Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.
What’s a minute to win it game?
Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!
How to play minute to win it games
These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.
Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
1. Dice Balance The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!
2. Sticky Situation This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.
3. Cup to Cup Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!
4. Sock the Block Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.
5. Nose Dive The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.
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6. Defying Gravity Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.
7. Wrap It Up A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.
8. Ball Drop Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.
9. Cereal Scramble Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.
10. Movin' On Up Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.
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11.Stack Attack This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.
12. Johnny Applestack How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.
13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!
14. Junk in the Trunk Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.
15. Doughnut Chew A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.
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16. This Blows If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.
17. Chandelier Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.
18. Sponge Run Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.
19. Noodling Around Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!
20. Scoop It Up Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.
21. Card Ninja Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details.
22. Puddle Jumper Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.
23. Penny Hose Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!
24. Nut Stacker It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.
25. Leaning Tower of LEGO Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!
26. Peep Face Game Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.
27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.
28. Penny Tower How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.
29. Cookie Face This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.
30. Keep it Up As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.
31. Go Fish! Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.
32. Ping Pong Toss Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.
33. Spin Doctor As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.
34. State of Fun This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.
35. Gummy Worm Search This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins.
Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
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It doesn’t get much easier than this 5-ingredient taco salad from the food blog, Sweet Phi. If you dare go above the five ingredients feel free to sub in or add your toppings suited to your kiddos’ taste buds. Either way, we promise this turkey taco salad dinner will be one of the easiest and tastiest you’ve ever made.
Ingredients for Turkey Taco Salad
1 lb ground turkey, extra lean
1 cup salsa, divided
6-8 cups romaine (or lettuce of choice)
1 cup tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheese (I use Mexican blend cheese or pepper jack)
Notes from the Chef:
• If making this salad to eat later, cook the ground turkey and salsa, and store it in an air-tight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• This salad is good with both warm or cold ground turkey
• Alternatively you could use slow cooker salsa chicken as a topping (just put salsa and chicken in a crock pot on low for 6 hours and then shred when done).
Method for making Turkey Taco Salad:
1. Pour ½ cup salsa into a large frying pan, add the ground turkey, and cook it, breaking it up as you cook it. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through.
2. In a large bowl (or 4 small bowls) divide out the lettuce.
3. When the turkey is done cooking spoon out on top of the salad, pour the remaining salsa on top of the ground turkey, then add the cheese and tortilla chips (I like to crush some of the tortilla chips as I add them to the top the salad).
Of all the things that should always be in your bag, car, or backpack, a good leak-proof water bottle is on the top of the list. After all, from the classroom to soccer practice, your kids go hard and need lots of hydration. With so many options out there, it’s important to find the best kids water bottles and with that, we mean the leak-proof kind! We looked everywhere and came up with the best picks. See them all below.
The unique triangle grip on this award-winning leakproof water bottle is perfect for tiny hands. Kids making the move from a sippy cup to a big kid bottle will have no problem with the easy-flow silicon straw, the handle makes getting the bottle from the car to class a breeze, and it's available in eight different color combos.
We love Contigo, and this sleek model is one of the reasons why. Available in bright orange or blue, its patented auto-seal lid is 100% leak- and spill-proof. It’s BPA-free and you can even wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher.
For ages 3 and up, this water bottle is the perfect 12oz size for little ones. From school to hikes to around the house, the Kids Wide Mouth Bottle from Hydro Flask goes any and everywhere. Available in 4 colors.
Your beverage of choice will stay cold for hours in this insulated water bottle from EcoVessel. Choose from fun prints like unicorns, butterflies, rockets and more. An inner silicone straw makes drinking easy.
It's so much fun to have their name on their stuff, and Caden Lane delivers. Pick from a ton of fonts and styles so you can match their personal style!
Star Wars is definitely not going anywhere, and each new generation gets to rock new swag. We're loving this classic 17oz water bottle in the style of their favorite droid.
Offered in nine different color combos, this simple but effective water bottle is insulated, easy to clean and easy to carry, making it perfect for active kids.
