The 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival at Pioneer High School opens on Thursday, June 25. It continues through Sunday, June 28 at Pioneer High School. We love the mix of rides and fun the carnival offers. Even better the profits from the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival stay local to Ann Arbor. They support the Jaycees programming (like the Fourth of July Parade) and local service projects such as Thanksgiving Baskets and School Supplies.
We have worked with the Ann Arbor Jaycees for several years to promote the Carnival.
- 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Schedule
- Win Tickets to Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
- Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Entry Requirements
- Tips for Visiting the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
- A Glimpse of the 2025 Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
- 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Rides
- 2025 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Review
- Other Activities at Ann Arbor Pioneer Carnival
- Food at Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Schedule
The schedule for the 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival is below:
🎡 Friday, June 26 – 4:00pm-9:00pm – Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
🎡 Saturday, June 27 – 12:00pm-10:00pm – Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
🎡 Sunday, June 28 – 12:00pm-10:00pm – Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
Win Tickets to Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
The Ann Arbor Jaycees have provided 2 sets of 5 wristbands for Ann Arbor with Kids readers. Enter to win your set below.
Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Entry Requirements
Ride Wristbands are $35 for any day or any age. After the carnival starts, they can only be purchased with CASH at the ticket booth. Ride Tickets are $1.50 each or 50/$60 (CASH only). Entry requires a minimum purchase of $10/person.
They only take cash to purchase tickets/wristbands at the gate so be sure to stop at the ATM first. They do have an on-site ATM, but its fees will likely be higher than stopping at your own bank ATM. Midway bucks can also be purchased at the gate for use at food stands or games.
All minors (under the age of 18), must be accompanied by an adult due to security concerns. Having lived through the late teenage years, I realize this is a burden. However, there were numerous incidents many years ago that resulted in the police being called and the carnival shutting down early. The result was an earlier end time, minimum purchase, and the requirement of adults accompanying minors.
Tips for Visiting the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
- Visit early in the week and close to opening for the least crowds.
- Bring Cash – They only accept cash for the wristband or tickets. An ATM is available onsite, but I am sure the fees are high.
- Wear Sunscreen – the Pioneer Parking Lot is very sunny so make sure you are protected
- Bring Water – We had slings for our water bottles which we were able to take on many rides. Or leave sitting on the edge of the enclosure.
- All Minors (even 16/17 year olds) need an adult with them.
- Adults may need to ride with kids in intermediate height ranges. Consider either a band for an adult or tickets to split rides with the kids. When my daughter was 4, she wanted to go on a higher thrill ride and needed an adult. My husband made a ticket booth run while she and I waited in in a long line.
A Glimpse of the 2025 Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
Check out our video glimpse of the Carnival.
We’ll update with a glimpse of the 2026 Carnival on opening day.
2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Rides
The 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Ride list has not been released yet. The Skerbeck website says rides are 3-6 tickets each except for Top Gun which requires 12 tickets (
The Carnival has a good mix of rides for both younger kids, families, and thrill seeking tweens and teens.
The 2025 chart below can help you decide between a ride wristband, tickets, or a combination. Sometimes wristbands for the kids and tickets for adults to accompany on a few ride is the best option.
Height Restrictions & Ticket Requirements
Are you wondering about what your child will be able to ride? Or, if a ride wristband is a good choice for your family? Check out the list of rides with tickets and height requirements.
