Carnival Game Ideas for School Fairs and Carnivals

Planning a school carnival or fair and looking for the perfect mix of fun activities? You’re in the right place! We’ve compiled the top carnival game ideas – from classic midway games to exciting inflatables – that are ideal for elementary, middle, and high school events. All of these games are available for rent at  Perfect Parties USA,.That means you can get professional setup, and even staff and prize packages if needed. No DIY hassle – just pure fun!

Whether you’re raising funds for the PTA or just throwing an unforgettable school fun fair, these games will delight kids and teens alike.

Let’s dive into our Top 12 School Carnival Games You Can Rent, covering a range of skill games, water games, inflatables, and competitive challenges. (P.S. We’ve included age recommendations and prize ideas to help you plan!)

 

1. Dunk Tank

How it Works: The dunk tank is a classic carnival centerpiece. A volunteer (often a beloved teacher or brave principal!) sits on a collapsible bench over a tank of water. Players throw a ball at the target – a solid hit drops the victim into the water with a huge splash.  It’s as easy as 1-2-3: throw, hit the bullseye, and dunk your target in the drink!

Why It’s Fun: There’s nothing more satisfying (or hilarious) for students than seeing a teacher get soaked. Dunk tanks naturally draw a crowd and tons of laughter. They’re also fantastic for fundraisers – charge per throw or per dunk and watch the donations pour in. The anticipation builds with each throw, making this a must-have carnival attraction.

Age Appropriateness: Great for all ages. Younger kids love to watch (and will beg older siblings or parents to hit the target!), while older elementary through high school students will enjoy testing their throwing arm. Even adults can’t resist a shot at the dunk tank, so it’s truly a whole-community pleaser.

Prize Ideas: Typically, the splash is the reward itself! However, you might reward successful throwers with a small prize or bragging rights. For fundraiser setups, the “prize” is often getting to dunk the principal (priceless!).

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA provides the full dunk tank rental – we handle delivery, setup, and safety. All you need is a water source to fill the tank and a hose (they’ll advise you on this). An attendant can be arranged or you can use volunteers to supervise.

(Pro tip: Plan a change of clothes and towel for your dunkee!)

 

2. Big Splash (Alternative Dunk Tank)

The Big Splash bucket dumps water on a brave volunteer.

How it Works: Want the thrill of a dunk tank with a twist? Try the Big Splash game. Instead of a whole tank, this game uses a bucket of water perched above the participant. When a player hits the target with a ball, SPLASH! – the bucket dumps water on the person below. The bucket automatically refills after each dunk, so the soaking fun can continue non-stop.

Why It’s Fun: Big Splash delivers the same wet-and-wild excitement as a dunk tank but in a more compact form. It’s an awesome summer carnival game – kids line up to see friends or teachers get drenched. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a slightly safer or easier setup than a full dunk tank. The surprise splash is guaranteed to draw cheers, and it’s a “cool” favorite on hot days.

Age Appropriateness: All ages can enjoy Big Splash. Little ones might prefer this over a deep dunk tank (no big tank of water to fall into, just a quick splash). Older kids and teens get just as competitive aiming for the target. It’s also a fun option for school staff who might not want to be fully submerged – a splash over the head gets the job done!

Prize Ideas: As with the dunk tank, the payoff is in the drenching. You typically wouldn’t give out prizes for this game; the fun of splashing someone (or avoiding being splashed if you’re the one under the bucket) is the main attraction. If you want, you could time how fast someone gets dunked and award a silly “Wet ‘n Wild Champion” title.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA offers Big Splash as a “dunk tank alternative” that’s perfect for all ages and a guaranteed summer favorite. We’’ll set up the bucket mechanism and frame. All you need is a garden hose and water supply. It’s a great option if your event has younger kids or if you want a quicker setup/teardown than a full dunk tank.