Small and lightweight, this durable 12 oz. bottle with a soft silicone spout is the natural progression from a sippie configuration. It fits into just about any cup holder, stroller or car seat, and its large-mouth design fits ice cubes and makes cleaning simple. Go with the leak-proof Loop Cap option to prevent spills in lunchboxes or backpacks—or upgrade to the Sport Cap for older toddlers. Baby bottles can even transition to snack canisters with the use of any of Klean Kanteen’s wide caps!
Help your kids stay hydrated with this fun water bottle from Cirkul that combines a flavor cartridge system. With more than 40 flavors to choose from (made with all-natural flavors, no colors or dyes, and zero calories or sugar) and a customizable flavor intensity dial from 1-10, Cirkul is providing a personalized element to water that has never existed before. Customize with your kid's name so that you know it will come home at the end of the day.
Sometimes you feel like sippin’, other times swiggin’. With both a built-in straw and a wide-mouth opening, FreeSip lets you choose (read: best of both worlds). The push-button-open, keep-it-clean lid means you’ll never have to touch the drinking surface. Add to that an integrated carry loop and your choice of vacuum-insulated stainless steel or BPA-free Eastman Tritan plastic and you’ll be good to go—hydrated like a champ.
Pottery Barn Kids
LoveShackFancy Garden Party Slim Damask Water Bottle
Pretty and dishwasher-safe? What can't this Pottery Barn water bottle do? 17oz of hot or cold beverages transport easily thanks to the secure lid and convenient handle.
This vacuum-sealed double-wall water bottle comes in lots of colors. It's dishwasher safe (top rack, please!), plus it's rust-repellent and keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. Choose from 14oz-64oz bottle options!
These water bottles have double-wall insulation to help keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours (or hot for 12 hours). Made from rust-resistant stainless steel, the screw-top lid means no leaks, and it's lightweight so it won't weigh your kiddo's backpack down.
The sleek design of the Welly Bottle traveler means both you and your tween might feel cool sporting it while out and about. The handle makes for easy carrying, plus it's got a removable infuser you can use to add a little flavor to your kids' water. It's double-walled, with vacuum insulation and the bamboo bottom gives it an eco-feel you don't see many places.
The 17 oz. M5 slimmer version of the popular M8. It's a single-wall, stainless steel bottle, with 14 different colors to choose from. You can also choose a color for the twist cap. It's small enough to stash in backpacks or in car seat cup holders, but it's large enough to carry enough H20 to get the kids through the day.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Some of the best Amazon products don’t cost an arm and leg
The only thing better than avoiding a shopping trip with kids in tow is scoring an amazing deal. Thanks to Amazon, you can have both. We discovered the best Amazon products and deals right now (most of them are $5 or less!) that will not only make your life easier but will save you money, too. Now that’s a win. And many of them aren’t even discounted for Prime Day, meaning you’ll be able to take advantage of these deals whenever you need to rebuy.
In the market for kitchen supplies? We’ve got them. Budget beauty goodies? Found those, too. Not sure what? Just scroll our list to find some of the best Amazon products that are so wallet-friendly, you won’t even feel guilty for filling your cart (not that you ever should. But just in case.). Plus, there are several products you can set up subscriptions for and they’ll automatically shipped at an even larger discount. Saving time? Check. Saving money? Check. Check out some of the best and most affordable Amazon items we’re filling our carts with.
This viral lip color has a cult following (thanks to it's neutral-pink hue that's universally flattering and non-sticky formula). Get NYX's Vanilla Cream Pie Butter Gloss for less than $5.
Whether it's hot out (hello, sandals) or cold (dry heel skin catching on your socks—shudder), keeping your feet soft and smooth with these pumice stones is really easy.
It's easy to keep your chips, cookies, and any other edibles fresh! All you have to do is heat the sealer and run it across the top of the bag for an airtight seal.
Your partner wants to hit the hay, but you've just gotten to the good part of the book. Simply pull out this clip-on light, and everyone wins. It's also great for traveling!
How's this for a genius cleaning tool? You can use them on baseboards, and the little brush works wonders in door, window and shower tracks, in corners, and much more. Plus, check out the tiny dust pan.
With plastic straw bans steadily growing across the globe, you won't want to leave home without your reusable straws. With these, you can keep a set at home and put a set in your bag for when you're out and about.
