Memorial Day – Minute To Win It Games

Memorial Day provides a fantastic opportunity to gather with friends and family to honor those who have served while engaging in fun activities. Here are ten unique “Minute to Win It” games perfect for your Memorial Day celebration, adding a dash of friendly competition and laughter to your gathering.

1. Patriotic Ping Pong

Patriotic Ping Pong is a fun, spirited game that combines the challenge of ping pong ball tossing with a touch of patriotic flair, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Here’s how you can set up and play this engaging game:

Materials Needed:

• Ping-pong balls (preferably white for better visibility)
• Plastic cups
• Red, white, and blue food coloring
• A large table or a flat surface
• Timer or stopwatch

Setup:

• Prepare the Cups: Begin by arranging the plastic cups in a star shape on your table or chosen surface. The size of the star can be adjusted based on the space available and the difficulty level desired. Use an equal number of cups for each point of the star.
• Color the Water: Fill each cup with a small amount of water. To stick with the patriotic theme, dye the water in some red and some blue cups and leave the rest plain, or make them white by adding a drop of milk or white food coloring if available. Arrange the cups so that the colors are evenly distributed throughout the star.
• Team Formation: Divide players into teams. Each team should be assigned a color (red, white, or blue) corresponding to the cup colors. Players can rotate through colors or play in rounds if there are more than three teams.

Rules of the Game:

1. Taking Turns: Teams take turns trying to bounce ping pong balls into the cups from a designated distance. Each player gets a chance to throw three balls per turn.
2. Scoring Points: A point is scored each time a ping pong ball lands in a cup of the team’s color. Balls landing in the wrong color cup do not count and can optionally be given negative points to add a layer of strategy.
3. Timing the Game: Set the timer to one minute. Each team has one minute per round to score as many points as possible. Make sure all players get an equal number of turns within the minute.
4. Winning the Game: At the end of the minute, count the number of balls in the correctly colored cups. The team with the most balls in their designated color cups wins the round. You can play as many rounds as you like, and the team with the most rounds won at the end can be declared the ultimate Patriotic Ping Pong champion!

Additional Tips:

• Encourage players to stand at least a few feet away from the table to increase the challenge.
• Consider playing festive music in the background to enhance the patriotic atmosphere.
• Have extra ping pong balls on hand, as they can bounce away and get lost during the game.

2. Flag Folding Race

The Flag Folding Race is designed to combine the importance of respecting the American flag with the fun and competitiveness of a timed race. Participants compete to fold the flag accurately and quickly, adhering to the United States Flag Code. This activity tests skill and teamwork and instills a sense of reverence and national pride associated with the American flag, making it a meaningful addition to Memorial Day events or any patriotic celebration.

Materials Needed:

• Standard-sized American flags (one per participant or team)
• A stopwatch or timer
• Tables or flat surfaces for folding
• Judges (optional but recommended for accuracy)

Solo Variant Instructions:

1. Each participant starts with an unfolded flag placed on a table in front of them. The flag should be fully extended and lying flat.
2. Participants begin folding the flag on the signal to start (a whistle, bell, or verbal command). Timing starts simultaneously for all participants.
3. Participants must follow the traditional flag-folding protocol:

• Fold the flag in half lengthwise, ensuring the stripes are aligned.
• Fold it in half lengthwise again, keeping the blue star field on the outside.
• Start from the striped end and make triangular folds until only a triangle of star-studded blue field is visible and the entire length of the flag is folded.

Finishing the Task:

1. The race ends when a participant finishes folding the flag into a triangular shape. The participant must then signal their completion by stepping away from the table.
2. The winner is determined based on speed and accuracy. If judges are present, they will confirm that the flag is folded correctly according to the official protocol. The fastest participant with an accurately folded flag is declared the winner.

