The best carnival games for kids that you can prepare at the last minute

The concept of a fun-filled party takes on a slightly different meaning when we spend New Year's Eve or Carnival night with our children. For many little ones, staying up late is no small feat – after all, most children are already lost in the land of dreams by this time. But how can you prevent sleep from overtaking excitement? Plan the best carnival games for children that will make the wait for the New Year seem less than tedious! Check out our quick suggestions, which you can prepare even at the last minute. They're perfect for carnival games, New Year's Eve parties, and are also versatile for other occasions.

See also -> New Year's Eve for children – how to plan a successful New Year's Eve party?

1. New Year's Eve games for children - summaries and expectations

The transition between the old and new year is a good time for reflection. A moment to reflect on your achievements, dreams, and goals. If you're looking for a simple way to have fun with your children on New Year's Eve, prepare drawing pads, crayons, markers, and paints. If you're running out of ideas for carnival games, have each child graphically represent their best memory from the past year and what they hope to accomplish in the next 12 months . Of course, not every dream can be realized, and it's worth discussing this. Together, you can create a poster and hang it in a visible place – this will help you remember your promises and plans throughout the year. You can do the same with New Year's resolutions . Your child will then feel more motivated to make changes. New Year's Eve games for children aren't just about cartoons and fireworks. Spend this time creatively – after all, as they say, New Year's Eve, so the whole year!

2. Hot pillows

Another carnival game is, of course, hot pillows ! This traditional game can be adapted for a carnival ball. Children dance to music around pillows. When the music stops, the children's task is to occupy an empty spot as quickly as possible. Of course, there is always one less pillow than the participants. Therefore, a child who doesn't occupy a pillow is eliminated from the round.

3. Dressing up and a fashion show, i.e. classic carnival games

A simple and proven game you can prepare with items you have at home. Children love dressing up. Simply gather all the costumes, funny clothes, and accessories like hats, caps, glasses, masks, ties, scarves, necklaces, wigs, etc. Children can dress up however they like or draw items. The culmination of the dress-up party can be a fashion show, a dance competition, or a short performance . Another option is a timed dress-up game. Whoever puts on the most clothes in the allotted time wins.

4. Ball games for children - Masquerade

If it's carnival, there must be carnival masks . Designing and decorating them will be great fun. All you need is construction paper, crayons, markers, some glitter, sequins, and crepe paper. The masks can be attached with an elastic band or a stick. Once the masks are ready, it's time to present them. A quick photo session may also be necessary.

5. New Year's Eve games - balloons in motion

It's time for a party classic: balloon fun. Hardly anyone can imagine a New Year's Eve or Carnival party without colorful balloons. You can choose classic, round balloons or more elaborate ones , such as those resembling champagne bottles, stars, or fairy tale characters. Remember, they don't have to be just decorations—they can also be used as a fun activity for children's New Year's Eve parties.

Examples of New Year's Eve games for children with a balloon in the background:

• dancing solo or in pairs, keeping the balloon constantly in the air,
• passing balloons with feet or other body parts other than hands,
• running in time to balloons of a specific color when the music stops,
• a game of colors and associations.

With balloons, you can plan New Year's Eve activities for children that may require concentration, coordination, or good physical condition. Choose a variant that suits your little guests' abilities – this is the only way they'll feel like having fun together.

6. Charades

Charades are a timeless classic that will get any party going. We can also easily prepare a children's version. The version with just pointing is definitely easier and suitable for younger children. The easiest theme is, of course, animals, which are familiar even to toddlers. Children can provide their own suggestions or draw pictures, then demonstrate the movements characteristic of a given animal. Other themes could also include cartoon characters or sports. For older children, we can also offer a drawing version.

7. The best carnival games for kids? - Try it: Guess who you are?

"Guess Who You Are?" is a great party game that works well with both children and adults. All participants sit in a circle or at a table and write on a small sticky note any name from a given category, such as fruit, vegetable, animal, cartoon character, profession, etc. They then stick the note on the forehead of the person on their right, so that they can't see the writing. Now it's time for some fun. It's very funny because all participants can see their opponents' sticky notes. The first person to guess "who they are" wins. Important: only closed questions can be asked, meaning those to which the other participants can only answer yes or no, e.g., "Am I human?", "Do I have a trunk?", "Can I fly?"

Tip 1: Younger children can also take part in the game; in such a case, it is best to use ready-made cards with pictures that can be attached to the head using a headband or a cardboard strip.

Tip 2: For starters, and with younger children, it's best to limit the game to one category, e.g., animals, professions, or fairy tale characters. Animals and food are, of course, the best starting points. The "things" category can be quite challenging, though, and for adults, we recommend the "celebrities" category – you'll have plenty of laughs. :)

8. Hot potato

A familiar game that will warm up the atmosphere at any party. For this activity, you'll need a prop, our hot potato, such as a ball or a stuffed animal. Children sit in a circle and pass the props from hand to hand. Music plays in the background. The person holding the prop when the music stops is either out or must give up a prize.

An extended version of this game involves asking questions. The prop can only be passed on once the correct answer is given. An example task is to name three animals that live in the savannah, desert, or Arctic. The person who holds the prop when the song stops loses.

9. Blind tasting

Another successful carnival game is a blind tasting. Simply prepare a few snacks with various flavors and textures, such as kabanos sausage, cheese, pickled cucumber, ketchup, banana, mayonnaise, carrots, canned peas, apples, and whipped cream. These are then served to a blindfolded child. The child's task is to guess what they're eating by taste alone. This game always generates great excitement and laughter. The game can also involve eating a waffle or a banana with whipped cream – with their eyes closed, of course.

10. What's in the bag?

To prepare this simple game, all you need is a container: a bag, basket, or box, and props of various shapes and textures. Children's task is to guess what they've drawn by touch alone.

10. Searchers/Home Scavenger Hunt

Another tried-and-true game that can be organized in just a few moments. All you need is a handful of candy or other treats hidden around the apartment. These can also be stickers or letters that, when put together, create a clue. This will reveal where the main surprise is hidden.