The 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival at Pioneer High School opened 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 are worked with the Ann Arbor Jaycees for several years (including this year) to promote the Carnival.
- 2026 Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Schedule
- Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Rides & Walkthrough Video
- Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Entry Requirements
- Tips for Visiting the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival
- 2026 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-9:00pm – Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
🎡 Sunday, June 28 – 12:00pm-8:00pm – Ann Arbor Jaycees Summer Carnival
Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival Rides & Walkthrough Video
We visited the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival as they opened to get a video of all the fun. Check out the video and here’s the list of rides:
- Swinger – 4 tickets
- Jumbo – 4 tickets – 36″ with adult, 48″ alone
- Carousel – 3 tickets – 36″+
- Zipper – 5 tickets – 48″ to ride – needs 2 riders per car
- The Spinner – 3 tickets – 36″ with adult, 42″ alone
- Kiddie Scrambler – 3 tickets – 24″-52″
- Raiders Slide – 3 tickets – up to 54″
- Overdrive – 5 tickets – 55″
- Jump Cycle – 3 tickets – 36″+, no adults
- Jungle Explorer – 3 tickets – 24″-56″
- Sea Ray – 4 tickets – 42″+
- Top Gun – 12 tickets or wristband plus 4 tickets – 55″+
- Scrambler – 4 tickets – 36″ with adult, 48″ alone
- Giant Wheel – 5 tickets – 36″ with adult, 48″ alone – needs 2+ riders per car
- Kiddie Carousel – 3 tickets – 24″ to ride, no adults
- Super Nova 360 – 6 tickets – 55″ to ride
We missed the height requirements for Swinger. I believe it was 42″ last year.
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 or $20/family.
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. Food booths accept credit but one stand I saw a 9% fee!!
- 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.
2026 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 and this year is no exception. However, there were a few change outs in the rides this year.
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 and zipper).
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 Zipper. Plus a few new rides!
High Thrill Rides at A2Jaycees Carnival
Top Gun
Top Gun is the newest thrill ride at the Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival. It requires 12 tickets – or a ride wristband and 4 tickets. The sign claims you experience 3.5Gs at 120 feet in the air. The ride was definitely tall. Unfortunately no one braved the ride while I was there, so I didn’t get to see it in action.
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.
Zipper
Zipper is a thrill ride that has been at the Carnival for many years – and a ride I remember going on when I was a teen. It does require 2 people per car, so if your child wants to ride, bring a friend, hope they find a friend, or plan to ride with them.
Intermediate Rides at Pioneer HS Carnival
There are a few ride options for kids (and adults) who don’t like the high thrill rides. These rides do include some spinning or heights and have a minimum ride heights.
Overdrive
New this year is Overdrive. A large spinner with a theme that resembles Fast & Furious.
Sea Ray
Sea Ray is a classic pirate ship ride with a pirate theme.
Family Rides
Jumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic flying elephant ride for most ages. It has a minimum height of 36″ with an adult or 48″ alone. You can control how high your elephant goes.
Giant Wheel
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. While it is very family friendly, it does have a minimum height of 36″.
The Carousel is open to all riders. Usually a parent can stand next to a young child without needing their own tickets. There are also benches for those who prefer a seated bench.
Kiddie Rides at Ann Arbor Carnival
The carnival had several kiddie rides.
Kids can take a ride on the Jungle Express Train, or try the Jump Cycle, or Kiddie Carousel.
The Raiders slide replaces the Wacky Shack house this year. The slide is just for kids up to 54″.
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.
In 2026 games included popping balloons with darts, squirt gun races., frog flipping, ring toss, basketball, and lucky ducks.
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 2026 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. I was tempted by the Elephant Ears this year, but I was alone and it was too much for one person.
