🍡 Marshmallow Challenge Icebreaker Game

A hands-on team-building challenge where small groups build the tallest free-standing tower using spaghetti, tape, string, and one marshmallow.

Players	4–6 per team	Time	18–30 minutes
Best for	Team building, workshops, classrooms, onboarding	Format	In-person / hybrid-friendly
Energy level	Medium	Materials	Spaghetti, tape, string, marshmallow

Start the 18-Minute Timer See the Rules View Debrief Questions

What Is the Marshmallow Challenge?

The Marshmallow Challenge is a hands-on group activity where teams build the tallest free-standing structure they can using limited materials. The marshmallow must sit on top of the structure. Originally popularized by Tom Wujec, it has become one of the most widely used team-building exercises worldwide — featured in TED talks, Stanford d.school workshops, corporate training sessions, and classroom activities.

The challenge teaches collaboration, prototyping, testing ideas early, problem solving, communication, and iteration — all in under 20 minutes. It is a low-pressure way to get teams working together without forced personal sharing.

Materials Needed

Item	Amount per Team	Notes
Spaghetti sticks	20	Dry spaghetti only
Marshmallow	1	Must stay whole and go on top
Tape	1 yard / 1 meter	Masking tape works well
String	1 yard / 1 meter	Can be cut
Scissors	1 pair	Optional, useful for tape and string
Timer	18 minutes	Use the on-page timer below

How to Play the Marshmallow Challenge

Divide players into teams of 4–6.
Give each team the same material kit.
Explain the goal: build the tallest free-standing tower.
The marshmallow must be placed on top.
Teams have 18 minutes to build.
When time ends, nobody may touch the structure.
Measure from the table surface to the top of the marshmallow.
The tallest standing structure wins.

Marshmallow Challenge Rules

The structure must stand on its own.
The whole marshmallow must be on top.
Teams may break spaghetti.
Teams may cut tape and string.
Teams may use as much or as little material as they want.
The paper bag or packaging cannot be part of the structure.
Teams cannot hold the tower when time ends.
The final measurement is taken only if the structure is still standing.

18-Minute Marshmallow Challenge Timer

18:00

Facilitator Script

"In this challenge, your team has 18 minutes to build the tallest free-standing structure possible. You may use the spaghetti, tape, string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow must stay whole and must be placed on top. When time is up, the structure must stand on its own. This is not about perfection. Try ideas early, test quickly, and learn as you go."

How to Measure the Winning Tower

Measure from the table surface to the top of the marshmallow.
The tower must be free-standing — not held or supported.
If the tower collapses before measurement, it does not count.
If two towers are close, measure carefully and consistently.
The goal is not only winning; the learning comes from how teams build, test, and adapt.

Debrief Questions

What was your team's first idea?
Did your team test early or wait until the end?
What changed after the marshmallow was added?
How did your team make decisions?
Who took the lead, and how did that affect the group?
What did your team learn about prototyping?
What would you do differently next time?
How does this connect to real work projects?
What helped your team communicate clearly?
What made the challenge harder than expected?

Marshmallow Challenge Variations

Work Meeting Version

Use a short debrief focused on communication, assumptions, and rapid testing. Good for team meetings, leadership sessions, and offsites. Add a One Word Check-In before starting to gauge team energy.

New Hire Onboarding Version

Use the challenge to help new hires work with teammates without forcing personal sharing. Pair it with a light introduction round after the build. The hands-on focus makes it one of the best onboarding team challenges.

Classroom Version

Use it for STEM, design thinking, collaboration, problem solving, or first-day classroom activities. Keep the reflection safe and age-appropriate. Let students present their towers if they want to.

Remote or Hybrid Version

Remote teams can run a modified version by asking each participant or local subgroup to prepare the same materials in advance, then build on camera or share photos. For fully remote teams, use it as a pre-planned team activity rather than a surprise activity.

Low-Pressure Version

Do not overemphasize winning. Let teams pass on presenting if they prefer. Focus on testing, learning, and group reflection. The Team Word Cloud is a good alternative if the physical challenge does not fit your group.

Low-Pressure Facilitation Tips

Keep the tone playful, not competitive.
Let teams know failure is expected — most towers fall.
Do not shame collapsed towers.
Encourage early testing with the marshmallow.
Avoid over-explaining the "lesson" before the build.
Keep the debrief focused on process, not personal judgment.
Make it clear that the point is learning through action.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting until the final minute to add the marshmallow.
Spending too long planning without testing.
Building a structure that cannot support the marshmallow weight.
Over-focusing on winning rather than learning.
Giving too many instructions before teams start.
Skipping the debrief — the debrief is where the learning happens.
Using unequal materials across teams.

Related Team Building Icebreaker Games

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Marshmallow Challenge?

The Marshmallow Challenge is a hands-on group activity where teams build the tallest free-standing structure they can using 20 spaghetti sticks, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow must sit on top. It teaches collaboration, rapid prototyping, and team problem solving.

How long does the Marshmallow Challenge take?

The build phase takes 18 minutes. With setup, instructions, measurement, and debrief, plan for 30-45 minutes total. The timer on this page helps you keep the build phase exactly 18 minutes.

How many people should be on each team?

4-6 people per team works best. Fewer than 4 limits collaboration. More than 6 makes it hard for everyone to contribute. For large groups, run multiple teams simultaneously.

What materials do you need for the Marshmallow Challenge?

Each team needs: 20 dry spaghetti sticks, 1 marshmallow, 1 yard (1 meter) of tape, 1 yard (1 meter) of string, and optionally scissors. A visible 18-minute timer is essential — use the built-in timer on this page.

What is the goal of the Marshmallow Challenge?

Build the tallest free-standing tower that can hold a whole marshmallow on top. The deeper goal is learning about collaboration, testing ideas early, and adapting — not just winning.

Can the Marshmallow Challenge be used in classrooms?

Yes. It is widely used in STEM, design thinking, and team-building classes from elementary school through professional workshops. Use age-appropriate debrief questions.

Can remote teams play the Marshmallow Challenge?

It works best in person, but remote teams can participate by preparing material kits in advance and building on camera. Fully remote teams can share photos and debrief together.

What should you ask after the Marshmallow Challenge?

Great debrief questions include: What was your first idea? Did you test early or wait? What changed after adding the marshmallow? How did your team make decisions? How does this connect to real work?

Is the Marshmallow Challenge a team-building activity?

Yes. It is one of the most widely used hands-on team-building activities worldwide. It reveals how teams collaborate, communicate, test assumptions, and handle unexpected challenges.

Is the Marshmallow Challenge good for new hire onboarding?

Yes. The challenge helps new hires collaborate without forced personal sharing. Pair it with a light introduction round after the build for a low-pressure onboarding activity.