Draw the Word: A Drawing Game for Kids

Fun drawing games are a lifesaver when you need to pass some time or want to connect with your kids on a creative level. My 9-year old invented this drawing game over brunch, and it entertained the two of us for the entire meal. Dessert included.

“Draw the Word” encourages imaginative thinking, writing, and playful drawing. Not only is it a great exercise in creativity, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect, bond, and get to know others better.

The supplies are crazy simple, so you can easily play this on the fly or when you’re out at a restaurant or waiting room. Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies

Marker or pencil (one per player)

Paper (one per player)

How to Play

• Each player divides a paper into four sections.
• Players come up with themes for each of the four sections and write down words that correspond with the theme. For example, if the theme is place, a player could write “beach” or “Mexico.”
• Players switch papers and draw interpretations of the words on their new paper.
• Share responses and be ready to laugh and swap stories.

In the following game, the themes we started with were good, plant, household item, and wild card (anything goes). I wrote the words on the left (my daughter drew the images) and she wrote the words on the right (I drew the images).

Can you guess the themes in this game?

Answer at the bottom of this post 🙂

There you have it: a non-competitive cooperative drawing game that’s designed to support play and connection.

More Art Games

If you’re looking for more Art Games, check out our popular monthly art challenge, TinkerSketch. Each day is a different word prompt. Give yourself 5-10 minutes to interpret each prompt in a medium of your choice. For the most current challenge, go to our home page and scroll down to find this month’s challenge. Join anytime!

Art Dice are one of my favorites: cover each side of a dice with different colors, lines, or shapes. Roll the dice and draw what you see. A fun exercise in serendipity and improvisation.

One-minute drawings is a fun exercise. Take ten pieces of small paper and give yourself a minute to draw on each one.

If you’re looking for art board games, see how you can play Cranium with non-readers and read our essential Creativity Games Gift Guide.

Feedback or questions?

Join me in our online art and creativity community on Facebook in Club TinkerLab. 

Answer to the theme question: liquid, fire, ocean, wild card