There is a game that is going to catch your attention today… Pick a Duck! Every student or child will want to have a turn at playing it because it is so much fun! Aside from being simple to play and budget-friendly, everything in the game can be purchased at a dollar store or online.
Pick a Duck Carnival Game
A carnival game like Pick up a duck is always a hit! The Rubber Duck Pond Game is one of the kids’ favorite games and my kids will always ask for it whenever we see it at the fair.
There are many different versions of this game, but we thought it would be fun to create our own DIY Valentine’s Day version at home.
Supplies
- Container
- Water
- Assorted Ducks
- Valentine Duckies (optional)
Fun Tip!
I would recommend getting the Assorted Rubber Ducks pack too, just in case you have a party or a gathering. The kids go nuts for them! In addition, they are also great for scavenger hunts if you have a kid who loves them!
What is the Pick-a-Duck Game
A carnival game most often played at fairs, church events, vacation bible school, classroom PTO parties, Girl Scouts, and birthday parties!
Ducks float on top of a small pool or a large tub filled with just enough water to allow them to float. Children will have the opportunity to choose “their” duck for the game. A prize will be awarded if the duck has a number or symbol underneath.
How to Play the Rubber Duck Pond Game
Instead of using a large tub or small pool, we created a short version of the Pick a Duck game for Valentine’s Day. I bought a Valentine’s Day container, and three rubber ducks, and filled the container with water.
Purchasing a bigger container is recommended if there is a large crowd of children. This size container will work well for a small group.
You can then create a simple Valentine’s Day party game. Then, each child will be allowed to pick a duck of his or her choice. A prize will be given to the person who finds the duck with the heart on the bottom.
Matching Duck Game
Taking this Carnival duck game a step further, you could create a matching duck game to play along with it. When you conduct this activity I would recommend using a much larger container.
To do this, all you have to do is apply the same sticker to two different ducks (or mark the ducks with a star, diamond, smiley face, or some other symbol) at the bottom with a black magic marker.
During the game, a child picks two ducks from the pond. If the ducks match, the child wins a prize. If the ducks don’t match up, they will have to try again.
Anyone working on a party will find this easy, whether you are a mother, teacher, grandmother, librarian, or anything else! Make it yourself and you’ll love how easy and affordable it is!
It was a hit with the kids! They wanted to play it again and again! Whenever we moved ducks, we simply had them turn around. We would do the same if they played it again or a third time.
It is always fun to have a more spacious tub and more ducks if you have a big area! However, this worked out well for a quick and easy Valentine’s Day setup!
This looks like such a cute little game! I bet my kids would love making this.
Thanks, Heather! The best part is it is budget friendly and easy to make! 🙂
This is too cute!! I think even my 13 y/o’s would enjoy playing to see if they get a prize!
I love it! I absolutely agree with you! I think it’s a great game for many ages! 🙂
This is so fun! And who doesn’t love rubber ducks?!
Thanks, Jackie! 🙂
What a cute idea for the kids!
Thank you so much!!!! 🙂
I love the Pick A Duck game! I love the fact that any age can do it and everybody can win a little prize. I might have to do this at my Women’s Retreat. Our theme is “Isn’t Everything Just Ducky?”
Sheila, I love that! I think that is a fantastic idea!!!! Thanks for stopping in! 🙂
this is very cute! way better than the carnival version haha
Haha, thank you! 🙂
LOL, I love this, it’s so cute! Anything with little duckies or peeps captures my heart for some reason. Thank you for this!
Awe. Yay! You are so welcome! Thank you for stopping in. 🙂
This would be great for a kids birthday party. Pick the right one and they get a prize…………….sharing this with my niece
This looks fun for the little ones!
Those look pretty cool
Looks like a pretty cool game. Thanks for sharing!
This is so much fun! I have to admit, I never outgrew my love for this. I’m always the first one at the Church carnival to play the duck game, LOL!
We play this all the time at our parties, so fun
Cute!
I love this
My daughter would love this craft with ducks, thanks for the great ideas!
Looks like a fun game to try. Thanks for sharing.