Considerations for Traveling Amusement Parks and Carnivals

Updated July 4, 2020

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As traveling amusement park and carnival operations, such as those at county and state fairs or traveling carnivals, resume in some areas of the United States, CDC offers the following considerations for ways in which operators of these venues can protect staff, guests, and communities from the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These considerations are focused primarily on traveling amusement park and carnival midways that include rides, games, interactive exhibits, and concessions stands.

Traveling amusement park and carnival operators can determine, in collaboration with federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal health officials, whether and how to apply these suggestions, making adjustments to meet the needs and circumstances of the local community. Implementation should be guided by what is feasible, practical, acceptable, and tailored to the needs of each community. These considerations are meant to support—not replace—any federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which businesses must comply.

Guiding Principles to Keep in Mind

The more and longer people interact, the higher the potential risk of becoming infected with and spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The higher the level of community transmission at traveling amusement parks and carnivals, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading during park operations.
The size of an event or gathering should be determined based on state, local, territorial or tribal safety laws and regulations.