 

3. 4-Player Water Gun Race (Spray ’N’ Race)

How it Works: Bring the excitement of the midway to your school with a four-player water gun racing game! Players stand side by side, each aiming a water blaster at a target. When the game starts, everyone shoots their stream of water at their target. The target moves or lights up as you hit it, and the goal is to be the first to push your marker to the finish line. In some versions, you might be “racing” cartoon characters or filling up a tube; either way, the first player to fill their gauge or reach the top wins!

Why It’s Fun: This game is fast-paced, competitive, and super engaging. Four players can compete at once, which creates a lot of cheering and energy in a short time. It’s a modern twist on a carnival classic: kids love trying to out-spray their friends, and the random moving targets make it challenging. Expect students to line up again and again for rematches!

Age Appropriateness: Upper elementary and above. Younger kids (under ~7) might need some help holding and aiming the water guns, but older kids, preteens, and teens will all get a thrill from this game. It’s also a hit with adults if you have a community event – everyone’s inner child comes out during a water race!

Prize Ideas: Typically, the winner of each round can get a small prize – think carnival plushies, rubber ducks, or candy. If you want to keep it simple, you can award tickets for winners to redeem at a prize table. Because rounds are quick, you’ll give out a lot of small prizes, which kids love. Perfect Parties USA can even add prize packages to the rental if you want to offer goodies to winners .

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA offers this as a Deluxe carnival game that comes with a striped booth, marquee lights, and all the equipment needed. It really creates that midway vibe at your school event. We’ll handle setup of the water blasters and targets – you just provide a water source and electricity for the lights.

(Prizes are not included by default, but you can arrange them through Perfect Parties USA as noted.) This game also often includes a colorful booth, so it doubles as an eye-catching attraction on your carnival midway.

 

4. Ring Toss

How it Works: Ring Toss is a true carnival classic. Set up several bottles (often glass or plastic soda bottles in a crate or on a table) and give the player a handful of rings. The aim is simple: toss the rings and try to land them around the necks of the bottles. It sounds easy but those rings have a habit of bouncing off, making it a fun challenge!

Why It’s Fun: The simplicity and nostalgia of ring toss make it a perennial favorite. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the urge to “try just one more time” to hook a ring. It’s easy to play, yet hard enough to win that it keeps players engaged. At school carnivals, ring toss booths often have crowds cheering when someone finally nails that perfect toss. The game brings a nostalgic midway feel that instantly says “carnival”.

Age Appropriateness: All ages can participate. Young children (even kindergarteners) can play with larger rings and closer targets, while older kids and teens enjoy the standard setup. You can adjust difficulty by changing the distance or ring size, so it’s very versatile for a mixed-age event.

Prize Ideas: Traditionally, ring toss offers a prize for landing a ring on a bottle. You could assign prize levels based on how many rings they land: e.g. one ring = small prize (sticker or piece of candy), two rings = medium prize (tiny toy or keychain), three rings = large prize (plush toy). Perfect Parties USA can supply classic carnival prizes (like little stuffed animals or novelties) to make your ring toss booth a hit.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA can provide a complete ring toss setup, often packaged in a carnival booth with striped tent and colorful signage. The rental includes all the bottles and rings you need, and you can request the nostalgic red-and-white booth for that authentic look. They also offer attendants for hire if you want someone to manage the booth and players. It’s an easy add-on that brings tons of carnival charm to a school fair.

 

5. Balloon Darts

How it Works: Step right up and test your aim! Balloon darts involves a wall or board covered in bright balloons. Players get a set of darts (usually 3) and try to pop the balloons by throwing the darts. Every pop can correspond to a prize, or popping a certain number of balloons wins a bigger reward. The visual of a wall of balloons is exciting in itself – and the POP! sound when you hit one is even better.

Why It’s Fun: This game brings out the competitive spirit as kids (and adults) challenge themselves to hit as many balloons as possible. It has a satisfying payoff (the balloon burst) that draws a crowd. At school carnivals, balloon dart booths often have constant activity because it’s one of those classic carnival games everyone wants to try. It’s also a bit of a skill game – players will keep coming back to improve their aim.

