Top 10 School Fair Entertainment Ideas for Croydon PTA Events
Educational and Fun Activities
Written George Hall
15 April 2025
đź•“ 14 min
Planning a school fair in Croydon? Whether you're a seasoned PTA member or diving into event planning for the first time, the key to a successful fair lies in creating memorable, inclusive, and engaging entertainment for all ages. With the right mix of fun and creativity, your school event can go from a simple gathering to a much-anticipated community celebration.
The challenge many Parent-Teacher Associations face is keeping things fresh—something that appeals to children, impresses parents, and aligns with school values. Below, we've rounded up ten tried-and-true entertainment ideas that work beautifully for Croydon schools. These ideas are fun, scalable, and sure to get everyone smiling. The beauty of these suggestions is their adaptability—whether you're working with a small field or a large playground, a limited budget or generous donors, you'll find options to fit your needs. Plus, many of these activities double as valuable learning moments and community-building tools.
1. Science Show Spectacular
Book a local science entertainer to bring the wow factor to your event. Think volcanoes erupting, bubbles as big as children, and exciting experiments that make science cool and unforgettable. These shows are both educational and entertaining, and they keep large crowds captivated.
Why it works: Parents love the learning element, and kids can’t get enough of the interactive, hands-on fun. Plus, many science presenters in London and Croydon offer customizable packages for schools.
Expanding this experience with a mini-science lab tent where children can try simple experiments—like making slime or creating rain clouds in jars—can enhance the value. Include signage to explain the science behind each experiment, and you'll combine education with fascination. You could even involve your school's science teacher or older students to guide visitors through each activity.
2. Live Music and Mini Talent Shows
Create a small stage area and let student bands or local musicians shine. You can also host a mini talent show featuring students singing, dancing, or performing skits. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate student creativity. Why it works: This allows the school community to cheer each other on and creates a festival-like atmosphere. Add picnic benches and some fairy lights, and you’ve got a vibrant social hub.
Add emcees to introduce each act, schedule performances throughout the day, and consider fun categories like "Best Group Act" or "Funniest Performance." Invite staff members or local celebrities as guest judges to make it even more exciting. This structure adds polish and gives the children a sense of purpose and accomplishment when performing.
3. Inflatable Obstacle Courses and Bouncy Castles
Kids love jumping, running, and racing through inflatable mazes. Renting an inflatable obstacle course or bouncy castle adds instant energy and excitement to your fair. Why it works: These attractions are high-energy and low-maintenance. Most local vendors include setup and safety staff. It’s a staple that continues to thrill, especially for primary school age groups.
You can add themes to match your school mascot or seasonal theme. Set up different inflatables for different age groups—small slides for early years, and more challenging obstacle courses for older kids. Consider offering a stamp card system to help with crowd control, where children receive a stamp after each inflatable session.
4. Messy Play and Slime Stations
Set up tables with DIY slime kits, finger painting, or even foam stations. These are hugely popular for early years and KS1 kids and allow them to explore creativity while getting gloriously messy. Why it works: Messy play is a sensory hit for children and keeps them engaged for long stretches. Just make sure to have aprons and wipes on hand!
Add a splash of science by including cause-and-effect experiments—like vinegar and baking soda eruptions or painting with ice cubes. Include color-coded areas for different age groups and sensory preferences (e.g., glitter-free zones for mess-averse kids or those with sensory sensitivities). Provide laminated instructions for each table and helpful volunteers to assist.
5. Petting Zoos or Animal Encounters
Bring the magic of animals to your school fair with a mobile petting zoo. Children can meet rabbits, goats, chickens, and even reptiles, all under professional supervision. Why it works: Animal encounters are crowd-pleasers and often come with an educational twist. They also provide a calming zone for kids who prefer quieter experiences.
To expand the experience, you could incorporate educational posters about animal habitats and fun facts. Offer scheduled "feeding times" or short talks with handlers so children can learn as well as interact. Add a shaded "animal quiet zone" where younger children can quietly observe, offering a peaceful space in the middle of the excitement.
6. Face Painting and Temporary Tattoos
Hire talented face painters who can transform kids into butterflies, tigers, or superheroes. Add a temporary tattoo booth for older kids who want a little edge without the mess. Why it works: This classic option never goes out of style. Children love seeing their transformation, and it adds to the festive feel of the day.
Consider offering a booking board to reduce waiting times or digital sign-up. Offer themed designs that match your fair (e.g., jungle, outer space). You could also include a photo booth nearby for children to capture their new look, adding a souvenir opportunity for parents and kids alike.
7. Magic Shows and Roaming Magicians
Book a children’s magician to perform a 30-minute show or have one wander around performing close-up tricks. Roaming magicians keep the fair alive with pockets of surprise and laughter.
Why it works: Magic brings wonder to every age group. It’s perfect between larger performances or while people are queuing for food.
Make sure to schedule performances throughout the day and promote them with signs. You can also add a magic-themed activity tent where children can try simple tricks themselves using coins, string, and cards—great for curious minds and future magicians!
8. Craft Corners and Make-and-Take Stalls
Let children create something they can take home—like DIY badges, keyrings, or painted plant pots. Keep the crafts simple but meaningful.
Why it works: Kids love expressing themselves, and these stations offer quieter fun. They also double as built-in souvenirs from the fair.
Enhance this by offering seasonal crafts—summer fans, winter snowflakes—or by tying crafts into school subjects (e.g., geography-themed bookmarks). Offer multiple tables sorted by skill level so all ages feel welcome.
9. Mini Carnival Games
Set up easy-to-run games like ring toss, duck ponds, or bean bag throws. These classic stalls are great for fundraising—just add small prizes for winners.
Why it works: Carnival games keep queues moving and spirits high. Older students or parent volunteers can run them, keeping costs low.
You can take it up a notch with themed booths—pirate, safari, or under the sea—and a prize redemption stall where kids can exchange tickets for small goodies. Offer combo passes for multiple plays and keep the setup fun but safe.
10. Giant Board Games and Lawn Games
Oversized versions of Jenga, Connect Four, or chess are perfect for outdoor fun. These games offer something more relaxed but still interactive.
Why it works: They're easy to set up, affordable to rent, and loved by kids and adults alike. They also give families a chance to play together.
To further boost engagement, create a “Family Games Hour” where parents compete against their children or teachers go head-to-head witstuents. Add prizes for participation and designate shady seating areas nearby for spectators.
Conclusion
The best school fairs are those that feel more like festivals—celebrations of the school’s spirit, creativity, and community. By incorporating a mix of energetic activities, thoughtful programming, and hands-on fun, your Croydon PTA event can become the talk of the school calendar.
These ten ideas are only the beginning. Whether you expand the day into a weekend-long celebration or keep it simple with afternoon fun, the heart of a school fair lies in participation and joy. The more you involve students, parents, and staff in planning and hosting, the more connected your school community becomes. And remember: it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating a day that children will remember for years to come.
Contact us today and let curiosity lead the way!
