In a drawing on your head game, players draw while a sheet of paper or a paper plate rests on top of their head, so they cannot see what they are doing. The results are usually wonky and funny, and that is the point. Other players guess what the picture was meant to be, or simply vote on the funniest result.
It is cheap, quick to set up, and works for kids, teens and adults.
What you need
- Paper plates or sheets of paper
- Markers or pens
- A hard surface, such as a book or clipboard, if using paper
- A timer
- A list of things to draw
Basic version: paper plate Pictionary
- Each player gets a plate and a marker.
- Hold the plate on top of your head with one hand, flat side facing up.
- Draw on the plate with the other hand, without looking.
- When the timer ends, show the drawing and let the group guess.
A common version pairs this with Pictionary-style rules: one person draws a secret word, and their team guesses. Classic Pictionary also bans talking, gesturing and writing letters or numbers, though groups often relax this, and its usual timer is about a minute. For this game, give the drawer roughly 30 to 60 seconds.
Other ways to play
Everybody draws the same thing
Call out a prompt, such as a house or a cat, and everyone draws it at the same time. Then lay out the plates and vote for the funniest or most accurate.
Team relay
Teams line up. Each player adds one part to a shared drawing on a sheet of paper held on their head, then passes the marker to the next person.
Blindfold or eyes-closed drawing
If heads and plates are not practical, players close their eyes or wear a blindfold instead.
Drawing with a partner
One player holds the plate on their head while their partner describes the drawing out loud, step by step, with no names for the whole object.
Guess the masterpiece
Collect all the drawings, display them and let players write down what they think each picture shows. Reveal the answers at the end.
Prompt ideas
| Easy | Medium | Hard |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Bicycle | Hot-air balloon |
| House | Elephant | Birthday party |
| Fish | Pizza | Camping trip |
| Tree | Guitar | Superhero |
For longer lists, see our ideas for a category game, since most categories can double as drawing prompts. Words from a hat game bowl work well too.
Scoring ideas
- One point per correct guess.
- Bonus point for the group-voted funniest picture.
- No scoring at all, which keeps things relaxed for kids.
Tips for hosts
- Use sturdy plates so they do not slip.
- Choose washable markers and protect the table or floor.
- Keep rounds short, since the novelty can fade.
- Let players keep their artwork as a souvenir.
- For young children, supervise markers and use simple prompts.
Seasonal twists
Themed prompts add variety. For example, a pumpkin at Halloween, a tree or a snowman in winter, or party-specific items for birthdays. For more seasonal ideas, see Christmas party games for adults and pumpkin patch and fall festival games.
Frequently asked questions
What are some fun games I can play with drawing?
Pictionary-style guessing, relay drawings and blind drawing are common choices. The head version adds extra silliness.
Do I need a paper plate?
No. A sheet of paper on a book or a thin piece of cardboard works as well.
How many players do I need?
You can play with two people, but groups of four or more give more laughs. If you want other performance-style options, browse our acting games roundup, or take a look at impromptu party games for quick ideas.