Age Appropriateness: Upper elementary and older. Because it involves real darts, you’ll want players to be responsible enough to handle them. Younger kids (below ~8) might not have the throwing ability or could use safer options (like blunt velcro darts or magnetic darts on special boards – Perfect Parties USA even has a magnetic darts version for themed carnivals). For middle schoolers and high schoolers, this game is a proven hit – they love the challenge.

Prize Ideas: You can get creative here. For example, color-code the balloons and have different prize tiers for each color popped, or put little folded prize papers inside balloons. Common prizes are small plush toys, candy, pencils/erasers, etc. If a player pops all 3 of their balloons, maybe they earn a bigger prize. Prizes can be tailored to the age group – elementary kids might love stickers or sweets, while teens could get goofy sunglasses or school spirit merch.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA offers Balloon Dart rentals with a carnival booth included, so you get the full setup: balloon board, darts, and a traditional striped booth for flair. We’’ll even handle inflating and attaching all the balloons (and can supply extra balloons for reloading throughout your event). Safety is key, so having an attendant (your volunteer or their staff) to collect thrown darts and keep things running smoothly is recommended. With Perfect Parties, you can also request different dart options (standard or safer alternatives) to suit your school’s needs.

 

6. Milk Bottle Toss (“Spill the Milk”)

 

How it Works: Can you knock ’em down? In this classic game, typically three to six lightweight “milk” bottles are stacked in a pyramid. The player gets a few tries to throw a ball and topple all the bottles off the pedestal. It’s harder than it looks, as those bottles might be weighted or balanced to stay put! This game is often nicknamed “Spill the Milk”, and it’s a staple of carnival midways.

Why It’s Fun: Milk Bottle Toss is the ultimate test of a player’s throwing accuracy and power. It brings a competitive edge – students will often challenge each other, “I bet I can knock them all down!” – and it’s hugely satisfying to see the bottles go flying when you hit the sweet spot. It adds a vintage carnival flair to any school event, especially with the iconic clatter of bottles falling. Plus, spectators love watching near-misses and big wins, so it gathers a crowd.

Age Appropriateness: Best for elementary (8+) and up. Younger kids can try, but they might not have the arm strength or aim to succeed (you can always move them closer or use slightly larger, lighter balls for little ones). This game really shines with middle schoolers and high school students who enjoy the physical challenge. It’s also popular with teachers – don’t be surprised if staff members want a turn to show off their skills!

Prize Ideas: Traditionally, if a player knocks down all the bottles, they win a prize. You might offer consolation prizes for knocking down some (e.g., “hit at least 3 bottles to win a small prize, get them all for a large prize”). Classic prizes like stuffed animals or inflatable toys go over great – think of the big prizes you’d see at a fair, scaled to your budget. Perfect Parties USA notes that you can tailor the prize plan based on age group and desired difficulty, so you could have a few larger prizes for the rare winners and smaller trinkets for anyone who gives it a go.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA can set you up with an authentic milk bottle toss game, complete with the metal bottles, throwing balls, and even a carnival booth backdrop if you want that old-time look. The equipment is designed to be challenging but fair. We’ll handle the setup of the targets on a sturdy table or stand. For school events, you can request an attendant or use a volunteer to reset the bottles after each throw. This game pairs well side-by-side with other midway games (like Balloon Darts or Ring Toss) – Perfect Parties can even configure multiple game stalls together as a package if you want to create a whole carnival midway experience at your event.

 

7. High Striker (Strongman Challenge)

How it Works: Step up and test your might! The High Striker – that towering hammer-and-bell game you’ve seen in movies – is available to rent for your carnival. A player takes the heavy mallet, slams it down on the striker pad, and tries to send the marker all the way to the top to ring the bell . It’s the ultimate strength challenge. DING! If the bell rings, everyone knows you’re a winner.