These labels can be used on everything from mason jars to wine glasses, and as a bonus, they're reusable! Kitchen organization has never been this easy.
This handy stuff comes in seven colors and immediately bonds to nylon, mesh, vinyl, rubber and plastic, which is ideal for repairing items like tents, jackets, sleeping bags, water bottles and more. Be sure to pack a roll for your next camping trip.
—Shahrzad Warkentin, Karly Wood, & Kate Cartia
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.
1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.
Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.
5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.
Tantalize your family’s taste buds with this one-pot culinary delight. Cheese, chicken, and pasta make this dish hearty and satisfying, while the spices, tomatoes, and mushrooms balance out the dish’s nutritional needs. Ceri Marsh from Sweet Potato Chronicles gives the details on recreating this simple meal.
Ingredients for One Pot Tomato Chicken:
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp fresh Thyme
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chicken stock (or 1 cup of stock if you don’t have or feel like using wine)
1 x 28 oz can of whole tomatoes
1 cup water
225 grams of dried pasta
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup mozzarella
Method:
1. Warm up your olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken, you may need to work in batches. If you overcrowd the pan you’re going to boil the meat and that’s not what you want! Once all the meat is nicely browned (but don’t worry about it being cooked through), add the garlic and give it all a stir.
2. Now add the thyme and mushrooms and let them soften up and kick off their juices. Now add the wine and/or stock, water, and tomatoes. Break the tomatoes up with the back of a wooden spoon.
3. Bring the sauce to a bubbly simmer and add your pasta. As the pasta softens up in the heat, push it under the liquid. Depending on which pasta you’re using it will take about 15 to 20 minutes—it will be longer than if you were just straight up boiling the pasta in water. Give it a taste now so you know how much salt and pepper to add. Remove from the heat.
4. Top with a big handful of mozzarella and allow that to melt as you bring your yummy dinner to the table. After dinner, get someone else to wash that one pot!
Sweet Potato Chronicles focuses on children’s health and nutrition and is co-founded by fashion editors Laura Keogh and Ceri Marsh. Their site cuts through the clutter and provides parents with the most important information on cooking for kids. For more healthy eats and family fare, head on over and follow Sweet Potato Chronicles!
Part sweet and part savory, this stir-fry dish is a cinch to make and will please any kid’s picky palate
Inspired by her husband’s love of chicken wings, Kari of GI 365 created this Honey Garlic Chicken stir-fry recipe that features the same sweet and savory flavors of her hubby’s favorite dish. Your kids will love the flavor combination, and you’ll love that making this healthy meal only takes 30 minutes. It’s a win-win.
Serves 4
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken:
Sauce:
⅓ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1 Tablespoon organic cornstarch
⅓ cup honey
Stir-Fry:
1 medium onion, diced ½”
1½ pounds broccoli, stems peeled
1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 1″ cubes
2 Tablespoons avocado oil, (or olive oil)
¼ cup water
3 cloves garlic, minced
Method:
1. Start by mixing the soy sauce and cornstarch together until the cornstarch dissolves. Add the honey to the soy sauce mixture, but you don’t need to combine them (this happens in the pan).
2. Thinly slice the peeled broccoli stems, cut the florets into 1″ pieces, and set the broccoli aside with the onion.
3. Preheat a large skillet over high heat.
4. When the pan is almost smoking, add 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil and the chicken cubes. Sauté for about 2 minutes to brown before turning the chicken cubes, and cooking until golden brown and done in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan. Add the onion and broccoli, and cook stirring every 30 seconds for 3-5 minutes or until the onions begin to soften and the broccoli turns bright green but is still crisp.
6. Add the ¼ cup of water to the pan, cover with a lid, and simmer for 3 minutes until the water has mostly evaporated and the broccoli is just tender.
