We do a fall festival every year and raise approx. $7,000. Here is a few ideas. I hope it helps.
Tattoo's-ordered different designs from Oriental Trading. Was a big hit. It cost the kids 1 ticket and they could have it applied or they could take it with them.
Fantasy Dice- we use a kidney shaped table with six chairs numbered from 1 to 6, once all the chairs are full the parent rolls the dice and what ever number it lands on the child sitting in that chair wins.
Fish pond- throw fishing line over a portable wall and have some one on the other side to hook a prize on. We used books. Big hit for k-2
We also do a redemption center. Instead of getting lots of little prizes at every game, we award stamps. Then the children can turn their stamps in for prizes. If you have any questions you can e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Is the carnival event going to be indoors or outdoors. It makes a difference on the events you are able to have. We have had a year or two where the weather didn't permit us to enjoy our outdoor planned activities - but all went well anyways (i.e.,-the Dunking Tank ((talk to your school board to see if this activity is permitted or not)) and the inflated Jumphouse - huge hit). A big hit was the silent auction - ask your local business'es to donate a toy, pizza, tickets to the local ballpark or whatever is available and fun in your area. Another favorite is face painting - ask some 4th or 5th graders to take half hour shifts painting and reward them with game tickets. Another fun one is the bike decorating contest. Every child wins a bag of goodies - candy, a coupon for a child-size pizza, glow-in-the-dark clickers for their bike spokes - your local P.D. will usually have these available for safety, etc. - and it's fun if you announce all of them and they get to showcase their bikes on stage all decorated with whatever their hearts desire. That way, their all winners. Have fun and use your imagination, and ask your kids what they would want - and ask other parents in your group to ask their children. Your student council will help you with the advertising of your carnival - they will make outstanding posters. And don't forget to send reminders 2-3 weeks before the carnival the your are having a carnival. Good Luck
Poster toss- you lay random posters on the floor and they have to stand behind a marked line and throw rings at the poster. THey have to have the entire ring on the poster to win. We charge 3 tickets for it.
Bozo the Clown- I don't know if you remember the show but it's set up like the grand finale. You set up 5 buckets in order and number them 1-5(small ones like for indoor plants) and the kids have to throw ping pong balls into the pots in order
Duck Pond is always popular
Lolipop tree- Kids pull lolipops out of foam cone or u can make a wooden tree with holes. If the lolipop stick end is colored they win a prize
We are planning a spring carnival (our first!) in the spring. We have pre-K through 5th and are looking for some popular carnival games. Of course, I know the cake walk is big but what other booths or events have you all had success with. Any ideas as to games, popular prizes, ANYTHING, would be appreciated. Thank in advance.