Team Variant Instructions:

1. Form teams of two to four participants. Each team is given one flag to fold.
2. The race starts with the team standing behind a designated line at their table. On the start signal, the first team member rushes to the table to make the first fold. They then return to tag the next team member performing the next fold.
3. Team members take turns making each fold. They must tag the next member before that person can proceed to make the next fold. This continues until the flag is completely folded.
4. Similar to the solo variant, the team that folds the flag correctly and in the shortest time wins. Judges, if present, will verify the accuracy of the folding.

Considerations:

• Ensure all participants understand the importance of respecting the flag throughout the race.
• Before the race, provide a demonstration or instructional session to ensure everyone knows the proper folding technique.

3. Star-Spangled Ballon Pop

Star-Spangled Balloon Pop is an exhilarating and active game that promises loads of fun and a dash of competitive spirit! This game is not just about popping balloons and racing against time; it’s a fantastic way to engage in physical activity and enjoy collective play. So, gather your balloons, set your timer, and prepare for a popping party!

Materials Needed:

• Multiple balloons (preferably in red, white, and blue to stick with the theme).
• Small pieces of paper.
• A marker.
• A timer or stopwatch.

Setup:

• Before inflating the balloons, write different numbers of stars on small pieces of paper. These stars represent the points each player will earn. You can vary the number of stars between 1 to 5 to keep the game exciting.
• Place a piece of paper inside each balloon.
• Inflate the balloons and scatter them around the playing area.

Objective:

• The game’s goal is to collect as many stars as possible within one minute.

How to Play:

1. At the start signal, all players rush to pop as many balloons as possible by sitting on them. Only this method must be used to keep the game fair and fun!
2. Once a balloon pops, the player retrieves the piece of paper inside and pops the next balloon.
3. Continue popping balloons and collecting stars until the timer goes off.

Scoring:

• When the time is up, each player counts the number of stars they have collected.
• The player with the most stars is declared the winner!

Tips for a Great Game Experience:

• Ensure ample space for players to move around safely without bumping into each other or other objects.
• Consider having multiple rounds or dividing players into teams for larger groups to ensure everyone gets a turn.
• You can adjust the time limit based on the age and skill level of the players to make the game more or less challenging.

4. Liberty Bell Ring

Liberty Bell Ring is a fun and engaging game for team events, parties, or family gatherings. This game is about luck, precision, and teamwork. It’s a great way to add excitement to any gathering and engage participants in a friendly and competitive activity. Enjoy the game, and may the best team ring true!

Materials Needed:

• Multiple bells of various sizes (the more varied, the better). Ensure each bell has a distinct handle that rings can loop over
• Several plastic or rubber rings that can comfortably fit around the handles of the bells

Setup:

• Arrange the Bells: Place the bells at different distances from a designated throwing line. Arrange them so that the smaller or more challenging bells, worth more points, are farther away. Ensure enough space between each bell to avoid rings hitting multiple bells.
• Assign Point Values: Assign point values to each bell based on difficulty. For example, a small bell far from the line might be worth 10 points, while a larger bell closer to the line might be worth 3 points. Clearly mark these points next to each bell so all players can see.
• Prepare the Playing Area: Mark a clear throwing line on the ground. All players must throw their rings from behind this line. Provide a basket or container for holding the rings at the throwing line.

Rules:

1. Form Teams: Divide players into teams. Each team can have an equal number of participants to ensure fairness.
2. Game Play: Each team takes turns throwing their rings at the bells. Each player can throw one ring at a time but must retrieve their ring after each throw or have a team member do so. The game continues until every player has had a chance to throw.
3. Timing: Teams have one minute per round to throw their rings. Use a stopwatch or a timer to keep track of time. After one minute, count the scores based on how many rings successfully landed around the bell handles.
4. Scoring: At the end of the minute, calculate each team’s score by adding points from all the rings that landed on the bells. Rings must be fully around the handle to count.

Winning the Game:

• The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins. You can play multiple rounds and keep a tally of scores across the rounds for a longer game.

Tips:

• Encourage strategy among teams, such as aiming for high-value bells to maximize points.
• Ensure fair play by having an impartial judge watch the throws to decide if a ring properly scores.

