I recently had the opportunity to teach a week-long improv summer camp for a group of lively middle schoolers. My sweet husband took time off work to hold down the fort with our own kiddos, freeing me up to dive headfirst into the world of improv.
After a year and half, this was my first full week without my little one clinging to me like a “velcro baby/toddler.” If you’ve experienced the joys of having a little human stuck to you 24/7, you’ll understand that liberating feeling of finally having a little physical and mental freedom.
But here’s the thing—I wasn’t just expecting a break from my mom duties. I was ready to channel my inner goofball and bring the magic of improv to these young minds. Little did I know, I would be the one having the most fun!
I was prepared to come home exhausted and drained each day. But something unexpected happened. I was physically tired, yes. But I also found myself feeling inspired by all of the laughter and creativity we were sharing at camp.
In fact, I was excited to keep playing improv games with my family when I got home. The games weren’t only a hit at camp — they were super fun to play with my stepdaughter and husband, too!
So, without further ado, let me share with you six ridiculously hilarious improv games that will not only spark creativity but also bring endless joy when played at home with your kids. Get ready to laugh!
1. Shark Tank
This is easily my NEW favorite improv game. It originated from a game called “objects” that I learned from my dear friend and music/theatre education guru, DaJuana Hammonds. It then evolved into a game we called “Commercials,” and now it’s developed into “Shark Tank,” which is my favorite version so far!
The game is based on the reality TV show “Shark Tank.” If you’ve never seen it, it might help to watch a clip. But, it’s not necessary. My stepdaughter’s never seen the show and still has a blast playing this!
Shark Tank US | Top Three Biggest Deals
I LOVED playing this with my students so much that when I got home from work and explained it to my stepdaughter and husband, we played for a straight half hour. It’s now a new favorite in our home!
How to play:
1. Pick a random item from around the house.
Literally any item will do. It can be a toy, utensil, office supply, gadget… anything!
2. Take turns playing the “entrepreneur” and the “shark.”
3. The entrepreneur makes up a ridiculous and wild use for the item.
Some recent examples:
- A coat hanger became ”The Booger Picker 5000” that could reach those hard-to-get nose treasures.
- A clipboard was “The Alien Toe Snatcher” that would catch alien intruders by the toe (mouse trap style) and launch them back into outer space.
- A toy banana transformed into a magical “Toot Filter” that could turn toots into the smell of a banana, so that “Smelly Gas = A Thing of the Past”
- A tutu served as a “Ghost Detector” that you wear over your head to find ghosts.
- A tea cup was actually “The Hearing Machine 2.0” that, when held up to your ear, allowed you to hear conversations for up to two miles away.
4. The entrepreneur performs a “pitch” to the Shark(s), trying to get them to invest in the invention. The shark asks questions and decides if they’re “in or out!”
*Bonus fun:
Play the dramatic “Shark Tank” theme music at the beginning of each pitch, and have the entrepreneur start with, “Hi, sharks,” using the best informercial, salesperson-y voice possible. So ridiculous and fun.
I love “Shark Tank” so much because it:
- Sparks creativity
- Requires nothing but what you have lying around
- You do not have to move if you don’t want to. Have the kids bring you items!
- Doesn’t make a huge mess. Pro tip: have the “entrepreneur” replace each item before the next “pitch.” Make it part of the game!
2. Garth and Kat
This one is just straight up silly and absurd. It also requires listening to each other and just going with the flow — helpful skills for both children AND adults to practice!
If you didn’t already guess from the title, this game comes from one of my favorite Saturday Night Live sketches, starring Kristen Wigg and Fred Armisen who play a music duo that always make up their song titles, lyrics, and melodies very obviously on-the-spot.
It’s fun to watch a few of their skits before playing the game, so you can get the gist of it.
Watch some of the best “Garth and Kat” moments on SNL
How to play:
If there are three players, one person will take turns being the “audience,” while the other two perform their unrehearsed masterpiece.
It helps for the audience member to give a suggestion like, “Can you sing me a song about cheddar cheese?”