7. Add the sautéed chicken, minced garlic, and the sauce into the skillet.
8. Stir to incorporate the honey, and simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce. Serve immediately.
Where to see the practice sessions, the best parks for viewing the action, and how to get there by public transit
Held at Genesee Park, Seafair has been a Seattle tradition since 1951, and for many families, it’s one of the “can’t-miss” events of the summer. While adults are impressed with what the high-flying acrobats can do in the sky, kids are flat-out amazed. But the event isn’t just about what’s happening in the sky. It’s a special time when hydroplanes and classic cars are celebrated too. Of course, the show’s biggest stars are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They have performed at Seafair for over 40 years! Want to get in on this Top Gun action? Below you’ll find the general scoop on the three-day weekend in addition to information on the best places to watch the Blue Angels at Seafair this year.
Can’t-Miss Weekend Activities at Seafair 2023
Seafair / U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Boeing Seafair Air Show
The Boeing Seafair Air Show runs Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 6, 2023, and it’s where you can catch the amazing flying aerobatics of the best of the best pilots. This year’s lineup includes US Navy Blue Angels (including Fat Albert C-130), the US Navy EA-18G Growlers (from Naval Air Station Whidbey), B-17 “Sentimental Journey”, B-25 “Made in the Shade”, US Army’s Golden Knights, US Army Helicopters, PBY-5A Catalina Seaplane, and US Coast Guard MH65 Search and Rescue.
The air show also includes displays by civilian pilots, vintage aircraft, and parachute demonstrations. It is said that Brad Wursten will be pushing the envelope of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world during his “Power Addiction Air Show” all three days.
As with past years, the Blue Angels have a flight plan for practices over Lake Washington so the I-90 Bridge and Seward Park will remain open.
Seafair
HomeStreet Bank Cup
The HomeStreet Bank Cup is a H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Boat Race where the hydroplanes up to 220 MPH! Not only is this race an integral part of Seafair, but it’s also the third oldest H1 unlimited race site. This year they are celebrating 70 years with Seafair.
Seafair Classic Car Show
Up to 100 classic vehicles will be on display on the shores of Lake Washington for the Seafair Classic Car Show on Sat. and Sun. Come see vintage antique cars from the 1920s and 1930s, modified classic cars, custom classic cars, and classic foreign cars along Thunder Alley.
Museum of Flight Jet Blast Bash
The Museum of Flight’s Annual Jet Blast Bash is a two-day event that offers families the closest views of the Blue Angel show as the planes park and take off from the Museum. Held on Aug. 5 and 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Museum of Flight will be chock-full of outdoor family activities, plane displays, live music, food, and even a beer garden for moms, dads, and other caregivers. All activities are free with Museum admission. There will be some free parking onsite, but it will be limited so they recommend taking public transit.
Seafair Weekend Schedules
Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell/US Navy Blue Angels
Boeing Airshow Schedule
Friday:
11:10 – US Army Gold Knights
1:05 – US Navy EA18 – Growlers
1:35 p.m. – US Air Force C-17
1:50 p.m. – PBY – Catalina
2:05 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:25 p.m. – US Army Helos
2:45 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
2:55 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:05 p.m. – US Coast Guard – MHJ65 Search and Rescue
3:20 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels – Fat Albert C-130
3:30 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels
Saturday 10:50 a.m. – US Coast Guard – MH65 Search and Rescue
11:05 a.m. – PBY – Catalina
11:45 a.m. – US Army Golden Knights
1:05 p.m. – US Navy EA18 – Growler
1:35 p.m. – US Air Force C-17
1:50 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:50 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
3:00 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:10 p.m. – US Army Helos
3:20 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels – Fat Albert C-130
3:30 p.m. – US Navy Blue Angels
Sunday
10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
10:35 a.m. – US Coast Guard – MH65 Search and Rescue
10:45 a.m. – US Army Helos
11:55 a.m. – US Army Golden Knights
1:05 p.m. – US Navey EA18 Growlers
1:50 p.m. – PBY Catalina
2:10 p.m. – Brad Wursten – MXS-R
2:55 p.m. – B-17 Sentimental Journey
3:05 p.m. – B-25 Made in the Shade
3:15 p.m. – Boeing 737-9 Flyover
3:20 p.m. – Blue Angels – Fat Ablert C-130
3:30 p.m. – Blue Angels
Sunday:
9 a.m. – H1 Testing
10:05 a.m. – J Hydro Final
10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
11:10 a.m. – H1 Heat 3A Start
11:25 a.m. – H1 Heat 3B Start
11:35 a.m. – Vintage Hydroplanes
12:40 p.m. – H1 Heat 4A Start
12:55 p.m. – HT Heat 4B Start
2:35 p.m. – Home Street Bank Cup Final and Gold Cup Race
4:35 p.m – Home Street Bank Cup and Gold Cup Awards Ceremony
Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Deccio
Going to the Races
What to Bring
Be sure to lather on the sunscreen and bring lots of water and some extra cash as many of the beaches will have tasty treats to purchase. Your wingmen will enjoy the show best if you gear them up with some ear protection, especially if they can sport some cool earmuffs like the ones the pilots wear.
