Looking for high-energy, low-prep games that will get your kids moving, laughing, and working together? These quick and easy cup-based games are perfect for large or small groups, small spaces, or in-between moments when you need to burn some energy and build connection. Whether you’re filling time before service, leading a midweek activity, or hosting a special event, these games offer simple materials, easy setup, and tons of fun—all with built-in opportunities for teamwork, friendly competition, and joy-filled interaction.

Ready to play? Let the cup games begin!

Blow Out Cups

Game Overview:
Get ready for some high-energy fun as kids race to blast cups off the table using only balloon power! Two players compete at a time in this fast-paced, laugh-filled game.

Materials Needed:

• 16 plastic party cups
• 1 balloon per child
• 1 large table (big enough to fit two rows of 8 cups side by side)

Setup:

• Line up 8 plastic cups in a straight row for each player (two rows total).
• Position both rows side by side on the table.

How to Play:

• Two kids go head-to-head, each armed with a balloon.
• Players inflate their balloons, then release the air to create a burst of wind strong enough to blow their cups off the table—no touching the cups with their hands!
• The first player to knock all 8 of their cups off the table wins the round.

Keep the Fun Going:

• Repeat the race until every child has had a chance to play.

Stick It on the Bottle

Game Overview:
Ready, set, flip! In this exciting head-to-head challenge, kids race to see who can flip a plastic cup and land it perfectly on top of a water bottle.

Materials Needed:

• 20 plastic cups (10 per player)
• 2 bottles of water
• 1 table (enough space for both bottles)

Setup:

• Place two water bottles on the table, spaced far enough apart for kids to flip cups comfortably.
• Give each child a stack of 10 plastic cups.

How to Play:

• On “Go!”, each player begins flipping their cups one at a time, aiming to land the cup so it covers the top of the water bottle.
• The first player to successfully land a cup on their bottle wins the round!

Optional:

• Repeat with new players or challenge the winners to a championship round!

Build-a-Castle Challenge

Game Overview:
Get ready for a royal race! In this creative cup-stacking competition, kids race head-to-head to see who can build their cup castle the fastest.

Materials Needed:

• 30 plastic cups (15 per player)
• 1 large table with space for two castle builds

Setup:

• Place two stacks of 15 cups on the table—one for each player.

How to Play:

• Two kids go at a time. On “Go!”, they race to stack their cups into a castle-shaped structure.
• The first one to finish building their castle (without it toppling!) wins the round.

Keep the Fun Going:

• Rotate players until everyone has had a chance to compete. Crown the fastest builder if you'd like!

Head, Shoulders, Knees… CUP!

Game Overview:
Get ready for quick reflexes and tons of laughs! Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cup is an energetic, fast-paced game that keeps kids moving and alert. Players pair up and compete to be the first to grab the cup after a series of rapid-fire commands. It’s simple, silly, and super fun—perfect for groups of all sizes!

Materials Needed:

• 1 plastic cup per pair of players
• Space for pairs to stand facing each other
• A caller (leader or adult) to give commands
• Optional: A whistle or bell to signal the start of each round

Setup:

• Form pairs and have each pair kneel or stand facing each other.
• Place a plastic cup on the ground or table between them.
• Designate one person as the caller who will give instructions.

How to Play:

• The caller shouts out body part commands such as “head,” “shoulders,” “knees,” or “toes.”
• Players must quickly touch the correct body part with both hands each time.
• When the caller says “CUP,” both players scramble to grab the cup!
• The first to grab it wins the round.

Keep the Fun Going:

• The winner of each pair advances and finds a new winning partner.
• The losing player can either be eliminated or move to a “waiting to rejoin” line if you're not doing eliminations.
• Continue playing rounds until only one player remains—the ultimate cup champion!