Can you describe “fireworks” without saying “explode” or “colors”?
How about “barbecue” without saying “hot dogs” or “grill”?
This family-friendly 4th of July Taboo game promises to bring patriotic fun to everyone!
The best part? It’s a perfect game for all ages, making it a must-play for your next family night or 4th of July celebration!
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Ultimate Guide To 4th of July Taboo
Objective
The goal of Taboo is to get your teammates to guess a word without using the forbidden words on the card, all within the time limit.
Supplies Needed
- List of taboo game words
- A timer that makes a sound
- Taboo buzzer (or get creative—use anything that makes noise around the house. Or just shout “buzz!”)
- Scorecard and pen
Find out how to get the printable 4th of July taboo cards from the digital store below!
How To Play Taboo
1. Divide players into two teams. Each team will take turns giving clues.
2. The clue-giver from the first team draws a taboo card (use the words in order below if you don’t have the printable cards).
3. This player has 1 minute to describe the target word to their team without saying any of the forbidden words on that word list. Motions, pointing, or gestures are not allowed.
4. If the clue-giver says any of the taboo words, a buzzer sound is made by the opposing team, and the team does not get a point for that card.
5. The team scores one point for each correct guess within the time limit. If a taboo word is said or if the clue-giver skips a card, no point is earned.
6. After the time is up, the next team takes their turn with a new clue-giver each time.
7. Play continues until all the taboo words are used or a set time or score is reached. The team with the most points wins!
Related: Family-Friendly Taboo Game
List Of 4th of July Taboo Game Words
| FIREWORKS | INDEPENDENCE |
| boom explode light night colors |
freedom America July Declaration war |
| PARADE | BARBECUE |
| floats march bands flags street |
grill hot dogs hamburgers cookouts picnic |
| LIBERTY | FLAG |
| statue freedom bell America rights |
stars stripes red white blue |
| AMERICA | PATRIOTIC |
| USA country freedom patriotic nation |
nation flag America holiday fourth |
| HOT DOG | APPLE PIE |
| bun grill mustard ketchup eat |
dessert slice American bake ice cream |
| DECLARATION | FOUNDING FATHERS |
| Independence sign document freedom founding |
Jefferson Franklin Washington Adams Constitution |
| JULY FOURTH | CELEBRATION |
| holiday summer fireworks USA celebration |
party fun festival July 4th barbecue |
| RED | BLUE |
| whitle blue flag color stripes |
white red flag color stars |
| SUMMER | BALD EAGLE |
| hot sunshine beach vacation season |
bird National symbol freedom wings |
| STARS | STRIPES |
| flag stripes American red blue |
flag stars American red blue |
| FIRECRACKER | SPARKLER |
| loud pop explosion ignite bang |
light glow handheld kids night |
| CORN | WATERMELON |
| cob butter yellow vegetable eat |
fruit red green seeds sweet |
Related:
| FREEDOM | PICNIC |
| rights liberty speech America Independence |
basket blanket food outside eat |
| UNCLE SAM | REVOLUTIONARY |
| hat beard poster America army |
war battle soldiers 1776 British |
| PLEDGE | STATUE |
| Allegiance flag nation stand hand |
liberty gift France torch New York |
| CONCERT | POOL |
| music band play crowd anthem |
water splash swim fun summer |
| S’MORES | FLOAT |
| marshmallow graham chocolate melt fire |
parade crowd streets July 4th decorate |
| ICE CREAM | BONFIRE |
| cold dessert cone vanilla scoop |
fire night warm camp s’mores |
| LEMONADE | NATIONAL ANTHEM |
| drink sour sweet yellow cold |
song sing stadium star-spangled banner |
| VETERANS | SOLDIERS |
| soldiers war military serve honor |
army navy military serve honor |
| COLONIES | HAMBURGER |
| thirteen British states original Independence |
bun ketchup grill mustard meat |
| SWEET TEA | POTATO SALAD |
| drink sugar ice Southern lemon |
side mayo picnic mustard barbecue |
| FOUNTAINS | JOHN HANCOCK |
| sparks color light explode pretty |
Declaration Independence signature 1776 congress |
| 1776 | COUNTRY |
| Declaration Independence year July 4th America |
land liberty USA America nation |
Grab the 4th of July Taboo cards along with other family-friendly games!
Alternative Rules For 4th of July Taboo Game
Rules can cater to the group that is playing.
- Allow younger kids to use some of the taboo words if needed.
- Adults can team up with younger children to help explain the taboo words or give clues.
- Let a player opt to pass on a card one time per game.
- Rule breaking: Unique penalties can be added for breaking the rules. (Example: Do a pushup whenever you 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.
More 4th of July Family Games Like Taboo
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