MAN BOARD" might mean "man overboard." They require lateral thinking and are often quite clever and humorous.
6. Printable Mazes (Intricate & Multi-Layered): Forget the simple mazes from childhood. Look for printable mazes designed for adults that feature intricate pathways, multiple layers, or even 3D perspectives. They offer a relaxing yet stimulating mental challenge.
7. Cryptograms: These are encoded messages where each letter has been replaced by another. Solving them involves frequency analysis and pattern recognition, making them a true test of observation and deduction. Many websites offer daily printable cryptograms.
8. Nonogram Puzzles (Picross): These are picture logic puzzles where you color cells in a grid based on numbers at the side, revealing a hidden picture. They combine logic with visual recognition and can be incredibly complex and rewarding.
9. Math & Number Puzzles (Kakuro, KenKen): If you enjoy numbers, explore printable Kakuro (cross sums) or KenKen puzzles. Kakuro combines elements of Sudoku and crosswords, requiring you to fill in numbers that sum up to given totals. KenKen involves arithmetic operations within specific blocks.
10. Printable Jigsaw Puzzles (DIY): While not a traditional "printable game," you can print a complex image, glue it to cardboard, and cut it into irregular shapes to create your own DIY jigsaw puzzle. This is a unique way to turn any image into a brain-teaser. *I once did this with a detailed map of my city for a local history enthusiast friend, and it was a surprisingly engaging gift!*
11. Riddle Collections: Print out a list of challenging riddles – classic, modern, or even lateral thinking riddles. You can solve them solo, or read them aloud in a group and see who can come up with the answer first. The discussions around possible solutions can be as fun as the answers themselves.
12. Printable Geometric Puzzles (Tangrams, Polyominoes): Print out templates for geometric shapes (like Tangrams or different polyominoes). The challenge is to arrange these shapes to form larger, specific patterns or pictures. This tests spatial reasoning and creativity.
Hilarious Wordplay & Trivia Challenges
For those who love to show off their knowledge, get creative with language, or simply enjoy a good laugh, free printable games for adults focusing on wordplay and trivia are absolute gold. These games are fantastic for lively group settings, sparking competitive spirit, and guaranteed moments of "I can't believe I didn't get that!" or "That's brilliant!"
1. Themed Trivia Quizzes (Pop Culture, History, Niche Interests): This is where printables truly shine. Find quizzes on specific topics your group loves – whether it's 80s movies, world history, obscure animal facts, or even "Friends" show trivia. *I hosted a "Nineties Nostalgia" trivia night once, and the arguments over the correct answer to "Which Spice Girl was Sporty?" were epic. It was a blast!*
2. Adult Mad Libs: The classic fill-in-the-blanks game, but with prompts and stories designed for a grown-up sense of humor. The results are often absurd, inappropriate, and absolutely hilarious. This is my go-to for breaking the ice and getting everyone laughing uncontrollably within minutes.
3. Printable Scattergories Categories: The beauty of Scattergories is its open-ended nature. Print out lists of unusual categories (e.g., "Things you find in a dungeon," "Excuses for being late," "Brands of cereal that sound like diseases"). Players have a time limit to come up with a word for each category starting with a chosen letter. The unique answers are where the fun lies!
4. "Who Said It?" Quote Game: Compile a list of famous (or infamous) quotes from movies, historical figures, or celebrities. Print them out, and have players guess who said it. You can make it harder by providing multiple-choice options or easier by giving hints.
5. Printable "Cards Against Humanity" (DIY/Similar Concept): Many sites offer "Cards Against Humanity" inspired printable packs or templates for you to create your own. This game, while definitely not for the easily offended, generates explosive laughter and unforgettably shocking combinations. It's the ultimate dark humor party game.
6. Rhyme Time / "What Rhymes With?" Game: Provide a list of words. Players have to come up with as many rhyming words as possible within a time limit, or find specific phrases that rhyme with the given word. It's a fun test of vocabulary and quick thinking.
7. "Name That Tune" Lyrics Quiz: Print out snippets of song lyrics (without the song title or artist). Players guess the song. You can theme it by decade, genre, or even just general party anthems. Playing the actual snippets can add to the fun.
8. Printable "Pictionary" Word Cards (Adult Themes): Beyond basic objects, create word cards with more abstract, challenging, or humorous concepts suitable for adults (e.g., "existential dread," "mansplaining," "quarter-life crisis," "binge-watching"). The drawings will be priceless.
