Are you ready to throw the bash of a lifetime for your kids and their friends? Here’s your guide to a no-limits kids’ carnival party. Check it out!
There are at least 100 amusement parks in the U.S. but if you don’t happen to live close to one, it can be disappointing for your kids. What’s the solution? Bring the amusement park to them by throwing a kids’ carnival party!
Most of what you need to pull this off can be easily rented by a modern rental equipment company. Rented games, food, and even rides will transform your backyard or outdoor space into your very own amusement park. Here are some ideas for throwing a carnival party your guests will never forget.
Mail Carnival-Themed Invites
Set the mood and give your guests an idea of what to expect by sending out colorful invites with a carnival theme. Many print companies offer templates that you can customize online with your party details. Look for designs that feature a big top circus tent, circus animals, amusement park rides, balloons, and more.
Another fun idea is to have “Admit One tickets” printed and sent with the invites that looks like the vintage slips that were given out back in the day when people visited an amusement park, fairgrounds, or circus.
Decorate with Balloons and Carnival-Themed Touches
Helium-filled balloons and red-and-white striped tablecloths will add to the festive atmosphere and fit the carnival theme perfectly. Red, yellow, blue, and white are traditional amusement park, circus, and carnival colors.
You can also rent a mini “big top” tent to showcase goodies or prizes on one of the tables. Party plates and beverage cups are available in a variety of carnival designs.
Serve Favorite Fair and Amusement Park Food
Be sure to have the same variety of yummy food typically found at fairgrounds and amusement parks on hand for your guests. Think hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream snow cones, and more. Set up a hot dog or taco bar with an assortment of toppings such as cheese, chili, guacamole, salsa, and more.
Another fun idea is to rent a pucker powder candy machine and let guests fill their own paper tubes with the sweet-tart flavor of their choice. Don’t forget to offer soda, water, and other beverages to wash it down with. You may also want to come up with a non-alcoholic “signature” drink to serve.
Rent Games for Guests to Play
One of the best parts of visiting a fair or amusement park is the games section, where you can test your skills and score a stuffed animal or toy. Many of the same games you enjoy at these venues are now available to rent for your own private party. Here’s just a partial list of some of the rental carnival games you can rent and try your luck at:
Water Balloon Blast: aim your high pressurized water gun at the clown’s mouth to win a prize.
High Striker: Who’s the strongest party guest? The High Striker is the updated version of the “ring the bell” midway game that was a fixture of many carnivals back in the day.
Baseball Toss: Pitch the ball into the catcher’s mitt to win.
Duck Pond: Choose a floating duck and win the prize the number on the bottom corresponds with.
Be sure to have plenty of prizes on hand if you decide to rent one or more of these games so no guests will walk away empty handed. Prize ideas can include stuffed toys, inflatable figures, toy cars, and assorted trinkets.
Hire a Professional Clown or Magician
To really add to the festivities, you can also hire a clown or magician to perform for your guests. The best kind of rented professional is one who can get the audience to engage with them.
Rent a Photo Booth
Photo booths have become one of the hottest party trends in recent years, making their way into everything from corporate events to wedding receptions. They’re also perfect for carnival themed parties, giving guests an opportunity to take their own selfies. These photos can often be printed in a manner of minutes, giving everyone a fun memento of the party to take home.
Photo booths also arrive with custom backdrops and a supply of fun props so guests can really let their personalities shine. They’re similar to the old school photo booths that were found at early amusement parks but updated with modern technology.
Rent a Mechanical Ride
For the ultimate backyard carnival experience, you can now rent any number of mechanical rides that are not unlike the ones found at amusement parks and fairs. There are bumper cars, teacups, tumblers, swing rides, trackless trains, mini Ferris wheels, and more.
Feeling really adventurous? How about a mechanical bull or shark attack ride? You can even rent a mobile zipline!
If you do opt for a mechanical ride, you’ll just need to make sure you have enough room for it and that it’s kept safely away from other areas that are going to attract a lot of your guests.
You can also go with any number of inflatable games such as obstacle courses, slides, and good old-fashioned bounce houses. Such attractions are always a smash with kids.
Be Sure to Give Your Guests Party Favors
When the big day is through, be sure to thank your guests and send them home with a little party favor bag as a gift. This can include candy, gum, and small toys. Package everything up in Big Top-themed favor boxes.
Ready to Throw a Kids’ Carnival Party They’ll Remember?
As you can see, there’s a lot of options for attractions for a kids’ carnival party that is sure to leave a lasting impression on guests. Are you thinking about throwing such a party yourself?
We specialize in all kinds of carnival themed games, mechanical rides, inflatables, food, and more. Choose the equipment you’re interested in and then request a quote from us. We’ll be happy to help make your event fun and memorable!