11 Fun Backyard Carnival Games: Ultimate Guide for Family Fun

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Backyard Carnival Games where we delve into the world of homemade carnival activities and DIY carnival games to bring the joy of the fair right to your doorstep. Not to mention over 30 tips and tricks to make sure you host the perfect event.

Perfect for kids’ birthday party ideas, family reunions, or just a fun weekend activity, these games promise laughter and joy for all ages. Hosting a carnival is a great way of enjoying beautiful weather while playing games and testing each other’s gaming skills.

You can also have a carnival-themed birthday party to make your special day unique and more fun. If you are planning to hold a carnival in your backyard, here are the best carnival game ideas that you must try to have the best time ever!

What is a Carnival Game?

Carnival games are often seen at amusement parks, charity fundraisers, and traveling carnivals. These games are usually categorized into two types: games of skill and games of chance. Most of these games work on a pay-per-play basis and offer prizes like small toys, posters, etc., to the winner.

You do not have to play these games only in an amusement park; you can create your own setup and organize different games in your backyard to hold an outdoor carnival for your friends and relatives.

Here we will show you how to set up your own backyard carnival games.

Types of Backyard Carnival Games

Games of Chance

It is a kind of game in which players are given a chance to win a ticket or prize. A popular example of games of chance is the “dime pitch game.” In it, you have to throw a coin at the board. This board has different marks of the diameter equal to that of the coin. If your coin covers a mark completely, you win the game and prize.

Games of Skill

This game requires skill and thus it gives the player a chance to test his abilities. It involved hitting a target with a ball, balloon, or any weapon. A few popular examples of games of skill are crossbow shoot game, ring the bell, balloon and dart, and rope ladder climb.

Different physical abilities are tested in different games of skill. Some games are about maintaining balance while others are about coordinating hand and eye movement.

Classic Backyard Carnival Game Ideas

If you are throwing a backyard carnival bash, then these traditional carnival game ideas will certainly make the day memorable for you and your guests. Many of them are DIY homemade carnival games also! We’ve also included some easy buy options for Amazon if you want to save some time. Check out these backyard carnival games!

1. Ring Toss

Summary: A carnival classic, Ring Toss is both simple to set up and universally enjoyable. Players toss rings toward a set of targets, aiming to land them around pegs or bottles. This is an easy carnival game that all could enjoy. 

Materials Needed: A 12 to 15-inch stick, stick necklaces, and masking tape.

Instructions:

1. Plant the stick firmly into the ground or a base.
2. Mark a line on the ground with masking tape from where players will throw.
3. Players take turns throwing rings at the stick to loop them over.

Safety Tips: Ensure the play area is clear of other objects and bystanders to prevent accidents.

2. Balloon Darts

Summary: This game tests hand-eye coordination as players throw darts or rocks at balloons, aiming to pop them.

Materials Needed: Balloons, darts or small rocks, and a backdrop to pin the balloons on.

Instructions:

1. Inflate balloons and attach them to a board or wall.
2. Mark a line on the ground for players to stand behind.
3. Players throw darts or rocks to pop the balloons.

Safety Tips: Use safer dart alternatives for younger children and ensure strict supervision. Younger kids could use bean bags instead, although the balloons won’t pop. 

3. Bean Bag Toss Game

Summary: A fun and engaging game, perfect for all ages. Players toss bean bags into holes on a board to score points. This is an easy DIY carnival game. 

Materials Needed: Bean bags, a cardboard box or custom board with holes. Make your own bean bag or order some on Amazon. 

Instructions:

1. Create or set up the board with various sized holes, each assigned different points.
2. Place the board a few feet away from the throwing line.
3. Players take turns throwing bean bags, aiming to get them into the holes.

Safety Tips: Make sure the play area is free from obstacles.

4. Potato Sack Races

Summary: Potato sack races are a great carnival game. A hilarious and active game where participants hop to the finish line in potato sacks.

Materials Needed: Potato sacks or pillowcases.

Instructions:

1. Line up the participants at the start line, each standing in a sack.
2. On ‘go,’ everyone hops toward the finish line while staying in their sacks.
3. The first one over the finish line wins.

Safety Tips: Conduct the race on a soft surface like grass to minimize injuries from falls.

5. Water Gun Race

Summary: A competitive and fun challenge where players use water guns to move targets to a finish line.

Materials Needed: Water guns, small floating targets (like rubber ducks), and a long, water-filled trough or pool.

Instructions:

1. Line up floating targets at one end of the trough or pool.
2. Players stand at the opposite end with water guns.
3. At ‘go,’ players shoot water at their target, propelling it toward the finish line.
4. The first to get their target across wins.

Alternative: If you don’t have a pool, an alternative to this game is to place ping pong balls on golf tees and have the participants shoot the water gun to see who can knock the ping pong balls off of the targets the fastest. 

