45 Quick and Exciting Minute to Win it Games for Kids

Hi, I’m Emma, and I’m excited to share some of the best Minute to Win It Games for Kids that will bring energy and excitement to any gathering! These games are fast-paced, easy to set up, and packed with fun, making them perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a school event, or a fun family game night, these challenges will keep everyone entertained with laughter and friendly competition.

One of the best things about Minute to Win It Games is that they require minimal supplies—most can be played using household items. Plus, they’re designed to be completed in just 60 seconds, making them ideal for short attention spans and keeping the excitement level high. These games encourage kids to be active, think quickly, and enjoy friendly challenges without needing complicated rules or expensive materials.

Minute to Win it Games for Kids

Minute to Win It Games for Kids are fast, fun, and easy-to-set-up challenges perfect for parties and game nights. These exciting 60-second games keep kids engaged with simple rules and lots of laughter!

Face the Cookie

In this hilarious challenge, kids must move a cookie from their forehead to their mouth—without using their hands! It’s a test of patience, balance, and funny facial expressions.
How to Play: Each child places a cookie on their forehead. Using only facial movements, they must work the cookie down to their mouth. If the cookie falls, they must start over. The first to eat their cookie wins!

 

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• Use a dry cookie like an Oreo for better sliding.
• Encourage kids to tilt their heads and use slow movements.
• Keep extra cookies nearby in case one falls.
• Make it a race to see who finishes first!

Stack Attack

Kids must stack and unstack 36 plastic cups into a pyramid as fast as possible before time runs out.
How to Play: Each player starts with a stack of cups. They must build a pyramid and then collapse it back into a single stack before the timer runs out. If the tower falls, they must rebuild quickly. The fastest to complete the cycle wins!

• Use lightweight plastic cups to avoid collapses.
• Teach kids to stack with both hands for speed.
• If the tower falls, they must rebuild quickly!
• Have a backup set of cups in case of breakage.

Junk in the Trunk

Attach an empty tissue box filled with ping pong balls to a kid’s waist—they must shake until all balls fall out!
How to Play: Strap a tissue box (with a cut-out bottom) filled with balls to each child’s waist. Without using their hands, they must jump, wiggle, and dance to shake all the balls out. The first one to empty their box wins!

• Secure the box tightly with a belt or string.
• Have kids jump, twist, or dance to empty it.
• Limit jumping if playing indoors to avoid accidents.
• Count how many balls remain for a tiebreaker.

Defying Gravity

Kids must keep three balloons in the air for 60 seconds using only their hands.
How to Play: Each child gets three balloons. They must continuously tap the balloons to keep them from touching the ground. If a balloon drops, they’re out! Increase difficulty by adding more balloons or limiting hand usage

• Choose lightweight balloons for easier control.
• Set a rule—no holding or catching the balloons!
• Make it harder by adding more balloons.
• Play outdoors for extra space.

Spoon Relay

Kids must carry small candies on a spoon and race to drop them into a cup without using their hands.
How to Play: Players balance a candy on a spoon and walk to a target cup. If they drop the candy, they must start over. The team that transfers the most candies within the time limit wins!

• Use large spoons for younger kids, teaspoons for older ones.
• Make them walk heel-to-toe for extra challenge.
• If they drop the candy, they must go back to the start.
• Play in teams for more excitement.

Marshmallow Toss

One child throws mini marshmallows, while another catches them in a cup or mouth!
How to Play: Pairs stand a few feet apart. The thrower tosses marshmallows, and the catcher tries to grab them using a cup or their mouth. After 10 throws, the team with the most caught marshmallows wins!

 

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• Use a plastic cup for an easier catch.
• Start close and increase the distance gradually.
• Give each pair 10 marshmallows to score the most points.
• For a cleaner game, provide spoons instead of hands.

