Have you ever had a group of teens to entertain and felt the challenge of finding something that’s engaging, fun, and doesn’t lose their attention in the blink of an eye? I totally get it—keeping teenagers entertained can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, I’ve got something that will have everyone laughing, competing, and begging for more: Minute to Win It games.
These quick, simple, and totally hilarious games are perfect for any teen gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, a game night, or just a random get-together. They are easy to set up, use items you probably have around the house, and most importantly, they’re so much fun. Plus, the competitive nature of these games is just perfect for teens who love a good challenge.
So if you’re ready to see the teens in your life giggle, strategize, and maybe even show off some surprising skills, stick around. Here are 19 awesome Minute to Win It games that are sure to be a hit!
1. Junk in the Trunk
In this game, strap an empty tissue box to each player’s waist using a belt or some string. Fill the box with ping pong balls and get ready for some hilarious moments. The goal is for players to shake their bodies to get all the ping pong balls out of the box within one minute.
Teens love this game because it’s impossible to stay serious. The frantic shaking and dance moves make everyone laugh, and it’s all about movement, which is great for getting those restless teens off the couch.
It’s a great game to break the ice and get everyone moving. The more dramatic the shakes, the more laughs—and that’s what makes it so fun.
2. Face the Cookie
For this game, you’ll need some cookies, preferably something round like Oreos. Each player places a cookie on their forehead and has one minute to maneuver it into their mouth without using their hands. It’s all about working those facial muscles!
This game is hilarious because watching someone try to move a cookie down their face using just their eyebrows and cheeks is a sight to see. It’s challenging but in the most fun way possible.
Plus, it gives everyone a chance to show off their “serious face” as they try not to laugh and drop the cookie. The expressions alone are worth it!
3. Stack Attack
Stack Attack involves grabbing a set of plastic cups—104 cups to be exact. Each player has to build a pyramid with the cups and then take it down into a single stack again, all within one minute.
The pressure of stacking and unstacking while racing against the clock is exhilarating for teens. It’s a mix of speed, focus, and dexterity, and that’s what makes it so engaging.
Teens often get laser-focused while building the pyramid, and it’s thrilling to watch them try not to let the entire structure crash down before time runs out.
4. Ping Pong Bounce
Set up several plastic cups in a triangle formation at the end of a table. Players have to bounce ping pong balls across the table and try to get them into the cups in under a minute.
This game is reminiscent of carnival games, which adds a sense of nostalgia and excitement. The bouncing adds a level of unpredictability, making it a fun challenge for everyone.
It’s a great way for teens to show off their hand-eye coordination skills, and the excitement builds as they start getting the hang of the bounce.
5. Balloon Keep-Up
In Balloon Keep-Up, each player is given three balloons. The objective is to keep all three balloons in the air for one minute—without letting any of them touch the ground.
It sounds easy, but keeping multiple balloons up is surprisingly challenging, and that’s what makes it so much fun. The room quickly becomes chaotic as everyone flails around to keep the balloons up.
The frantic movement and the inevitable collisions make everyone laugh, which makes this a perfect game for getting teens to loosen up and enjoy themselves.
6. Cup Flip Challenge
Players have to flip as many plastic cups as they can from right-side up to upside down using the edge of a table. They’ve only got one minute, so speed and technique are key!
Teens love the Cup Flip Challenge because it’s all about finesse and a bit of luck. It’s so satisfying when you nail the perfect flip, and watching others struggle keeps the competitive energy high.
The thrill of trying to master the cup flip in front of friends brings out everyone’s playful side. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, which makes it the perfect game for a gathering.
7. Noodle Pick-Up
Grab a handful of uncooked spaghetti and some penne pasta for this game. Players must use a single piece of spaghetti held in their mouth to pick up as many penne pasta pieces as possible, threading them onto the spaghetti within a minute.
The challenge is all about precision and patience, which makes it hilarious to watch. Teens have to balance the spaghetti while focusing intensely—the combination often leads to some funny mishaps.
It’s a great mix of silliness and skill, which makes for some really amusing moments, especially as players cheer each other on.
8. Defy Gravity
In this game, players must keep two or three feathers in the air using only their breath. The goal is to keep them afloat for a full minute without letting them fall to the ground.
Teens love the unpredictability of the feathers, as they’re so lightweight and easily moved by the slightest breeze. This adds an extra layer of challenge and fun.
Watching players strategically blow in different directions while trying to keep track of multiple feathers makes for a lot of laughs. It’s harder than it looks, and that’s what keeps everyone hooked.
9. Penny Tower
In Penny Tower, players must stack as many pennies as possible using only one hand in under a minute. The tallest stack at the end wins the game.
This game is deceptively simple, but it’s a true test of steady hands and patience. As the stack gets taller, keeping it from wobbling becomes a serious challenge.