The key is for the players to follow one another and try to speak and sing at EXACTLY the same time. Inevitably, someone ends up sort of leading while the other follows and it switches back and forth. Either way, it’s a good exercise in observing and going with the flow.
*Bonus fun:
Add in some clapping, snapping, and hand movements for extra goofiness.
3. “Popcorn” Stories
This was, without a doubt, the campers’ favorite game. I think they would have happily played ONLY this the whole week if I’d let them.
How to play:
One person starts a few sentences of a story and then says “Popcorn!” to pass it to the next player(s).
This continues until the story ends!
*Bonus fun for teachers or group settings:
When we play with a group of students, I love to pick one person as the “narrator” and let the rest of the kids pick roles from the story. They pop up on stage and act out the ridiculous story as the narrator tells it. So silly, so much fun, and a great way to involve everyone (find a part for each kid to play).
4. One-Word Story
This is the more advanced version of Popcorn stories. It works better in pairs and usually with older kids.
How to play:
Each player gets one word at a time to try and build a story together.
This is a fun challenge. It takes a little practice to get in sync with each other, but it’s so rewarding and funny when you get the hang of it!
I love how this game forces you to connect and listen to each other.
5. Ten Seconds to Make a…
This one is great for creativity, humor, and burning off energy — the kids’ energy, that is! You get to sit on the couch or lawn chair and call out directions while sipping a beverage of your choice. Win!
How to play:
The kids get ten seconds to turn their bodies into the shape of whatever object you call out and then act out the situation. The more random and weird, the better.
Their creativity is so entertaining and cute.
Here’s a list of examples to get you going if you need some inspiration:
- A stinky sock with a whole in it that gets thrown in the washer and spins around.
- A robot vacuum that gets stuck on a chair.
- A bird nest. The eggs inside hatch and little baby birds are born.
- A scrunchie that gets tied into a ponytail.
- A booger that gets sneezed out.
- A chapter book being read.
- A trampoline getting bounced on.
- An ice cream cone melting in the sun.
- A crayon being used to draw a picture.
- A football that gets thrown into the end zone for a touchdown.
- Chopsticks picking up a piece of sushi.
- A woodpecker that lands on a tree and pecks a hole in the trunk.
- A dog’s tail wagging.
- Santa’s beard getting full of cookie crumbs.
- An airplane taking off on a windy day then landing.
- A sandcastle that gets hit by a wave.
- A pot of soup boiling on the stove.
- A window whose blinds open and let the sunlight in.
- Raindrops falling from a cloud.
I was surprised how long this game can go on. And how entertaining is was for my husband and me to watch!
6. TV talking
This concept is simple but actually playing can be challenging!
How to play:
Turn off the sound to a TV show and talk for the different characters. Make sure the captions/subtitles are off so you don’t actually know what the characters are saying!
This was hands-down my favorite family activity during childhood and my family STILL plays every time we get together.
We talked for scenes from “Golden Girls,” “Alf,” and “Everybody Loves Raymond” at improv camp this summer and it was a scream. The kids were so creative, quick, and hilarious!
Join the fun!
I hope you’re as excited as I am about these six ridiculously fun and creative improv games to play with your kids at home. They have brought so much joy to both my students and my own family.
The inevitable laughter that results from these games is so good for bonding. Kids can tell when we’re genuinely enjoying ourselves. So, go for it — tap into that creative, silly side of yourself and share it with them!
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Have you tried any of these improv-inspired games with your kids? What was your experience like? Did it spark their creativity or bring you all closer together? Leave a comment below and share your stories and insights. I’d love to hear from you.
Remember, the beauty of improv is that it’s all about spontaneity, creativity, and laughter. So gather your family, let your imaginations run wild, and make some hilarious inside jokes and unforgettable memories.
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Hi! I’m Mia.
Mom, stepmom, wife, songwriter, performer, and theater educator.
I love sharing ideas, tips, and templates for connecting with kids through low-to-no budget, waste-free, creative play.
