Fall carnival games can be designed to be suitable for preschoolers.
Fall carnivals typically feature fun rides and games. While many games might be adaptable to all ages, several cater to preschoolers. Preschoolers enjoy playing games, but their real joy comes from winning prizes. Prizes such as candy, stuffed animals and small toys are inexpensive options that game moderators can provide to all game contestants.
The Doughnut Game
Hang a string from two tall poles, similar to a clothesline setup. Tie fall flavored doughnuts such as cinnamon, pumpkin, apple or chocolate to individual strings and dangle from the constructed line. Adjust the height of the string to reach the mouths of preschoolers. The object of the game is for each toddler to eat the doughnut without using his hands. The first to eat the doughnut before it falls to the ground wins.
Pumpkin Patch
To ensure that each preschooler leaves a game with a small toy, use the pumpkin patch game. It is similar to the age-old duck pond game. Write a number on the bottom of each pumpkin. You will want to determine how many prize categories you have and set up a bin for each. Set the pumpkins down on the ground, scattered or in rows similar to a pumpkin patch. When a child selects a pumpkin from the patch, she is able to pick a prize from that number's bin.
Lights Out
Fall carnivals may feature games with a Halloween theme. Lights Out is a game using carved pumpkins lit by tea lights. Set the jack-o-lanterns along a ledge or shelf. Each participant will use a squirt gun and aim to squirt the candle out. The first with "lights out" wins. Preschoolers should stand about 3 to 4 feet away from the target. A taped line on the ground can mark the standing line.
Bean Bag Toss
Using a large sheet of plywood, draw and cut out a fall design such as a turkey, pumpkin, football, leaf or cornucopia. Paint the design using bright colors. Cut several circles in various spots. The circles should be big enough to fit a bean bag through. Set up the plywood vertically or prop it up at an angle on the ground. Preschoolers should have three to five chances at tossing a bean bag into one of the holes.
Tags: Fall carnivals, Preschoolers should, pumpkin patch