5. Memorial Memory Game

The Memorial Memory Game serves as a fun and competitive activity and a tool for reflection and education on the importance of Memorial Day. It encourages participants to remember and respect the sacrifices made by military personnel while engaging in a spirited game of memory and learning. This game is perfect for family gatherings, school events, or community celebrations on Memorial Day.

Objective:

• The Memorial Memory Game tests memory skills while helping players learn and honor the symbols associated with Memorial Day, such as flags, poppies, and eagles. This engaging and educational game can be played in teams or individually, making it a versatile activity for Memorial Day gatherings.

Materials Needed:

• 20-40 cards (depending on the desired game difficulty) with pairs of images related to Memorial Day. Each pair should have identical images.
• A timer or stopwatch.
• A flat surface to lay out the cards.

Setup:

• Create the Cards: If you do not have pre-made Memorial Day-themed memory cards, you can easily create them using cardstock or sturdy paper. Print or draw symbols like American flags, poppies (a symbol of remembrance), eagles, the National War Memorial, and other relevant images. Ensure there are two of each image.
• Prepare the Playing Area: Shuffle the cards thoroughly to randomize the pairs. Lay them out face down in a grid pattern on your chosen surface. The layout can be adjusted based on the number of cards (e.g., 5×4, 6×7).

Rules and Gameplay:

1. Forming Teams: Divide players into teams of equal numbers. If playing individually, you can skip this step.
2. Game Start: Decide the order of teams or players. The first team starts the timer and begins their turn.
3. Taking Turns:

• A team or player has one minute to turn over two cards at a time on each turn.
• If the cards match, they are removed from the play area, and the team/player continues with their turn, flipping two more cards.
• If the cards do not match, they are returned to their original positions, and the next team/player takes their turn.
• The process repeats until all pairs have been matched or the game time set beforehand runs out.

Winning the Game:

• The winner is the team or player who matches the most pairs by the end of the game. In case of a tie, a sudden-death round can be played with fewer cards to determine the winner.

6. Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt

This Red, White, and Blue Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic way to add energy and enjoyment to your party, fostering teamwork and friendly competition among your guests. Enjoy the game!

Materials Needed:

• Small items or tokens in red, white, and blue. These can be anything from colored ribbons, marbles, plastic toys, or even themed objects that fit the occasion (such as stars for a Memorial Day party).

Setup:

• Gather the items and ensure you have a balanced number of them for each color to keep the game fair.
• Before your guests arrive, hide these items around the party area. This can include both indoor and outdoor spaces, depending on your venue. Be creative with your hiding spots—under chairs, behind cushions, within plant pots, or tucked on window ledges are all fair game. Just ensure the items are visible enough to be found without difficulty.

Team Formation and Rules:

• As your guests arrive, divide them into three teams, assigning each team one of the colors: red, white, or blue. Try to balance the teams regarding age and physical mobility, especially if you have a diverse group of guests. Provide each team with a small bag or container to collect their items.

Explain the rules to your guests:

• Teams have exactly one minute to find and collect as many items as their assigned color as possible.
• Only items of their assigned color count towards their final tally.
• Items must be placed in their team’s container before the time runs out to count.
• No sabotaging other teams by hiding or moving already visible items.

Starting the Game:

1. Use a loud whistle or a bell to signal the start and end of the game. Watch the fun unfold once you start the timer as teams scramble to find their items. Encourage cheerfulness and fair play.
2. When the minute is up, signal all players to stop immediately. Have each team count the number of items in their container. The team with the most items of their color wins the game. 

Additional Tips:

• Consider having multiple rounds with different hiding spots for larger groups to keep the game exciting and inclusive for everyone.
• If playing with young children, ensure the items are age-appropriate and the hiding spots are safe.
• To add a twist, consider assigning points to different items. For example, larger or more uniquely shaped items could be worth more points.