The competitive spirit ramps up as everyone’s hands start to shake and the stacks begin to topple. The suspense of whether the stack will hold makes this game particularly thrilling.
10. Chopstick Race
Players need to transfer as many marshmallows as they can from one bowl to another using only chopsticks—and they have to do it all in under a minute.
This game can be tricky for those who aren’t used to chopsticks, which is what makes it so entertaining. The struggle to grab those marshmallows as the clock ticks down leads to lots of laughter.
It’s a game of focus, and seeing the different techniques people come up with is part of the fun. It’s an excellent game to play in a group, with everyone cheering each other on.
11. M&M Sorter
Players are given a mixed bowl of M&Ms and must sort them by color into separate cups using only one hand. They have one minute to complete the task.
The game is fast-paced, and the pressure of sorting the candy makes it both challenging and exciting. Teens love the combination of speed and competition.
Plus, there’s candy involved, which adds an extra incentive to play! It’s simple but keeps everyone engaged and focused on the task.
12. Pop the Balloon
Each player has to pop as many balloons as they can within a minute by sitting on them. The balloons are scattered around the play area for maximum chaos.
The popping noise, the frantic racing to find the next balloon, and the hilarious sight of everyone jumping onto the balloons make this game an absolute favorite.
Teens love the physical aspect of the game, and the laughter that comes from the popping sounds and the unexpected moments is infectious.
13. Tissue Pull
Players are given a box of tissues and must pull out as many tissues as they can, one by one, using only one hand, in under a minute.
While it sounds easy, it requires a surprising amount of focus to pull each tissue without getting ahead of yourself. The frantic pace quickly becomes hilarious.
Watching players get flustered as tissues start flying everywhere is incredibly entertaining. It’s a simple challenge that brings out everyone’s competitive side.
14. Ping Pong Blow
Set up a few cups in a row on one end of the table, and place a ping pong ball at the starting end. Players must blow the ball into each cup without letting it fall off the table, within one minute.
The game is like a mini obstacle course for your breath, requiring control and precision. Teens love trying to carefully guide the ball into each cup while racing against the clock.
It’s a test of patience and breath control, and the inevitable mistakes lead to lots of laughs. The challenge is harder than it seems, which makes it even more fun.
15. Dizzy Mummy
Each player is given a roll of toilet paper, and they have one minute to wrap a teammate up like a mummy—or they can even wrap themselves if playing solo.
The race to wrap someone completely while avoiding tearing the toilet paper is a ton of fun. The pressure makes everyone laugh as they try to get the perfect wrap.
Teens love the idea of transforming into a mummy, and the silliness of wrapping and being wrapped is what makes this game a favorite.
16. Water Bottle Flip
Players have one minute to flip a half-full water bottle and make it land upright as many times as possible. It’s a classic challenge that never gets old.
The thrill of landing the perfect flip is what keeps teens coming back for more. It’s all about mastering the right amount of force and angle.
The excitement builds as players try to see how many successful flips they can get in a row. It’s a simple but addictive game that everyone loves.
17. Spoon and Ping Pong Balance
Players hold a spoon in their mouth, and the goal is to balance a ping pong ball on the spoon while walking from one end of the room to the other without dropping it.
The suspense of balancing the ball while moving makes this game incredibly entertaining. Teens find it hilarious when the ball inevitably falls.
The competition to see who can go the furthest without dropping the ball adds to the excitement. It’s all about focus and balance, which makes it both challenging and fun.
18. Cup Stack Slide
Line up several plastic cups on the edge of a table. Players use a rubber band to flick the cups off the edge as quickly as possible within one minute.
The game is simple but addictive, bringing out the competitive spirit in everyone. Teens love the challenge of getting that perfect flick to send the cup flying.
The fast-paced nature and the thrill of aiming correctly make this game exciting to play and watch. It’s all about speed and accuracy.
19. Marshmallow Toss
Pair up the players for this game. One partner stands a few feet away holding a cup, while the other has a bag of marshmallows. The goal is to toss as many marshmallows into the cup as possible within one minute.
Teamwork is key, and that’s what makes this game so enjoyable. Teens love coming up with different techniques to get as many marshmallows in the cup as they can.
It’s all about coordination and having fun with a partner. The laughter that comes from the marshmallow misses and catches makes this game a memorable one.
Wrapping It Up
Minute to Win It games are a surefire way to inject some energy and laughter into any teen gathering. They’re easy to set up, require minimal supplies, and best of all, they create tons of funny, memorable moments. Whether you’re looking to break the ice or just want a night filled with silly competition, these 19 games have you covered.
So go ahead, gather those teens, set the timer, and let the games begin! You’ll be surprised at how much fun one minute can bring. If you’ve got a favorite Minute to Win It game that isn’t on this list, be sure to share it—we’re always looking for more fun ways to keep the laughter rolling!