Carnival Preschool Activities

With these easy, yet exciting carnival preschool activities, you can make learning a new adventure for your children.

Discover more of my exciting, fun summer activities for kids that will help spark your child’s imagination this summer.

Celebrate the spirit of Carnival in the comfort of your own home with fun and educational activities that bring out the happiest moments for every child.

Keep your child’s learning experience fresh with new ideas every week! From creating cotton popcorn and paper plate circus animals to recreating flaming hoops, there is a carnival-themed activity for everyone!

These carnival activities offer incredible possibilities for fun-filled homeschool days ahead. Plus, they’re low on cost, so you don’t have to break the bank doing all of them either!

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Carnival Facts for Kids

Before we begin hands-on learning, I enjoy sharing fun facts with my kids to spark a bit of curiosity. These carnival tidbits are perfect conversation starters during snack time or while setting up the next activity.

  • The first modern carnival started in Italy. It was called “Carnevale” and featured colorful masks, parades, and music—some traditions still continue today.
  • Carnival rides were inspired by farming equipment. The early Ferris wheel was influenced by a water wheel, and some carousels were powered by animals walking in circles.
  • Cotton candy used to be called “fairy floss.” A dentist invented it in 1897—ironic, right?

After doing all the fun carnival activities from my list, your children will have a great time adding these enjoyable carnival books to their reading list.

Molly Morningstar Carnival Girl: A Colorful Story of Culture and Friendship (Molly Morningstar Series)Molly Morningstar Carnival Girl: A Colorful Story of Culture and Friendship (Molly Morningstar Series)Daniel Goes to the Carnival (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood)Daniel Goes to the Carnival (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)Carnival (Team Umizoomi)Carnival (Team Umizoomi)At the Carnival! (Fluorescent Pop!)At the Carnival! (Fluorescent Pop!)The Midnight FairThe Midnight Fairthe Carnival: Before Bed Children's Book- Cute story - Easy reading Illustrations -Cute Educational Adventure .the Carnival: Before Bed Children’s Book- Cute story – Easy reading Illustrations -Cute Educational Adventure .

 

How do we make learning engaging with carnival activities?

What I love most about using carnival themes is how easily they pull kids into learning without it feeling like school. I set up simple games, such as a “letter toss” using plastic rings and flashcards, and it naturally turns into a review of sounds and vocabulary.

There’s something about the colors, games, and pretend play that keeps preschoolers moving and focused at the same time. We’ve even used carnival music as a timer for quick sorting games or clean-up races. It’s low-prep but highly interactive, which works great when I’ve got other things going on at home.

These kinds of activities don’t just make my day easier—they give my kids something to look forward to and talk about long after we’ve packed up.

Summer is officially here, and many of us are scrambling to keep our children entertained with educational and engaging activities. Bring the fun of carnivals into your home with these cool toys.

Cute Carnival Circus Stickers 820 Count Party Goodie Gifts Bags Decor Red White Elephant Clown Adhesive Stickers for Girls Boys Birthday Invitations Art Craft Decorations School Game Class RewardsCute Carnival Circus Stickers 820 Count Party Goodie Gifts Bags Decor Red White Elephant Clown Adhesive Stickers for Girls Boys Birthday Invitations Art Craft Decorations School Game Class RewardsLEGO DUPLO Town Amusement Park Fairground Building ToyLEGO DUPLO Town Amusement Park Fairground Building ToyWhack A Mole Game, Learning Montessori Toddler Toy, Space Theme Birthday Toys for Age 3, 4, 5, 6 Years Old Kids, Educational Stem Toy for Boy Girl Autism Sensory Speech Therapy - 2 Pounding HammersWhack A Mole Game, Learning Montessori Toddler Toy, Space Theme Birthday Toys for Age 3, 4, 5, 6 Years Old Kids, Educational Stem Toy for Boy Girl Autism Sensory Speech Therapy – 2 Pounding HammersCozyBomB Kids Pool Fishing Toys Games - Summer Magnetic Floating Toy Magnet Pole Rod Fish Net Water Table Bathtub Bath Game - Learning Education For age 3 4 5 Boys Girls Toddlers Carnival Party FavorsCozyBomB Kids Pool Fishing Toys Games – Summer Magnetic Floating Toy Magnet Pole Rod Fish Net Water Table Bathtub Bath Game – Learning Education For age 3 4 5 Boys Girls Toddlers Carnival Party FavorsMelissa & Doug Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart - 40+ Play Food pcs, Reversible Awning , Multi ColoredMelissa & Doug Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart – 40+ Play Food pcs, Reversible Awning , Multi ColoredSensory Water Beads Toy for Kids 6 Pack, Shapes Learning Toy for Toddlers, Fidget Stress Toys for Autism/ Anxiety Relief for Adults,Bean Bags Great for Cornhole Tossing Carnival Backyard (Watermelon)Sensory Water Beads Toy for Kids 6 Pack, Shapes Learning Toy for Toddlers, Fidget Stress Toys for Autism/ Anxiety Relief for Adults,Bean Bags Great for Cornhole Tossing Carnival Backyard (Watermelon)

 

More Summer Activities

Looking for more fun ideas? Check out my favorite summer activities that keep learning going while still feeling like a break.

Carnival Writing Worksheets
Carnival Writing Worksheets
Learn how to write using fun carnival themed words to trace and practice with.
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www.123homeschool4me.com
Carnival Prewriting Tracing Worksheets
Develop your preschooler's pencil grip and tracing skill with this fun printable carnival activity.
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lucky duck spring carnival
www.carnivalsavers.com
Lucky Duck Matching Game
Take your kid's excitement to another level as they try to match the correct ducks and win prizes inside!
Read More
fromabcstoacts.com
Popcorn Craft
Bring out the creativity of your young kids and enhance their motor skills by doing this adorable popcorn craft for kids.
Read More
theinspiredtreehouse.com
Gross Motor Activity: Flaming Hoops
Your energetic preschoolers will surely have an enjoyable time with this gross motor activity involving make-believe flaming hoops.
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cotton candy puffy paint
www.craftymorning.com
Cotton Candy Kids Craft Using Puffy Paint
Cotton candies are a carnival staple and a certified kids' favorite! Create a cotton candy with your child using puffy paints!
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circus matching game
viewsfromastepstool.com
Printable Matching Game
Develop your kid's memory and critical thinking with this fun carnival-themed printable matching game!
Read More
www.123homeschool4me.com
Clown Coloring Sheets
Clowns are a kids' favorite and a fun character always present in carnivals! Bring out the artistic side of your preschoolers with these adorable clown coloring sheets.
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craftsbyamanda.com
Paper Plate Clown Puppet
Another cute clown activity for your carnival lovers at home using a super simple supply you can find in your cupboards at home – paper plates!
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fromabcstoacts.com
Paper Plate Ring Toss Activity
Recreate your child's favorite carnival booth with this unique and adorable ring toss paper plate activity.
Read More
iheartcraftythings.com
Paper Plate Elephant Puppet
These cute elephant paper plate crafts are easy to do and will definitely complete your kid's carnival experience.
Read More
abcsofliteracy.com
Clown Letter Recognition Activity
This carnival letter recognition activity is a great addition to your kid's language learning at home. Learn while having fun!!
Read More
kidsactivitiesblog.com
Cute Clown Puppet Craft Made from Paint Sticks
This cute and colorful puppet craft will surely make your kids excited to visit another fun carnival the next time they visit your town!
Read More

I hope you found a fun carnival activity to do with your kids, which can be a lot of fun for the summer.

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