Why It’s Fun: High Striker is straight from the county fair days and brings instant carnival ambience. Students will form a crowd to watch their peers (and teachers!) give it their all. It’s as much fun for spectators as for participants – there’s always suspense: will it ring or not? For fundraisers, you can create contests (e.g., students vs. teachers competitions). It’s also a great photo op because of its impressive size. When someone rings that bell, expect a big cheer!

Age Appropriateness: Upper elementary and older. Generally, this game is best for bigger kids and teens, since it does require some strength and coordination to swing the hammer effectively. Many schools use it to engage high schoolers (who love showing off their muscle) and as a main attraction for the older crowd. If you have younger kids, ask Perfect Parties USA – they may have a smaller kids’ striker or you can let little ones use a lighter mallet just for fun (even if they can’t ring the bell, they enjoy trying).

Prize Ideas: You could give a prize to anyone who rings the bell (like a medal, a big candy bar, or a plush toy). For those who almost make it, maybe a consolation small prize. Another idea: make it a sideshow attraction – no prize needed, just bragging rights and maybe their name on a “Strongest Student” board. It’s often entertaining enough on its own that prizes aren’t expected every time the bell rings, especially if players just want the glory.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA will deliver and set up the classic High Striker at your event. They’ll ensure it’s anchored safely (these things are tall!). It requires no power, just space – roughly 4 feet by 8 feet footprint and quite tall. One advantage: no staffing is strictly required; you can have a volunteer oversee for safety, but players operate it themselves. Perfect Parties will supply the mallet and can advise on safe usage (like one participant at a time, clear the area, etc.). This rental is a great way to add that authentic carnival feel and attract the older kids who might think they’re “too cool” for other games – nobody can resist trying the High Striker!

 

8. Gladiator Joust (Inflatable Battle)

How it Works: Get ready for a friendly duel! The Gladiator Joust inflatable puts two participants on raised pedestals above a soft, bouncy air mattress. Each player is handed a padded jousting lance (pugil stick). On the signal, they attempt to knock their opponent off their pedestal using the padded sticks – all while maintaining their own balance. The last one standing on their pedestal wins the round (and eternal glory, of course!).

Why It’s Fun: This game is straight out of those classic 90s game shows (think American Gladiators) and it’s a crowd-pleaser. Students love challenging their friends – or even taking on a teacher – in a safe, bouncy arena. It’s hilarious to watch, because even a small nudge can send someone flailing into the inflatable airbag below. The joust is great for school spirit: you can run mini “tournaments” or grade-level face-offs. It’s not just fun to do, but fun to watch, making your carnival feel like a live sporting event and inflatable playground combined.

Age Appropriateness: Middle school and high school are the sweet spot for Gladiator Joust. These ages have the coordination and competitiveness to fully enjoy knocking each other around with foam batons. That said, upper elementary kids (perhaps 4th and 5th graders) often want a turn too – and they can, with close supervision and maybe slightly shorter sticks if available. It’s designed for two people of similar size/age at a time for fairness and safety. Teens absolutely love this – expect a line of eager jousters in the high school crowd.

Prize Ideas: Generally, this isn’t a prize game (there’s no single “score” – each round yields a winner). It’s more for bragging rights and the fun of it. You could organize a little competition bracket and award a small trophy or prize to the overall jousting champion of the day (students would get into that!). But most often, the experience of toppling your friend (or falling off in a funny way) is its own reward.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA provides the inflatable jousting arena, including the pedestals, pugil sticks, and all safety mats. We handle the blower setup and ensure it’s secure. One great thing is that it has a high throughput – about 60 people per hour can play, since rounds last just a minute or two. Perfect Parties can also spice things up if you ask – their description mentions “Gladiator Olympics” and guest referees, meaning you can theme it or have someone MC the joust battles. An attendant is usually there to supervise rules (or you can assign a gym teacher who’d love to referee). This game adds an action-packed, physical activity to your carnival, giving the energetic kids a place to blow off steam.

