15 Easy Minute To Win It Games To Play With Your Kids

School's out, and the kids are buzzing with energy. Whether it's a long weekend, a school break, or just a rainy afternoon indoors, finding activities that are fun, screen-free, and easy to set up can be a challenge. Enter Minute to Win It games—the perfect mix of excitement, teamwork, and hilarious competition.

These quick, budget-friendly challenges use everyday household items to create fast-paced fun for kids (and parents, if you're up for it!). They're also perfect for birthday parties. From balancing cookies on your face to stacking dice with one hand, get ready to unleash some friendly family rivalries with these 15 must-try games. Let the countdown begin!

What are Minute to Win It games?

Minute to Win It games are timed challenges with simple rules and clear goals, says Parenting expert Amy Vale.

"People like these games because they're affordable, easy to set up and work great as kids' party games," she explains. "Examples include cup stacking, marshmallow toss, balloon stomp, ball bounce, penny tower and bottle flipping."

Social media has played a major role in skyrocketing the popularity of minute-to-win-it games. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok, anyone can easily discover creative game ideas and bring the fun to life.

Why Minute to Win It games are perfect for today's kids

Ideal for modern attention spans

Licensed counselor Michael Anderson believes Minute to Win It games are great for kids with shorter attention spans.

"These games are highly effective because they create the perfect combination of challenge, excitement and reward," he explains. "When children have just 60 seconds to finish a task, they focus fully on what they are doing. This is something we often find hard to do in our world full of screens."

Quick and budget-friendly fun

"You can usually set Minute to Win It games up with items already in your home like dice, pom-poms or plastic cups," says Anderson. This makes them affordable compared to store-bought party games.

Teach teamwork

Minute to Win It games also teach kids important life skills. "They encourage teamwork and improve motor skills, problem-solving and focus for all ages," Vale says.

Promote family bonding

"These games create shared experiences that strengthen family bonds. When parents and kids compete as equals, it changes family roles and builds genuine connections," says Anderson.

Physical and mental engagement

“Minute to Win It games combine mental and physical involvement,” says Anderson. “For example, tasks like stacking pennies with one hand or moving a cookie from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands need focus and coordination. These activities help children who have trouble paying attention.”

15 Minute-to-Win-It Games Ideas

Cookie Face

• Description: Move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth using only facial muscles.
• Materials: Cookies (Oreo-sized).
• Instructions: Place a cookie on the forehead. Without using hands, move the cookie to the mouth. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Stack Attack

• Description: Stack 36 cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, all within a minute.
• Materials: 36 plastic cups.
• Instructions: Stack the cups in a pyramid (8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1). Then, unstack them back into a single stack. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Noodle Pickup

• Description: Transfer noodles from one bowl to another using only a chopstick in one minute.
• Materials: Two bowls, cooked noodles, chopsticks.
• Instructions: Using chopsticks, transfer as many noodles as possible from one bowl to the other in one minute. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Marshmallow Toss

• Description: Toss marshmallows into a cup across the room.
• Materials: Marshmallows, cups.
• Instructions: Toss marshmallows from a designated spot into a cup placed a few feet away. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Balloon Pop

• Description: Pop balloons by sitting on them.
• Materials: Balloons.
• Instructions: Pop as many balloons as possible in one minute by sitting on them. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Candy Sort

• Description: Sort candies by color using only chopsticks.
• Materials: Mixed candies (e.g., M&Ms), bowls, chopsticks.
• Instructions: Sort candies into separate bowls by color using chopsticks within one minute. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Suck It Up

• Description: Transfer candies from one plate to another using a straw.
• Materials: Small candies, plates, straws.
• Instructions: Using a straw, suck up candies and transfer them to another plate. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Dice Stack

• Description: Stack dice on top of each other using one hand.
• Materials: Dice.
• Instructions: Stack as many dice as possible on top of each other in one minute using only one hand. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Pom-Pom Drop