Cupcake Tower

Stack mini cupcakes as high as possible without them falling over.
How to Play: Each child gets a set of mini cupcakes and must stack them into the tallest tower possible. If the tower collapses, they must start over. The highest stable tower at the end wins!

• Use a flat, stable surface.
• Let kids try different stacking methods.
• Set a minimum height to win.
• Reward kids with cupcakes at the end!

Ping Pong Bounce

Bounce a ping pong ball into a set of cups arranged on a table.
How to Play: Players take turns bouncing a ball off the table and into cups. Each cup is worth points based on distance. The player with the highest score at the end wins!

• Use a flat, smooth surface for bouncing.
• Adjust cup distances for different skill levels.
• Give extra points for hitting smaller cups.
• Add water to cups to prevent bouncing out.

Hula Hoop Hop

Kids must jump in and out of a hula hoop a set number of times before time runs out.
How to Play: Each child starts with a hula hoop on the ground. They must jump in and out as many times as possible within 60 seconds. To increase difficulty, they can also spin the hoop around their waist!

• Use larger hoops for younger kids.
• Have kids spin the hoop around their waist for extra fun.
• Make it a race to see who completes the most hops.
• Play upbeat music to keep energy high!

A Balloon Pop Relay

Kids must pop a balloon by sitting on it before passing the turn to the next teammate.
How to Play: Each player races to sit on and pop a balloon before tagging the next teammate. The first team to pop all their balloons wins! For extra fun, place small prizes inside the balloons.

• Use slightly under-inflated balloons for easier popping.
• Have kids wear soft pants to prevent slipping.
• Play on a carpeted surface for safety.
• Keep extra balloons in case of duds.

Puzzle Race

Kids must complete a simple jigsaw puzzle before the timer runs out.
How to Play: Each child gets a puzzle with mixed-up pieces. They must work as fast as possible to complete it before time runs out. The fastest finisher wins!

• Use puzzles with fewer pieces for younger kids.
• Mix up pieces beforehand to increase difficulty.
• Allow teamwork for larger puzzles.
• Keep an extra puzzle in case of missing pieces.

Memory Match

Players must flip over cards to find matching pairs as quickly as possible.
How to Play: Cards are placed face down. Players take turns flipping two at a time, trying to find pairs. The player with the most matches at the end wins!

• Use themed cards for added fun (animals, superheroes).
• Limit the number of flips to increase difficulty.
• Let kids play in pairs for teamwork.
• Reward the child who finds the most pairs.

Word Scramble

Unscramble a set of mixed-up letters to form words before time runs out.
How to Play: Each child gets a scrambled word or set of letters. They must form as many correct words as possible before time runs out. The player with the most words wins!

• Use simple words for younger kids.
• Provide hints for tricky words.
• Let kids work in teams to solve faster.
• Offer bonus points for longer words.

Water Cup Race

Kids must transfer water from one cup to another using only a sponge.
How to Play: Players soak a sponge in water and run to squeeze it into another cup. The player who fills their cup first or transfers the most water in 60 seconds wins!

• Use small sponges for an added challenge.
• Play outdoors to avoid spills.
• Add colored water to make it more fun.
• Time each round to track improvements.

Spray Bottle Shootout

Kids use a spray bottle to move a lightweight object across a table.
How to Play: Each child uses a spray bottle to push a ping pong ball toward a finish line. The first to get their ball across wins!

• Use ping pong balls for the perfect challenge.
• Fill bottles halfway to prevent over-spraying.
• Set up obstacles for more difficulty.
• Play outside to avoid making a mess.

Dizzy Water Transfer

Kids spin around three times, then try to pour water from one cup to another without spilling.
How to Play: Each child spins, then carefully pours water into a second cup. The one with the most water left after 60 seconds wins!

• Use plastic cups to avoid breakage.
• Mark a fill line to determine success.
• Have a referee to judge spills.
• Provide towels for easy cleanup.

