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Kids & Teens

Donut on a String

A classic fall festival or birthday party game. Hilarious to watch and delicious to play.

Donut on a String is a timeless party game that combines physical comedy with a tasty reward. Often seen at harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and summer BBQs, its appeal lies in its utter simplicity and the inevitable mess it creates. Watching friends and family struggle to take a bite out of a swinging donut without using their hands is guaranteed to generate loud laughter and great photos. It’s a game of patience and technique—if you lunge too hard, the donut swings away; if you’re too slow, your competitors will finish first. Beyond the fun, it’s an incredibly budget-friendly way to entertain a group while also serving as a snack!
Players
2+
Duration
10 min
Budget
Low Cost
Mess Level
High

Note:High mess. Powdered sugar and glaze will get on faces and potentially the ground. Best played outdoors.

📋What You Need

  • Donuts (one per player)
  • String or ribbon
  • A horizontal pole or tree branch

Hungry Players? 🍕

Planning the food for after the game? Don't guess! Use our free party tools to feed the crowd.

How to Play

1

Setup

Tie a string around each donut and hang them from a branch/pole so they hang at mouth-level.

2

Hands Back

Players must keep their hands behind their backs at all times.

3

Eat

On "GO", players try to eat their entire donut off the string using only their mouths.

4

Win

The first person to finish their donut (without it falling) wins.

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Use powdered donuts for extra messy photos!
  • Adjust the height of the string for different sized players.

Fun Variations to Try

Blindfold Challenge

Blindfold the players to make it significantly harder and even more hilarious for the spectators.

Apple Version (Healthier)

For a healthier or more traditional fall version, use apples instead of donuts. Note: This is much harder as apples are slippery!

Team Relay

Play in teams where each player must eat one-third of a donut before the next teammate takes over.

Common Questions (FAQ)

QWhat kind of donuts work best?

Standard glazed or powdered donuts with a hole in the middle are best. Avoid filled donuts (jelly/cream) as they are too heavy and messy for the string.

QWhat if the donut falls off?

Usually, the rule is that the player is disqualified or must start over with a new donut. If it hits the ground, definitely replace it for hygiene reasons!

QHow do I hang them without a tree?

You can use a broomstick held by two tall adults, or tie a clothesline between two pillars or fence posts.
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Printable Asset

Donut on a String

Free PDFA4/Letter

Includes high-quality rules, setup guide, and variation cards.
Perfect for hosting without a screen.