How many game stations does a fun fair need?

A rough rule: one station per 30–40 expected attendees. So a 300-student fun fair (plus siblings/parents) works well with 10–12 stations — a mix of 2–3 inflatables, 4–6 carnival games, and 2–3 lawn games.

How do we run tickets or tokens?

Most Hamilton fun fairs run pre-sold ticket packs (5 or 10 tickets for $5) with 1 ticket per carnival game and 2 tickets per inflatable turn. A central ticket booth (1 6ft table + 2 volunteers) keeps lines moving.

How many volunteers do we need?

One volunteer per station, plus 2 at the ticket booth, plus a floater for breaks. For 10 stations, plan on 13–15 volunteer shifts (2 hours each). Parent Council members and grade-8 students are the standard mix.

What's the best station mix by grade?

K–2: bounce house, Ring Toss, Duck Hunt, Balloon Pop. Grades 3–6: inflatable slide, Basketball Shootout, Football Toss, Hit the Bucket, Giant Jenga. Grades 7–8: Axe Throw, Baseball Challenge, obstacle course inflatable.

School Fun Fair Planning Guide

A working planner for Hamilton, Stoney Creek, and Ancaster school Parent Councils putting together a fun fair or carnival day. Covers the station mix, layout, volunteer flow, and ticket ideas we've seen work best.

For the equipment-specific rental walk-through, see our School Fun Fair Rental Guide.

Request a Quote Carnival Inflatables Guide

Sample layout (300-student school)

Ticket booth — 1 6ft table, 2 chairs, cash box, ticket rolls.
Inflatable zone — bounce house + slide, spaced 10 ft apart with lane markers.
Carnival midway — 6 stations along a walking path, 6ft table + 2 chairs per station.
Lawn game zone — Giant Jenga, Cornhole, Giant Connect Four on the grass.
Food area — 3 6ft tables (BBQ, drinks, bake sale) with a couple of cocktail high-tops nearby.

Volunteer flow

Divide the fair into 2 shifts (e.g., 10 am–12 pm and 12–2 pm). Assign a lead volunteer per zone (inflatable zone, midway, food) plus one station volunteer each. A floater covers breaks and cash runs.

Ticket pricing ideas

5 tickets for $5, 25 tickets for $20.
1 ticket per carnival game, 2 tickets per inflatable turn.
Wristband option for unlimited inflatables ($10–$15).
Food and drinks priced separately (cash-friendly).

Fun Fair Planning FAQs

Running a fun fair this year?

Tell us your school, date, and expected attendance. We'll put together a station-by-station quote.

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