MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR KIDS: BOOST SENSORY-MOTOR SKILLS
Playing fun games with little ones always feels like such a special opportunity to connect. From belly laughs to bonding moments, it’s the little experiences that turn into memories that will last a lifetime. And here’s the thing: you don’t always have to reach for the board games! As fun as those can be, sometimes you want a game that gets kids moving, laughing, and fully engaged.
That’s exactly why I love Minute to Win It games so much! These high-energy challenges add an exciting twist to classic playtime, encouraging kids to think fast, move quickly, and have a blast. And the best part? These games pack in serious developmental benefits!
That’s why in this post, I’ll be sharing all of the best Minute to Win It games for kids. From bouncing balloons to tossing marshmallows, each game is as beneficial as it is exciting. Let’s get to playing!
Minute to Win It Games for Kids: Boost Sensory-Motor Skills
Although these quick-minute challenges aren’t traditional sensory play ideas, they share many of the same elements. Several games below encourage kids to explore different sounds, textures, and even tastes—making them a fun, low-prep way to incorporate sensory input.
Plus, I’ll highlight how beneficial each activity is for your child’s development. This way, you can confidently work them into your routine without feeling like you’re missing out on meaningful learning.
What Is a Minute to Win It Game?
A Minute to Win It game is a fast-paced, fun challenge that you try to complete in 60 seconds or less. And, as you’d assume, they’re equal parts exciting and hilarious! Each challenge can range in difficulty, providing an engaging opportunity for kids at any skill level.
Plus, most (if not all) activities require things you probably already have right at home! Think: plastic cups, paper plates, straws, cotton balls, or spoons. No fancy equipment or expensive grocery trips necessary.
The idea originally sparked from a TV game show with the same name. Contestants had to race against the clock to complete challenges within the time limit, ultimately competing for a cash prize. Now, however, these silly mini games are used by parents, teachers, and therapists everywhere! They’ve become an engaging go-to, perfect for parties, classroom activities, rainy day fun, or thrilling at-home play.
For parents, these games are instant hits because they’re incredibly easy to set up (and clean!). On the other hand, children have endless fun, testing their skills to “beat the clock.” You can play most games solo, in teams, or head-to-head with siblings or friends.
And here’s MY favorite part… While little ones are laughing and getting their wiggles out, they’re also working on things like coordination, sensory processing, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness—without even realizing it!
It’s a total playtime win. Although these challenges may be quick, the benefits (and the memories) are forever!
What Are the Best Minute to Win It Games for Kids?
Fun Minute to Win It Games for Kids That Build Coordination
Stack Attack
Using plastic cups, have your child build a simple cup pyramid. (You can help or do it for them if needed!) Once the pyramid is complete, challenge them to unstack it by sliding the cups down diagonally and restacking them into a single tower.
Adjust the number of cups based on your child’s age and ability—fewer cups for littles, more cups for older kids. This game is fantastic for fine motor skills, patience, and hand-eye coordination!
Cotton Ball Scoop
For this activity, you’ll place two bowls on a table—one full of cotton balls and one without. Next, blindfold your child and hand them a spoon. If you’re playing with littles, you can skip the blindfold part!
Then, challenge your child to move the cotton balls into the empty bowl and see how many they can score! This activity is amazing for promoting bilateral coordination in older kids,and hand dominance in younger ones.
Penny Tower
This game is easy to understand and pretty straightforward, making it a great option for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kiddos. Just place a bowl of (clean) pennies in front of your child, and ask them to stack as many as they can.
For a twist, have them only use one hand! Stacking coins is actually a great way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Baby Rattle
Think of this as the chaotic cousin of a sensory calming bottle—but way more exciting! Instead of soothing kids, this activity promotes sensory development through sound and movement. To set it up, fill one empty bottle with gumballs, and then tape a second empty bottle on top.
They should be lid to lid, creating a “shaker.” Challenge your kids to shake the gumballs from one end to the other as fast as they can!
High-Energy Minute to Win It Games That Burn Off Energy
Junk in the Trunk
First, glue an empty tissue box (with the plastic removed) to a scarf or belt, keeping the opening facing outward. Next, fill the box with 6 to 8 ping pong balls, then strap it to your child’s waist.
The goal? Shake all the balls out using different body movements. It’s a fun method for targeting gross motor skills, and a sensory-friendly way to get the wiggles indoors!
Dizzy Mummy
For this activity, have your child tuck the end of a toilet paper roll under their arm. Next, set a timer or play 60 seconds of a song, and ask them to spin to unroll the entire roll. Here’s the catch: they have to keep their arms straight, and they can’t break the toilet paper! Spinning is actually fantastic for the vestibular system, supporting abilities like balance and spatial orientation.
