30 Unique and Fun Carnival Theme Party Ideas

Updated on: Feb 23, 2024

Are you wondering what is needed when planning a carnival theme party? Well have no fear, this is the place for you! Listed below are decorations, favors, food ideas, games/activities, supplies, and even invitations! If these carnival theme party ideas interest you, then be sure to check out all that we have to offer when it comes to party planning! We have ideas for party themes, and ideas for events such as kid's theme parties, and birthdays. Here at Easy Event Planning, we make party planning fast and easy.

Carnival Theme Party: Decorations

1. Carnival Arrow Signs

Carnivals can be chaotic at times so be sure to include some carnival arrow sign decorations at your party. These signs will help your guests find where the food, activities, and prizes are.

Fun Express Big Top Circus and Carnival Directional Sign (5 feet Tall Cardboard Stand up) Party Decor

Give your carnival a touch of fun and authenticity with this bright and colorful stand-up Big Top Directional Sign.
Includes 6 signs that read "Rides", "Prizes", "Food and Drinks", "Games" and "Restrooms".
5 Feet tall.
Cardboard. Some assembly required. Stand-ups are one-sided with a brown cardboard back.
Sign also includes an 18-ft. roll of double sided foam tape.

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$38.92

2. Colorful Pennants

Colorful pennants are a key decoration for a carnival theme party. You can get creative with this decoration and hang it around your yard, your house, or even the pop-up tents!

Colorful 115 ft long 70 Carnival Flag Triangle pennant banner garland. 5 Pack,Plastic for fiesta party, circus decorations supplies multicolor, Car dealer business Grand opening welcome advertising de

VIBRANT colors on plastic pennant backdrop.
70 PANELS TOTAL. Bright and Vivid Colors incluiding Red, Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow, Purple
Great For Grand Opening, Wedding, Birthday, Anniversary and any oher Celebration Event,
BANNER spans over 23 feet long X 3 For a total of 69ft. Each panel is 13" x 13"
LIGHT UP your party with this bright and vivid multi color plastic banner

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$14.99

3. Balloons

Balloons are a go-to decoration for any party, and many guests love to take one home with them. A unique way to implement balloons into your party aside from the standard decoration is by hiring a balloon artist to make balloon animals for your guests.

4. Carousel Centerpieces

If you feel like your party tables look a little bland, then add a centerpiece! A centerpiece truly brings a table together and the options are endless. There are even carousel centerpieces for carnival-themed parties.

5. Ticket Booth Backdrop

A ticket booth is a carnival must-have! Not only will the ticket booth backdrop be the perfect party photo opportunity for your guests, but it will also pair well with a carnival ticket booth invitation.

Carnival Theme Party: Favors

6. Stuffed Animals

The classic carnival prize is none other than a stuffed animal. Not only are stuffed animals cute and cuddly, but there are also so many options. You can now even order stuffed animals in bulk which is perfect when it comes to getting the correct amount for your party guests.

18 Pieces Small Stuffed Animals Mini Jungle Animal Plush Toys Stuffed Animals Set in 4.8 Inch Cute Small Plush for Animal Themed Parties Teacher Student Award (Stylish Style)

Package includes: you can get 18 pieces cute animal plush toys, including lion, tiger, monkey, elephant, giraffe, leopard patterns, enough quantity for daily playing and sharing with your family and friends
Quality animal decoration: our stuffed zoo animals are very lovely and attractive, with quality PP cotton material, they are comfortable, soft and safe enough; Playing with these jungle theme party supplies will have much fun and feel like walking into the world of nature
Warm and sweet companionship: play these stuffed jungle animals with family could be a warm and sweet companion, also can train your creativity, imagination, patient and hands-on ability
Size information: each jungle animal plush toy is approx. 4.8 in/ 12 cm, proper size for simple carrying out with you anywhere and anytime, it can also be a decoration of bedroom, school bag, key, classroom, etc.
Ideal gift choice: the cute plush animals are nice gifts for birthdays, baptisms, Easter, Valentine's Day, and so on; People who love plush toys will like them much

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$30.99

7. Bounce-Back Paddleballs

Bounce-back paddleball sets are sure to catch your guest's attention since it is a creative party favor. Your guests will be able to play with paddleball on their own or compete against fellow guests to see how long they can keep a streak going for how many times the ball hits the paddle without missing.