Safety Tips: Conduct this game on a non-slip surface and keep electronic devices away.

6. Ping Pong Ball Toss

Summary: Players attempt to toss ping pong balls into cups in this game of precision and light touch.

Materials Needed: 25 to 30 plastic cups, ping pong balls.

Instructions:

1. Arrange the cups in a formation on a table or the ground.
2. Players stand behind a line and toss balls, aiming to land them in the cups.
3. Reward successful tosses with prizes or points.

Safety Tips: Clear the surrounding area to prevent tripping over scattered balls.

7. Pool Noodle Race

Summary: A competitive and fun lawn game where players race while balancing a matchbox car on a pool noodle.

Materials Needed: Pool noodles, matchbox cars.

Instructions:

1. Give each child a pool noodle with a car placed at one end.
2. At ‘go,’ kids race to a finish line, balancing the car on the noodle.
3. The first to cross the line without dropping the car wins.

Safety Tips: Ensure a clear, flat racing path to prevent falls.

8. Stilt Race

Summary: Participants race on stilts made from coffee cans, testing their balance and speed.

Materials Needed: Empty coffee cans, rope.

Instructions:

1. Make two holes in each coffee can, thread rope through for handles.
2. Players stand on cans, holding the rope for balance, and race to a finish line.
3. The first to cross the finish line without falling off wins.

Safety Tips: Use on a soft surface and supervise closely to prevent falls.

9. Tin Can Bowling

Summary: Tin Can Bowling is a delightful and straightforward carnival game that transforms everyday tin cans into a challenging bowling experience. Players roll a ball aiming to knock down stacks of decorated cans.

Materials Needed:

• 6 to 10 tin cans (clean and labels removed)
• Paint or decorative materials to theme the cans
• A small to medium-sized ball (like a tennis or softball)
• Masking tape to mark the bowling line

Instructions:

1. Decorate the Cans: Paint or decorate the tin cans in bright, carnival colors or thematic designs. Allow them to dry completely.
2. Setup: Arrange the cans in a pyramid shape (like bowling pins) at the end of a flat, smooth surface.
3. Mark the Line: Use masking tape to mark a line on the ground a few feet away from the cans. This will be where players stand to roll the ball.
4. Playing the Game: Players stand behind the line and roll the ball toward the cans, aiming to knock down as many as possible. Each player gets two rolls per turn.
5. Scoring: Assign points for each can knocked down. For an added challenge, mark different points on the cans based on their position in the stack.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure the playing area is clear of any obstacles that players might trip over.
• If playing on a hard surface, consider using softer balls like foam balls to prevent injury or damage.
• Supervise younger children to ensure they roll the ball safely and don’t chase after it into any unsafe areas.

10. Carnival Dunk Tank

Summary: A thrilling game where participants aim to hit a target that dunks an individual into a tank of water.

Materials Needed: Dunk tank setup, balls.

Instructions:

1. One person sits on the dunk tank seat.
2. Players throw balls at a target connected to the seat.
3. A successful hit dunks the person into the water.

Safety Tips: Ensure the tank is securely set up and the water is clean.

11. Magnetic Fishing Hole

Summary: Magnetic Fishing Hole is a charming and interactive game where players use a fishing rod with a magnet attached to ‘catch’ magnetic fish or objects from a pool or designated area. It’s perfect for younger children and offers a fun way to improve their motor skills and patience.

Materials Needed:

• A small pool, large basin, or a designated area outlined on the ground.
• Several small magnetic objects or toy fish with metal clips or screws attached.
• A fishing rod (can be made from a stick or dowel) with a string and a strong magnet tied at the end.
• Optional decorations like blue cloth or paper to simulate water, and signs or pictures of sea creatures to set the scene.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pond: Fill your pool or basin with water, or if you’re using an area on the ground, lay down blue cloth or paper to represent water. Scatter the magnetic fish or objects throughout the ‘pond.’
2. Create the Fishing Rods: Attach a string to the end of your stick or dowel, then tie a strong magnet to the other end of the string. Ensure the magnet is strong enough to pick up the objects.
3. Playing the Game: Players take turns using the fishing rod to ‘catch’ the magnetic objects from the water. They can only use the magnet on the fishing rod, and they can’t touch the water or the objects with their hands.
4. Scoring: Assign points to different objects based on difficulty or mark certain fish as ‘prize catches.’ The player with the most points at the end wins, or you can give out small prizes for every successful catch.

Safety Tips:

• Ensure all small objects and magnets are secure and not a choking hazard, especially for younger children.
• If using real water, make sure the area around the pool is non-slip and that children are supervised to prevent any accidental slips or falls.

