Back-to-School Bash: 15 Outdoor Carnival Stations for the Perfect School Event
The school bell is ringing, backpacks are packed, and kids are heading back to class. But before the homework and early mornings take over, why not kick off the year with a back-to-school carnival? It’s the perfect way to turn the schoolyard into a place filled with color, laughter, and excitement.
Carnivals aren’t just for summer fairs — they’re a fantastic way to welcome students, teachers, and families into the new academic season. With a mix of bounce houses, carnival games, and sweet treats, you’ll set the tone for a year full of joy.
Here are 15 must-have outdoor stations to make your school bash unforgettable.
Inflatable Fun
Bounce Houses
Nothing sets the mood for a school carnival quite like a bounce house. These colorful inflatable castles instantly transform an ordinary yard into a playful wonderland. Kids can jump, tumble, and burn off all that back-to-school energy for hours, while parents watch nearby or catch up with one another. To keep the fun flowing, place concession stands close by — a quick break for popcorn or cotton candy fits perfectly between rounds of jumping.
Explore a wide selection of bounce houses, inflatables, and trampolines. Every unit is thoroughly cleaned, fully secured, and designed to keep kids safe while they play. Whether it’s a backyard birthday, a school fair, or a summer celebration, these inflatables bring excitement, color, and energy to any gathering. We offer additionally delivery and setup, so all you need to do is enjoy the fun.
Inflatable Slides
If the bounce house is the carnival’s heart, the inflatable slide is its showpiece. Decorated with balloons or banners, it naturally becomes the centerpiece of the event. Children line up again and again for the thrill of climbing up and racing back down. The cheers, laughter, and little competitions of “who slides fastest” make this station a guaranteed hit for all ages.
Explore a wide range of inflatable slides — from giant dry slides and backyard blow-up models to combo units with hoops or ball pits. All slides are fully secured, thoroughly cleaned, and designed to keep kids safe while having fun. Perfect for birthdays, school fairs, corporate events, city festivals, and outdoor parties, inflatable slides bring high-energy excitement that kids and teens never forget. Delivery and setup can be added for a stress-free experience.
Obstacle Courses
For schools that want to add a touch of adventure, inflatable obstacle courses are a must. Picture tunnels, climbing walls, and arches spread across the field as students race each other through the course. The challenge tests speed, balance, and agility, while friends cheer from the sidelines. It’s exciting, engaging, and a perfect way to encourage teamwork and healthy competition.
Take it to the next level with inflatable obstacle courses. Options range from colorful castle-style courses and giant water challenges to multi-section setups designed for larger events. Each unit is safe, secure, and thoroughly cleaned, making them suitable for kids, teens, and even adults. Whether it’s a school field day, backyard party, or community festival, obstacle courses turn any gathering into an unforgettable adventure. Delivery, setup, and takedown can be provided on request.
Limbo Game
Test who’s the most agile and flexible with an inflatable limbo game! At first it looks simple — just slip under the bar — but as it drops lower and lower, the challenge quickly becomes hilarious. The best part? An unlimited number of players can join in, so no one has to wait long for a turn. It’s also one of those rare games where even the smallest kids feel like they have a real chance to shine.
What makes the Limbo Game such a hit is the way it brings everyone together. Kids cheer each other on, parents often jump in for a round, and the laughter only grows as the bar keeps dropping. It’s quick to set up, fun to watch, and guaranteed to keep the crowd entertained. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a lawn games section or a side station between bigger inflatables, the Giant Limbo Game always draws a line of eager players ready to bend, twist, and prove their balance.
Classic Carnival Games
Ring Toss
A true carnival isn’t complete without a ring toss. With striped awnings and a setup that looks straight out of a fairground, this classic game always draws a crowd. It’s simple enough for all ages to play, and the thrill of landing a ring on the target makes it even more exciting when small prizes are on the line. Quick rounds and easy rules make it a perfect way to keep the line moving and the fun non-stop.
FunParty offers two great ways to bring this timeless classic to your event. Choose the traditional Ring Toss Game for that authentic fairground feel, or go for the colorful Inflatable Hoopla Game, a larger-than-life version that adds extra energy and excitement. Both are safe, fun, and guaranteed to keep kids coming back for more.
Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole Game)
Another timeless favorite is the bean bag toss. Kids line up again and again, eager to beat their own score or challenge their friends. Place the game near popcorn and cotton candy stands so players can snack between turns — the combination of treats and games creates the ultimate carnival vibe.
