Names of Carnival Rides: Types, Lists, and Buyer’s Guide

Types and Names of Carnival Rides

Portable carnival rides are designed for mobility and fast setup. They can be moved from town to town, which makes them ideal for fairs and seasonal events. Below are the main categories you’ll see on a carnival midway.

Thrill Rides

• Zipper – A true crowd-puller for teenagers. Its unpredictable flips keep riders coming back, and even from a distance, it looks thrilling. Compact to transport, yet big in impact.

• Gravitron / Starship 2000 – The spinning “spaceship” that pins riders to the wall. Easy to set up, fast to operate, and one of the most repeat-played rides in any carnival.

• Himalaya / Musik Express – A high-speed circular ride with lights and music. It creates an energetic atmosphere and is especially effective in night events.

• Pendulum Ride – A swinging giant that grabs attention immediately. Works best as a headline attraction for large fairs or city carnivals.

• Round-Up – Riders are spun vertically against the wall. Simple to run, compact to move, and offers great thrill value.

Family Rides

• Tilt-A-Whirl – A classic everyone remembers. Families love the unpredictable spins, and it fits well in both small and large carnivals.

• Scrambler / Sizzler – Known for its crisscrossing arms, this ride is compact, fun, and consistently among the busiest on the midway.

• Portable Ferris Wheel – The symbol of carnivals. It draws families from afar, doubles as a landmark, and is perfect for creating atmosphere.

• Bumper Cars– A family favorite that never gets old. Interactive, fun for all ages, and designed for repeat play.

• Funhouse / Glass House – Low-maintenance and always amusing. Walk-through attractions add variety without requiring much staff.

Kiddie Rides

• Kiddie Carousel – A gentle ride that children love. It’s colorful, safe, and brings a joyful atmosphere to the midway.

• Mini Ferris Wheel – Compact but eye-catching. A safe option to let kids feel like part of the bigger carnival.

• Convoy / Mini Trucks – Children adore riding their own “vehicles.” Durable, simple, and dependable in any fairground.

• Mini Jets / Helicopters – Interactive kiddie ride where children control the “up and down.” Perfect for keeping young guests entertained.

• Larva Mini Roller Coaster – A fun roller coaster designed with Larva IP as the theme, perfect for children. It's a great way for young children to experience the thrills of the ride.

Old Carnival Rides Names

Many traditional rides remain popular today, especially for buyers who want a retro or nostalgic feel:

• Rock-O-Plane – Also called “the cages,” this vintage ride still excites riders with its flips. Nostalgic but timeless.

• Roll-O-Plane – Known as “Salt & Pepper Shakers,” it combines flips and spins in a compact frame.

• Trabant – A tilting circular ride that’s durable and always fun. A proven favorite in carnivals for decades.

• Octopus – With multiple arms and spinning cars, it creates a strong visual impact, especially at night.

• Paratrooper – Gives the sensation of parachuting, combining thrill with gentle motion. A classic mid-thrill ride.

• Rotor – A spinning wall ride where the floor drops out. Unique, memorable, and still attracts curious riders.

Difference Between Amusement Park Rides and Carnival Rides

Many buyers confuse amusement park rides with carnival rides, but they serve very different purposes. The table below summarizes the key differences:

Buyer Insight:

• If your project is a permanent park, amusement park rides are the right fit.

• If you operate traveling fairs or seasonal events, carnival rides are the smarter choice.

• Some fixed parks also add carnival rides as flexible, lower-cost attractions.

Buyer's Guide for Carnival Rides

When evaluating carnival rides, smart buyers focus on four key areas:

1. Budget and ROI

• Thrill rides require higher upfront costs but generate strong headline appeal.

• Kiddie and family rides are affordable, with faster payback cycles.

2. Space and Layout

• Small fairs: Compact rides like Tilt-A-Whirl or Kiddie Convoy

• Large fairs: Add skyline rides such as Pendulum or Ferris Wheel

3. Target Audience

• Families: Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Bumper Cars

• Teenagers and young adults: Zipper, Gravitron, Musik Express

4. Safety and Support

• Always check certifications (CE, ISO, ASTM).

• Work with a supplier that offers spare parts and after-sales service.

How to Build a Carnival Midway？

A balanced mix of rides ensures a steady flow of guests and maximum profitability.

• Small midway (8–10 rides): 1–2 thrill rides, 3–4 family rides, 3–4 kiddie rides

• Medium midway (12–18 rides): 2–3 thrill rides, 6–7 family rides, 4–6 kiddie rides

• Large midway (20+ rides): Add a portable coaster and 2–3 skyline attractions like a Wave Swinger or Giant Wheel

Why Choose SUNHONG？

At SUNHONG, we don’t just sell equipment—we help operators build a complete carnival business.

• Theme Park Design: Plan your ride mix and site layout to maximize attendance

• Custom Manufacturing & Installation: From design to on-site setup, tailored to your needs

• After-Sales Service: Spare parts, maintenance training, and technical support

• Operational Guidance: Practical advice from global projects to help you improve ROI

By choosing SUNHONG, you’re not only buying rides—you’re gaining a reliable partner with industry expertise.

Conclusion

The world of carnival rides is different from traditional amusement parks. Portable rides like Zipper, Tilt-A-Whirl, and Kiddie Convoy are the backbone of carnivals, offering flexibility, fast setup, and strong revenue potential. By understanding the types of carnival rides and carefully selecting from a proven carnival ride list, buyers can make confident investment decisions.

If you’re looking for safe, high-quality, and customizable carnival rides, contact SUNHONG today. We’ll provide a product catalog, layout suggestions, and a complete solution for your carnival project.