Summer is here—and if your kids are anything like mine, they’re bursting with energy from the moment they wake up. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a neighborhood block party, or just trying to keep everyone entertained on a sunny afternoon, these Summer Minute to Win It Games are your new secret weapon.
They’re quick, silly, and full of laughs—perfect for all ages and super easy to set up with items you probably already have at home!
What Are Summer Minute to Win It Games?
These games are all about completing a task in 60 seconds or less. From bouncing ping pong balls off swim caps to stacking slippery pickles, every game is packed with summer fun and just the right amount of challenge. The best part? They’re quick enough to keep even your littlest players engaged.
You can play solo, go head-to-head, or split into teams for a friendly family showdown.
25 Minute to Win It Summer Games
Here’s a preview of some of the laugh-out-loud games you’ll find in our printable set:
- Watermelon Stack – Stack candies without letting them fall.
- Water Balloon Waddle – Waddle to the finish line with a balloon between your knees.
- Sippin’ Summer – Transfer lemonade using only a straw.
- Scoop It Up – Use a scoop and non-dominant hand to move cotton balls.
- Beach Towel Flip – Flip your towel without stepping off.
- Butterfly Catch – Catch paper butterflies blown by a fan.
- Lemon Roll – Roll lemons with a spoon—no hands!
- Flip Flop Toss – Flip your sandals into a bucket.
- Pickle Stack – Stack pickle slices as high as you can.
- Pass the Pineapple – Use spoons (held in your mouth!) to pass a ball down the line.
- Strawberry Stack – Build a toothpick tower with marshmallows or candy.
- Surfboard Slide – Slide across the floor without falling off.
- Swim Cap Splash – Bounce ping pong balls off your head into a bowl.
- Lollipop Loop – Loop lollipops onto a hanging string using only your mouth.
- Bucket Head – One player tosses, one catches balls in a bucket… on their head!
- Hot Dog Hoopla – Toss rings onto standing hot dog buns.
- Drip Drop – Transfer water with a sponge.
- Ice Cube Race – Balance an ice cube on a spoon while walking laps.
- Palm Tree Pickup – Use chopsticks to move mini palm trees.
- Cone Stack – Stack ice cream cones into a tall tower.
- Straw Tower – Build a tower using only drinking straws.
- Sunglasses Slide – Slide shades onto a target zone.
- Fish Bowl Bounce – Bounce ping pong balls into bowls.
- Banana Balance – Walk with a banana balanced on your head.
- Sun Hat Toss – Toss bean bags into upside-down hats.
Pro Tips for Hosting Your Summer Minute to Win It Challenge
- Prep in advance. Gather your supplies the night before so you’re ready to go.
- Use a phone timer or kitchen timer to keep track of each round.
- Award small prizes like stickers, treats, or “champion of the day” bragging rights.
- Make it a neighborhood challenge! Invite friends or cousins and turn it into a tournament.
More Fun Summer Printables & Activities
Planning more memory-making fun this season? Pair your Minute to Win It games with some of our favorite summer activities:
- Summer Charades – A laugh-out-loud guessing game with sunny twists!
- Summer This or That – The perfect icebreaker game for long car rides or dinner time.
- 25 Fun End-of-School-Year Activities for Families – Celebrate the season shift with intentional, joy-filled ideas.
Why We Love It
Games like these are exactly what we lean on during summer: simple setups, big fun, and tons of belly laughs. They give us a chance to connect without screens or stress—just what summer should be all about.
Whether your crew is competitive or just in it for fun, these games are sure to become a summer tradition.
Let’s Celebrate the Fun Together!
If you end up playing these games, I’d love to see the fun your family is having! Snap a quick pic (even if it’s a little chaotic—we’ve all been there ) and tag me over on Instagram @MicheleTripple. It seriously makes my day to see other families laughing and making memories together.
Let’s Make Summer Memories Together
I know how quickly summer flies by—and how much we all crave simple ways to slow down and truly enjoy it with our families. These Summer Minute to Win It games are just one of those tools I reach for when we need to reset, reconnect, and just laugh together.
So print your set, grab a timer, and get ready for some hilarious, memory-making fun. And remember: the messes, the giggles, and even the dropped bananas are all part of the magic.
Download the Free Printable Game Cards
Make game setup super easy by downloading the complete printable pack!
Download our entire Summer Family Activity Bundle, which includes our Summer Minute to Win It Games!
Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. She is a certified Life Coach with her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer; Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.