Party Enhancements and Additions

What’s a party without some food and extra fun? Consider adding a Cupcake Walk to your list of fun and easy carnival games. Set up a Face Painting station to add some creative flair to the festivities. And don’t forget the snacks! No carnival is complete without carnival food ideas like cotton candy and popcorn.

Decorations

1. Themed Banners and Signs: Welcome guests with colorful banners and signs that set the carnival mood.
2. Balloon Arches: Create a vibrant entrance or photo spot with a balloon arch in bright colors.
3. String Lights: For evening events, string lights add a magical glow and keep the area illuminated.
4. Centerpieces: Use themed centerpieces like mini ferris wheels or carousel horses on tables.

Food & Beverage

5. Popcorn Machine: Nothing says carnival like the smell and taste of fresh popcorn.
6. Cotton Candy Stand: Rent or buy a machine to spin fresh cotton candy in various colors.
7. Hot Dog Cart: Serve classic carnival fare with a hot dog stand or grill.
8. Snow Cone Machine: Offer a cool treat with a variety of flavored snow cones.
9. Themed Drinks: Create colorful, carnival-themed drinks or mocktails for guests of all ages.

Entertainment

10. Clown or Magician: Hire a performer to wander the carnival, entertaining guests with tricks and jokes.
11. Face Painting Booth: Set up a station where kids and adults alike can get their faces painted.
12. Balloon Artist: Have a balloon artist create intricate animals and shapes on request.
13. Photo Booth: Set up a booth with props and a backdrop for guests to take memorable photos.
14. Live Music or DJ: Keep the energy up with a live band or DJ playing upbeat tunes.

Activities

15. Petting Zoo: If space allows, a small petting zoo with friendly animals is a hit among younger guests.
16. Pony Rides: Offer pony rides for an authentic fairground experience.
17. Craft Station: Set up a table with various craft supplies for guests to make their own carnival-themed souvenirs.
18. Fireworks or Lantern Release: End the night with a bang with a small fireworks show or a lantern release.
19. Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Consider sending the guests on a wild goose chase with an outdoor scavenger hunt.
20. Obstacle Course: Try and outdoor obstacle course for kids!

Comfort and Convenience

21. Seating Areas: Provide plenty of seating with tables and chairs or picnic blankets for guests to relax.
22. Rest Stations: Have areas where guests can cool off with fans or heaters (depending on the weather).
23. Restrooms: Ensure there are adequate restroom facilities, consider renting portable ones if necessary.
24. First Aid Kit: Always have a first aid kit and a designated person knowledgeable in basic first aid.

Prizes and Giveaways

25. Prize Booth: Have a booth where guests can redeem tickets won at games for prizes.
26. Goodie Bags: Send guests home with goodie bags filled with treats and small toys.
27. Raffle Draw: Host a raffle draw with larger prizes to be won towards the end of the event.

Invitations and Souvenirs

28. Custom Invitations: Send out themed invitations to build excitement for the carnival.
29. Memory Book: Set up a spot where guests can write messages or paste photos from the day.

Logistics and Safety

30. Parking Arrangements: Ensure there’s adequate parking or provide directions to nearby parking areas.
31. Signage: Have clear signs for different areas, especially for restrooms, exits, and first aid.

Adding these enhancements and additions to your backyard carnival can transform it from a simple gathering into an extraordinary event that guests will talk about for years to come. Choose the ones that best fit your space, budget, and the preferences of your guests. Enjoy planning and hosting your spectacular carnival!

How to Set Up Face Painting and Photo Booth

Face Painting or Temporary Tattoos

Summary: A creative and less competitive option, perfect for younger children or as a break between games.

Materials Needed: Safe, washable face paints or temporary tattoos, brushes, and water.

Instructions:

1. Set up a booth with a mirror and seating.
2. Let children choose their desired design or tattoo.
3. Carefully paint the design or apply the tattoo.

Safety Tips: Use hypoallergenic paints and ensure cleanliness to prevent skin reactions.

Photo Booth

Summary: A great way for teens and adults to capture fun memories of the carnival with unique, themed photo frames.

Materials Needed: Frames, decorations, camera or smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Set up a backdrop and decorate with carnival themes.
2. Prepare frames or props for guests to hold.
3. Guests pose behind the frames while someone snaps their photos.

Safety Tips: Ensure the area is well-lit and free of tripping hazards. HGTV has a some great tips also.

Conclusion: Backyard Carnival Games

Backyard carnival games can transform your space into a nexus of joy, laughter, and community. Armed with these comprehensive tips, tricks, and DIY secrets, your event will not only entertain but create cherished memories.

So gather your materials, summon your creativity, and embark on an unforgettable journey of fun. The games are set, the prizes are ready, and an extraordinary day awaits. Let the merriment commence for your carnival party!