The 10 Most Fun Carnival Party Games for Kids

Planning a Carnival celebration for kids? Here are 10 fun and easy games to keep the party lively—whether you’re at home, in the classroom, or at a community event. From costume parades to piñata smash, these activities bring laughter, teamwork, and creativity to children of all ages.

Best Carnival Games for Large Groups of Kids (Ages 3–10)

These 10 party games are perfect for groups of children aged roughly 3 to 10 years. They’re fun, easy to explain, and great for keeping energy high at school parties, community centres, or birthday events.

If you’re a babysitter, running Carnival games can be a fantastic way to keep kids entertained while encouraging creativity and teamwork. If you’re a parent, consider inviting your babysitter to join the festivities—extra hands make it easier to manage multiple games and keep the energy positive for everyone.

1. Carnival Queen (or King) Says

A Carnival version of “Simon Says,” this game lets kids stay in character while playing. One child is chosen to be the Carnival Queen or King. Instead of “Take three giant steps” or “Move like a crab,” the leader gives themed instructions:
“Take three superhero steps like Batman,”
“Tiptoe like Elsa on ice,”
“Stomp like a roaring lion,” etc.

If the Carnival Queen/King turns around and spots someone moving, that child goes back to the starting line. The first one to tag the Queen/King wins and becomes the next leader.

2. Streamer Blowing Challenge

This game is all about breath control and team spirit! Grab a large cardboard box and several packs of paper streamers in various colours. Divide the kids into teams and assign each team a specific colour of streamer. When the music starts, kids must blow their streamers across the floor and try to land them inside the box.

When the music stops, the team with the most streamers in the box wins. It’s active, silly fun that works well in a gym, hallway, or open indoor space.

3. Costume Charades

A Carnival twist on classic charades! Instead of acting out movies or animals, kids take turns miming a character or costume they see at the party—maybe a pirate, princess, firefighter, or unicorn. No talking allowed—just gestures! Other children guess who or what is being acted out. It’s perfect for groups who love pretending and dressing up.

4. Spoon and Ping Pong Relay (With a Costume Twist)

This is a classic spoon race with a fun costume twist. Each child gets a spoon and a ping pong ball. The goal is to walk a set course while balancing the ball without dropping it. Here’s the twist: along the way, there are costume “stations” where the child must pause and put on a silly costume accessory (a feather boa, funny glasses, a hat, etc.), all without dropping the ball. 

You can adjust the difficulty based on age and offer help to younger kids if needed. Each child goes one at a time. The winner is the one who finishes the course with the most accessories, the fastest time, and no dropped balls. Bonus fun: take photos of each child’s final outfit to share afterward!

5. Piñata Smash

No party is complete without a good ol’ fashioned piñata! A longtime favorite for birthdays and festive occasions, this game is perfect for Carnival too. Create or buy a piñata, fill it with candies or small toys, and hang it in a safe spot where no one will get hurt. Blindfolded (or not, depending on age), each child takes a swing with a broomstick. Eventually, the piñata will break, and it’s a joyful scramble for goodies!

6. Clown Face Target Toss

Before the party starts, help the kids draw and decorate a giant clown face (or any fun character) on cardboard. Make sure to cut a large open mouth in the centre. During the game, each child tosses soft balls or crumpled paper into the clown’s mouth. For added chaos and laughter, have everyone throw at once. Though it may be impossible to tell who wins, the flurry of flying balls is guaranteed to be fun!

7. Confetti Mosaic Art

This activity is perfect for kids who love crafts (and for adults who don’t mind a little mess). Tape a large sheet of paper or a disposable paper tablecloth to the floor. Draw big shapes or simple outlines with a marker. Then, give each child some glue sticks and a pile of colorful confetti. Let them fill in the shapes by gluing on the confetti to create a bright mosaic.

This is a relaxing activity that works for different ages: younger kids will enjoy the process, while older kids might aim for more polished designs.

8. Costume Pair Match

Fill a basket with pairs of costume accessories like two matching masks, two silly hats, two glittery bracelets, two moustaches, and more. Play music and have the kids dig through the pile, racing to find and match as many pairs as possible in 30 seconds. When the music stops, the child with the most completed pairs wins. It’s a fast-paced game that encourages observation and memory skills.

9. Hot Mask Game

A Carnival twist on the classic game “Hot Potato.” Instead of passing a potato, kids sit in a circle and pass around paper masks—one of which is a special white (or black) one. Play music as the masks go around quickly. When the music stops, the child holding the white (or black) mask is out of the game. Continue until only one child remains: the winner!

10. Musical Mask Grab

A fun twist on musical chairs! Instead of chairs, place paper masks in the middle of the room—one fewer than the number of players. Play music and let the kids dance around. 

When the music stops, they must run to grab a mask. The child left without one is out (but be sure to have a small prize ready for them). Continue until one mask remains and a winner is crowned. End the party with a costume parade! 

Celebrate every child by creating a fun award: “Best Homemade Costume,” “Sparkliest Princess,” “Coolest Superhero,” “Funniest Face Paint,” and so on—just make sure everyone gets a prize and a smile.

Fun Carnival Activities for Small Groups or 2–3 Kids

What if you’re not throwing a big party but just entertaining two or three kids? The best approach is to keep them engaged with creative activities and adaptable games suited to their age and energy levels. 

A good starting point is our list of indoor games for kids, organized by age. These can be easily customized for a Carnival theme by adding costumes or festive props. Or, keep it simple with classic home games using items you already have—those often inspire the most creativity!

Looking for more fun game ideas for kids? Check out our other articles on 15 classic outdoor games, 20 games and activities for kids aged 8–10, fun games for kids aged 6–7, and educational games for 5-year-olds.