• Description: Move pom-poms from one bowl to another using a spoon held in your mouth.
• Materials: Pom-poms, bowls, spoons.
• Instructions: Transfer pom-poms from one bowl to another using a spoon held in the mouth. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Elephant March

• Description: Knock down water bottles using pantyhose with a ball inside worn on the head.
• Materials: Water bottles, pantyhose, balls.
• Instructions: Wear panty-hose with a ball inside on your head and swing it to knock down water bottles. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Defy Gravity

• Description: Keep three balloons in the air for one minute.
• Materials: Balloons.
• Instructions: Keep three balloons in the air simultaneously for one minute without letting them touch the ground. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Face the Cookie

• Description: Move a cookie from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands.
• Materials: Cookies.
• Instructions: Place a cookie on your forehead and use facial movements to get it to your mouth. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Moving on Up

• Description: Stack cups using only one hand, then unstack them back into a single stack.
• Materials: Plastic cups.
• Instructions: Stack cups into a pyramid and then unstack them back into a single stack using only one hand. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Separation Anxiety

• Description: Separate cotton balls from petroleum jelly using chopsticks.
• Materials: Cotton balls, petroleum jelly, bowls, chopsticks.
• Instructions: Separate as many cotton balls as possible from a bowl of petroleum jelly using chopsticks in one minute. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Junk in the Trunk

• Description: Shake and bounce ping pong balls out of a tissue box attached to your backside.
• Materials: Tissue box, ping pong balls, belt.
• Instructions: Attach a tissue box filled with ping pong balls to your backside and shake as many balls out as possible in one minute. Set a timer to keep track of time.

Game ideas that don't need any supplies

If you're looking for Minute to Win It games that don't require materials, Parker suggests trying these out during your car rides. These games can easily keep kids entertained for 15-minute car rides. Or play them all for longer commutes.

"These games can make trips to gymnastics, tee-ball, dance classes or school drop-off much easier," says Parker.

Rainbow Cars

Within your 15-minute commute, Parker suggests trying to work as a team to find a car for every color of the rainbow.

"Based on the ages and stages of your family, and your competitive streak, come up with your own rules of the road," she suggests. "Keep track of the cars as you see them and don’t feel like you have to stay in the order of the rainbow. Have fun with this one and don’t forget to set your timer. Pink cars for bonus points!"

Fast Friends 

How many friends can you make in 15 minutes on the road?

"To play, see how many fellow friendly drivers will wave back to you,"  says Parker. "Again, depending on your comfort level, this can be a fun game when played safely. My daughter is five-and-a-half and did this over the weekend with our window rolled halfway down."

Categories 

Choose categories and have each family member name as many items as possible within that category in a minute. "Here are some kid-friendly categories to get you excited: animals, colors, car types, cousins, musicians, letters, numbers, sports, toys, food, friends, drinks, countries, lullabies, books and shows," says Parker.

Adapting Minute to Win It games for different age groups

"Understanding the varied abilities of your group is key when planning a minute-to-win-it challenge," says Vale. "For more advanced players, increase the challenge by reducing time limits or adjusting distances based on skill level. Also, ensure there is an even distribution of skill levels across teams."

Tips for hosting a successful Minute to Win It event

Think about budget and materials

Vale says that to host a successful minute-to-win-it event, it's helpful to think about the budget and materials first.

She explains, "Most games use minimal equipment and often involve items you can find around the house. However, you'll want something to keep time and score then, depending on your games, an assortment of supplies."

Some materials you can purchase include paper plates, straws, cups, marshmallows, balloons, cereal or pipe cleaners. "You can also consider using reusable and versatile products," Vale adds.

Consider age

Consider age when planning Minute to Win It activities, as different groups have varying skill levels and physical abilities.

"Young children are still developing fine motor skills, so avoid activities with small objects like pennies and dice," Roder advises. "Instead, you could challenge them to do something with large objects like keeping a balloon in the air without letting it drop, or stacking large blocks on top of each other."