7. Patriotic Puzzle Rush

Patriotic Puzzle Rush is a fun, engaging, competitive game that tests speed, focus, and puzzle-solving abilities. It’s perfect for gatherings where guests enjoy quieter yet intense competitions. Whether it’s a family game night or a Fourth of July party, this game will surely bring excitement and a bit of patriotic flair to the event.

Materials Needed:

• Small Puzzles

Setup:

• To begin, you will need to either create or purchase small puzzles that feature American flags or other patriotic scenes. These puzzles should be relatively simple, containing around 50-100 pieces to ensure that they can feasibly be completed within a minute by a skilled player. Consider participants’ ages and skill levels when selecting the puzzles to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.

Rules:

1. Objective: The game aims to complete the puzzle as quickly as possible. The ideal goal is to finish within one minute.
2. Starting the Game: Each player should have a puzzle of equal difficulty. Use a flat surface for each participant to work on.
3. Timing: Use a stopwatch or a timer to keep track of time. Each player starts at the same time. On the count of three, start the timer and begin assembling the puzzle.
4. Gameplay: Players work individually on their puzzles. The first player to correctly complete their puzzle shouts, “Done!” and stops their timer.
5. Verification: Once a player declares they are finished, quickly check their puzzle for accuracy. All pieces must be correctly placed with no gaps.
6. Scoring: The player who completes their puzzle correctly in the shortest time is the winner. If no one finishes within a minute, the player with the most pieces correctly placed when the timer goes off is the winner.

Tips for Success:

• Preparation: Practice with similar puzzles before the game to improve speed and technique.
• Focus: Since the game is timed, staying focused is important. Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the puzzle.
• Strategy: Develop a plan, such as starting with the edges and corners and then filling in the central pieces. Identifying patterns and colors can also help speed up the process.

Enhancements:

• Variations: Increase the puzzle complexity or reduce the time limit for an added challenge. You can also have multiple rounds, with the puzzles getting harder each round.
• Teams: Consider playing in teams where each member contributes to the same puzzle. This can be an excellent way for players to improve their communication and teamwork skills.
• Rewards: Offer small prizes for the winners to raise the stakes and add excitement to the game.

8. Soldier’s Boot Camp Obstacle Course

Soldier’s Boot Camp Obstacle Course encourages physical fitness and promotes teamwork and healthy competition. Ensure participants warm up before starting to prevent injuries, and most importantly, have fun!

Materials Needed:

• A stopwatch or timer to keep track of the time
• Hurdles or similar items that can be safely jumped over (e.g., cones or soft barriers)
• Rope for crawling under

Objective:

• The objective of the “Soldier’s Boot Camp” game is for teams to complete a mini obstacle course as quickly as possible, ideally within a minute. This game is designed to be a fun and energetic way to engage in physical exercises reminiscent of a soldier’s training regimen.

Setup:

1. Space Requirement: First, ensure you have a safe, open area—outdoors or in an ample indoor space. A flat grassy field or a gymnasium are ideal locations.
2. Equipment: Gather the necessary materials for each obstacle.

Course Layout:

• Start Line: Mark this clearly on the ground.
• Obstacle 1: Rope Crawl – Lay a rope flat on the ground, stretched to at least 10 feet. The rope should be elevated slightly by cones or small posts, about a foot off the ground.
• Obstacle 2: Hurdle Jumps – Set up three to five hurdles about 3 feet apart. Adjust the height according to the age and fitness level of participants.
• Obstacle 3: Jumping Jacks Station – Designate a small area where participants must complete ten jumping jacks before moving on.
• Finish Line: Mark this clearly beyond the final obstacle.