9. "Never Have I Ever" (Specific Categories): Create themed "Never Have I Ever" lists beyond general experiences. For example, "Travel Edition," "Workplace Edition," "College Shenanigans Edition." This provides a new layer of interest and tailored revelations.
10. Printable Anagram Puzzles: Give players a jumbled set of letters that can be rearranged to form a word or phrase. These can range from simple words to famous names or movie titles. It's a satisfying mental challenge for word lovers.
11. "Two Truths and a Lie" (Themed Edition): Elevate this classic by giving it a theme. For example, "Travel Two Truths and a Lie" where all statements must be about travel, or "Workplace Two Truths and a Lie." This encourages more specific and often funnier anecdotes.
12. Printable "Complete the Phrase" Game: Provide the first half of common idioms, song lyrics, or movie quotes, and players have to complete the phrase. This tests cultural knowledge and memory in a light-hearted way. *My friends and I played a movie quotes version once, and it quickly devolved into everyone acting out their favorite scenes. Pure chaos, pure joy!*
Mystery, Deduction & Escape Room Fun
For those who love a good puzzle, a compelling narrative, and the thrill of solving a crime, free printable games for adults in the mystery and deduction category are a fantastic choice. These games transform your living room into a crime scene, an ancient tomb, or a thrilling escape challenge, providing hours of immersive, collaborative fun.
1. Printable "Whodunit" Murder Mystery Scenarios: Many websites offer free, downloadable mini-murder mystery kits. These typically include character bios, suspect lists, clues, and a solution. Players read through the materials, discuss, and try to deduce the killer. They are perfect for a themed dinner party!
2. Mini Escape Room Puzzles (Print & Play): While a full escape room is complex, you can find printable sets of individual puzzles that mimic the escape room experience: ciphers, riddles, logic problems, and secret codes. String a few together to create a short, engaging "escape" challenge. *One New Year's Eve, I set up a series of these puzzles leading to a hidden champagne bottle. It was a massive hit and felt genuinely clever!*
3. Printable Scavenger Hunts (Indoor/Outdoor): Design a scavenger hunt with clues that lead players from one location or object to the next, eventually revealing a final prize or message. You can theme it around a holiday, a special occasion, or just general household items.
4. "Guess the Spy/Traitor" Games: Print out roles (e.g., "Spy," "Innocent," "Chief") and a scenario. Players ask each other questions or perform tasks, trying to identify the hidden spy or traitor based on their reactions, answers, or subtle tells. This is a game of social deduction and observation.
5. Printable Ciphers & Decoder Rings: Provide a coded message and a key (e.g., a Caesar cipher wheel, a substitution table). Players work together to decrypt the message. You can hide a secret message or even directions to a surprise.
6. "Solve the Riddle" Story Puzzles: These are short, cryptic stories or scenarios that end with a question. Players must use logic and critical thinking to figure out what happened or the solution to the riddle. Often, the answer is deceptively simple once you've considered all angles.
7. "Witness Statement" Deduction Game: Create fictional "witness statements" for a crime or event. Players read through the conflicting accounts and try to piece together the truth, identifying inconsistencies or key details.
8. Printable "Clue" (DIY Version): While the board game is copyrighted, you can create a simplified printable version. Assign characters, weapons, and locations to cards. Players draw a hand and try to deduce who committed the "crime" with what "weapon" in which "room" by process of elimination and asking questions.
9. Logic Grid Mystery Puzzles: As mentioned in brain-teasers, some logic grids are specifically designed to solve a small mystery, such as who won a competition, who owns which item, or who committed a minor infraction. These are fantastic for solo or collaborative deduction.
10. "Code Breaker" Sheets: Provide a series of number or symbol codes that correspond to letters. Players must decode a message using the provided key. You can make it simpler by giving a direct key or harder by requiring them to figure out the key first.
11. Printable "Escape Room in an Envelope": Some creators design mini-escape room experiences that can be printed and folded into a series of interconnected puzzles, all fitting inside a single envelope. It's a compact and clever way to get the escape room feel.
12. "Find the Imposter" Visual Puzzles: Print out a series of images where one item doesn't belong or is subtly different from the others. Players race to find the "imposter" in each picture. This tests observation skills and can be surprisingly challenging with well-designed images.
