Fairs are a fun activity to do with families, but they can also be a lot of work. Rides, animals, food…so much fun! Here are 10 tips for taking kids to the fair.
HOW MANY RIDES WILL YOU DO?
Decide before you get there how many rides you are going to allow them to go on. Some fairs have unlimited rides but others require individual tickets and that can cost a fortune.
MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT
Nothing is worse than having your kid wait in line only to find out they are one inch too short to ride. Save the tears and have them check the height requirements first. There is usually a place to measure your height right at the entrance.
GAMES OR NO GAMES?
Do you really want to spend $20 on a stuffed frog that is actually worth about $2? We all know it will eventually be placed in the trash when our kids are in school one day. So maybe set a limit of 2-3 games…win or lose.
ANIMALS
Nope…not your kids…the actual animals at the fair. Spend some time visiting all the farm animals. Encourage them to ask questions to the 4H groups. Plan on seeing an animal show and maybe they can ask the animal owners what the judges are looking for. Look for signs to see if you can pet the animals and always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after.
FAIR = FOOD
Fair food is amazing but let’s just say it’s not known to be the healthiest. Try a few treats but you don’t have to try everything. Think fair food won’t agree with you child? Bring familiar snacks from home. Stay hydrated by bringing your own water.
WEEKDAYS
Avoid weekends at the fair if you can. There are much less crowds during the week which will also mean shorter lines. It is also a good idea to go early in the morning.
SAFETY
Make sure you take safety precautions: Using your phone, take a picture of them before you walk into the fair. Put your cell phone number in their pocket. Designate a meeting spot and write it on the same piece of paper as your phone number. Have your kids wear bright colored clothing.
SHOP
Even if you don’t actually buy anything, walk around and look at all the locally made products. Encourage them to ask the artist some questions.
SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT
Check the schedule as soon as you get to the fair and plan around those events.
AVOID A MELTDOWN
Enjoy the fair but remember you don’t need to experience everything. Leave before the meltdowns start so it is a good memory for everyone. Know when to call it a day.
Looking for a fair in New England? Here are some happening around Boston.