Rules:

1. Teams: Participants are divided into teams. Each team should have an equal number of participants to ensure fairness.
2. Starting Signal: Each team starts the obstacle course on a given signal, one team at a time to avoid collisions.
3. Course Completion: Team members must complete each obstacle in sequence. They must crawl under the rope without touching it, clear all hurdles without knocking them over, and perform all ten jumping jacks.
4. Handoff: After completing the jumping jacks, the first participant tags the next team member, who starts the course from the beginning.
5. Timing: Each team’s time is recorded from the start signal until the last team member crosses the finish line. The goal is to complete the course in under one minute per participant.
6. Safety: Ensure all participants know the need to perform activities safely. Provide safety instructions before starting, and consider having a first aid kit nearby.
7. The team that completes the course in the shortest time wins the game.

9. Minute March

Minute March is a fun and engaging game that combines physical activity with a touch of mental focus. The objective is simple yet challenging: participants must march in place to keep a book balanced on their heads for as long as possible.

Materials Needed:

• Books

Prepare Your Space and Equipment

• First, ensure you have a clear and safe space to play. An indoor area with a flat floor is ideal. Each participant will need a book. Choose a book that’s a reasonable size and weight for balancing on the head, as this represents knowledge and respect for history.

Understand the Rules

• The rules are straightforward. Each player places a book on their head. Participants must begin marching in place when the game starts, lifting their knees as high as possible. The goal is to keep the book balanced on your head while marching. If the book falls, you are out of the game.

Gameplay:

1. Line up all participants at the starting line in the designated play area. Everyone places their chosen book on their head. On the count of three, everyone begins marching in place. It’s important to start at the same time to keep the competition fair.
2. As you march, maintain a steady pace and keep your movements smooth to avoid dislodging the book. Lift your knees high to increase the challenge, and use your arms to help maintain balance if necessary. Keep your head level and your eyes forward, and stay relaxed.
3. The game continues until only one person who has not dropped their book remains. This person is declared the winner. If playing multiple rounds, consider increasing the difficulty using a heavier book or having participants speed up their marching after a specific time interval.

Safety Tips:

• Make sure the play area is free of obstacles and hazards.
• Use books that are not too heavy to avoid any injury in case they fall.
• Encourage players to wear comfortable clothing and shoes to facilitate easy movement.

10. Veteran’s Victory Lap

Veteran’s Victory Lap is more than just a race; it celebrates teamwork, respect, and community spirit. Enjoy the game, and may the best team win!

Materials Needed:

• Small American flags, one for each team.
• A stopwatch or timer.
• Cones or markers to designate the start/end points.

Setup:

• Form Teams: Divide players into teams of equal numbers. Each team should ideally have between 4 to 6 members.
• Race Course: Set up a clear racing track using cones or markers. The length of the course can be adjusted based on the available space, but typically, a 100-meter lap is sufficient.
• Task Stations: Designate a specific area along the track where the tasks will be performed. Depending on the complexity you want to add, you can have one task station or multiple stations.

Tasks:

Choose simple tasks that can be quickly completed. Examples include:

• Spinning around five times.
• Hopping on one foot ten times.
• Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
• A puzzle or riddle to solve.

Rules:

1. Start of the Race: Each team lines up at the starting line. The first member of each team holds an American flag.
2. Running the Lap: On the signal, the first participant runs towards the task station while holding the flag.
3. Completing the Task: Once they reach the task station, they must complete the assigned task while holding the flag.
4. Passing the Flag: After completing the task, the participant returns to the start/end line and passes the flag to the next teammate.
5. Continuation: The next participant runs to the task station, completes the task, and runs back.
6. Finish: The relay continues until all team members have completed their part. The first team to have their final participant cross the finish line within a minute wins the race.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure all participants understand the tasks and rules before starting the race.
• Consider having a referee or multiple judges ensure tasks are completed correctly.
• Encourage teams to cheer each other on, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fun.

Want to add even more fun to your Memorial Day get together?

Whether planning a party or hosting a holiday, games and activities are a great way to include everyone in an enjoyable time together. Themed team names are essential for our Swell family’s planning of an upcoming event. We enjoy having a list of themed team names before the event to help inspire teams or just be used right off the list. Check out our list of patriotic team names here!

May all your adventure be SWELL!