JA-RU Wooden-Paddle Ball with String (Pack of 12) Vintage Retro Toys Paddle Ball Set | For Kids, Boy and Girl Toy | Indoor and Outdoor Set Games | Great Party Favors Birthday Gifts. Plus 1 Bouncy Ball | Item #751-12A

PACK OF 12 WOODEN-PADDLE BALL WITH STRING - Fun Classic Retro Game and comes in assorted colors and superhero and comic-like styles (Smash, Pow, and Wham). Gives off a vibrant pop in color. Kid's best fidget toy. Plus 1 Collectable FunaTon Bouncy Ball.
BUILT FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE - Made out of high quality Wood and has a strong string for endless hours of fun. Light and easy to carry. Safe and toxic-free. Great for indoor and outdoor games.
BEGINNER AND PRO FRIENDLY TOY - Designed for both beginners and competitive players in paddle ball. The string length is adjustable to your liking. For kids, teens and adults, boys and girls. Gather friends and family and compete who can hit the ball with consecutive flawlessness.
PARTY FAVORS, SCHOOL AND THERAPY EQUIPMENTS - Great for bulk toy prizes for kids party, dinner party games, and party supplies. Can be used for preschool autism toys, sensory and stress relieving toys. Improves a kid's focus and concentration.
USA Brand by JA-RU. ASTM Tested. Top Quality & Safety Standards. Party Favor, Bulk, Wholesale, giveaways, Planner Supplies, Resale, Store, thank you Bag, Prizes, Goodies, Stocking Stuffers, Rewards, Vacation, Incentives, Stem, Pinata Filler, Birthday Bag or Boxes Mixed with Candy, Reward, Easter Basket, Carnival, Christmas, Halloween, Prime, Summer Camp, Church, Treasure Chest Box, Memorial Day Sale, Independence Day. For Children Kids and Adults.

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$24.98

8. Plastic Parachute Toy

What better party favor for a kid’s party than a plastic parachute toy? This party favor can be used anywhere and everywhere as all your guest has to do is hold the favor up in the air and watch the parachute toy float to the ground.

9. Hand Clapping Noisemakers

Hand clapping noisemakers are a classic party favor that all guests are sure to enjoy. Though this party favor is loud, your guests will be sure to remember the memories made at the party when they look at that party favor.

10. Yo-Yo

This carnival game prize is unique as it not only will entertain your party guest long after your party is over, but it also comes in a variety of shapes compared to the original shape and size. For example, there are yo-yos in a variety of colors with multiple designs.

Wooden Yo-yos - Made in USA

This hardwood yo-yo is a traditional style. There are 9 yo-yo style options available: Standard with the phrase: "What goes down should come back up." Pirate Skull Baseball Flag Earth (1 side printed as shown) Peace Sign Compass Rose Plain (6-pack also available) Personalized (Text Only) Yo-yo measures approximately 2-1/4" diameter by 1-1/4" thick. Personalization only applies to the "Personalized -w/Text". To personalize other designs, please purchase the following Engraved Personalization: www.etsy.com/listing/814577763 Designed and Tested for ages 6 and up. Passes all Federal toy safety testing.

See on Etsy

$7.69

Carnival Theme Party: Food Ideas

11. Corndogs

What’s a carnival without a corndog? Corndogs are easy party food that your guests will love. Not only are they simple party food, but they also fit the carnival theme quite well.

12. Bucket of Fries

Fries can be paired as a side dish or as a carnival snack themself. The best thing about a bucket of fries is the toppings and the various containers that can be used to hold the fries! Regarding toppings, your guests will be able to keep the fries plain or add topping such as cheese, and bacon.

13. Popcorn

Popcorn is a carnival-themed party essential. Not only is popcorn tasty, but it is also easy to eat when walking around to socialize with other party guests, and when walking around to play some of the party games.