Roder also says that younger children have difficulty following complex, multi-step instructions. "So it may be more helpful to have them play a game with only one or two steps instead."

Up the stakes for kids and teenagers

Older kids and teens can handle harder games as they have more advanced cognitive skills.

Roder suggests having a relay race. She explains, "In this game, kids stand in a line. One end has a full bucket of water, and the other end has an empty bucket. Each child soaks a sponge in the water. Then, they pass the sponge down the line to squeeze it into the empty bucket. The first team to fill their empty bucket wins."

Keep it classic

Consider including classic 'games to play' like 'musical chairs'. You can play musical versions of minute-to-win-it games for added excitement, where the last person left standing wins.

Pay attention to space

Jasmine Charbonier, an experienced event planner, says space is another thing to think about as you plan minute-to-win-it games.

"Select games that fit physical space without feeling cramped," Charbonier recommends.  "Always consider room layout, indoor/outdoor options, and, if unsure, measure available square footage in advance."

Set up game stations

Setting up game stations is another planning hack that Charbonier suggests.

"You can do this by creating visually clear instruction cards, pre-packaging game materials in labeled containers, and using color-coding for different team stations," she explains. "You can also establish a dedicated 'game master' to answer any questions guests may have."

Choose prizes carefully

While prizes and rewards can be included in minute-to-win-it games, Charbonier says they needn't be extravagant.

"The winner 'wins a prize, but it doesn't need to be costly," she explains. "At a tech conference, I gave out custom coding challenge medals—the engineers went wild!"

Keep a positive atmosphere

While a little competition is healthy, Roder says that it's important to keep a positive atmosphere as you play these games.

"The adults in the room should discourage trash-talking and be sure to dole out plenty of praise for effort," she explains. "In addition, I think it's a good idea to plan as many games as possible so that every kid has a chance to win at least one of them. This can provide a confidence boost, and it's fun!"

Stay organized

To keep games running smoothly, Charbonier suggests staying organized.

"Use digital timers to track time accurately, set up round-robin formats for participation, and create multiple game stations to reduce waiting times," she says.

She also advises using random team selection to avoid forming cliques.

The benefits of Minute to Win It games

Boost skills and social bonds

According to Len Saunders, an expert in children’s health and wellness, playing minute-to-win-it games is a great way for kids to develop important skills like coordination, balance, speed, agility, and problem-solving.

"Depending on the activity, the children are benefiting by improving their fine motor and gross motor skills, as well as eye-hand coordination," he explains. "When played with other children, they feel like they're part of a group and build a bond with others.  It especially helps those children who are shy but now have an objective to work with a group and build positive relationships."

Teach independence through creativity and problem-solving

"I worked as a physical education teacher for over 40 years, and many of my activities were unstructured because I wanted the kids to learn independence through creativity and problem solving with others," Saunders explains. "This is critical for kids and fosters better cognitive skills in situations when parents and teachers are not around.  It also can improve memory and concentration."

Mood-boosting benefits 

Saunders also mentions that playing minute-to-win-it games can be a great way to help kids manage stress and anxiety.

“Just a quick game can lift a child’s spirits by releasing those feel-good endorphins. This boost in mood might make it easier for them to tackle their homework afterward, easing the stress and worries they’ve built up throughout the day,” he explains.

Emotional regulation

Minute to Win It games are also a fantastic way to help kids learn about managing their emotions.

As Saunders states, “Not everyone can win all the time, so these games teach children how to handle disappointment while also cheering for their friends’ successes. These important social-emotional skills can benefit them in various aspects of life."

Experts

• Amy Vale is a parenting expert and founder of For The Cubs, a company that provides essentials for children.
• Michael Anderson is a licensed professional counselor at Healing Pines Recovery.
• Nicole Roder, LCSW-C, is a DBT therapist and parent coach.
• Len Saunders is an expert in children's health, fitness, and wellness.
• Taryn Parker is a play expert and director of training and curriculum at The Little Gym.