When it comes to fairground games, they can seem intimidating, especially if you've never tried your hand at any. But trust me, they can be loads of fun once you get the hang of them. Let's break things down a bit. From my experience, many parents find that one key to getting the kids interested is to focus on the simpler games. Think of basic skill-based games like ring toss or duck pond fishing. In my opinion, these usually have a price point per play that's reasonable – around PHP 20 to PHP 50 – making it accessible for almost anyone to give them a try.
There's a level of excitement you get from these games that's hard to beat. You're often working against a timer, with some games giving you about 30 seconds to a minute to complete a task. Quick tip: Practice does make perfect. Take the ring toss, for example. The key to winning lies in the angle and force with which you throw the rings. A fun fact: in 2019, a little girl in Manila became a local celebrity after winning 10 straight mini-stuffed animals in a row on her birthday.
- Duck pond: simple, aims to match the numbers.
- Shooting Galleries: aim for accuracy within a time limit.
Games like these are based on skill rather than luck, so practice can significantly improve your chances.
Ever heard about the shooting gallery games? It's a popular activity among adults and older teens. You get a mock gun and, within a set time, aim to knock down as many targets as possible. Pro tip: they often use a compressed air system to fire the shots, so understanding the gun's weight and how it fires can really help. From my last visit, I remember a stall owner mentioning that an average competitor could take down 7 out of 10 targets. In contrast, seasoned players usually hit 9 out of 10.
Now, if you're more into games of chance – the bingo-type ones are quite engaging. Interestingly, in 2021, most bingo games offered at local perya had a 15-minute cycle; that’s how long it takes to go through one round of game. Just picture the anticipation as you wait for each number to be called. I met an old friend who won the grand prize, a brand-new bike, thanks to bingo. She told me the trick was understanding the frequency of the numbers called and marking your card swiftly.
One of my personal favorites has to be the coin toss game. The game itself is pretty straightforward, but boy, does it give you a thrill! You aim to throw a coin onto a small square or into a cup, and if it stays, you win a prize. Easily, anyone can attempt multiple times since each play usually only costs about PHP 10. I remember reading about this one fair in Cavite where a teenage boy went home with a brand-new smartphone, all thanks to his incredible aim.
In another example, during a fiesta in Quezon City, they had a more unusual range of games like the ladder climb. This one measures your balance and strength. Participants have to climb a horizontal ladder that swivels and turns. The trick, as a seasoned participant told me, is to stay low and keep your center of gravity steady.
Kids and adults alike enjoy these vibrant, noisy games. They bring communities together and provide endless entertainment. The real charm lies in the blend of simplicity and challenge. As an enthusiastic attendee, I've noticed that with a bit of strategy and a whole lot of practice, you don't just get a chance to win great prizes but also enjoy the thrill of competition. Next time you hear about a local perya setting up nearby, grab your friends or family and dive in. The experience is worth every peso and moment you invest.