How to Build Your Own Water Pistol Carnival Race Game

Water pistol games are popular at carnivals and fairs.

For a fundraiser, local fair or a school activity, a homemade carnival water pistol game is enjoyable and able to be played by children and adults alike. Choosing a race-themed water pistol game will add an element of competition to the challenge, since the player will be trying to accomplish the task before him as well as complete it faster than his competitor. This added challenge draws more people to the game, as groups of friends play together and challenge each other.

Things You'll Need

• 20 tin cans
• Table
• Water pistols
• Measuring tape
• Masking tape
• Prizes
• Shoe boxes
• Baskets
• Ping pong balls

Instructions

Tin Cans

1. Arrange a minimum of 10 tin cans in a pyramid-shaped tower on a table. Form a second, identical pyramid two feet away from the first.

2. Measure a minimum of five feet back from the tower and mark the spot with a strip of masking tape.

3. Invite players to stand behind the marked spot with a water pistol filled with water. Set an allotted time frame, such as 15 seconds, for the players to try to be the first to knock over the pyramid.

4. Give a prize to the first player that knocks over the tin can pyramid. If no one knocks it over in the allotted time, call the race a draw.

Ping Pong Balls

1. Set up two shoe boxes on a table, two feet apart, with a small basket directly to the right of each. The basket must be lower in height than the shoe box.

2. Place a ping pong ball on the top center of each shoe box.

3. Mark a spot on the ground with masking tape at least five feet back from the shoe box.

4. Arm the contestants with a water pistol and instruct them to try and knock the ping pong ball off the shoe box and into the basket using only the water from their pistol. If the ball falls off the shoe box and does not land in the basket it ends the turn for the player.

5. Give a prize to the first player who knocks the ping pong ball into the basket.

References

• "Grandparents"; Backyard Ideas Carnival Games; Lisa Freedman
• Coolest Kid Birthday Parties: Carnival Game