Creative & Storytelling Games
Sometimes, the best entertainment comes from within – from our own imaginations! Free printable games for adults that focus on creativity and storytelling are fantastic for groups that enjoy collaboration, laughter, and letting their imaginations run wild. These games encourage unique perspectives, spontaneous humor, and often lead to unforgettable shared experiences.
1. Collaborative Story Building Prompts: Print out cards with various story elements: a character, a setting, a conflict, an object, a mood. Each player draws a card and adds a sentence or two to a growing story, incorporating their drawn element. The results are wonderfully unpredictable and often hilarious. *I remember one time, we started with "a grumpy wizard" and ended up with "a grumpy wizard trying to bake a soufflé on the moon during a zombie apocalypse." Pure genius!*
2. Printable "Exquisite Corpse" Drawing Game: A surrealist game where each person draws a part of a figure or scene, folding the paper to hide their contribution, then passing it on. The final reveal of the combined drawing is always a surprise and usually prompts bursts of laughter.
3. "Finish the Sentence" / "Fill in the Blank" Story Cards: Provide printed cards with intriguing story beginnings or sentences with blanks. Players complete them individually or collaboratively. For example: "The ancient map led us to a hidden cave where we found a..." or "If I could have any superpower, it would be _________ because _________."
4. Printable Charades or Pictionary (Creative Categories): Beyond typical nouns, create lists of abstract concepts, emotions, movie genres, or even specific painting styles for charades or Pictionary. This pushes players to be more creative in their interpretations and actions.
5. "Caption This!" Photo Prompts: Print out funny, strange, or ambiguous photos. Players write their best captions for each photo, and the group votes on the funniest or most creative. You can find public domain images or use your own silly photos.
6. "If You Could..." Scenario Cards: Print cards with "If you could..." prompts that encourage imaginative answers (e.g., "If you could invent a new holiday, what would it be and how would it be celebrated?", "If you could have dinner with any three historical figures, who would they be and why?").
7. Printable Role-Playing Prompts (Mini-Scenarios): Create small scenarios where players must adopt a persona and react. For example, "You are a grumpy gnome guarding a treasure. A charming fairy approaches. What happens?" These are great for improv and quick thinking.
8. "What Happens Next?" Story Cards: Print out short story snippets that end on a cliffhanger. Players then write or act out what they think happens next. This can be done individually and then shared, or as a collaborative round-robin.
9. Printable Haiku or Limerick Prompts: For those with a poetic flair! Provide a theme or a starting line, and challenge players to complete a haiku (5-7-5 syllables) or a limerick (AABBA rhyme scheme). The results are often witty and entertaining.
10. DIY Story Cubes (Printable Templates): Print out templates for paper dice. On each face, write or draw an object, a character, an emotion, a setting, etc. Players roll the dice and must incorporate all elements into a spontaneous story. This is a fantastic way to spark creativity.
11. "One Word Story" Game: While not strictly printable, you can print out a designated "story leader" card. The first person says one word. The next person adds one word, building a coherent (or hilariously incoherent) story, one word at a time. It requires incredible focus and collaborative spirit.
12. Printable "Concept Mapping" Challenges: Provide a central concept (e.g., "Joy," "Future," "Chaos"). Players then brainstorm and write down related words, ideas, and phrases, connecting them with lines to create a visual "map" of their thoughts. It's a unique way to explore abstract ideas and see different perspectives.
Relaxing & Solo Play Options
While many free printable games for adults focus on group interaction, there's a significant segment perfect for quiet evenings, mindful moments, or simply unwinding alone. These games offer a welcome break from screens, engaging your mind in a calm, focused way, and providing a sense of accomplishment without the pressure of competition.
1. Adult Coloring Pages (Intricate Designs & Patterns): Go beyond simple children's coloring books. Many artists offer free printable coloring pages with complex mandalas, intricate zentangle patterns, detailed nature scenes, or abstract geometric designs. Coloring is a proven stress-reducer and a wonderful way to practice mindfulness.
2. Advanced Mazes (Puzzle Book Style): As mentioned in brain-teasers, detailed, multi-layered mazes are excellent for solo focus. They require patience and observation, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when completed.