14. Cotton Candy

The sugar rush that cotton candy causes are sure to give every guest the boost of energy they need. An easy way to have cotton candy at your party is by buying or renting a cotton candy machine. You can have a designated adult operating the machine and have party guests come and watch the cotton candy be prepared.

Cotton Candy Express CC1000-S Cotton Candy Machine with 3 Sugar Pack - Cherry, Grape, Blue Raspberry

ALL IN ONE COTTON CANDY KIT: Features Pink Cotton Candy Machine, Cherry, Blue Raspberry & Grape Floss Sugar & 50 Paper Cones
YUMMY FUN FOR EVERYONE: DIY Cotton Candy for Kids and Adults to Enjoy Together - Watch as Cotton Candy Forms a Puff of Sweetness
CARNIVAL QUALITY COTTON CANDY: Make a classic cotton candy treat in your own home. Floss Sugar colors may vary
CAN'T STOP, WON'T STOP: Also Try Our Other Cotton Candy Flavors and Add to Your Assortment

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$74.99

15. Funnel Cake

The smell of funnel cake is sure to remind your guests of the food tents at any carnival. By having funnel cakes at your party your guests will be able to feel as if they are at an actual carnival.

Carnival Theme Party: Games/Activities

16. Milk Bottle Baseball Toss

If your guests are hoping to channel their inner athlete while at your party then this is the game for them! Have them step up to the game area and see if they can knock all three milk bottles down with one throw of the baseball. Another option that could be used instead of milk bottles is any type of plastic bottle you have sitting around your house. You can also order wooden bottles if that better fits the color scheme being used at your party.

17. Ring Toss

Ring toss is a classic carnival game that is fun for people of all ages. It is a great game to play at a carnival theme party as it requires little setup. All you need is some plastic cones and a few rings for your party guests to toss. If you are looking for a more creative type of ring for the game, you could use glow stick necklaces!

18. Balloon Darts

Another great game that would be fun at a carnival-themed party is balloon darts! This game is a carnival staple and only requires a few materials. You will need some balloons, a few darts, and a backboard to hang the balloons on. The backboard could be as simple as a large piece of cardboard.

19. Duck Pond

A simple yet fun carnival game is none other than the duck pond. This game requires the guest to pick two ducks in order to see if the number on the bottom of the duck matches the other duck. Instead of using a traditional bucket for this game, you could get plastic or an inflatable kiddie pool where the ducks would be able to float around on the water. You can order numbered ducks here, or you could order regular rubber ducks and write the numbers on them yourself.

Gamie Plastic Duck Matching Game, Includes 20 Ducks with Numbers & Shapes, Memory Game for Kids, Fun Educational Learning Toys for Preschoolers, Develops Memory, Concentration, & Number Recognition

LEARNING MADE EXCITING: Help little ones develop everything from memory, number recognition, to concentration with this duck matching game! Every set comes with a total of 20 (2.5”) plastic ducks with matching number pairs from 1-10 printed at the bottom (10 starred & 10 unstarred).
HOW TO PLAY: All you need is a pool of water to float the plastic duckies. The aim of the game? Get the most number of matching pairs by lifting the ducks and checking the bottom. Remembering the position of the duckies already checked is what sharpens the memory!
MAKE IT COMPLETE: Don’t want the hassle of floating the duckies in small buckets or basins? Make this a complete number matching game by pairing the duckies with our inflatable duck pond pool (sold separately). It measures 3’ x 6” and has a delightful design.
GREAT FOR FAMILY BONDING: This is one of the best memory games for children that allow parents to be involved in all the fun and learning. Create fond memories with the little ones by teaching them the rules and encouraging them along the way.
BUY RISK-FREE: We fully stand behind our products with a best satisfaction and 100% money-back guarantee. Not satisfied with this duck matching game? We’ll send you a replacement or issue a full refund. Click ‘Add to Cart’ now to fuel fun learning risk-free!

