How to Create a Carnival Party

Everyone loves to go to parties, but themed parties are often much more fun. If you are planning a party for children, you cannot go wrong with a carnival theme. Elements of a carnival theme include bright colors, games, pony rides and, of course, clowns. While it is possible to spend lots of money on a carnival-themed party, it is also easy to create one using inexpensive items, many of which you can find around the house or in your garage.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Brightly colored blankets or beach towels
• Red clown noses, for each guest
• Tent poles
• Plastic cups
• Softballs
• Bean bags
• Poster board

1. Create a circus tent using canopies designed for camping. Camping canopies are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at camping stores. Find one that is yellow or red. Alternatively, buy a plain canopy and decorate it using paint, brightly colored blankets and beach towels. If you would rather not use a canopy, hang your brightly colored blankets and towels from trees or tent poles.

2. Create at least two or three games for children to play inside the circus tent. For example, set up a pyramid of plastic cups that guests must try to knock down with a softball. Include a small prize for guests who successfully knock down all of the cups. Create a bean-bag toss, where guests must try to throw bean bags through holes cut out of poster board. Assign points to each hole and have a prize ready for the guest who gets the most points. Decorate each game station with balloons.

3. Many carnivals provide pony rides. Since most people cannot afford to bring ponies to their backyards, use adults as alternative beasts of burden. Have an adult give piggyback or shoulder rides. Have the adults act like horses to make the experience as authentic as possible.

4. What would a carnival be without clowns? Hire a clown to entertain your guests for 30 minutes or an hour. If you cannot afford a professional clown, have a parent dress up as a clown and have her learn how to make a few balloon animals. If this does not work, buy some red clown noses to hand out to each guest. Have them wear their noses for the duration of the party and allow them to take the noses home when it is over.

References

• MarthaStewart.com: How to Throw a Kids' Carnival Party
• Disney Family Fun: The Great Birthday Carnival