Egg Dance
This game is traditionally played using real eggs, but I recommend using a plastic egg for mess-free fun. Simply grab two plastic trays and place one plastic egg on top of each. Then, while playing 60 seconds of your child’s favorite song, challenge them to dance without dropping the eggs. This is an excellent full-body motor task that kids will love!
Ka-Broom (Kid-Friendly Version)
Start by placing paper plates on the edge of the table and putting a marshmallow in the center of each. The plate should slightly hang over the edge. Then, place a large bowl a few feet away from the table. On “Go!”, kids will tap the edge of the plate to launch the marshmallow into the air. The goal? For each marshmallow to make it into the bowl! It’s a fantastic way to work on cognitive processing, gross motor skills, and problem-solving.
Breath and Face-Control Games for Kids
Cookie Face
This is a classic game that always gets the giggles going. Plus, kiddos get a small sweet treat, too! Simply place a cookie on your child’s forehead and challenge them to move it into their mouth only using facial muscles—no hands allowed!
If they drop the cookie, start over. This game is completely safe for children of all ages. Feel free to swap out snacks based on age, preference, or allergens!
Pom-Pom Blow
Set up a line of pom-poms on the table—bonus points if you use different colors! Then, challenge your little one to blow the pom-poms to the other side of the table only using a straw. You could even add a “finish line” to make the game feel more interactive and exciting! This is a fantastic way to practice breath control, which is essential for speech and self-regulation.
Games That Improve Visual Tracking and Spatial Awareness
Defying Gravity
If your little ones enjoyed my indoor balloon tennis activity, then they’ll love this one! It’s super easy to set up and perfect for kids of all ages. Simply set a timer (or play a favorite song for 60 seconds), and challenge your children to keep the balloon from touching the ground.
If the balloon falls, reset the timer and try again! Fostering gross motor skills and balance through physical activity, this game is as fun as it is beneficial.
Wet Ball
This game can get a little messy, so consider moving outdoors for a second! Start by placing yarn or string at the edge of a table to act as the “finish line.” Then, place a balloon on the opposite end—this is where your little one(s) will stand.
After that, hand them a spray bottle full of water and challenge them to spray the balloon until it crosses the finish line. For a fun two-player version, the first to get their balloon across the line wins!
Team-Based Minute to Win It Games for Kids
Hoop de Loop
For this activity, set up a series of soda bottles (I recommend sticking to about 3 or 4). Next, have little ones take turns rolling the hula hoop towards the bottles.
The goal is to have the hoops land around each bottle within 60 seconds. To make this easier, feel free to remove each bottle after your kids have landed the hula hoop around it! You can also play this activity outdoors if you’re limited on space inside.
Marshmallow Toss
Believe it or not, this marshmallow toss game is actually considered a team-based STEM activity! Not only does it enhance teamwork and communication skills, but it also teaches time management. Simply place two cups onto a table—you can tape them down to make it easier.
With both players standing a couple of feet away from the table, have them toss mini marshmallows into their separate cups. Then, whoever lands the most marshmallows in their cup at the end of the round wins!
Ping Tac Toe
This fun twist on tic-tac-toe swaps pencils for ping pong balls! To set it up, fill 9 cups with water and arrange them in a 3 by 3 grid. Make sure both kiddos pick a different color ball! Then, each player takes a turn tossing ping pong balls into the cups.
Whoever gets three in a row—across, down, or diagonally—wins! This challenge is such a fun and playful way to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Enhance playtime with these kid-friendly Minute to Win It Games!
Sensory exploration may not always look like chia slime and art activities—and that’s okay! Mixing things up is the best way to keep little ones engaged and support their sensory development in fresh, playful ways. Plus, each challenge provides children with an opportunity to explore their senses through movement, sound, and problem-solving—all while having fun!
If you’re looking for other exciting ways to enrich playtime, order our new book, Playful by Design! This guide is all about transforming your home into a place of creativity, connection, and self-directed play. This means thoughtfully planned spaces, fewer toys, and more time for you to catch your breath.
Don’t forget to head to the Mothercould blog! Here you can find endless sensory activities, plenty of kid-friendly recipes, and cleaning hacks you’ve probably spent hours searching for. (Trust me, I get it!) Also, make sure to jump in and join Mothercould In Your Pocket. As soon as you get started, you’ll receive instant access to activity packs, helpful how-to guides, and easy-to-follow play recipes!
