It’s Bananas is a party game from MCMILLER Entertainment that asks players to wear an inflatable monkey tail and use it to swing a banana on a string. The game is marketed for adults and families, and it’s positioned as a funny white elephant gift and an activity for holidays, birthdays, and game nights. In practice, it’s less a traditional tabletop game and more a physical challenge that works best as a quick icebreaker or a silly spectacle.
How it works
The core mechanic is straightforward: each player straps on an inflatable tail (typically around the waist), and a banana is suspended from the tail by a string. The goal is to swing the banana to knock over a set of targets—usually plastic pins or cups—without using your hands. The game comes with multiple tails, bananas, and targets, so several people can play at once or take turns. Setup is minimal: inflate the tails, attach the bananas, arrange the targets, and you’re ready. The rules are simple enough that kids and adults can pick them up in seconds, which is a big part of the appeal.
Where it fits in
This is not a game you’ll play for hours. It’s best suited for short bursts—think 10 to 15 minutes of active play—and works well as a sideshow at a party or a way to break the ice at a family gathering. The physical comedy of watching someone wiggle their hips to swing a banana is the main draw, and it tends to get laughs even from people who are initially reluctant to participate. Because it requires standing and moving around, it’s better for spaces with some open floor, like a backyard, a basement, or a living room with furniture pushed aside. It’s also a natural fit for white elephant exchanges, since the box is eye-catching and the concept is inherently goofy.
What you get
The package includes multiple inflatable tails, bananas with strings, and a set of targets. The materials are lightweight plastic, which keeps the cost down but means you should handle the tails carefully—they’re not designed for rough play. The bananas are soft plastic and won’t hurt if they swing into someone, which is a thoughtful safety consideration. The targets are simple and lightweight, so they tip over easily, which is the point. Inflation takes a bit of lung power or a pump (not included), but it’s not a major hurdle. The game stores compactly once deflated, which is a plus for people with limited storage space.
Performance and limitations
In real-world use, the game delivers on its promise of silly fun, but it has some quirks. The tails can slip or shift during vigorous swinging, especially if players are wearing smooth clothing, so you may need to adjust them between turns. The strings on the bananas are a fixed length, which works for most adults but might be too long for younger children, making it harder for them to control the swing. Also, the targets are very light, so even a gentle tap can knock them over—which is fine for casual play but reduces the challenge for older kids or adults looking for a more competitive edge. The game is best for mixed-age groups where the goal is laughter rather than serious competition.
How it compares
Compared to other party games like cornhole or ring toss, It’s Bananas is more about physical comedy than skill. It’s closer in spirit to games like Pie Face or Throw Throw Burrito, where the fun comes from watching people look ridiculous. Unlike those, it requires more space and physical movement, so it’s less suited to small apartments or quiet settings. It also lacks the replayability of strategy-based party games; after a few rounds, the novelty may wear off for some groups. However, for a one-off event or a holiday gathering, it serves its purpose well.
Who it’s for
This game is a good fit for families with kids aged 6 and up, especially those who enjoy active play. It’s also well-suited for adult parties where people are willing to be silly, and for white elephant exchanges where a humorous gift is the goal. It’s not ideal for serious board game enthusiasts, small spaces, or groups that prefer seated activities. If you’re looking for a game that will engage people for an entire evening, this isn’t it—but as a short, laugh-filled activity, it works.
Overall, It’s Bananas is a niche product that delivers on its promise of physical comedy. It’s not built to last forever, and it won’t appeal to everyone, but for the right crowd and occasion, it’s a memorable addition to a party.