Ideas for Children's Carnivals & Fairs

Games at a fair keep children entertained and may also teach them something.

Children's carnivals and fairs are effective ways to raise funds for an organization, agency or school by selling inexpensive game tickets for family fun. Games and activities will keep the kids entertained and, in some cases, provide learning experiences. Prizes can be small toys, school supplies and treats. Sponsors may donate prizes, snacks and beverages. Fairs can also be offered as free activities for kids who each receive a specific number of tickets for games and food.

Fun and Games

The last one left sitting wins in musical chairs.

Choose a variety of games and fun activities for children and seek volunteer help to run each booth, table or station. Each game or activity should have at least two volunteers. Some ideas are musical chairs, pick up ducks, bean bag toss, ring toss, face painting, beading and mask making. Give each child a plastic bag (donated by a local merchant) to carry his or her prizes; write each child's name on the bag with a permanent marker.

Nonprofit Booths

Teddy bears can stand in for patients while a medical professional demonstrates stethoscope use.

A children's carnival will draw both parents and kids, so offer space for some nonprofit groups to set up information booths at which they'll answer questions and offer activities. For example, a hospital or clinic might demonstrate the use of a stethoscope and let children "examine" a teddy bear, while a library can help a child put together a picture book of his favorite things using images cut from magazines.

Planned Entertainment

Zumba dance music is fun and energetic.

In addition to the activities planned for the duration of the carnival or fair, present some special entertainment midway through the event. Possible entertainment choices are a balloon animal-making demonstration, science center presentation, children's musical entertainment, dance music such as Zumba presented by a fitness instructor or a visit from a local sports mascot. For a twist, you could have the sports mascot appear toward the end of the Zumba dancing so it could dance with the kids.

Volunteers

Many hands can make any job easier.

A fundraiser such as a children's carnival is a lot of work, but with lots of volunteer help, it can be very successful. Children's carnivals often involve one main sponsor along with several helping agencies who also provide volunteers. Carnival games are often staffed by teenage volunteers involved with an agency such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or a school organization such as the student council.

References

• Carnival Savers: Homemade Carnival Game Ideas & Carnival Activity Booths
• School Carnivals: Carnival Game Ideas

Resources

• Family Fun: The Great Birthday Carnival
• Masters Traditional Games: Fair Games