| Ride | Height | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Carousel | 36″ with adult, 42″ alone | 3 (usually 0 for standing adult) |
| Cliff Hanger | 46″ minimum | 4 |
| Downdraft | 46″ with adult, 48″ alone | 5 |
| Giant Wheel * | No single riders (previously 48″ to ride alone) | 5 |
| Jumbo Flying Elephants | 36″ minimum, 48″ alone | 4 |
| Jump Cycle | 36″ minimum, 46″ maximum | 3 |
| Mini Scrambler * | 24″ minimum, 52″ maximum | 3 |
| Mini Jets | 36″ minimum, 54″ maximum | 3 |
| Mighty Mac | 24″ minimum, 56″ maximum | 3 |
| Music Express | 42″ with adult, 52″ alone | 5 |
| Scrambler ** | Did not take Photo | Did not take Photo |
| Sea Ray (Pirate Ship) | 42″ | 4 |
| Spin Apple * | 36″ with adult, 42″ alone | 3 |
| Spinner | 36″ with adult, 42″ alone | 3 |
| Super Nova 360 | 55″ minimum & at least 14 years old | 6 |
| Swings | 42″ | 4 |
| Wacky Shack | 36″ with adult, 44″ alone | 4 |
* I missed details on a couple of rides. Details from 2024 are listed in place
** I missed the details on this ride and it was not there last year.
2025 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Review
I visited the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival on Thursday at 4p – which is when I typically visit the carnival. While not crowded at 4p, there were more people than we usually see at 4p.
There is typically a nice mix of rides for both young kids, families, and teens.
When you are buying ride tickets and wristbands, take notes of which rides will require an adult to ride with a small child or require a partner (giant wheel).
My daughter wasn’t able to visit with me this year, but there was a return of rides she has previously enjoyed like the SuperNova 360 and Cliff Hanger. Personally I always love the Swings and Music Express.
Thrill Rides at A2Jaycees Carnival
Super Nova 360
The Super Nova 360 returns, and is again the biggest thrill ride. Check out our video of SuperNova 360 at the 2016 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival. In 2023, I stood and watched my daughter ride – alongside teens who also opted out of riding with their friends. Make sure your pocket contents are secure! My daughter’s wallet fell out of her pocket. Fortunately it didn’t hit anyone and they were able to retrieve it.
Downdraft
Downdraft was introduced in 2022. We rode it that year, and we weren’t as impressed as we hoped to be. We felt the circular motion overrode the downdraft.
Music Express
Music Express has been one of my favorite carnival rides since I was a kid. I remember riding it at carnivals as a tween.
Intermediate Rides at Pioneer HS Carnival
There are a few ride options for kids (and adults) who don’t like the super thrill rides.
The Giant Wheel towers over the carnival as you drive down Main St or Stadium. This ride requires a few riders to stay in balance.
Spin the Apple keeps you closer to the ground – as long as you don’t mind spinning.
The Wacky Shack which made its debut in 2018 is back.
This year, the intermediate rides also include: Cliff Hanger, Spinner, and Jumbo the Flying Elephant
Kiddie Rides at Ann Arbor Carnival
The carnival had several kiddie rides. The Carousel is always a hit with kids of all ages.
There are also Mighty Mac Trains, “Jumping” motorcycles, mini jets, and a kiddie spinner.
Other Activities at Ann Arbor Pioneer Carnival
I have to admit that once I buy a ride wristband, we usually focus on the rides. We don’t pay for extra experiences like games or bungee bounce. The bungee bounce is $10.
In 2025 games included popping balloons with darts, rolling balls to score in a race, squirt gun races., and lucky ducks.
They have two lucky ducks including one that is lower for young kids to participate more easily. Long before I started this website, I let my 18 month old daughter play the Duck Pond. An Ann Arbor News photographer took her photo with the beach ball globe she won playing. (Note photo is a couple of years old – the pond looks the same but prizes are different)
Food at Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
The food available at the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival is standard carnival food. In 2025 there were 5 food stands:
- Elephant Ears, Funnel Cake, & Lemonade
- Cotton Candy, Popcorn & Caramel/Candy Apples
- French Fries, Chicken Tenders, Hot Dogs, Italian Sausage & More
- Pizza
- Drinks and Ice Cream
These stands are what is typically there each year. My daughter and I would often visit right as they open, grab a treat like ice cream or funnel cake, and then head to Top of the Park for dinner.
