Middle Paxtons Lions Club Carnival 2025

Mom- Approved Highlights You'll Want to Know!

Jul 11, 2025

Location: 300 Church Street, Dauphin, PA

This small-town carnival is held right in Dauphin, PA, and makes for an easy, family-friendly outing just minutes off the highway. With mountain views, tasty food, and rides for a range of ages, it’s a fun way to spend a summer evening. Free admission and close parking make it super accessible, especially for families with young kids. Keep reading for all the details you’ll want to know before you go!

What We Loved About the Carnival

Free admission, walk right in, and enjoy the fun atmosphere
Affordable ride options: $10 for a wristband if you’re a resident
Wide variety of delicious food: fries, funnel cake, fried Oreos, tacos, milkshakes, cheesecake, cotton candy, nachos & more
Breathtaking mountain views from the top of the Ferris wheel
No long lines, rides were easy to get on, especially on a weekday
Kind and helpful staff and vendors throughout the event
My son got to win a prize at a game booth, lots of cheerful game attendants
Felt safe and well-staffed, with first responders on site
Perfect mix of rides for kids and adults
Plenty of space to walk around, relax, and explore
Playground on-site, great for toddlers who can’t ride
Live music and festive sounds filled the air, adding to the carnival vibe
Great weekday option, not too crowded and easy to enjoy at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

Admission: Free to enter
Rides:
- $10 for 14 ride tickets
- $20 wristband for unlimited rides
- Residents pay just $10 for the wristband (bring ID!)
Food: Available for purchase from both the Lions Club and local vendors
Live Music: Nightly at 7 PM (Tuesday through Saturday)
Games & Bingo: Start daily at 6:30 PM
Fireworks: Friday at 9:30 PM
Restrooms: Real bathrooms on-site, women’s in the back, men’s in front (single stalls)
Parking: Free and close if you arrive early (we parked near the on-site playground)
Accessibility: Mostly grass, stroller/wagon-friendly but bumpy in spots
Shade: Some tents and trees are available, but the event is largely in direct sunlight

Mom Tips

Bring bug spray
A small fan, hat, and sunglasses go a long way on hot evenings
Try to arrive by 6 PM to snag close parking, short ride lines, and early food access
Use the bathroom before leaving the main area if you have young kids
If your little one is under 4, they may not be tall enough for most rides, but there’s still space to roam and a small playground on-site
Unsure if your child will enjoy the rides? Start with a book of tickets (3–4 rides for $10) before committing to the wristband
If your child is sensitive to noise, keep in mind the mix of music, ride sounds, and carnival energy
Great mid-week carnival option, less busy and still packed with fun