Kids say the darndest things, don’t they?
Their minds work in fascinating and often hilarious ways.
One minute they’re pondering the deepest mysteries of the universe, and the next they’re wondering why Grandpa has hair in his ears.
Talking to kids and listening to what they have to say can be an absolute delight.
But sometimes, getting them to open up and share their thoughts can feel like pulling teeth.
That’s where having some fun, thought-provoking questions in your back pocket comes in handy.
Asking kids crazy, unexpected questions can:
- Lead to all sorts of interesting and amusing conversations
- Give you a peek into how their minds work
- Help strengthen your bond as you laugh together
- Encourage them to think creatively and critically
So without further ado, here are 10 wonderfully wacky questions to ask the kids in your life, along with some tips on how to get the most out of these silly conversations.
Crazy Questions to Ask Kids for Fun
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
This classic question is always fun to ask kids. You might get some expected answers like “a cheetah, because they’re so fast!” or “an eagle, so I could fly!” But you’ll also likely get some delightfully odd responses that give you insight into how that particular child sees the world.
When asking this, encourage them to think about it. Don’t just accept a one-word answer. Probe a bit by asking what they would do as that animal. What would be the best parts of spending a day as a lion, dolphin or platypus? The sillier and more imaginative the answer, the better.
Their explanation of why they chose that creature can also tell you a lot. Are they picking based on the animal’s abilities, its appearance, or maybe how it interacts with other critters? There’s no right or wrong answer, but exploring their reasoning is half the fun.
Would you rather have a magic carpet that flies or your robot?
Now we’re getting into the realm of the fantastical. Posing hypothetical “would you rather” questions pushes kids to use their imagination and really visualize these crazy scenarios. Plus, it’s just really entertaining to hear them talk through the pros and cons of each option.
When discussing the magic carpet, ask about where they would go on it. Would they use it to travel the world, or just to float around the house? How fast does it fly? As for the robot, what special features would it have? Would it do their chores for them or help with their homework?
There’s no right choice here, but the explanation is key. Understanding the factors that are most important to them in making the decision – freedom, companionship, convenience, etc. – can be quite enlightening. And of course, feel free to offer your own opinion to keep the conversation going.
If all your clothes could only be one color, what color would you choose?
This question might seem simple on the surface, but it can lead to some surprisingly thoughtful responses. Would they pick their favorite color, even if it’s something impractical like neon green? Would they consider what matches easiest or hides dirt well?
Urge them to really picture it. How would they feel wearing only purple or yellow or gray every single day? Would they get tired of it? Would their friends say anything? What if they had to go to a fancy party – how would they dress up?
Kids’ logic for their color of choice can range from adorably simplistic (“I like red, so I pick red!”) to deeply considered (“Blue, because it’s calming and goes with everything.”) Whatever their pick, exploring the reasoning behind it is guaranteed to be interesting.
How would you spend your day if you were President?
Little kids especially love imagining themselves in positions of power. Picturing what they would do if they were in charge of the whole country says a lot about their priorities, their understanding of leadership, and possibly the political leanings that they’ve absorbed.
Younger children’s answers will likely revolve around things like making every day ice cream every day or putting a trampoline in every backyard. But don’t discount the silly answers. Ask how they would make those things happen. Where would all the ice cream come from? Who would install the trampolines? This line of questioning sneakily gets them thinking about logistics and infrastructure.
Older kids might voice some thoughtful policy ideas, like giving money to the poor or making school days shorter. Explore those with them too. Why are those issues important? What steps would they take as President to accomplish those goals? Whether serious or silly, this imaginative exercise is a great way to get kids’ mental gears turning.
If you were in the circus, what would your circus act be?
The circus might be an outdated concept, but it hasn’t lost its sense of wonder in kids’ eyes. There’s just something alluring about the idea of being a star under the big top. Asking what their talent would be gets their creative juices flowing.
Maybe they want to be an acrobat, flying through the air on the trapeze. Or perhaps they picture themselves as the ringleader, masterfully commanding the audience’s attention. They could be a clown, a tightrope walker, or a world-famous juggler.