The Best Way to Get There
Genesee Park on Lake Washington will be your best bet for a front-row seat for both the air show and hydroplane extravaganza. However, getting there by car is no picnic, and finding parking will be that much harder. There is some general parking available for $50 (which you can purchase ahead of time) and limited paid ADA parking. Instead, we suggest you take advantage of buses and link light rail for your transportation needs. In any case, here are your options:
Sound Transit Link Light Rail
Get free round-trip shuttle service from Columbia Center Station from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sound Transit schedules and rates can be found online.
Metro Transit Buses Metro Bus Route 50 will be operating a standard schedule with stops at Genesee Park & Columbia City Station. This route will operate every 15 minutes from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Seafair Saturday and Sunday. Military members and their families will receive free rides by showing military ID.
ADA Parking
Limited paid ADA event parking will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. A state-issued, accessible placard is required for access.
Genesee Park on Lake Washington is the official location and will be your best bet for a front-row seat to the Air Show extravaganza, hydroplane hoopla, and a lot more. The park is located at 4316 South Genesee Street.
Tickets
Best Deal
General admission on Fri., Aug. 4 is FREE for everyone!
General Admission
1- Day Pass (Sat. & Sun.): $40 (adults) and $15 (Children 6-12 and Senior 62+)
3-Day Championship Pass: $85 includes Pit Pass
Grandstand Seating: $45 – $95
Captain’s Club Seating: $150 – $450
Active and Retired Military Families
In appreciation for their service, all service members will receive free admission with military I.D. Military family members get in for $20.
Seafair
Other Places to See the Air Show
Mount Baker Park Located just two miles away from the Seafair epicenter, this beach park is the perfect spot to picnic while you watch in awe as the team displays the amazing agility and speed of the F/A-18 Hornet, performing a flurry of stunts that loop, roll, and turn through the sky. The small, well-groomed space has plenty of entertainment to keep those jet-heads busy while you wait for the show, including a life-guarded beach complete with a roped-off kiddie area, a cozy grass lawn perfect for a picnic, plus a small playground with a sturdy zip-line for small fries to attempt their own daredevil maneuvers on.
Insider Tip: Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and spend some time exploring the park before the show. Parking is limited, so consider using public transportation or venturing the neighborhoods on the hill above the lake.
Colman Park Located adjacent to Mount Baker Park, this lush, grassy waterfront area offers an amazing view of Lake Washington and a stellar place to picnic with the crew while you do some plane-watching. Spend some time wandering the walking trails, community garden and score some ice cream before the show.
Colman Park
1800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks
Pritchard Island Beach Tucked quietly away in the Rainier Beach area of Lake Washington is a little grassy beach that boasts of panoramic views of Seward Park and Mercer Island. Here kids can splash around in the water, cannonball from the low or high diving boards and enjoy the show away from the noise and glitz of the big festivities.
Pritchard Island Beach
8400 55th Ave. S.
Seattle
Online: seattle.gov/parks
Aubrey Davis Park – Mercer Island Formerly called Park on the Lid, this huge green space, located just off of the I-90 bridge, offers an abundance of room to watch a stellar show with spectacular views of Lake Washington, the Olympics, and Seattle’s skyline as the backdrop. The park also offers two softball fields, two playgrounds, and trails throughout the park, giving everyone plenty of room to run around, throw a Frisbee, or park for a bite to eat.
