Teaching Expertise

A variety of carnival games, including solo and multiplayer games, can help bring any school party, carnival-themed party, or county fair to life.

Create your own collection of carnival games and carnival game supplies to bring innovative carnival game ideas to life. Avoid dishonest carnival game operators who run dishonest games against unsuspecting players with homemade carnival games.

Check out our carnival party ideas and selection of carnival games, from classic mini-games like Bean Bag Toss to modern-day games like Cosmic Bowling!

1. Bean Bag Toss Game

Bean Bag Toss Game is a favorite carnival game that is always a hit at family festivals. To play, aim to toss bean bags on a board with a hole in the center.

Learn More: Triple S Games

2. Spin The Wheel

In this spinner game, players gather around the spinning wheel, eagerly awaiting their chance to see what type of prize they’ll get, from medium-sized prizes to larger prizes like stuffed animals.

Learn More: Ryan’s World

3. Water Coin Drop

This game of chance involves doing a coin toss into a pool or bucket of water. Players can use any type of coin to play, like pennies, nickels, dimes, or quarters.

Learn More: E-home Interior

4. Plinko

This classic carnival game is played by dropping a small disc or “Plinko” from the top of the pivot board with the intent to land in one of the numbered slots at the bottom, each bringing its own reward. It’s a simple, fun game that children and adults can enjoy!

Learn More: Instructables

5. Balloon Dart Game

This game of chance involves shooting darts at balloons for prizes. The player who pops the most balloons wins. For a safer balloon game, use a water gun or a stick to burst water-filled balloons. Game signs help ensure that all safety regulations are followed.

Learn More: Carnival Savers

6. Milk Bottle Knockdown

A traditional carnival game where players throw an extra ball at a row of milk bottles, trying to knock as many down as possible. It is usually set up in free-standing game booths with attractive game fronts.

Learn More: Imported Shows

7. High Striker

This is one of those outdoor carnival games where players use a mallet to try to hit a bell at the top of a tall pole. If the force used is powerful enough, then a weight at the top of the tower will rise and trigger the indicator scale to rise to different levels. The higher the level reached, the bigger the prize.

Learn More: Everyone Loves Fun

8. Skeeball

One of those classic and popular carnival games where players roll balls up an incline and try to get them into high-scoring holes.

Learn More: Bay Tek Entertainment

9. Duck Matching Game

Party guests take turns trying to match the rubber ducks in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. These redemption games allow players to exchange their prized cards for a variety of prizes from separate prize tiers.

Learn More: Carnival Planning 101

10. Magnetic Fishing Game

This game with magnets would involve a child-sized fishing pole and a large magnetic fishing hole. The child must try to catch as many magnetic fish as possible using their fishing pole.

Learn More: SunkissSyna P

11. Cosmic Bowling

Don’t forget to include this skill game in your fun party ideas. It combines traditional bowling with a high-tech light and sound show. Random players can enjoy bowling under the glow of neon lights while energetic music plays.

Learn More: Best of Bowling

12. Ball Bounce

Players receive a set number of balls—golf balls, ping pong balls, tennis balls—and must try to land them in the target to win a prize. The drop game requires skill and practice, as the target is often quite small, and the balls bounce unpredictably.

Learn More: Nortex Events

13. Donut Eating Game

It may not sound like a difficult game, but players have to eat a donut hanging from a string, and the first one to finish wins!

Learn More: Freedom Arrows

14. Whack-a-Mole

Another possible indoor carnival game is where players use a mallet to try to hit plastic moles as they pop up out of holes.

Learn More: Ilirian Cooks 926

15. Stack of Cakes

This game, created by RAD Game Tools Inc., requires players to stack a tower of cakes while competing against the clock. This carnival game requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

Learn More: GMD Games

16. Unfriendly Clowns

One of those cool carnival games online with a range of sound effects and visuals accompanying it to create a more immersive experience.

Learn More: Top PC Games

17. Carnival Characters with Wacky Headgear

Players dress up different characters, each with unique and wacky headgear. Players must try to collect as much headgear as possible, often through various sets of mini-games.

Learn More: Play Games