How to Play the Cup Stacking Game

The cup stacking game can be a surprisingly fun activity that will spice up any party for children. The game was probably originally developed to entertain small children, but is equally fun for older kids and even adults. Once you’ve played the game, you will add it to other classics, such as “pin the tail on the donkey,” as a standard party of any birthday party or other children’s celebration.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable Cups
• Large Table
• Stop Watch

Instructions

1. Gather together a large number of disposable plastic cups. You can usually obtain these very cheaply at your local dollar store, and can sometimes find them on sale at a retail outlet. Obtain as many as you can get. Even if you have hundreds, you simply can’t have too many cups when it comes to playing the cup stacking game.

2. Place as many cups as you can fit onto a large table. A picnic table outside is certainly an option, although you may have difficulty playing the cup stacking game if it is windy outside. A kitchen table also works well. Whatever table you have available, cover it with as many cups as will fit. The cups can be placed either right side up or upside down, but they should all be positioned the same direction

3. Time each player with a stop watch as they stack the cups as fast as they can. It is usually more challenging to have them use only one hand, making it their weaker hand. That is, if they are right-handed, they can only use their left hand for the game. Time the person as they stack all of the cups, record their time, then reset the cups for the next person. The person who stacks the cups in the fastest time wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Older children will obviously have an unfair advantage if competing against younger children. If your cup stacking game has mixed ages, try to separate the contest into age groups so that the game is fun and fair for everyone who plays.