20 Fun and Easy School Carnival Games for Kids
School Carnival Games are a beloved tradition in schools across the U.S., bringing students, families, and teachers together for a fun-filled day of play, laughter, and friendly competition. Planning one? Whether it’s for a PTA fundraiser, end-of-year event, or a backyard celebration, finding the right mix of engaging and easy-to-run activities is key.
In this article, you’ll find 20 school carnival games that are both crowd-pleasers and simple to organize—perfect for keeping kids entertained all day long!
1. Ring Toss Carnival Game
A timeless favorite, this game challenges kids to toss rings over bottles or cones. Set different point values for each target and offer small prizes based on scores. It’s easy to set up and perfect for all ages.
2. Duck Pond Game
Float plastic ducks in a small pool. Each duck has a number or symbol on the bottom, corresponding to a prize. It’s simple, colorful, and a big hit with younger kids.
3. Themed Knock-Down Tower: A Creative School Carnival Game
Swap traditional cans for themed boxes (animals, seasons, etc.) and stack them into a pyramid. Kids try to knack them down using a soft ball. Fun, visual, and safe.
4. Bean Bag Toss : A Staple of School Carnival Games
Use a wooden board with holes or a simple cardboard box. Players toss bean bags and try to score points by landing them in the target. Great for indoor or outdoor play.
5. Balloon Darts: A School Carnival Game With a Pop!
Tape inflated balloons to a large board and let older kids pop them with safe, blunt darts (or use Velcro balls for a no-risk version). Some balloons can hide paper notes for special prizes!
6. Sack Race: Energetic School Carnival Game for Outdoors
Provide burlap or fabric sacks, and set a starting and finish line. Kids jump to the finish in teams or one-on-one. Add medals or stickers for participation.
7. Fishing Pond Game
Hang a curtain over a kiddie pool and let kids “fish” with a pole that has a magnet or hook. Attach paper fish or prizes for them to catch. It’s exciting for preschoolers!
8. Spin the Prize Wheel
Create a colorful spinning wheel with mini prizes, silly challenges, or bonus tickets. It adds suspense and excitement—and keeps the line moving.
9. Face Painting Station
Hire a volunteer or local artist to paint faces with simple, washable designs—like rainbows, tigers, or superheroes. It’s always one of the busiest stations.
10. Whack-a-Mole DIY
Use cardboard boxes with cut-out holes. Volunteers can pop plush toys or paper creatures through the holes, and kids try to tap them with a soft mallet.
11. Giant Bowling: Oversized Fun for School Carnival Games
Use oversized inflatable pins or repurpose plastic bottles filled with a little sand. Kids roll a beach ball to knock them down. A fun twist on traditional bowling!
12. Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Blindfolded kids try to pin a paper tail as close to the correct spot as possible. You can swap the donkey for other themes like unicorns, dinosaurs, or astronauts.
13. Obstacle Course
Set up cones, hula hoops, tunnels, or balance beams. Kids race through the course, and you can track times for friendly competition. Keep it varied and age-appropriate.
14. Prize Punch Box
Create a board with colorful tissue paper covering prize-filled cups. Kids choose a spot and punch through to reveal their surprise!
15. Piñata Time
Hang a themed piñata and let kids take turns hitting it until the treats fall out. It’s festive and doubles as a party decoration.
16. Basketball Shootout
Set up a mini hoop and see how many baskets kids can make in 30 seconds. Adjust the hoop height based on age and give out small prizes.
17. Treasure Hunt in the Sandbox
Fill a sandbox with buried “treasures”—plastic coins, small toys, or tickets. Kids dig with scoops to uncover surprises. Perfect for sensory play.
18. Guess How Many?: Estimation Fun at School Carnival Games
Fill a clear jar with candy or marbles and let kids guess the number. The closest guess wins a prize. A classic game of observation and estimation.
19. Giant Memory Match
Make large cards with images (animals, emojis, shapes) and lay them out face-down. Kids flip two at a time to find matching pairs. Good for concentration and visual memory.
20. Printable Game Table
Set up a quiet table with printable games like mazes, word searches, coloring pages, and riddles. Great for downtime or kids who prefer calm activities. ? Explore our collection of Free Printable Games for Kids
Plan a Carnival with Kids in Mind
Organizing a school carnival doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a mix of physical games, brain teasers, and hands-on fun, you can create an event that every child will remember. Add music, snacks, and cheerful volunteers—and you’re all set!
School Carnival Games: FAQ for Organizers and Parents
Planning your first school carnival or looking to improve this year’s event? These frequently asked questions will help guide your preparation and offer practical tips for a smooth, successful day.
How many school carnival games should we plan?
It depends on your space, volunteers, and number of kids. For small events, 8–10 games are plenty. For larger carnivals, plan around 12–15 with a mix of active and calm stations to keep lines short and interest high.
What are the easiest school carnival games to set up?
Duck pond, bean bag toss, ring toss, and guess-how-many require minimal materials and setup. They’re also great for volunteers with little experience.
What are good school carnival games for preschoolers?
Focus on gentle, low-pressure games like fishing pond, bubble station, sandbox treasure hunt, or coloring table. Avoid anything with loud noises or complex rules.
How do we make school carnival games educational?
Add learning elements like simple math (for key-and-lock games), memory challenges, or global trivia. Label stations with fun facts or incorporate problem-solving into tasks.
What are some low-cost school carnival prizes?
Think bulk items: stickers, erasers, temporary tattoos, mini puzzles, or lollipops. You can also offer “prize tickets” to redeem at a final prize table.
Can school carnival games work indoors?
Yes! Many games like bean bag toss, memory match, and prize wheel can be played in a gym or cafeteria. Avoid water-based games or balloon popping inside unless space allows.
How do we get parents involved in school carnival games?
Invite parents to run booths, supervise lines, or help with setup/cleanup. Consider hosting a volunteer orientation and provide clear signage and game instructions at each station.
How long should a school carnival last?
Most school carnivals run 2 to 4 hours. Keep games running smoothly and plan breaks for volunteers. For after-school events, a 5–7 PM window works well.
Where can I find reliable tips and activity ideas?
Check out PTO Today, a trusted site for American schools and parent groups.
Spread the Word!
Hosting a carnival soon? Share this guide with your PTA or school team, and don’t forget to explore our ready-to-play printable games for even more fun ideas.
Looking for more ready-to-play fun? Discover all our printable PDF treasure hunts, mystery games, and escape rooms—designed for kids, fully prepped, and easy to set up in minutes!
