How to Play the Fishbowl Game + Fun Word Ideas & Rules (2026)
The Fishbowl Game combines the classic games of Taboo, Charades, and Password into one fun experience. It is a lively, team-based word-guessing game that involves creativity and quick thinking.
Who can play? All ages! It’s perfect for your next family night or holiday gathering!
Fishbowl Game Objective (Or Salad Bowl Game)
Players draw words or phrases from a bowl and then team members guess in three distinctive rounds (within a set time).
The way you give hints changes for each round. A typical Fishbowl game usually has three rounds:
- Taboo
- Charades
- Password
The team with the most points after the final round wins!
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Supplies Needed
- A fishbowl-type bowl or similar container
- Strips of paper and the ideas below (or grab the ready-made printable fishbowl game cards from the digital shop here)
- Pens or pencils
- A timer that makes a sound
- Scorecard
Pro Tip: Play this game in a space with room for the two teams to gather around the fishbowl easily. If you have an odd number of players, have someone be the scorekeeper and sub after a round of play.
Fishbowl Game Rules: How To Play
1. Distribute 3-5 paper strips to each player.
2. On each strip, players write down a word or phrase (person, place, thing, or feeling) or get the ready-made cards to use easily here.
3. Fold up the paper strips with the words written on them and place them in the fishbowl.
4. Set a one-minute timer. Each word or phrase guessed correctly within the time earns one point for the team. There are 3 rounds of play described below.
5. To start Round 1, a player from Team A draws a paper and gives clues to their team. Their team will try to guess as many words drawn as possible before the time runs out. Team B then takes their turn. Continue alternating between teams until all words are guessed and the fishbowl is empty.
6. Return the cards to the fishbowl for reuse, and Round 2 begins.
7. Play continues following the rules for Round 2 and Round 3.
After all three rounds are completed, tally up the scores and declare a winning team.
Round 1: Taboo
Players can use any words except the ones written on the paper slips to describe the prompt to their teammates. Motions, pointing, or gestures are not allowed.
Round 2: Charades
Players must act out the words on the paper slip chosen without speaking or using any verbal cues.
Round 3: Password
Players can say only one word to hint at the words on their paper slip. Teammates must rely on their memory from previous rounds and make connections with minimal information.
If a player violates the current round’s rule, the turn automatically switches to the opposing team.
*Allow players to pass once per round if their team cannot guess correctly. Put that strip of paper back into the bowl. If a duplicate word is found in the bowl, remove it and continue to play.
Fishbowl Game Word Ideas for All Ages
Use these word and phrase ideas to customize your Fishbowl Game to fit your audience.
Word and Phrases for Kids
Things you do at home
| Sleeping | Drinking | Eating |
| Reading | Making a bed | Washing Dishes |
| Walking the dog | Getting dressed | Cooking |
| Watering flowers | Brushing teeth | Setting the table |
| Taking a shower | Driving a car | Picking up the house |
Food
| Pizza | Pancake | Popcorn |
| Apple | Donut | Birthday cake |
| Lollipop | Spaghetti | Hot dog |
| Chips and salsa | Banana | Peeling an orange |
| Eggs | Making a sandwich | Ice Cream Sundae |
Animals
| Dog | Cat | Fish |
| Penguin | Chicken | Kangaroo |
| Pig | Elephant | Crocodile |
| Snake | Lobster | Lion |
| Giraffe | Cow | Horse |
Related: Funny Animal Riddles
Funny Ideas
| Doing The Worm | Juggling with fire | Slipping on a banana peel |
| Zombie | Riding a unicycle | Putting on sunscreen |
| Getting stuck in a spiderweb | Blowing up a balloon | Running away from a bee |
| Giving a kiss | Blowing your nose | Sneaking a snack |
| Falling asleep at school | Walking on a tightrope | Eating something sour |
| Having a water balloon fight | Chopping an onion | Smelling a fart |
Places
| Playground | Zoo | Park |
| Museum | Movie Theater | Arcade |
| Amusement Park | Aquarium | Farm |
| Toy Store | Treehouse | Ice Cream Shop |
| School | Library | Gym |
Sports and Activities
| Soccer | Basketball | Jump rope |
| Skateboarding | Surfing | Ballet |
| Riding a bike | Volleyball | Tennis |