Pencil Flip

Balance a pencil on the back of your hand, then flip it in the air and catch it.
How to Play: Players start with one pencil and increase the number after each successful catch. The player who flips and catches the most wins!

• Start with one pencil and increase difficulty.
• Use different-sized pencils for variety.
• Set a point system based on difficulty.
• Let kids practice before the actual game.

Straw Race

Blow a cotton ball across a table using only a straw.
How to Play: Each child must blow their cotton ball from start to finish using a straw. The first one across the finish line wins!

• Use lightweight cotton balls for easy movement.
• Have kids sit to prevent dizziness.
• Mark a finish line for the race.
• Play in teams for more fun.

Shoe Toss

Flick a shoe off your foot and try to land it in a target area.
How to Play: Players swing one foot to launch their shoe into a marked target zone. The closest or most accurate landing wins!

• Use soft, lightweight shoes.
• Mark target zones with tape for points.
• Allow multiple attempts for fairness.
• Adjust distances based on age.

Pom-Pom Blow

Move a small pom-pom across a table using only your breath.
How to Play: Players blow through a straw to push a pom-pom toward a goal. The first to reach the end wins!

• Use straws for added precision.
• Mark start and finish lines.
• Make it a relay race with teams.
• Reward kids for creativity in technique.

Ping Pong Shake

Bounce a ping pong ball into a bowl using only a spoon.
How to Play: Players use a spoon to bounce a ping pong ball into a target bowl. The first one to make it in wins!

• Use a wide bowl for easier landings.
• Allow three attempts per round.
• Adjust table heights for younger kids.
• Encourage different bouncing techniques.

Cereal Box Puzzle

Cut up the front of a cereal box and have kids put it back together like a puzzle.
How to Play: Each child gets a cut-up cereal box front. They must reassemble it as fast as possible. The first one done wins!

• Use simple designs for younger kids.
• Mix pieces from different boxes for extra challenge.
• Time each attempt for competition.
• Let winners pick their favorite cereal as a prize!

Penny Stack

Kids must stack as many pennies as possible using only one hand.
How to Play: Players must stack pennies one at a time without using their other hand. The highest tower wins!

• Start with 10 pennies and increase as they improve.
• Use a flat surface to avoid tipping.
• Set a rule—no adjusting with the other hand!
• Award points for the tallest stack.

M&M Sorting

Sort a pile of M&Ms by color using only a straw.
How to Play: Players suck M&Ms onto the end of a straw and transfer them to color-coded cups. The fastest sorter wins and gets to eat the M&Ms!

• Use different-sized bowls for sorting.
• Allow teamwork for larger piles.
• Provide a small prize for the fastest sorter.
• Let kids eat their M&Ms after the game!

These Minute to Win It Games for Kids are simple, fun, and guaranteed to create unforgettable memories!

Tips for Hosting a Successful Minute to Win It Game Event

Hosting a Minute to Win It game event is a fantastic way to bring energy, laughter, and friendly competition to any gathering! Whether it’s a birthday party, school event, or family game night, a little planning can ensure everyone has a great time. Here are some key tips to make your event a success.

Age-Appropriate Modifications

Not all kids have the same skill level, so adjusting games for different age groups keeps things fun and inclusive.

• Use larger or softer objects for younger kids (e.g., larger spoons for Spoon Relay).
• Reduce difficulty for younger players by allowing extra time or fewer obstacles.
• For older kids, increase the challenge by adding extra steps or setting stricter rules.
• Offer different game options so kids can choose based on their comfort level.

Making Games Fair for Different Skill Levels

To keep the competition fun and fair, ensure games are balanced for all participants.

• Pair younger kids with older ones in team-based games.
• Adjust the distance, time limits, or number of tries based on skill levels.
• Have alternative ways to win (e.g., best effort or most creative attempt).
• Encourage players to try again if they struggle—everyone deserves a chance to succeed!

Encouraging Teamwork and Fun Over Competition

While some kids love to compete, the focus should be on having fun and enjoying the experience together.

