Who's ready for some family fun time in the US of A!? There are so many fun things to do with the family across this expansive and exciting country, but nothing screams family fun like those good old-fashioned county fair!
Soak up the sights, smell the fresh popcorn and funnel cakes in the air, and marvel in the dazzling lights of the Ferris wheel... and don't forget those heart-pounding thrills when it comes to those carnival rides!
Lights, laughs, food, joy.... a county fair is pure magic.
At FamilyDaysOut.com, we know that visiting a county fair is a must-do tradition for families of all ages, from all across the country. It might be your first time at a county fair, or your hundredth, but it's safe to say that a day at the fair is always full of excitement, surprises, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of sugar overload!
This fun-filled guide from Family Days Out will walk you through everything you need to know about your couty fair visit, from those must-try foods to top attractions, insider tips, and ways to make the most of your visit.
So what are you waiting for, let’s get started!
Photo by Scotty Turner on Unsplash
Why a County Fair is the Perfect Family Outing
There’s something for everyone at a county fair! Love thrills? They have you covered! Love relaxed rides? They have you covered! Are you more of a foodie? Don't worry, they have you covered!
Here’s why county fairs are the perfect family fun:
🎡 Affordable Fun – Many fairs offer discounted tickets for families and free activities for kids! Great!
🎠 Something for All Ages – From kiddie rides to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, no one is left out, no matter how many in your family, what your loves are, or how young you are!
🍭 Delicious (and sometimes outrageous) Food – Deep-fried everything, anyone? A county fair is the perfect place to try something you have never tried before (and perhaps never even dreamt of before!)
🎯 Classic Carnival Games – Win a giant stuffed animal for the kids (or yourself!). There is nothing like winning a carnival game!
🐄 Live Animals & 4-H Exhibits – See farm animals up close, from cows to baby goats. Don't forget your camera!
🎶 Live Music & Entertainment – Enjoy concerts, talent shows, and comedy acts, county fairs are the perfect place to sit back and relax, and take in a show!
Planning Your County Fair Visit Like a Pro
Before heading out, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free day. The more you plan, the more fun you can have!
Check the Fair’s Schedule
Each county fair is unique, with different events scheduled throughout the day. Make sure you look up things like:
- Parade times 🎭
- Fireworks shows 🎆
- Special kids’ activities
- Meet-and-greets with local mascots or entertainers
Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash
Buy Tickets in Advance
Save time and money by purchasing tickets online or checking for family discount packages. Some fairs offer free admission days or “ride-all-day” wristbands—perfect if you have energetic kids!
Dress Comfortably
County fairs involve a lot of walking. Wear:
✔️ Comfy shoes (those cowboy boots may look cute, but sneakers are your best friend)
✔️ Lightweight clothing (it can get hot!)
✔️ Hats and sunscreen for sun protection
Pack the Essentials
- A small backpack for snacks, wipes, and a water bottle
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Cash (some vendors don’t accept cards)
- A portable phone charger (for all those cute fairground photos!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question, this may help!
Weekday mornings or early afternoons tend to be less crowded, making it easier to enjoy rides and attractions.
Absolutely! Many fairs offer designated kid zones with gentle rides, play areas, and plenty of shade.
Some fairs allow outside food, but always check their website for specific rules.
Teach kids to find a fair worker, security guard, or information booth if they get separated.
Most families spend 3-5 hours at the fair, but if you want to experience everything, a full day is best!
Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
Must-Try Fair Foods (Because Calories Don’t Count at the Fair!)
Let’s be honest—half the fun of the fair is eating all the deliciously outrageous food! Here are some fair staples you can’t miss:
🍗 Turkey Legs – A medieval-sized feast on a stick.
🌭 Corn Dogs – Classic, crunchy, and oh-so-good.
🍟 Curly Fries – Because why eat regular fries when you can have them spiralized?
🍏 Caramel Apples – Sweet, sticky, and crunchy!
🍩 Funnel Cake – Fried dough dusted with powdered sugar = perfection.
🧀 Deep-Fried Everything – Oreos, pickles, Snickers bars… if it can be fried, the fair has it.
💡 Pro Tip: Share different foods with the family so you can taste more treats without getting too full!
Best Rides for Thrill-Seekers and Kiddos Alike
🎡 Ferris Wheel – The ultimate fair classic with breathtaking views.
🎢 Zipper – Twists, turns, and stomach-flipping fun!
🎠 Carousel – Perfect for little ones who want a gentler ride.
🌀 Tilt-a-Whirl – Get ready to spin, spin, spin!
🚀 Drop Tower – Not for the faint-hearted!
💡 Parent Tip: If you have young kids, check height requirements before waiting in line for rides!
Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash
Top Attractions & Activities for Families
While rides and food steal the spotlight, county fairs also offer tons of family-friendly activities:
🐮 Petting Zoos & Farm Exhibits – Let kids interact with baby goats, sheep, and even llamas!
🎭 Live Shows – Magicians, stunt shows, and comedy acts bring tons of fun.
🐎 Pony Rides – A must for little cowboys and cowgirls.
💡 Science & Art Exhibits – Some fairs have hands-on STEM activities for curious kids.
🎯 Classic Carnival Games – Test your skills at ring toss, balloon darts, and basketball hoops.
💡 Insider Tip: Look for free attractions like pie-eating contests or talent shows—some fairs even let kids enter competitions!
Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash
How to Win at Carnival Games (Without Breaking the Bank)
Let’s be real—winning at fair games isn’t always easy. But here are some tricks to boost your chances:
🎯 Avoid the first few booths – The hardest games are usually placed right at the entrance!
🏀 For basketball games, aim for the back of the rim – The hoops are often smaller than regulation size.
💡 Check the prizes before playing – If you want that giant teddy bear, make sure you’re playing the right game.
🎪 Watch others before playing – Some booths have hidden tricks, and watching a few rounds might help you spot them!
Making the Most of Your County Fair Experience
🎟️ Arrive early – Beat the crowds and enjoy shorter ride lines.
📸 Take lots of photos – Capture those special moments, from kids’ smiles on the carousel to the first bite of funnel cake.
🥤 Stay hydrated – Bring a refillable water bottle to keep everyone refreshed.
🛍️ Support local vendors – County fairs are great places to buy handmade crafts and local treats.
👀 Have a meeting spot – If anyone gets lost, pick a designated location like the Ferris wheel or food court.
Final Thoughts
A county fair is a magical experience for the whole family—from thrilling rides to delicious treats and adorable farm animals. With a little planning, your fair day will be full of laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments. So grab your tickets, bring your sense of fun, and get ready for the best day ever! 🎡🎠🍭
Lisa Downs
Lisa has been a content writer for Family Days Out for nearly 10 years, and a keen travel writer for nearly 20. She loves experiencing the best of a city, discovering the many things to do and immersing herself in the culture, and sharing these experiences with others through her writing.
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