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Summer Minute to Win It Games: Fast, Easy, and Backyard-Approved
Whether you’re planning a BBQ, pool party, camping trip, or just a last-minute neighborhood get-together, these summer Minute to Win It-style games are the ultimate go-to.
They’re quick to set up, easy to explain, and guaranteed to get people laughing (and maybe a little competitive).
The best part? Most of them use stuff you already have lying around—paper plates, plastic cups, pool noodles, etc. No stress, no fancy supplies.
👇 Here are my favorite Summer Minute to Win It games that work for all ages—from kids to grown-ups who swear they’re not competitive (until they are).
1-Water Balloon Toss Race
Pair everyone up. Each team has 60 seconds to toss their balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful throw.
If the balloon pops, they’re out!
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2- Jelly Bean Sort
Use spring-colored jelly beans and a muffin tin.
Kids race to sort by color in under a minute.
So simple, and you can snack afterward!
RELATED: These Summer Trivia Questions Are Sure to Heat Up Your Fun!
3- Flip-Flop Frenzy
Line up empty cups or cans.
Players use a flip-flop to swat a ping pong ball across the table or patio and try to land it in the cup.
Hilarious, chaotic, and SO summer.
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4- Anagram Race
This one’s part of my Summer Game Collection, and it works like a charm for folks of all ages.
Players get 60 seconds to make as many words as they can from the phrase “COOL SUMMER”.
👉 Grab the Summer Anagram Race here
5- Popsicle Stick Tower
Each player has 60 seconds to stack as many popsicle sticks on top of each other as possible—using only one hand.
A fun game of balance and shaky hands!
6- Summer Finish the Phrase Game
I’ve played this at school events and the kids love it.
It’s quick, silly, and perfect to adapt into a race—who can finish the most phrases correctly in 60 seconds?
👉 Summer Finish the Phrase Printable Game
7- Sponge Relay
Soak up water with a sponge, run it across the yard, and squeeze it into a cup.
Keep going until time’s up.
The team with the most water wins.
8- Beach Ball Waddle
Hold a beach ball between your knees and waddle across the yard without dropping it.
Fastest time wins—or set a 60-second timer and race in teams!
8- Summer Trivia
This printable trivia set is a crowd-pleaser—use it as a team game or a speed challenge!
Players try to answer as many questions as they can in under 60 seconds.
Whoever gets the most – wins!
👉 Grab the Summer Trivia Bundle here
9- Egg Roll Challenge
Each player must move a plastic egg across the room using only a spoon in their mouth.
First one to the finish wins!
10- Summer Charades
Adults love this just as much as kids!
I pull out my Summer Charades and turn it into a timed challenge.
You’ve got 60 seconds to get your team to guess as many words as possible.
👉 Summertime Charades Printable Game
11- Pool Noodle Ring Toss
Stick a pool noodle upright in a bucket and toss rings (or paper plates with the centers cut out) over it.
Set a timer and count those ringers.
12- Whipped Cream Challenge
Put a dollop of whipped cream on each player’s plate with a gummy worm hidden inside.
No hands allowed. First one to find it (and eat it) wins!
13- Cup Stack Tower
Classic cup stacking race, but use red, white, and blue cups for a festive summer twist.
Add pool party or BBQ-themed stickers for bonus flair.
14- Water Gun Target Shoot
Set up plastic cups or paper plates as targets and use squirt guns to knock them down.
Whoever knocks down the most in 60 seconds wins!
15- Lemon Roll Race
Each player gets a lemon and has to roll it across the finish line using only a spoon (no hands).
Best played on the patio or sidewalk.
16- Pineapple Bowling
Set up empty soda bottles as pins and use a mini watermelon or pineapple as the ball.
Roll and knock as many over as you can before the timer runs out!
17- Sunscreen Slather Relay
Give each team a bottle of sunscreen and a beach ball.
They have to “apply” a blob of sunscreen and pass the beach ball down the line without using hands.
It’s weird. It’s hilarious. You’ll love it.
Final Thoughts
Summer parties are all about the vibes—laid-back, low-prep, and lots of laughs.
These quick Minute to Win It games are perfect for BBQs, family reunions, or just keeping the kids entertained on a hot afternoon.
Mix in a few printables to make setup even easier, and don’t forget to check out my Summer Game Bundle if you want a done-for-you option that’s ready to go.
👉 Shop Summer Printables Here
👉 Need a snack idea? Grab my most popular BBQ-friendly appetizer recipes here!
