10 Winter School Carnival Ideas for Elementary Schools in Greater Montreal

Winter changes the school rhythm. Recesses get shorter due to the cold, and children have extra energy to burn. For Quebec elementary schools in the Greater Montreal area, organizing an indoor winter celebration is the perfect solution.

But how do you create a “Winter Wonderland” inside a gym without days of preparation? The secret is choosing the right rental equipment that is safe and engaging for ages 4–11, and easy to manage with limited staff. Here are ten professional ideas of fun indoor-friendly activities that can be set up in a standard school gym, cafeteria or large hallway.

Winter Bounce-House Village

Imagine a small “village” made of several inflatable bouncy castles. One has tall towers, another is low and soft for the youngest students, and a third offers simple climbing sections. Children choose the one that feels right for them and move freely between the areas.

The hall becomes a genuinely child-friendly space, and parents feel comfortable knowing everything is soft, clean and well-supervised by staff and parent volunteers. For the school, it’s practical because inflatables are delivered, secured and packed up with minimal disruption.

Friendly Mini Curling on a “Snowy Floor”

Did you know you can bring the ice rink inside? Our Mobile Curling track fits perfectly in a school gym or hallway. It requires no ice and stays quiet. Each round takes about 5–10 minutes and works well for groups of 4–8 students at a time. No experience is needed, only the fun of watching the stone slide in a surprising direction. It’s a unique activity that most children have never tried before, making your school event truly stand out.

Giant Checkers and Chess in a “Snowy Courtyard”

When game pieces are nearly as tall as the players, every move becomes more engaging. The set can be placed on a large mat, decorated with paper snowflakes or small artificial trees.

Younger kids invent their own rules, while older ones play real matches. It’s a calmer zone where children talk, plan and play together at a slower pace.

Funny-Mirror Corner

Funny mirrors need no explanation. A child looks into one, sees a stretched or squished reflection and immediately reacts. Friends gather, take turns and compare the funniest angles.

Add simple frames or small props, and the corner turns into an easy photo spot that keeps children laughing without any instructions.

“Live” Mascots and Winter Characters

A cheerful snowman, a penguin, a friendly bear or Santa quickly becomes the center of attention. Mascots greet children, give high-fives and lead small group activities like mini parades, simple dances or pretend-play tasks.

This helps children who need a quiet start. They approach the mascot first, take a photo or hold its hand, and then feel confident enough to join the more active stations.

Fairytale Mini Putt

Mini golf can easily turn into a winter story. Each hole becomes a small scene with bridges, tiny trees or a cottage. The ball rolls through simple obstacles, and every success feels rewarding.

It’s calm, structured and easy to supervise. With lanes of different difficulty, both younger and older kids find something enjoyable.

Winter Carnival Games for Fast Little Heroes

Transform a section of your gym into a buzzing midway with professional carnival game rentals. Instead of chaotic running games, offer structured, arcade-style challenges that test speed and accuracy.

Popular options include basketball hoops (Pop-A-Shot), plastic axe throwing, box hockey, whack-a-mole stations, or classic ring toss and knock-down booths. These units are instant magnets for children aged 4–11.

Set a “60-second challenge” format. Kids compete to get the highest score before the buzzer sounds. These stations are designed for fast turnover, meaning so large groups of students can play in a short time block without long waits.

Warm Treat Corners (Popcorn & Cotton Candy Machine Rental)

Popcorn and cotton-candy machines create a festive mood as soon as they start working. The smell, the small clouds of steam and the anticipation turn a simple treat into part of the celebration.

Children pause, enjoy their snack and go back to the activities refreshed. The equipment is delivered and set up so the area stays clean and easy to manage.

Snow Room with Soft Fog (Snow Machine & Fog Machine for Rent)

Snow and fog machines transform even a regular gym into a gentle winter scene. Soft “snowflakes,” light mist and calm lighting create a place where children slow down and look around with curiosity.

This works for small dances, simple games or just running around catching “snow.” The machines we use for school events are designed for indoor spaces and, when used correctly, create a snow effect without cooling the room – just visual winter magic.

Children’s Winter Disco (LED Dance Floor & Lights)

A small LED floor or disco lights, clear speakers and a short playlist are enough for a kid-friendly disco. No choreography needed: simple steps, claps and follow-the-leader dances keep everyone involved.

This zone works especially well at the end of the event, when children have played, eaten a treat and are ready to dance. Lights make the room look exciting without overwhelming them.

Why Book with FunParty?

A winter celebration for younger students becomes memorable when every station feels safe, easy and joyful. We can help map each activity to specific areas of your school and suggest rotations by class or grade. FunParty helps schools create that experience without adding work for teachers and parents.

Reliable and safe equipment for young children.

We know school safety standards are high, and we meet them. All inflatables, games and treat machines arrive clean, secure and ready for use. Kids can jump, explore and play without complicated rules, and adults don’t need to monitor technical details.

Experience with school events:

Our team regularly works with elementary schools in Greater Montreal for winter carnivals, fun days and holiday parties

One Invoice, Zero Stress:

Instead of coordinating five different vendors, get your Bounce Houses, Popcorn Machines, and Entertainment from one local Quebec provider on the South Shore of Montreal.

Easy setup and smooth flow.

The team adjusts each zone to the available space and ensures the event moves naturally from one activity to another. From the first minute, the celebration feels organized and welcoming.

If your school is in Greater Montreal or even further in Quebec province, contact FunParty to build a simple winter school package: one indoor bouncy castle, two giant games, a popcorn machine and a snow machine — or we’ll help you design the mix that fits your space, budget and number of students.

Winter dates fill up quickly, especially for younger-student events. Booking early gives the school more choice and helps create a winter fun day that feels bright, gentle and unforgettable for every child who walks through the door.

Contact us today to secure the coolest gear for your student body before the schedule fills up!