5 Exciting Bottle Cap Games Kids LOVE!

How do you play the Bottle Cap Games?

I admit it, some of these bottle cap games we just made up! Sometimes that’s the best way to play. But they were super engaging and fun games that kept the kids occupied as we settled into a new home. You can also use them for recess, summer break and several of them will even work in the classroom.

We always have lots of bottle caps on hand.

My husband and kids love tea, so we have lots of lids…

and bottles too, but that was another day…

Check out how we used the Bottles For Musical Instruments here.

So, today when I needed some peace to have a moment to sit back and get a drink for myself, I set the kids up to play these 5 game with the bottle caps.

Five Easy Bottlecap Games

1. Spinning Bottle Caps

While not technically a game, it did keep the kids entertained for a while. To play, simply place the bottle cap on edge while holding with one finger. Using your other hand, flick the edge of the bottle cap to set it spinning. You could have a contest to see whose bottle cap spins the longest or how many consecutive times the cap spins more than 2 seconds.

2. Bottle Cap Tic-Tac-Toe

Break out the sidewalk chalk for this one! (Do you refill your sidewalk chalk stash after the 2020 sidewalk chalk craze?) To start, draw a tic-tac-toe board on the ground (preferably in a shady spot since pavement can get really hot in the sun.) Then, use the bottle caps as the playing pieces. One player uses the top up, the other player uses the bottom up.

Yes, you could just use sidewalk chalk to play and draw a new tic-tac-toe board every time, but using the bottle caps means you don’t have to search for more sidewalk space once you have found a good, shady spot.

3. Bottle Cap Shooter

Here is an original game that the kids made up!

To play, draw a circle on the pavement with your sidewalk chalk. The, place a bunch of bottle caps in the middle of the circle. (We discovered it’s better if you place them top-down.)

Each player keeps three bottle caps. Taking turns, opponents flick one cap into the circle to try to knock the other caps out of the circle. The player keeps any caps that go outside the circle and we decided that if they were on the line, they were considered “outside.”

The player can use any bottle caps they win as extra chances to knock more out. Play continues until all the caps are knocked out of the circle or the first person runs out of bottle caps.

Letting kids create their own games is a good way for them to build autonomy and ownership over their play.

Creating rules for games helps them develop problem solving skills and encourages cooperative game play.

4. Bottle Cap Memory

Place some stickers, in sets of two, on the inside of the caps. Then play a traditional game of memory by flipping the caps. The person with the most matches is the winner.

5. What Bottle Cap is Missing?

Put stickers with the numbers 1-10 on the tops of the bottle caps. Place them in number order to start, then have the other player close their eyes. Remove 3-5 of the bottle caps and have the player put them back in order. This game is perfect for preschoolers who are just learning their numbers!

More Games for Kids

• Paper Plate Tennis
• Food Matching Board Game for Kids (perfect for kids who love Mini Brands!)

You can also have a challenge to see who can stack the most caps without them falling over!

What Do Kids Learn by Playing Bottle Cap Games?

1. Cognitive Development: Playing bottle cap games like Memory Match and Find the Missing Number enhances cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
2. Mathematical Skills: Games involving numbers, such as Find the Missing Number, contribute to the development of mathematical skills, promoting numerical understanding and logical thinking.
3. Fine Motor Skills: Bottle cap flicking and other games require precision and coordination, helping kids improve their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
4. Social Interaction: Games like Bottle Cap Flicking and Tic-Tac-Toe encourage social interaction and cooperative play, fostering communication and teamwork among children.
5. Creativity and Imagination: Engaging in these games stimulates creativity and imagination as kids come up with strategies, invent rules, and explore various ways to play, promoting a sense of innovation.

More Ways for Kids to Play!

For me, if the kids are busy (and not fighting) it’s a great time to catch my breath, recharge and get ready to go again.

Do you like these bottle cap games?

Pin them to save for later!

More Tic-Tac-Toe Games for Kids

• DIY Rock Tic-Tac-Toe Game for Kids
• Printable DUPLO Block Tic-Tac-Toe Game
• Lovebug Valentine’s Day Tic-Tac-Toe

More Activities You’ll Love:

Continue Playing with More Games for Kids

• Counting Board Game for Numbers 1-6
• Customizable Name Game
• LEGO Superhero Action Game
• Telling Time Card Games