Exquisite corpse game for kids: create, fold, and laugh
The exquisite corpse game for kids is a simple and hilarious group activity that sparks creativity through drawing or writing. Played with just paper and pencils, this indoor game is perfect for classrooms, parties, or rainy afternoons. Whether kids are crafting absurd drawings or forming silly sentences, the results are always unexpected—and fun!
A quick setup for big group fun
Easy to organize and endlessly replayable, this collaborative game is ideal for children who enjoy imagination and teamwork.
- Number of players: 3 or more
- Recommended age: 6 and up
- Play time: Around 10 minutes
- Supplies: Sheets of paper, pencils or pens
- Play area: Indoors
How to play the exquisite corpse drawing game
Start with the drawing version, which is a great way to get everyone laughing:
- The first player draws the head of a character, leaving just the bottom of the neck visible before folding the paper to hide their drawing.
- The next child draws the torso, continuing from the visible lines, then folds again.
- The final child draws the legs and feet, unaware of the previous sections.
When the paper is unfolded, the full drawing reveals a unique—and often hilarious—character!
Tips:
- Try different themes: animals, robots, monsters, or fantasy creatures.
- Adapt the number of folds to the group size (3, 4, or 5 players).
Try the word version for endless storytelling
The writing version is just as funny and educational:
- The first player writes the start of a sentence, then folds the paper to hide it, leaving only a few final words visible.
- The next player continues the sentence based on the visible words, then folds again.
- This continues until all players have written, then the entire sentence is revealed.
Example:
- “The cat does silly things and unhooks…”
- “…the nail from the wall to put back…”
- “…his pants in the basin because he was…”
- “…nice and kind with his friends.”
Result: “The cat does silly things and unhooks the nail from the wall to put his pants in the basin because he was nice and kind with his friends.”
For younger children, use a structure like:
Adjective + noun + verb + adjective + noun
e.g., “Funny animals eat a scary robot.”
For a fun communication challenge, try the Back-to-Back Drawing Pair Up—a hilarious game where one player describes and the other draws without looking!
Learning benefits of this creative group game
Exquisite corpse is more than just a fun game—it supports child development in meaningful ways:
- Boosts creativity and imagination through unexpected combinations
- Encourages writing and drawing in a playful, pressure-free context
- Reinforces cooperation and group dynamics
- Improves listening and following rules
- Strengthens language and expression skills
- Creates a calm, focused group atmosphere, ideal for classrooms or workshops
It’s a collective game that builds laughter, confidence, and collaboration.
Looking for more ways to engage kids in imaginative group play?
Browse our collection of printable games for parties, classrooms, and family fun—from treasure hunts to escape rooms—all designed to spark creativity and joy.
