Carnival Party Ideas & How To Make a Balloon Arch

For a birthday party, fund-raiser, team party or any large event, a carnival is just the ticket! And a balloon arch creates an instant entrance.

Watch Balloon Arch How-to Video

Create a "Fun Zone" by topping a row of tables with bright table covers or rolls that catch the eye. Then add stations for games of skill and luck. Personalized Banner Kits are perfect for making signs to identify each activity. Use table clips to make sure the roll and banners stay put even in a breeze. Multi-colored pennant banners and shiny balloons finish the look with pizzazz!

Hand every kid a strip of paper game tickets, then send them to the arcade to test their luck. Adults and older teens can host the "Fun Zone" stations, taking tickets and helping the kids play. After completing an activity or "winning" a game, players can be awarded mini trophies and special tickets to redeem at the prize table.

Carnivals are all about popular games and activities like Duck Fishing, Sack Races and the Cake Ring Toss. These budget-friendly and easy attractions will have guests lining up! Include a couple pint-sized games like the Bean Bag Toss for your youngest guests. Older kids will love testing their aim with the Inflatable Ball Toss game, featuring a carnival-perfect clown.

Everyone loves a pinata, so get the most out of yours! A giant clown pinata can greet everyone at the main entrance or welcome winners to the prize table. Hang it up later or choose another pinata filled with favors and candy for the official pinata game. Be sure to have plenty of favor buckets or bags so guests can scoop up the loot afterwards.

Making their very own sand art in a bottle or beaded jewelry are terrific options for kids who prefer crafts-style playtime. A face painting station will always get lots of attention and it's the perfect spot to have some quiet time.

Everyone's a winner at your carnival when you have a prizes table to "ooh!" and "aah!" over. Display an assortment of prizes for girls and boys of various ages. Boys will love Flyers and Paint By Number kits. Girls will light up over plush mini-animals and jewelry making kits. Let each "winner" choose their own prize. Before the end of the party, make sure everyone has had a chance to visit the Prize Table at least once.

Funny hats, red noses, colorful suspenders, oversized shoes, bright wigs and giant glasses are always in style for clowns. When your "carnies" are wearing costume accessories, kids can identify them easily and know to ask them for help with a game.

A real old-fashioned carnival party calls for classic carnival treats like popcorn, peanuts, cotton candy, hot dogs and lemonade served up in cool new ways. Set up a self-serve popcorn station with bowls of freshly popped popcorn seasoned with a variety of flavorings. Guests can fill up their popcorn containers with one flavor or make up their own custom mix. Squeeze tongs encourage guests to help themselves. Have stacks of carnival-perfect popcorn containers and napkins nearby!