• Create teams to promote cooperation instead of individual rivalry.
• Reward participation and effort, not just winning.
• Use music, cheers, and high-fives to keep the energy positive.
• Remind kids that laughter and trying their best are more important than who wins.

By keeping games fair, fun, and inclusive, your Minute to Win It event will be a hit with kids of all ages!

Prize Ideas for Winners

Prizes add extra excitement to any Minute to Win It event, but they don’t have to be expensive to be fun! Here are some creative and budget-friendly prize ideas that will make winners feel special while keeping the focus on fun and participation.

Small Toys and Stickers

Kids love little rewards they can take home! Consider these fun options:

• Mini puzzles, bouncy balls, or fidget toys
• Themed stickers, temporary tattoos, or glow-in-the-dark stars
• Bubble wands, yo-yos, or small action figures
• Cute erasers, colorful pencils, or novelty keychains

Certificates and Medals

Recognizing effort and participation makes everyone feel like a winner!

• Print out fun certificates with titles like “Fastest Hands” or “Best Team Player”
• Hand out plastic or DIY paper medals for top performers
• Let kids decorate their own “Super Star” certificates for a personal touch
• Offer silly awards like “Most Determined Player” or “Biggest Cheerleader”

DIY Trophies or Ribbons

Make your own creative prizes for a unique touch!

• Craft trophies using plastic cups, foil, and stickers
• Design fun ribbons with construction paper and markers
• Use printable badges for different categories like “Best Effort” or “Silliest Attempt”
• Let kids help create their own award as a fun activity

No matter what prizes you choose, the key is to celebrate effort, teamwork, and fun—because in Minute to Win It games, everyone wins!

FAQ

What are Minute to Win It Games for Kids?

Minute to Win It games are quick, exciting, and easy-to-set-up challenges that kids must complete within 60 seconds. These games are perfect for birthday parties, school events, and family game nights.

• Most games use common household items like cups, balloons, and spoons.
• The challenges are simple but require speed, balance, or coordination.
• Kids can play individually or in teams for added fun.
• The short time limit keeps the energy high and prevents boredom.

How do you set up a Minute to Win It game?

Setting up these games is super easy, and you don’t need a lot of preparation.

• Choose the games: Pick a mix of skill-based, balancing, and funny challenges.
• Gather materials: Use everyday items like straws, ping-pong balls, and plastic cups.
• Decide on teams or solo play: Some games work best with partners or groups.
• Set a timer: Make sure each game is played within 60 seconds for maximum excitement!

Can Minute to Win It games be played indoors and outdoors?

Yes! These games are flexible and can be played anywhere based on your space and weather conditions.

• Indoor games: Use lightweight objects like marshmallows, balloons, or cotton balls to avoid mess or damage.
• Outdoor games: Incorporate running or water-based challenges for extra fun.
• Small spaces: Modify activities to require less movement, like stacking or balancing tasks.
• Large spaces: Include relay-style games that allow kids to move around freely.

How do I make the games fair for different ages?

Since kids have different skill levels, making the games fair ensures everyone enjoys the competition.

• Adjust the difficulty by increasing or decreasing the number of items used.
• Allow younger kids extra attempts or longer time limits if needed.
• For mixed-age groups, pair younger kids with older teammates.
• Use simpler alternatives for younger players, like bigger objects or slower challenges.

What prizes can I give to winners?

Prizes make the event even more fun, but they don’t have to be expensive!

• Small toys: Bouncy balls, stickers, or mini puzzles.
• Certificates & medals: Printable awards with fun titles like “Fastest Hands!”
• DIY trophies: Make fun awards using paper cups, foil, and markers.
• Silly prizes: Joke gifts like “Champion of Fun” ribbons or “Silliest Player” buttons.

These FAQs will help you plan an amazing Minute to Win It game event that’s fair, fun, and full of energy!