 

9. Skee-Ball

How it Works: Bring the arcade to your carnival! Skee-Ball is the roll-and-score game everyone knows and loves. Players roll a series of balls up a lane, aiming to land them in holes with various point values (the smaller, far holes are worth more). After nine rolls, you add up the score – higher scores win better prizes. Perfect Parties USA can provide either classic skee-ball alley machines or even an inflatable Skee-Ball ramp for a carnival-style twist.

Why It’s Fun: Skee-Ball has a retro appeal that draws in all generations – kids, teens, parents, even grandparents at a school event will want to try their hand. It’s easy to learn but addictive to play, as everyone tries to beat their own high score. For school fairs, it’s a nice change of pace from throwing and jumping games – this one is more about finesse. And the sound of the balls rolling and thunking into the targets adds to that carnival arcade atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for indoor carnivals (like in a gym) or outdoor events alike, providing “a little retro fun” to your school carnival.

Age Appropriateness: All ages can enjoy skee-ball. Young kids might need a stool or a gentle assist to roll the ball hard enough, but they can still score. Older kids and adults naturally get competitive trying to hit the high-value targets. Because it’s not physically strenuous, this game is also great for including any attendees with mobility limitations – everyone can roll a ball and join the fun.

Prize Ideas: Skee-Ball can be run on a ticket system: e.g., score 150 points to earn 1 ticket, 200 points for 2 tickets, etc., which players can redeem for prizes. Or you can set a specific goal – “Score over 180 to win a medium prize, over 240 for a large prize.” Small prizes could be candy or pencils for participation, with larger prizes for high scores. Since players might play multiple times to rack up tickets, this feels like a real carnival arcade. According to party planners, an inflatable skee-ball is excellent for school events because it lets kids have that arcade experience at a fair.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA can rent out authentic skee-ball machines (they often come in pairs) or an inflatable skee-ball game for easier setup. The machines bring the full arcade vibe, complete with electronic scoring. The inflatable version is a pair of long ramps with scoring bins – a great choice if you want it to be more of a carnival booth style. Setup will require power for the blower (inflatable) or the machine lights, but PPUSA handles all that. If you have a “game room” area at your carnival, skee-ball is a must-have anchor game. And don’t worry about space – we’ll help arrange the lanes so there’s plenty of room for players to step up and others to watch. Get ready for a line of excited players at this one!

10. Prize Wheel (Spin to Win)

How it Works: Sometimes the simplest games bring the biggest smiles. A Prize Wheel is exactly what it sounds like – a big, upright spinning wheel divided into colored sections or numbers. Players give it a hearty spin and wait in anticipation for it to stop on a segment. Each segment can correspond to a prize or a prize level. Wherever the wheel lands, that’s what the player wins. It’s pure luck, flashy, and so satisfying when the wheel clicks to a stop!

Why It’s Fun: The prize wheel is universally appealing – there’s just something exciting about the spin and the “will it stop on the jackpot?!” moment. For school carnivals, this game is fantastic for little kids or as a guaranteed-win station (to make sure everyone walks away with something). It adds visual and auditory excitement too: the wheel is usually colorful and makes a fun clicking sound as it spins. It’s also one of the quickest games to play, which keeps lines moving. Parents often snap photos of their kids proudly spinning the big wheel – it makes every child feel like a winner.

Age Appropriateness: All ages, from preschool to adult. Even the youngest attendees can participate with a bit of help to spin. It’s completely based on chance, so no skill needed – which levels the playing field between kindergarteners and high schoolers. If older kids want more thrill, you can make one wedge a top prize that’s rarer; but honestly, even teens enjoy a spin when prizes are on the line (who doesn’t want free stuff?).