Aubrey Davis Park
2030 72nd Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island
Online: mercergov.org
Groveland Beach Park Beach – Mercer Island This hidden gem is located in a residential neighborhood on the west shore of Mercer Island and offers a guarded, sandy beach and playground to hang with your flight crew during the show. Keep in mind that you will have to walk down a steep, paved path to get to the beach. Although not a direct vantage point for the demonstration, this area does offer a less crowded alternative for plane gazing.
Groveland Park
7740 S.E. 58th St.
Mercer Island
Online: mercergov.org
Medina Beach Park Keep ‘em cool at this gorgeous lakefront park with a sweet panorama of Lake Washington with Seattle, plus Mount Rainier in the background. Bring along those shovels and buckets and let the kids play in the sand, or splash around in the water while scoring one of the best views around for watching the Blues.
Medina Beach Park
501 Evergreen Point Rd.
Medina
Online: medina-wa.gov
Chief Petty Officer Michael Russell/US Navy Blue Angels
Chism Beach Park It will be planes galore at this scenic Bellevue neighborhood park with its lakefront sandy beach, and sloping grass lawn, and the perfect place for your crew to convene for an afternoon airshow. With its play structure built right on the beach, tots can easily maneuver from water play to playground, to sand digging without missing a moment of all the high-flying action.
Meydenbauer Bay Park
Nearly walking distance from downtown Bellevue, this newly remodeled beach park will give you enough of a view, and plenty of activities to keep the chitlins busy both before and after the show. Take advantage of the quarter-mile of Lake Washington waterfront, beautiful swimming beach and swimming platform, plus a 400-foot-long curved pedestrian pier that extends into the lake, a hand-carry boat launch, paved walkways, picnic areas, and a fantastic playground. The park also features a hilltop overlook with gorgeous views of Seattle, a new beach house with restrooms, changing rooms, and boat rentals (think: canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards), as well as a lifeguard station.
Meydenbauer Bay Park
419 98th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue
Online: bellevuewa.gov
Sit back and relax with this amazingly simple recipe (it might be the easiest we’ve ever seen!), and add some kid-friendly flavor to your evening
We can’t think of much that our kids like better than chicken teriyaki! For the perfect family feast, try this Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki recipe from Kylee at Our Little Acre. If you’re looking for other amazing dinner ideas, check out our list of crock pot dinner recipes.
Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken, cubed
1 cup chicken broth (optional; Kylee recommends skipping it)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation Method:
1. Combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic cloves in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken to the sauce, and mix.
3. Pour chicken mixture into crock-pot.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve over hot cooked rice and spoon on extra sauce if desired.
Fun dessert alert! Did you know you can whip up your batch of ice cream right at home without any extra appliances? All you need are the right ingredients and plastic bags. Read on for the “scoop” on how to make homemade ice cream in a bag.
Ingredients for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag:
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup milk (will make about one scoop of ice cream, can sub soy, coconut, or rice milk or use cream)
1/4 tsp. vanilla
6 tbsp. rock salt
1 pint-size plastic food storage bag (e.g., Ziploc)
1 gallon-size plastic food storage bag
Ice cubes
How to Make Ice Cream at Home:
1. Fill the large bag half full of ice, and add the rock salt.
2. Seal the bag.
3. Put milk, vanilla, and sugar into the small bag, and seal it.
4. Place the small bag inside the large one, and seal it again carefully.
5. Shake until the mixture is ice cream, which takes about 5 minutes.
6. Wipe off the top of the small bag, then open it carefully.
Insider Tips:
A 1/2 cup of milk will make about 1 scoop of ice cream, so double the recipe if you want more. But don’t increase the proportions more than that—a large amount might be too big for kids to pick up because the ice itself is heavy. This ice cream won’t have quite the same consistency as a pint of store-bought, but you can control the ingredients so that’s a big win.
If there is a milk allergy, try this with fruit juice. Use straight pineapple juice—it’s a terrific fruit sorbet. OR rice/soy milk as the milk substitute.
This recipe for how to make homemade ice cream in a bag is courtesy of Yuumii, an online community founded by a San Francisco family who wanted to come up with creative ways to spend more quality time with their kids.