We also have a fall festival that I have been in charge of for two years. Depending on your budget, there are great inflatable "rides" that you can rent. We have had obstacle courses, bungee runs, and a bungee bull, to name a few. We also have a petting zoo (donated by a school family), donkey rides, rock climbing wall (a favorite with the kids) and hayrides (also donated by a school family). We contact businesses associated with the school for donations to help with the cost. I hope some of this is helpful.

There is the ever popular cake walk. You can also do a photo-op, Corn stalks and hay to sit on, where you can have someone taking pictures or BYOC.
You can do a scavenger hunt and pass out the lists at the entrance, so it's an ongoing game.

I am curious though, why do you want to eliminate the haunted house. I know that some kids may not like it but there are others whose favorite part is that. Is there specific issues that make it a bad choice?

Hey cbrooks,
What kinda music do ya play in the laser room?? After the date change they pulled on me I decided to do one of them instead. I want to do a mixture dating back to the 60's of dance songs. Also do you decorate the room or just do lights.Just so you know. I ordered lots of lights and a bubble machine out of their puny budget cut. If we don't have enough prizes they can explain it cause I had all the stuff to do the haunted house. OK, I'm being bitter, but the kids were really looking forward to the haunted house. I hope I can make a laser room that is just as much fun.

We have a laser room for those not brave enough for the haunted house. LOL! It is really not appropriate for everyone and the Laser Room is great for smaller kids, shoot I like it myself. .25 for 5 minutes of dancing like wild people in a room full of disco lights. The kids love it.

As for planning, my suggestion is to have 1 giant committee and break that down into sub committees. Have someone be in charge of volunteers, another with the game planning, etc.

I will be chairing our Fall Carnival this year, for the first time. I need help w/planning, games, volunteers, etc. Our school has about 560 students from pre-k to 8th grade. In previous years we have had a haunted house, but I would like to do away with it. Is there something I could have in replace of it. I'm desperate, the carnival is about six weeks away