Prize Ideas: Every spin should win something. You can label wheel sections with prize names or codes (e.g., “Candy,” “Small Prize,” “Pick a Prize,” “Grand Prize”). For a school event, good prizes include: candies, stickers, small toys, extra recess passes, school swag (pencils, mini notebooks), and a few bigger items like $5 gift cards or plushies for the “Jackpot” slice. You might also integrate it with a ticket system (e.g., spend 2 tickets to spin the wheel, guaranteeing a prize). Since Perfect Parties USA rents Prize Wheels often for casino events too, the wheel is a professional one – you can customize the prize inserts to whatever fits your carnival.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA offers Prize Wheel rentals that are sturdy and freestanding. The wheel typically comes with a set of dry-erase or printable inserts so you can customize each wedge with your prize names or point values. They’ll show you how to swap these in and out. The wheel doesn’t require electricity – just a small table or stand, which they can provide. You can have a volunteer manage the wheel (especially to restock prizes and ensure one spin per turn). Consider placing the prize wheel near your entrance or prize redemption area to attract guests right when they arrive – its bright colors and spinning motion are an instant draw!

 

11. Inflatable Axe Throwing

How it Works: Axe throwing has become a trendy activity, and now you can bring a safe version to your school carnival! The Inflatable Axe Throwing game uses a giant inflatable target board (often painted to look like wood or a bullseye) and soft, Velcro or foam “axes.” Players stand at a line and throw the faux axes, trying to stick them onto the target – the closer to the bullseye, the better. It’s like darts on a larger, safer scale, and you can have head-to-head competitions or high-score challenges.

Why It’s Fun: This game is a huge hit with teens and even adults, because it carries the appeal of the edgy real axe throwing craze but in a completely school-friendly format. It’s a test of concentration and skill – players will keep trying to one-up each other’s accuracy. When someone lands a bullseye, the feeling of accomplishment is big! Inflatable axe throwing is also an attention-grabber: the inflatable unit often has an eye-catching design (some even have two targets for side-by-side competitions). It’s a newer addition to carnivals, so it has that cool factor of being something people might not have tried yet. As Perfect Parties USA describes, it’s “the latest trending, highly engaging activity”, combining skill and a bit of daring.

Age Appropriateness: Best for older elementary (10+) through high school and adults. The axes are lightweight and safe, but the act of throwing accurately might be tough for very young kids – they can certainly try, but you might have them stand closer. This game shines with middle schoolers and high schoolers who appreciate the challenge and novelty. It can also be a staff favorite during breaks (you might find your teachers sneaking throws to blow off steam!).

Prize Ideas: You can run this as a high-score game. For example, give each player three throws and total their points (like 5 points for a bullseye, 3 for next ring, 1 for outer ring). Set a score threshold to win a prize (e.g., 10+ points wins a prize). Or pit two players against each other; winner gets a prize, or winner stays on to challenge the next person. Prizes can be fun “lumberjack” themed trinkets or anything you like – but often the competitive challenge is enough that you don’t need a prize every time. Perhaps a small prize for anyone who manages a bullseye. The goal is to make participants feel accomplished for honing their skill.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA will provide the entire inflatable axe throwing setup, including the inflatable backdrop/target and a set of foam axes that stick to the target. We’ll inflate it on-site (needs an outlet for the blower) and ensure it’s anchored. It doesn’t take a ton of space (roughly 16–20 feet deep) but should be placed where onlookers can watch safely from the side. One great aspect is that this rental is highly safe – the “axes” are just soft objects.. An attendant or a volunteer can help retrieve axes and coach players. This game adds an on-trend activity to your carnival that will definitely draw curious participants.

 

12. Inflatable Obstacle Course

How it Works: Ready, set, race! An Inflatable Obstacle Course is like a bounce house on steroids combined with a track meet. Think climbing walls, tunnels, pop-up obstacles, and slides – all connected in a long inflatable course. Usually, two participants can race side by side through the course. They’ll dash through entry holes, weave around inflatable pillars, scramble up a soft climbing wall, and then zoom down a slide to the finish. First one out wins, but everyone has a blast running these courses.