What makes this game so popular is its mix of simplicity and fun. Anyone can jump in right away, yet the challenge of landing the bags keeps players hooked round after round. Families cheer from the sidelines, friends compete for the highest score, and laughter grows with every throw. Perfect as a main attraction or a side station between bigger inflatables, the Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole Game) always draws a steady crowd.
Balloon Darts
Bright balloons in school colors instantly grab attention. Armed with darts, students love the thrill of aiming, throwing, and hearing the satisfying pop. Each burst gets a cheer from the crowd and creates the perfect moment to hand out candy or small prizes.
The Balloon Dart Game comes with 30 balloons (not inflated) and darts, making it easy to set up for schools, offices, or any type of event. It’s fun for all ages, quick to play, and perfect for adding excitement to your carnival lineup. Whether as a main attraction or a side game, Balloon Darts always keeps participants engaged and the crowd entertained.
Spin-the-Wheel
Suspense builds with every spin of the prize wheel. Will it land on candy, stickers, or a fun toy? The randomness keeps kids coming back again and again, eager to try their luck. It’s one of the simplest games to set up, but it always brings endless excitement and plenty of laughs from the crowd.
The Prize Wheel rental from FunParty includes a 36-inch pocket-insert custom wheel with an extension base, featuring 20 laminated sections ready for customization. Customers can provide their own printed inserts to match the theme of the event, making every spin unique. With adjustable height up to 66 inches, it’s the perfect centerpiece for school events, corporate gatherings, or weekend carnivals.
Dunk Tank
And of course, no carnival would be complete without a dunk tank. Place it front and center, and add a playful sign like “Dunk Your Teacher!” to draw a crowd. The idea of sending a teacher, coach, or even the principal splashing into cold water always gets students excited. The best part? It’s just as entertaining for the audience as it is for the person holding the ball. With every successful throw and giant splash, the dunk tank delivers laughter and memories that last long after the event is over.
For a safe and fun option, FunParty offers the Alternative Dunk Tank – Soak ‘N’ Wet. Instead of falling into a tank of reused water, a light vinyl bean bag hits the target and releases a fresh 5-quart splash over the person underneath. It’s easy to set up indoors or outdoors, works for all ages, and is perfect for schools, fundraisers, camps, or company picnics.
Modern Carnival Games
Angry Birds
Every kid has launched birds at pigs on a parent’s phone, but at this party they’ll get to do it for real. Handling the giant slingshot isn’t easy, but it’s a lot of fun. Pick your favourite bird, take down the enemies, and then be sure to rebuild what you knocked down so the next participants can enjoy the game too.
The Giant Angry Birds Attraction brings the mobile classic to life. Players load soft toy birds into a huge slingshot and launch them at green piglets hiding inside block houses. Just like in the app, the challenge is to knock everything down — but here the excitement is bigger, louder, and perfect for all ages. A hit at carnivals, school fairs, and even corporate events, this interactive attraction guarantees fun and plenty of laughs.
Floating Ball
Amazing physics, dexterity, and patience — that’s what it takes to master the Floating Ball game. Players move lightweight balls through streams of air, racing against opponents or trying to knock the hovering ball to the ground. The most skilful can even manage not only to bring one ball down but also suspend another in its place. It’s part competition, part science experiment, and pure carnival fun.
The Inflatable Floating Ball Game is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes with plastic balls, measures 12×5×3 feet, and only requires a standard power socket to keep the air flowing. Suitable for kids and adults alike, it’s an engaging mix of science and play — the kind of attraction that always draws a curious crowd at school events, festivals, or backyard parties.
Megawire
Patience, focus, and coordination — that’s what it takes to win at Megawire. Players must guide the ring from start to finish without touching the metal wire. The moment it makes contact, the red light flashes, a loud buzzer goes off, and everyone knows you’ve slipped. It’s a test of nerves and steady hands, and the tension makes it as fun to watch as it is to play.
With the Megawire Game, players face 12 linear feet of wire stretched across a 4×4 foot frame — the ultimate hand–eye coordination test. The unit includes two different ring sizes for varied skill levels, runs on a rechargeable 12V power pack, and works perfectly for birthdays, weddings, school fairs, or corporate events. Few carnival games get the crowd so invested in every move — one wrong touch, and the whole room knows.
