Planning college events is no easy task—especially when you’re up against group chats, Netflix, and half the student body pretending they’re too cool to care. But here’s the truth: students do show up when the event actually looks fun.
At BYB Event Services, we help colleges across Kentucky, Indiana, and surrounding states bring energy to campus with rentals that turn passive flyers into real foot traffic. Here are the crowd-pleasers that consistently draw lines (and selfies).
Giant Ferris Wheel – College Event Rentals
It’s a showstopper. Whether it’s welcome week or homecoming, a full-size Ferris Wheel on campus turns any lawn into an instant landmark. Students love it for the photo ops, night lights, and “I can’t believe we have this” energy. Great for student org fairs, late-night programs, and family weekends.
One college in Kentucky used it during a spring carnival, and students were posting about it for days. It became the centerpiece of their entire welcome campaign—and boosted turnout for other events happening that year.
Obstacle Courses & Climbing Attractions
Forget basic bounce houses. Our high-energy attractions like the Ninja Warrior Course, Rock Wall Climb, Euro Bungee, and Free-Fall Stunt Jump are huge hits at campus events. They bring out students’ competitive side and work great for group challenges, Greek life competitions, or intramural promotions.
The variety lets schools scale the intensity based on the audience—from serious climbers to just-for-fun challengers. Events that include these types of activities will keep your university event center packed.
Obstacle and Climbing Attractions - College Event Rentals
Mechanical Rides with an Edge
Keep students engaged with high-thrill mechanical rides like the Zip Line, Mechanical Bull, and the Round-Up Carnival Ride. These are perfect for large outdoor areas and help your event stand out from every other “free T-shirt” happening on campus.
They’re also extremely flexible. We’ve seen them used at campus-wide spring flings, nighttime glow festivals, and even as the main draw during senior send-offs. Students talk about them for weeks.
Campus Attractions - College Event Rentals
Arcade-Style Attractions
When students want to chill but still compete, arcade games are the move. Think LED cornhole tournaments, air hockey, pinball, punching machines, pool tables, and glow-in-the-dark mini golf. These are ideal for indoor events, rec centers, or late-night student union setups.
They work particularly well for all-night programs or themed events like casino nights, student org showcases, and welcome-back celebrations.
Arcade Fun - College Event Rentals
Petting Zoo & Goat Yoga
Want to pull a crowd and lower stress levels? Our petting zoo features friendly animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits that create an instant buzz on campus. Students love the break from academics and the chance to just hang out and connect.
Even better? Goat Yoga. This lighthearted activity adds a mix of relaxation and comedy that makes it a perfect finals week de-stress event. It checks all the boxes: low-pressure, social, and selfie-worthy.
Relax with Animals - College Event Rentals
Competitive Game Rentals That Fire Up Campus Spirit
Few things bring students together like a little friendly competition. Our wide variety of competitive game rentals are designed to get students moving, laughing, and bonding. From laser tag and sumo suit wrestling to jousting, tug of war, and derby races, these attractions are made for student organizations, Greek life, intramurals, and club competitions.
We also offer a rotating mix of football throws, basketball shootouts, soccer challenges, and head-to-head obstacle races that can be tailored to any theme or audience. Whether it’s team-building or just showing off, these games create the kind of energy that keeps students engaged long after check-in.
Competitive Game Rentals - College Event Rentals
Food That Actually Brings Them Out
Never underestimate the power of great food. We offer campus-friendly catering options like burgers, picnic spreads, nachos, roasted corn, funnel cakes, and even full concession stands.
Combining food with high-energy rentals gives students a reason to stay longer and mingle. Food stations can also help pace your event and reduce wait times at rides and attractions.
Campus Event Grub - College Event Rentals
Bonus: Planning Tips for College Events That Stick
- Mix one “wow factor” (like a Ferris Wheel or Zip Line) with smaller interactive elements
- Offer variety—something physical, something visual, and something to eat
- Book early for peak dates like move-in week, homecoming, and finals
- Create designated selfie zones with your campus mascot or event hashtag
- Promote through multiple channels: student leaders, clubs, and res life
Make It an Event Students Talk About
If you’re tired of low turnout or another “free pizza and trivia” night, it’s time to upgrade your attraction game. We work with campus event planners, RAs, and student life coordinators to build unforgettable experiences that fit your budget and schedule.
Ready to plan an event that actually gets students to show up?
Why Companies Trust BYB
Since 1999, BYB has helped companies across Kentucky and the nation bring their best company picnic ideas to life. We’re not just an equipment rental service—we’re a trusted event partner that delivers peace of mind.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with BYB:
- Full-service event planning and coordination
- Reliable setup, staffing, and teardown
- Safe, inspected, and insured attractions
- Flexible options for indoor or outdoor venues
- Experience handling crowds from 50 to 50,000+
We know what it takes to plan an event that reflects your company’s values, celebrates your team, and actually runs on time. That’s why hundreds of organizations, from small local businesses to national brands rely on BYB for their corporate events year after year.