Whatever act they imagine, encourage them to describe it in detail. What would their costume look like? How would the crowd react to their death-defying feats? Would they have any special tricks up their sleeves? Let them get imaginative here and paint a vivid mental picture.
Do you think it’s more fun to be a parent or a kid?
This one gets them thinking about perspective. Most kids assume being a grown-up is way more fun – no bedtime, all the candy you want, driving a car… what’s not to love? But getting them to think through the day-to-day realities can be eye-opening.
Ask them what they think is fun about being a parent. Is it getting to make all the rules? Planning the vacations? Buying the groceries? Then flip it around. What do they love about being a kid? Not having to pay bills? Getting presents? Playing with friends? Help them see that there are pros and cons to both.
Of course, some kids will insist that adulthood is where it’s at. That’s okay too. It’s just a fun mental exercise and a sneaky way to get them to appreciate all that you do as a parent. Plus, it’s always entertaining to get a glimpse of what they picture your day-to-day life is like.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ah, every parent’s favorite game – the “what if you were stranded on a desert island” scenario. Only in this case, the island is a whole lifetime and the limited resource is a single food item. Let the fun begin.
Most kids’ knee-jerk answers will be something like pizza, ice cream, or chicken nuggets. But challenge them to think it through. Would they get sick of eating the same thing every meal, every day? How would they feel if they could never have another bite of their second favorite food ever again?
Urge them to consider nutrition too. Could they survive on just cookies, even if cookies are undeniably delicious? What if they picked something healthier, like apples or eggs? It’s a goofy line of questioning, but it does get them contemplating the long-term consequences of their choices in an approachable way.
What’s the grossest thing you can think of?
Kids love potty humor and all things disgusting. Giving them free rein to voice the most repulsive things their minds can conjure is a recipe for hilarity. But be warned, some of their answers might turn your stomach.
Would they find a plateful of worms completely revolting or a tasty snack? Do they think dirty diapers are the pinnacle of nastiness or pretty par for the course? Is the grossest thing they can picture something physical, like dog poop, or is it more of an concept, like taking medicine or doing chores?
The bizarreness of their responses will likely have you in stitches. Plus, getting to be a little bit naughty and discuss the disgusting is thrilling for kids. Just be prepared to guide the conversation in a less nauseating direction if they get a little too real with their descriptions.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Most kids have dreamt of having superpowers at one point or another. Asking what ability they would most like to have not only lets you glimpse into their innermost desires but also gets them flexing their creative and problem-solving skills.
Common answers will likely be things like super strength, flight, or invisibility. But press for details. How would they use this power? Would they fight crime like Batman or get into mischief like Bart Simpson? Would they keep their identity a secret or bask in the fame of their super-ness?
Examining the why behind their power of choice is just as enlightening as the what. Do they want to fly so they can travel the world, or so they can zoom around the playground at warp speed? Is invisibility appealing so they can sneak into the cookie jar, or so they can help people without being noticed? There’s lots to unpack in their super-powered fantasies.
If you had to give everyone in the family new names, what would you call them?
Kids aren’t known for having the most flattering mental images of their parents and siblings. Asking what new names they would bestow can result in some pretty hilarious jabs and nicknames.
Would Dad become Papa Burpypants? Would Mom be Sergeant Broccoli? Encourage them to rename everyone, pets included. Would the dog become Sir Stinksalot? Would the cat be Lady Fluffybutt? The sillier, the better.
But it’s not all goofy monikers. Sometimes their new names for loved ones can be quite sweet and insightful. Maybe they’d call Grandma “The Hugger” or christen their brother “The Fast Fixer.” It’s a lighthearted way for them to express how they view each person’s role in the family.
In Conclusion
Engaging in silly conversations and asking crazy questions does more than just entertain your kids.
It encourages them to think outside the box, express their feelings, and most importantly, open up to you.
The answers they give can provide incredible insight into their innermost thoughts and values.
Plus, sharing some laughs as you discuss and debate each point fosters feelings of closeness and connection.
So go ahead and start some wacky chats with the kids in your life.
Their answers might surprise you, crack you up, and even touch your heart.