Has your family ever been to a state fair? If not, now is the time! A state fair is something that everyone should experience at least once, just for the crazy over the top food! State fairs really are a good mix of learning and fun. There are plenty of agricultural exhibits and just as many rides and games. Most state fairs even have concerts and fireworks in the evenings. There really is something for everyone!
To have the best experience for your family’s visit to the state fair, you need to do a little bit of planning. If you are visiting on a weekend you have to prepare for crowds. Try and get there early. If you are at the fair when it’s crowded and then add in a hot day, you’ll be looking for the shade and a cold drink to keep everyone happy. Plan ahead and bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and water.
Visiting the horses, and wishing they had their own…
You’ll want to check the schedule for the state fair to see what is happening on the day you plan to go. Animals are shown at various times during the day, and your kids will want to see their favorites. The rides on the midway usually don’t open until lunch time. If rides are your priority, keep that in mind. There could be special kid activities throughout the fair that you may want to see. This could be a kids tractor pull, Lego building contest, or story time.
A few days before we go to the state fair, we visit the fair’s website for information. I check on parking, ticket prices, times, and the food list. Yes the food list is very important! I’ll admit that I like to go to the state fair just for the food! State fair food is usually crazy, unique, and deep-fried. We can’t wait to see what new foods are at the fair each year! Plus we always get our favorites too.
Deep fried everything!
There is so much to do at the state fair that you need to let your kids know what to expect. Prepare your kids for what you will be doing and seeing. When I was a kid, I used to hate going to the state fair. We had to spend so much time looking at all of the exhibits, while all I really wanted to do was go on some rides. Tell your kids about what your plan is for the day and what they can expect. Once they know that an ice cream malt is coming after they look at all the flowers, fruit and vegetable exhibits, things may go a little better.
Why don’t our flowers look like this?
We attended the Northern Wisconsin State Fair a couple of days ago, and we really enjoyed it. We got there just before lunch, parked fairly close, ate cheese curds and drank homemade lemonade, walked thru the 4H exhibits, walked the midway, and then visited the farm animals. We ended our trip with vanilla malts from the 4H booth. It was a very nice day to be outside, and we even learned something too!
Mini donuts, cheese curds, and corn dogs. Or should we just say breakfast, lunch and dinner?
State fairs are held all across the country. Here’s a website that gives details on state fairs and major festivals that are held during the summer. Maybe there’s one close to you or nearby where you are spending your summer vacation.
Summer just isn’t summer without a visit to a state fair! What are your tips for a fun day?
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