Carnival Game Ideas

air hockey

We rented an air hockey table last year and it was very popular. If you're lucky, maybe a family would loan one for use at your carnival.

archery

Make a target out of plywood or foamcore (available at art supply stores) for arrows. You can use a Nerf Bow n' Arrow set or a suction tipped child's archery set. Paint the board with a fun design and cut out holes large enough for the arrows to go through. Each player gets to shoot three arrows at the target. We have bows with foam arrows in our Catalog.

Baseball Toss

Make a target out of plywood or foamcore (available at art supply stores) for baseballs. Paint the board with a fun sports design and cut out holes large enough for the baseballs to go through. Each player gets to throw three balls at the target. We have an inflatable baseball target in our Catalog.

basketball

We have used both the standard size basketball goal and kid-sized goals. Players get three tries to make a basket. Always a long line for this!

bouncing structure / inflatable rock climb

Check your local Yellow Pages (usually listed under Party Rentals) for a rental company in your area. Be sure to ask how many children can go through in an hour. You don't want to have a long line and frustrated children (and parents!).

bowling

You can use real bowling pins, a kid's bowling set, or empty 2 liter pop bottles weighed with a little sand or water. We have several fun bowling sets in our Catalog.

can knockdown / pitching duel

Stack six cans (available from carnival suppliers) in a pyramid. Each player gets to throw one to three softballs at the cans. You can decide if they must knock down all or just a few cans to win a prize. The cans can be decorated to go with your theme.

dart throw / sports posters

Make a backboard out of plywood and attach inexpensive sports posters. Each player gets to one dart at the posters. Player wins a poster like the one they hit.

dunk tank / pitch 'em in

Dunk tanks are fun (unless you're the one getting wet!) if your carnival is outdoors. "Reverse" dunk tanks are also available where the water pours down from above rather than the person dropping into the water. Check the Yellow Pages or the internet under Party Rentals.

Football Toss

Make a target out of plywood or foamcore (available at art supply stores) for small footballs. Paint the board with a fun sports design and cut out holes large enough for the footballs to go through. Each player gets to throw three footballs at the target. We have an inflatable football target in our Catalog. We also have soft footballs that work well for this game.

FRISBEE Throw

Make a target out of plywood or foamcore (available at art supply stores) for Frisbees. Paint the board with a fun sports design and cut out holes large enough for the Frisbees to go through. Each player gets to throw three Frisbees at the target. It's helpful to have at least two sets of Frisbees on hand so one helper can chase Frisbees while the other helper works with the next person in line.

Funny Photos

Paint foam core or plywood with funny bodies (baseball player, football player, weightlifter, etc.) cut out holes for faces. Take Polaroid or digital pictures.

guess how many

Fill a large clear jar with golf tees. Players write their guess as to how many tees are in the jar on a slip of paper. At the end of the carnival or at a set time, announce the winner and award a large prize.

high striker

This is "official" carnival name for the game where you try to ring the bell by striking a platform with a mallet. I've never tried to build one of these, but they are widely available as rentals. Ask the rental company if they have have versions available for children.

hockey

Borrow or buy a kids hockey set. Mark out numbers with tape (or use chalk outside) that correspond to prizes. The player hits the puck with the stick and gets a prize corresponding to the number the puck lands on.

Variations:

Goal!: Have the players aim for a hole cut in a piece of foamcore or plywood. They get three chances to get the puck through the hole. Paint the target to look like a goalie guarding the net.

hoopla

Player throws a hoop to try and ring a prize and the Hoopla stand. A Hoopla stand is basically a box with a dowel sticking out of the top on which a prize is attached. The hoop must be completely around the prize and the stand to win. To make the game harder, use a smaller hoop. To make it easier, use a large hoop such as a hula hoop. Use sports balls as the prizes.

horseshoes

Player must make at least one "ringer" to get a prize. Indoor versions are available, ask around your group to see if anyone has a set you can borrow.

mini-golf

Whether it's a single hole or a 9-hole course, miniature golf is always fun. Someone in your organization may have (or have access to through their company) a mini-golf set up. They are also available for rent from party suppliers (check the Yellow Pages).

Soccer Kick

Make a target out of plywood for soccer balls (or use a portable goal). Paint the board with a fun sports design and cut out holes large enough for the soccer ball to go through. Each player gets to kick three balls at the target.

speed pitch

Our local police department will bring their radar gun to carnivals and set it up to measure the speed of a baseball throw. We post the fastest pitches by grade on a dry-erase board. Check with your local police to see if they have a similar program. Rawlings makes a baseball that will measure the speed of a pitch, there is also a radar device that can attach to a baseball glove.

SPORTS BALL WAlk

Players walk in a circle of numbered squares while music plays. When the music stops, the operator chooses the winning numbers from a hat. Players standing on a winning number get a prize -- use footballs, basketballs, etc.