Looking for a fun team building activity? Try the marshmallow challenge!
Are you trying to get your team to work more effectively together? Team building activities are a powerful way to boost collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity.
But let’s be honest—you and your team are probably tired of the same old icebreakers. That’s where the Marshmallow Challenge comes in: a fun, fast-paced activity that teaches teamwork, innovation, and adaptability.
What Is the Marshmallow Challenge?
The Marshmallow Challenge is a hands-on team building exercise where participants work The Marshmallow Challenge is a hands-on team building exercise where participants work together to build the tallest free-standing structure that can hold a marshmallow on top.
- Perfect for small or large groups
- Works with a single team or multiple teams competing
- Provides real insights into teamwork dynamics
This activity not only sparks creativity but also reveals how people plan, communicate, and adapt under pressure.
Related: Virtual Team Building Activities – 3 Ideas for Your Next Virtual Meeting
Why Try the Marshmallow Challenge?
The Marshmallow Challenge is more than just fun—it helps your team:
Improve collaboration: Teams must share ideas and strategies.
Think creatively: Limited materials push participants to innovate.
Adapt quickly: Plans usually fail at first, teaching resilience.
Discover strengths: Leaders, problem-solvers, and creators emerge naturally.
Companies around the world use the Marshmallow Challenge as a leadership and innovation exercise.
Materials You’ll Need
For each team, prepare:
20 sticks of dry spaghetti
1 yard (1 meter) of masking tape
1 yard (1 meter) of string
1 pair of scissors
1 large marshmallow (the star of the show!)
As the facilitator, you’ll also need:
A stopwatch (to time the challenge)
A measuring tape (to determine the winner)
Clear instructions and rules
How to Facilitate the Challenge
Explain the rules clearly: Each team must build the tallest structure possible with the marshmallow on top.
Set a time limit: 18 minutes works best.
Encourage iteration: Remind teams to test structures as they go.
Measure the results: The tallest structure standing wins!
Want a step-by-step walkthrough? Watch my video tutorial on the Marshmallow Challenge.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t underestimate the marshmallow—it’s heavier than people think.
Encourage teams to prototype early and often.
Remind participants that communication and collaboration are more important than “winning.”
Debrief afterward: Ask teams what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned about working together.
Download the Free Instructions
Make your next team event easy to run!
📥 Download the Marshmallow Challenge Instructions (PDF)
Final Thoughts
The Marshmallow Challenge is simple, fun, and incredibly effective at building stronger, more innovative teams. If your group is stuck in the same routine, this activity is a great way to spark creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
So grab some spaghetti, string, and marshmallows—and let the challenge begin!
Related: Fun Virtual Team Building Activity in Under 10 Minutes
Ready to Take Your Team to the Next Level?
At CornerStone Dynamics, we don’t just talk about teamwork—we help organizations transform it. Our expert facilitators design and lead engaging workshops, including the Marshmallow Challenge, to help teams collaborate better, think more creatively, and achieve lasting results.
👉 Hire CornerStone Dynamics to run your next team session and discover how we can bring fresh energy, innovation, and productivity to your workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marshmallow Challenge
The challenge typically takes 18 minutes, making it short enough for team meetings, workshops, and training sessions. You’ll also want to allow 10–15 minutes afterward for reflection and discussion.
This activity develops:
–Collaboration and teamwork
–Creative problem-solving
–Communication skills
–Adaptability under pressure
–Leadership and role awareness
Anyone! The Marshmallow Challenge works for corporate teams, students, nonprofits, and even small community groups. It’s especially effective for teams that need to build trust and communication quickly.
It’s suitable for ages 8 and up. Younger kids may need a bit of extra guidance, but the activity is fun and engaging for both students and professionals.
Ideally, each team should have 3–5 participants. This size ensures everyone can contribute while avoiding overcrowding.
The structure must be able to hold the marshmallow at the top when time runs out. If it falls off, the team’s structure doesn’t count for measurement.
Because it’s hands-on, competitive, and fun! It helps teams practice innovation, resilience, and collaboration—all in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a memorable activity people will talk about long after it’s over.