Why It’s Fun: Obstacle courses are always the center of attention at school events. Kids literally bounce off the walls in these things (safely!). It’s not just fun – it provides great exercise and lets energetic students blow off steam in a structured way. The race element adds friendly competition, and you can run many kids through per hour. Inflatable courses bring a wow factor due to their size and colorful appearance. They appeal to the video game generation too – it’s like being in a real-life platform game. Importantly, they’re designed to be safe and bouncy, so even if someone tumbles, they just giggle and get back up. As Perfect Parties USA highlights, these courses cater to all age groups and fitness levels in a safer setting than real obstacle races – meaning everyone can join the fun without fear.

Age Appropriateness: All ages (with variations). Perfect Parties USA has different obstacle course designs, from smaller courses ideal for younger kids to giant 100-foot courses that challenge teens and adults. For a school carnival, you might choose a mid-size course that elementary and middle school kids can do. Even high schoolers will take a turn racing each other (often with a lot of laughing and boasting involved). You can also let younger kids run through without racing, just for the adventure. Because it’s inflatable and padded, it’s welcoming to a broad range of ages.

Prize Ideas: Generally, inflatable obstacle courses aren’t prize games – they’re more of an attraction or activity. However, you could create mini-competitions (fastest time of the day in each age group wins a ribbon or small trophy). If doing races, maybe have a referee give the winner a victory token or sticker. But mainly, the reward is the sheer fun of completing the course. Kids often immediately beg to go again to improve their time or try against a new friend.

Renting Tip: Perfect Parties USA offers a variety of inflatable obstacle courses – from dual-lane 30-foot racers to monster courses like their “Adrenaline Rush” or themed obstacles. They handle all setup and ensure the unit is clean and secure (all their inflatables are sanitized and staked down for safety). When renting, discuss the space you have; they’ll suggest a course that fits your venue. Also, obstacle courses typically require a couple of blowers (so access to multiple circuits may be needed – PPUSA will advise, often one 20amp circuit per blower). They are surprisingly quick to set up (about 30-60 minutes) and can handle a large throughput of kids. For example, many inflatables can have 5-6 kids on the course at once in different sections. You might station a volunteer at the start to send kids off in intervals. This attraction truly brings the “carnival midway meets playground” vibe to your event – it will likely be one of the most popular stations, so plan accordingly! And don’t forget, PPUSA’s team will take care of the heavy lifting (literally) – you just provide the excited participants.

 

Bringing It All Together

From soaking your principal in the dunk tank to racing through an inflatable obstacle course, these carnival game ideas cover the full spectrum of fun for your school fair or fundraiser. The key to a successful school carnival is variety – and as you can see, Perfect Parties USA has a huge range of games and attractions ready to rent. The best part of renting is that you get professional setup, safety-tested equipment, and even staff or attendants if you need. They’ll even help with extras like striped carnival booths, prize packages, and game attendants to make your event as easy as possible for you.

When planning, consider your audience (younger kids love simple games like Prize Wheel and Ring Toss, while older students crave a challenge like Axe Throw or Gladiator Joust). Mix in some water games for hot weather, skill games for prizes, and inflatable attractions to keep everyone active. By doing so, you’ll create a carnival that has something for every age group – ensuring no one goes home without a smile (and probably a prize or two!).

Don’t forget to sprinkle in some festive decor, maybe a popcorn or cotton candy station, and upbeat music to complete the atmosphere. With these game ideas and Perfect Parties USA as your rental partner, your school carnival will be the talk of the town. Now that you’re armed with these carnival game ideas and tips, you’re ready to plan an event that’s safe, smooth, and super-fun for all involved.

Ready to get the party started? Reach out to to reserve your games and attractions. They’ll help coordinate delivery to your school, handle setup/breakdown, and ensure each game station is running flawlessly. With their help, you can focus on enjoying the day and snapping photos of all the joyous moments. Good luck with your carnival – and have a blast! 🎉