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$18.97

20. Find the Ball

Find the ball is a simple yet tricky carnival game that is sure to cause your party guest to smile and laugh even if they don’t make a correct guess. This game requires the guest to face the opposite direction while the game host places a small ping pong ball under one of three plastic cups. After the small ping pong ball is placed under a cup, the guest can then turn around and test their luck to see if they can guess which cup the ball is under.

Carnival Theme Party: Party Supplies

21. Pop-Up Tents

Pop-up tents are not only nice to have for a party on a sunny day, but are also a lifesaver when those afternoon rain showers roll through. By having a few pop-up tents you will be able to have an area for games, an area for food, and another area where guests can sit and relax.

22. Food Boats

Food boats are a must-have when it comes to any party. They are stackable, just the right size, and can be thrown away after use which leads to easy clean-up. Food boats also can be ordered in bulk which is quite handy for a party with a large number of guests.

23. Cups

Whether your guests are drinking water, punch, or fresh squeezed lemonade, they are going to need a cup. You can go the route of plastic solo cups or could venture toward the idea of souvenir-type cups that your guests can bring home with them.

24. Tablecloths

In order to keep post-party cleaning to a minimum, tablecloths come in quite handy. You can even order the classic red and white pinstripe tablecloths to help provide the classic carnival color scheme.

peony man 2 Pieces Red and White Striped Tablecloth Plastic Stripe Table Cover Carnival Circus Tablecloths Waterproof Rectangle Tablecloth for Holiday Party Picnic Decoration, 54" x 107"

Carnival Party Decorations: this plastic Stripe tablecloth is mainly printed with red and white stripe pattern; refreshing and festival; the color looks bright and clean; suitable for decorating a carnival party, or matching other carnival decorations, such as carnival flag and napkins; greatly add a strong festive feelings.
Durable Material: our carnival circus tablecloths are made of thickened PE plastic material; waterproof and oil-proof; not easy to tear or break; easy to clean up with water and wet wipes; convenient and reusable, available to serve you many times.
Save Your Time: it is easy for you to use; just spread this rectangle striped tablecloth on the table, and you will get a stylish and festive table; not only protect the table from being soiled by food, but also help to create a festival atmosphere.
Quantity and Size: this package includes 2 pieces Red and White Striped Tablecloths; which measures about 137 x 274 cm/ 53.9 x 107.8 inch; proper size can protect your tables from scratches and bring a great visual effect.
Multiple Usage Occasion: this red white stripe plastic tablecloth can be applied to various parties; such as carnival party, birthday party, Christmas holiday supplies and 80s party or activities;it can also suitable for farmhouse them activities, indoor and outdoor dining occasion and picnic parties.

See on Amazon

$7.99

25. Folding Tables and Chairs

Folding tables and chairs are useful at all parties as it allows guests a place to sit, eat, and relax. It also is useful as it can be used to hold party games, party favors, and a variety of other things. What makes folding tables and chairs extremely party friendly is that they are easy to set up and take down.

Carnival Theme Party: Invitations

26. Ticket Invitations

Party invitations that look like tickets allow your guests to have an interactive experience at your party. You could have your guests bring the invitation and hand it in at the ticket booth prior to entering the party.

27. Pinstripe Invitation

The classic red and white pinstripe pattern is known by many avid carnival goers. These invitations fit the carnival theme well and are sure to get your guests excited about your party.

28. Welcome to the Carnival Invitation

These welcome to the carnival invitations are simple and to the point, but still allow room for imagination about what activities will be at the carnival theme party.

29. Carnival Games Invitation

It is possible that some of your guests will know about carnivals simply because of the games and classic color scheme. If that is the case then be sure to check out these carnival game invitations!

30. Digital Invitation

If you prefer to go the digital route with your invitations rather than paper invitations there are still many options to choose from. There are even carnival theme digital invitations that your guests will love.

Wrapping Things Up

All in all, whether you choose to use all of these ideas or just a few, I am sure that your party will be a success as this was a guide to stress-free planning! Enjoy the day, and remember to have fun at your own carnival you created!

Written by: Rachel Clifton

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