Games Carnival Day ideas for OSHC
30 DIY activities for a games carnival day at before and after school care or vacation care, usually run around Summer or Any time (great in international games years). Pick and mix, or build a balanced day in one click.
Build a Putt-Putt Course
Groups design and build mini golf holes from boxes, tubes and pool noodles, then play the whole course together.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Kindness Day +1Carnival Medal Ceremony
Every child steps up to a podium to receive a medal at the end of the games carnival. A joyful way to celebrate effort and good sportsmanship.
Circus Day · Challenge Day · Learn to Day +1Circus Skills Practice
Children try plate spinning, diabolo, hula hoops and balancing feathers in a skills circuit.
Game Show Day · Games Carnival Day · One-Minute Challenge Day +1Classic Quiz Show Day
Children take part in kid versions of quiz and challenge game shows, with buzzers and hosts.
Athletics Carnival · Games Carnival Day · Great Race Day +2Classic Sack Race
Children hop in sacks to the finish line in a classic carnival race full of tumbles and laughter.
Challenge Day · Games Day · Teamwork Day +2Create Your Own Game
Small groups invent a brand-new game, write the rules and teach it to the rest of the group to play.
Athletics Carnival · Easter · Games Carnival Day +2Egg and Spoon Race
Children balance a plastic egg on a spoon and race to the finish without dropping it, practising balance and focus.
Music Festival Day · Spring Fair · Market Day +2Festival Game Stalls
Older children design and run game stalls for others to play, like a mini fair.
Music Festival Day · Spring Fair · Games Carnival Day +2Festival Sideshow Games
Children play classic festival sideshow games such as ring toss and sack races.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Cooking Day +1Five Rings Biscuits
Children ice plain round biscuits in five ring colours and arrange them into the famous five-ring pattern. A sweet, simple treat for a games carnival.
Board Games Day · Chalk Festival · Games Day +2Giant Chalk Board Game
Children draw a floor-sized snakes and ladders style board in chalk and become the playing pieces themselves.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Craft Day +1Gold Medal Making
Children make shiny medals from card, foil and ribbon to award at a games carnival. Every child can design one for themselves or a friend.
Balloon Day · Games Carnival Day · Silly Tasks Day +1Knee Balloon Races
Children race while holding a balloon between their knees, wobbling and waddling to the finish line.
Wild West Day · Target Games Day · Country Day +1Lasso the Horse
Children throw hoops to ring a cone 'horse', moving back each time they score.
Gaming Day · Board Games Day · Chalk Festival +1Life-Size Board Game
Children become the counters on a giant chalk board game, rolling big dice and completing challenges on each square.
Backwards Day · Opposites Day · Games Day +2Lowest Score Wins Games
Familiar games are played with reversed rules so the lowest score wins, encouraging fresh strategies and lots of laughs.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Healthy Heart Day +1Mini Track and Field
Children rotate through sprints, sack races, beanbag shot put and long jump. A classic carnival that everyone can join at their own level.
Soccer Cup Day · Around the World Day · Games Carnival Day +1Mini World Cup Tournament
Children play a small-sided soccer tournament with teams representing different countries.
Great Race Day · Gross and Messy Day · Games Carnival Day +2No-Hands Donut Relay
Relay teams take turns eating a hanging donut without using their hands, then walk back to tag the next player for a funny, messy race.
Obstacle Course Day · Athletics Carnival · Teamwork Day +2Obstacle Course Relay
Teams race against each other through a simple obstacle course in relay style. A lively team game that suits big groups.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Around the World Day +2Opening Ceremony Parade
Teams pick a country, design a flag and march in a parade with a cardboard torch. Sets the scene for a games carnival with plenty of colour.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Around the World Day +2OSHC Games Carnival
Teams each represent a country and compete in relays, long jump and silly events, with medals for everyone at the end. A whole-day event full of team spirit.
Pancake Day · Great Race Day · Games Carnival Day +1Pancake Flipping Races
Children race while flipping a felt pancake in a frying pan without dropping it. A traditional Shrove Tuesday game with lots of laughs.
Games Carnival Day · Athletics Carnival · Frisbee Day +1Paper Plate Discus
Children throw paper plates like a discus and record their distances on a leaderboard. Simple, safe and surprisingly competitive.
Spring Fair · Games Carnival Day · Target Games Day +2Spring Fair Games
Children play classic fair games like ball toss, ring toss and knock-down cans at a festive outdoor fair.
Athletics Carnival · Healthy Heart Day · Great Race Day +2Sprints and Baton Relays
Children run short sprints and team relays with batons, learning how to pass a baton and cheer each other on.
Athletics Carnival · Teamwork Day · Games Carnival Day +2Team Tug of War
Two teams pull on a rope to bring the centre marker over their line, testing strength, teamwork and coordination.
Time Travellers Day · Games Day · Medieval Times +1Time Zone Capture the Flag
Teams represent different eras, such as dinosaurs, knights or the future, and play capture the flag across the yard.
Big Kids Club · Games Carnival Day · Beach Day +2Volleyball and Badminton Comps
A simple net set up runs whole-group volleyball and badminton competitions. Fast-paced fun that builds coordination and team spirit.
Games Carnival Day · Wacky Wednesday · Silly Tasks Day +2Wacky Carnival Events
Children compete in silly events like gumboot throwing, egg-and-spoon races and backwards running. Laughter matters more than winning.