Minute to Win It Games for Kids
As a mom who’s seen it all, from endless rounds of “Mom, I’m bored!” to the occasional sibling squabble that rivals a WWE match, I can tell you one thing: finding a game that entertains everyone, from little ones to teens, can feel like discovering buried treasure. But guess what? Minute to Win It games are like that rare gem that keeps everyone engaged, laughing, and asking for more.
If you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, or just looking for a way to keep your crew entertained on a rainy day, these quick and easy games will do the trick. They’re simple, require minimal prep, and best of all, they’re tons of fun. Ready to dive in? Here are some of our family’s favorites, with a sprinkle of mom wisdom to make it all run smoothly.
Minute to Win It Games for Kids and Teens: Quick, Fun, and Full of Laughter!
1. Cookie Face Challenge
How to Play: This one’s a classic and always gets the giggles going. Each player places a cookie on their forehead. The goal? Wiggle that cookie down to your mouth using only your facial muscles, no hands allowed!
Mom’s Tip: Make sure to have extra cookies on hand. Not just for the game, but because if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be eating half of them before you even start.
2. Stack Attack
How to Play: Give each player a stack of 36 plastic cups. The challenge is to stack them into a pyramid and then take them down, all within 60 seconds. It’s trickier than it sounds, especially when those cups start wobbling like a Jenga tower in its final moments.
Mom’s Tip: If you’ve got younger kids, consider reducing the number of cups to make it a bit easier for their smaller hands. And hey, don’t be surprised if a sibling rivalry flares up during this one, it’s all part of the fun!
3. Junk in the Trunk
How to Play: This game is pure silliness. Strap an empty tissue box (with the plastic removed) around each player’s waist, so it sits just above their backside. Fill the box with ping pong balls. The goal? Shake, wiggle, and dance until all the balls fall out!
Mom’s Tip: Make sure you’ve got some fun music playing for this one. The more ridiculous the song, the better! And have your camera ready, trust me, you’ll want to capture these moves.
4. Suck It Up
How to Play: For this game, you’ll need a straw and some small items like M&Ms, Skittles, or mini marshmallows. Each player has 60 seconds to transfer as many of these tiny treats from one plate to another using only a straw. No hands allowed, just good old-fashioned suction power!
Mom’s Tip: To avoid the inevitable sugar rush (and crash), make sure to limit the number of rounds, or prepare for an energy-fueled chaos afterward!
5. Balloon Pop Relay
How to Play: Divide the kids into teams and give each team a balloon. The challenge? They have to run from one end of the room to the other, sit on the balloon, and pop it. Then, they run back to tag the next teammate. First team to pop all their balloons wins!
Mom’s Tip: Younger kids might struggle to pop the balloons by sitting on them, so you could let them use their hands. And for older kids, add a twist by blindfolding them, just make sure the path is clear of any obstacles!
6. Defying Gravity
How to Play: Each player is given three balloons, and the goal is to keep all three in the air for a full 60 seconds. If one touches the ground, they’re out! It’s a game of focus, quick reflexes, and a lot of arm flapping.
Mom’s Tip: Clear some space for this one! You don’t want anyone knocking over your favorite vase (ask me how I know…). Also, consider using different colors for each player’s balloons so there’s no confusion.
7. Marshmallow Toss
How to Play: Pair up the players and give each pair a bag of large marshmallows. One player tosses marshmallows while the other tries to catch them in a cup. The pair with the most marshmallows in the cup at the end of the minute wins.
Mom’s Tip: If you’re playing indoors, use mini marshmallows to avoid sticky situations. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could always let them catch the marshmallows in their mouths, but be ready for some serious sugar excitement afterward!
8. Wrap It Up
How to Play: Each player gets a roll of toilet paper, and the challenge is to wrap a teammate up like a mummy, starting at the feet and going all the way up to the head, within 60 seconds.
Mom’s Tip: Have a couple of extra rolls on hand, just in case. And be prepared for the inevitable “toilet paper fight” that may break out afterward. It’s all in good fun, right?
9. Ping Pong Bounce
How to Play: Set up a table with several empty cups at one end. Each player gets a ping pong ball and has to bounce it on the table, trying to get it to land in a cup. The player who gets the most balls in the cups within 60 seconds wins.
Mom’s Tip: To keep things fair, mark a line on the table where players must bounce their balls from. And yes, it’s okay if they bend the rules a little, this game is all about fun, not perfection.
10. Nose Dive
How to Play: Players dip their noses into a bit of petroleum jelly (or strawberry jelly!) and then use only their nose to pick up cotton balls from one plate and transfer them to another. It’s hilarious to watch and even more fun to play!
Mom’s Tip: Make sure you have some wipes handy, kids will be covered in jelly and cotton balls by the end. And don’t forget to take a group photo afterward, it’s one for the memory books!
Minute to Win It games are a lifesaver for any mom looking to keep kids and teens entertained. They’re quick to set up, adaptable for different ages, and best of all, they get everyone laughing. And let’s face it, laughter is sometimes the best remedy for those days when nothing seems to go right (like when your youngest decides to give themselves a haircut…).
Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family game night, or just need a quick activity to break up the day, these games are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, gather your supplies, set the timer, and let the fun begin!
And remember, don’t sweat the small stuff. If things don’t go exactly as planned, that’s okay. The kids won’t remember the little mishaps; they’ll remember the laughter, the excitement, and the time you spent together. And in the end, that’s what really counts.
