Secret Animal: Twenty Questions

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Nothing to set up! Just find a comfy spot. For little ones (4 to 6), be ready to whisper question ideas like 'Does it fly?' or 'Is it bigger than a dog?' Keep count of the questions on your fingers or out loud.

1. Pick who goes first, then think of a secret animal. No telling!
2. Warm up with one practice question to learn how yes and no answers work.
3. Everyone else takes turns asking one question that can only be answered yes or no. Ask for help if you need it
4. The secret keeper answers each question with just 'yes' or 'no'.
5. Count each question out loud so everyone knows how many are left.
6. Help younger players turn ideas into yes-or-no questions, like 'Is it orange?' Ask for help if you need it
7. When you think you know, make a guess! Twenty questions is the limit.
   Ask: What clues made you think of that animal?
8. Try a twist: the secret keeper gives one free hint after question ten.
9. Swap roles and play again! What secret animal will stump everyone next?
   Ask: Which animal will you choose to stump everyone?

Ideas to try

• Does it live in water?
• Does it have fur?
• Does it have four legs?
• Can it fly?
• Is it bigger than a dog?
• Is it a pet that people keep at home?
• Does it live on a farm?
• Does it live in a jungle or forest?
• Does it lay eggs?
• Does it have a tail?
• Does it eat plants?
• Does it eat meat?
• Does it make a sound we could copy?
• Is it a bird?
• Is it a kind of insect or bug?
• Does it come out at night?
• Does it have stripes or spots?
• Can it swim?

Play it again

• Speed round: ask your questions as fast as you can, and see if you can solve it in ten.
• Team detectives: split into two teams and talk over each question together before asking.
• Sneaky animals: pick odd animals like an axolotl, a narwhal or a pangolin.