Kids Carnival Birthday Party Ideas

by Donnie Grimes
(Georgia)

Kids Carnival Birthday Party Ideas: My name is Donnie Grimes, and I am 27. I live in Georgia with a large family of 9. My nephew just turned 8 years old. My family has very little money, as we are mostly seeking employment due to layoffs. We decided to have a carnival birthday party theme on a budget.

My wife's boss loaned us a clown costume. A friend of the family happened to not only fit the costume, but knew how to juggle, and make balloon animals. She told many kid friendly jokes to keep them laughing, while giving out candy.

We borrowed goats from a local farm and had a small petting zoo. The kids enjoyed petting the goats more than I ever would have thought they would. My mother used dried beans and old sheets to make little bean bags, which we used with paint and an old piece of wood to make a game.

We set up bobbing for apples, pin the tail on the donkey, a pinata full of penny candy, sac races, and the ever popular face painting. The clown (our friend) did a small show, followed by age and weight guessing.

Most prizes were bought very cheaply from the dollar store, plus we got goldfish very cheaply from Walmart. For lunch, we built a small fire, and allowed the kids to roast their own hot dogs. (under strict supervision.)

If you have time to prepare it, another great idea to accompany this would be a little soap box car race. Instructions and materials for that can be found all over the internet. I wanted to have a horse or pony available to give rides, but that wasn't possible with budget on short notice.

Instead, we had a cake made with a horse theme. Sometimes, mini rides can rented, such as a carousel, but we didn't do that.

Pizza is also a famous fair or carnival food and would be acceptable to the theme. You might also purchase a cheap roll of raffle tickets to give the kids, which they turn in for food and games, further simulating the actual experience.

The key with this party, is to let the kids earn their prizes with games, and prepare their own food. Another good idea to accompany is have someone make funnel cakes and snow cones with all of the traditional syrups, such as cherry, grape, strawberry,coke, peach, etc. (both very easy).

Cotton candy can also usually be bought pre-made and very cheaply. I hope if you try this, you have fun, and I hope you've enjoyed reading. The sky is really the limit with this one.

Categories: All Birthday Party Ideas