Creative & Interactive Stations
Carnivals aren’t just about rides and games — they’re also about imagination, creativity, and shared experiences. Creative and interactive stations invite kids and adults to do more than just play: they give everyone a chance to express themselves, join in the fun together, and create lasting memories. From colorful face painting to playful photo booths, these stations add a personal touch that makes every event brighter, more engaging, and unforgettable.
Face Painting Booth
A face painting booth is where imagination truly comes to life. With just a colorful canopy, a few chairs, and a set of paints, kids can transform into superheroes, animals, butterflies, or even their favorite cartoon characters. It’s a creative break from the action and a chance for children to show off their new “look” for the rest of the carnival. Parents love it too — the photos of smiling, painted faces become lasting memories of the day.
FunParty provides professional face painting artists who work with safe, hypoallergenic paints and create designs quickly, so every child gets a chance to join in. From simple flowers and pirate beards to full-face superhero masks, the booth always attracts a line of eager participants. It’s not just an activity — it’s a highlight that makes the event brighter, more colorful, and unforgettable.
Photo Booth
Every great carnival needs a place to capture the fun, and a photo booth is perfect for that. Stock it with props, wigs, silly glasses, and hats, then add a backdrop decorated with school colors or a playful chalkboard wall. Families, friends, and even teachers can step in, strike a pose, and snap a few keepsakes to remember the event. These pictures often become the highlight of the school year scrapbook and a reminder of how much fun the community had together.
FunParty makes it easy with the Square Inflatable Photobooth. This booth inflates in less than a minute, comes with three entry doors, and includes an air blower for quick setup. At 95×95×98 inches, it’s spacious enough for groups, lightweight at just 38 lbs, and requires no special assembly. Perfect for school events, weddings, or company parties, it turns simple snapshots into unforgettable memories.
Sweet Treats That Complete the Carnival
No carnival feels complete without the irresistible smell and taste of classic fairground snacks. Food machines not only keep kids happy but also add to the festive atmosphere, turning your schoolyard into a true carnival experience.
Popcorn Machine
The irresistible aroma of freshly popped corn drifting through the air instantly sets the carnival mood. Popcorn is quick to make, easy to serve, and perfect for little hands carrying warm, buttery bags around the event. It’s one of those simple treats that never fails to delight both kids and adults. A wide selection of popcorn machines is available — from compact 6 oz models for small school events to commercial 12 oz and 16 oz popcorn makers for larger crowds and fundraisers. For extra flair, there are also vintage-style carts that recreate the look of classic fairs.
Cotton Candy Machine
No carnival is complete without the magic of cotton candy. Bright, fluffy clouds of sugar instantly catch the eye and bring smiles to kids and adults alike. The fun begins the moment you watch the colorful strands spin and form before your eyes — and the taste is every bit as sweet as the experience. With cotton candy machines ranging from simple units to professional-grade models and cart versions, it’s easy to add this sugary delight to any event. Lightweight, safe, and quick to set up, they guarantee nonstop fun and a line of eager kids waiting for their sweet treat.
Snow Cone Machine
When the September sun is still shining, nothing cools kids down faster than a snow cone. Bright syrups in every color and flavor turn shaved ice into a refreshing treat that doubles as a carnival highlight. It’s not just a snack — it’s a moment of fun, letting kids pick their favorite flavor and show off their brightly colored cones. Several snow cone machines are available, from compact options for schoolyards to commercial-grade units designed for big crowds and fundraisers. Whether it’s a classic cart-style model with vintage flair or a modern high-capacity setup, snow cones are always a hit at school carnivals, birthdays, and community events.
Together, these treats do more than satisfy hunger — they create the sights, smells, and tastes that everyone associates with a real carnival.
Why Book with FunParty?
Planning a school carnival should feel fun — not stressful. That’s where FunParty comes in. We provide everything you need to transform an ordinary schoolyard into a celebration that students, parents, and teachers will remember.
- Clean, safe rentals – Every bounce house, inflatable, and food machine is immaculately maintained, so you can focus on fun, not safety worries.
- All-in-one service – From bounce houses and dunk tanks to tents, games, and food machines, we’ve got it all in one place.
- Stress-free setup – Our friendly team delivers, installs, takes down and takes care of every detail, so your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
The only thing left for you to do? Book early. Our most popular equipment goes fast once the school year begins, and you don’t want to miss out.