3. Solo Logic Puzzles (Sudoku, KenKen, Nonograms): The vast majority of these brain-teasers are designed for individual play. Printing a batch can provide hours of quiet, focused entertainment and mental exercise.
4. Word Search Puzzles (Large & Themed): A relaxing way to engage your brain without too much strain. Look for large-grid word searches with themes you enjoy (e.g., specific authors, travel destinations, culinary terms).
5. Printable Journaling Prompts & Reflection Sheets: While not a "game" in the traditional sense, these printables offer structured ways to engage in self-reflection. Prompts like "Three things I'm grateful for today," "A challenge I overcame," or "My goals for the week" can be incredibly therapeutic.
6. Crossword Puzzles (Relaxing & Familiar Themes): Choose crosswords with familiar themes or those known for being less challenging. The gentle mental stimulation can be a perfect way to wind down.
7. Printable Solitaire Card Game Layouts: If you enjoy card games but don't want to shuffle endlessly, print out pre-arranged solitaire layouts (e.g., Klondike, FreeCell, Spider). You then play with your physical deck of cards on the printed guide, making setup quicker and easier.
8. "Find the Difference" Puzzles (Detailed Images): Print two seemingly identical but subtly different pictures side-by-side. The goal is to find all the discrepancies. This is a calm way to practice observation and attention to detail.
9. Printable Drawing & Sketching Prompts: If you enjoy art, print out sheets with simple drawing prompts (e.g., "Draw an imaginary creature," "Sketch your favorite mug," "Illustrate a dream"). It's a low-pressure way to encourage creative expression.
10. Mindful Dot-to-Dot Puzzles (Complex Images): Unlike childhood dot-to-dots, adult versions can have hundreds of dots, revealing incredibly detailed images. The process of connecting the dots can be meditative and the final image rewarding.
11. Printable Meditation Guides & Breathing Exercises: While not games, these printables offer structured ways to practice mindfulness and relaxation. They can include guided breathing patterns or prompts for body scans.
12. DIY Puzzle Creation Templates: Print out blank templates for puzzles like "Fill-in-the-Blanks" or "Word Scramble." Then, fill them in with your own words or themes. The act of creating the puzzle can be as relaxing as solving one, and it's a wonderful way to personalize your quiet time. *I found that creating custom word searches for my favorite book series was a surprisingly calming and enjoyable activity, a perfect way to de-stress after a long week.*
Holiday & Seasonal Sensations
When holidays roll around, or a new season brings a distinct vibe, our desire for themed entertainment skyrockets. Free printable games for adults are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to infuse your gatherings with seasonal cheer, whether it's the spooky fun of Halloween, the cozy warmth of Christmas, or the romantic charm of Valentine's Day.
1. Halloween Themed Trivia (Movies, Lore, Costumes): Test your guests' knowledge of horror movies, urban legends, classic monsters, or Halloween traditions. Questions like "What do you call a group of witches?" or "In *Hocus Pocus*, what are the names of the Sanderson sisters?" are always a hit.
2. Christmas Bingo (Holiday Icons, Songs, Traditions): Create Bingo cards with squares like "Saw a carol singer," "Ate a mince pie," "Heard 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'," or "Decorated a tree." Players mark off squares as these events happen throughout the holiday period or during a party.
3. Valentine's Day "Love Song" Trivia: Play snippets of famous love songs (or just print the lyrics). Guests guess the title and artist. You can make it challenging by including obscure B-sides or making it easier with multiple-choice options.
4. Thanksgiving "Gratitude" Conversation Starters: Print out cards with prompts like "Name one thing you're truly grateful for this year," "What's a favorite Thanksgiving memory?", or "If you could share this meal with anyone, living or historical, who would it be?". These encourage meaningful discussion around the dinner table.
5. New Year's Eve "Resolutions & Reflections" Game: Provide sheets for guests to write down their resolutions for the coming year and reflect on achievements from the past year. You can have them share anonymously and guess who wrote what, or simply use it as a personal reflection activity.
6. St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt (Leprechaun's Gold): Hide "pots of gold" (chocolate coins!) around the house and provide clues (riddles, puzzles, directions) for guests to find them. The clues can incorporate Irish folklore or green-themed items.
7. Easter "Peep" or "Bunny" Themed Charades/Pictionary: Create word lists related to Easter – spring animals, religious terms, candy, gardening. The absurdity of acting out "marshmallow peep