| Gymnastics | Hopscotch | Ice Skating |
| Hula Hoop | Yoga | Frisbee |
| Skiing | Baseball | Football |
Related:
Music
| Guitar | Drum | Piano |
| Singing | Trumpet | Violin |
| Tambourine | Flute | Trombone |
| Conductor | Microphone | Saxophone |
| Clarinet | Xylophone | Bass drum |
School
| Backpack | Homework | Library |
| Pencil | Lunchbox | Math |
| Globe | Notebook | Desk |
| Bus | Computer | P.E. |
| Whiteboard | Teacher | Student |
Seasonal Words and Phrases
| Snowball fight | Jumping in puddles | Windy day |
| Planting a garden | Swimming | Jumping off the diving board |
| Going on vacation | Eating an ice cream cone | Watching fireworks |
| Raindrop | Picnic | Drinking hot cocoa |
| Mittens | Going sledding | Carving a pumpkin |
| Decorating the Christmas tree | Opening presents | Easter egg hunt |
| Carving the Turkey | Trick or Treating | Happy New Year! |
Related:
Movies
| The Lion King | Toy Story | Cinderella |
| Sleeping Beauty | Pinocchio | Wall-E |
| Tangled | Frozen | Mary Poppins |
| The Wizard of Oz | Spy Kids | Harry Potter |
| Jurassic Park | Cars | Star Wars |
| The Little Mermaid | Kung Fu Panda | Hercules |
Play Kids Movie Trivia too!
People
| Dentist | Doctor | Pirate |
| Teacher | Baby | King |
| Clown | Chef | Scientist |
| Artist | Pilot | Detective |
| Firefighter | Plumber | Dancer |
Feelings
| Happy | Sad | Excited |
| Surprised | Scared | Angry |
| Nervous | Silly | Bored |
| Confused | Disgusted | Grumpy |
| Embarrassed | Sleepy | Brave |
Related:
Fishbowl Game-Themed Ideas for Teens & Adults
Fishbowl is the perfect party game for adults and teens!
- Movie/Television: Words related to popular movies, series, or actors.
- Decades: 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s-themed words and phrases
- World Traveler: Phrases about countries, landmarks, or travel experiences
- Pop Culture: Phrases and words about celebrities and entertainment
- Song Titles: Song titles and artists
- Language Learning: Vocabulary from a target language. For example, Spanish food items.
- History Buff: Key historical events or figures.
- Holiday Cheer: Terms that resonate with holidays. (Great for holiday family gatherings or classroom parties.)
- Specific Interest: Pick a theme that your specific group is interested in.
- Play Online: Host a virtual version of this fun game!
Related:
Fishbowl Game Variations
Adjust for Group Size
For large groups, this game works well played in two teams as described. For a smaller group, take turns playing each round and working together without teams.
Playing With Young Kids
Make the Fishbowl Game easier by writing just one simple word per slip instead of longer phrases. Stick to familiar themes like:
- Animals
- Foods
- Movies
- School subjects
- Kid-friendly places
You can also add a Sound-Only Round, which is especially fun for younger children.
Examples:
- If the slip says cow, the player can only say “moo.”
- If it says train, they can only make train sounds.
Alternative Rules
The traditional Fishbowl format can easily be adjusted depending on your group’s skill level and preferences.
- The “Taboo” round can be modified to limit the number of words used when giving clues.
- Create themed rounds based on shared interests (sports, movies, holidays, etc.).
- Shorten time limits for a faster-paced challenge.
- Limit or increase the number of passes allowed per round.
- Rule breaking: Unique penalties can be added for breaking the rules. (Example: Do a pushup every time you talk during charades or say the word on the paper during taboo.) Or if a player breaks a rule of a round, the opposing team can gain a point.
Bonus Round Ideas
Keep the game exciting by adding one of these creative bonus rounds:
- Pictionary Round: Players draw a picture to represent their word.
- Sound Effects Round: Players only use sound effects- no speaking or acting.
- Speed Round: Cut the timer in half for a rapid-fire challenge.
- Bedsheet Round: The play must act out a word under a light blanket or bedsheet. No talking allowed!
- Heads Up Round: The player holds the word to their forehead without looking. Teammates give clues according to the current round rules, and the player guesses.
Grab The Printable Fishbowl Game Cards
Get the printable Fishbowl Game Cards in the digital store now!
Related:
What’s Next?
If you enjoyed the Fishbowl Game, play this Fun Family Feud Game next! It’s a great idea for family night!
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