Monday is Kids’ Day at Mid-State Fair
Timely tips for taking children to the fair
Kids’ Day at the California Mid-State Fair is Monday, July 21. The free admission for children under 12 years old is enticing enough, but there will also be a number of events happening just for the children and only on Kids’ Day. But what should you, or do you want to, know before going?
Enjoy a day with your child at the Mid-State Fair by making sure he is well-rested, well-nourished, and well-hydrated. Photo by Heather Young,
Personally, I’m an over planner. And since having a child I have learned that it’s a good thing. When I flew with my daughter for the first time, I took all the tips I learned about flying with a baby and was prepared for everything – and we had the best flying experience. When I don’t prepare and just go by the seat-of-my-pants, the experience is less good – sometimes downright frustrating. A trip to the fair should be fun and enjoyable, so I wanted to share some tips and information for having a great time at the Mid-State Fair on Kids’ Day, but throughout the duration of the entire fair.
- Be sure your child is well-rested. If your child naps during the day, plan to fit in your fair experience into the time before or after naptime. A pair of moms I talked to at the fair came up from San Luis Obispo but did not realize that the fair didn’t officially open until noon. They were still able to purchase tickets and enter the gates at 10:30 a.m., which they said worked out perfectly. All of their children were under 4, so they were able to walk around the fair, checking everything out without a lot of people and without the pressure of the vendors being open, as well as being there before the weather got too warm.
- Know what your child will eat and when and how that food will affect their mood. It’s fun to try something new or indulge in a treat that you only get once a year, but try to give them that high dose of sugar at a time that fuels them through the rides or some activity that you’ll be headed home after. It’s no fun to walk around with a tired or whiny child. There are hundreds of food choices – many are carnival and fair food and others are local food vendors, including some healthy and allergy-friendly choices in Mission Square at 15C’s booth and inside Estrella Hall (formerly Commercial Building 2). You are not allowed to bring outside food into the fair. You are, however, allowed to bring two unopened water bottles per person. The cost of a small bottle of water at the fair is $3. There is one water fountain in the main quad where you can fill your bottle up for free; remember to keep well-hydrated.
Be sure to bring along sunscreen and a light jacket when heading out to the Mid-State Fair – the days are sunny and the late afternoons and evening tend to be cool. Photo by Heather Young.
Don’t wait to do your child’s favorite activities – my daughter’s are seeing the animals and riding the rides. If I try and do the things I want to do first, all I hear is what she wants to do – understandably, she’s so excited to be at the fair. A great make everyone happy is to tackle the children’s activities first. You may also want to consider dedicate a few hours to children’s activities, then come back later in the day or evening when they are with a trusted caregiver – when you leave, get your wrist stamped so you can come back later and not have to pay again.
- Parking. Oh, the parking. The parking lot directly across from the main entrance on Riverside is the fair’s lot. The cost to park is $10 for those in before 3 p.m. and $15 for those arriving after 3 p.m. There is also parking available at other businesses and homes nearby for $5 to $10, as well as street parking. The fair operates a free shuttle throughout the city with nine stops. According to Tom Keffury in the publicity office, a shuttle will be by within 30 minutes between noon and midnight each day of the fair.
- Strollers are allowed in the fairgrounds, or you can rent one when you arrive for $10 a day. Double strollers, joggers and wagons may be rented for $15 a day. If you are taking the shuttle or have a packed car, this might be a better option for you. It’s especially nice to have somewhere to stash all your belongings – and the extra stuff you are likely to acquire during your visit. Not to mention, its a nice place for your child to sleep.
Hop aboard and take a free train ride tour of the fairgrounds. Photo by Heather Young.
- There are large umbrellas and shade trees with chairs and tables throughout the entire fairgrounds for a place to sit down, cool down and relax – and perhaps people watch.
- While many of the vendors take credit cards, there are vendors that do not. Come prepared with cash. Depending on how much you intend to spend for souvenirs and rides, $20 to $30 per person should cover it. There are also 10 ATMS (Heritage Oaks Bank) throughout the grounds.
- Families may pick up a coupon from Dominos or print one out online for a family four-pack — two adult and two children admissions, four bottles of water and four slices of pizza for $30. If you were to buy it all separate, you’d pay over $50 – admission itself is $32 for two adults and two kids.
- There is a free train that takes riders on a tour of the fairgrounds, and it is a great way to take a break from walking with the kids. It’s something fun tor the kids to do while you get to sit for awhile and take a break.
- Don’t forget to bring along sunscreen and a light jacket – the days are sunny and the late afternoons and evening tend to be cool during fair time.
For more information on the 2014 California Mid-State Fair, check out www.midstatefair.com. Shuttle pickup locations are listed on the website, as well as the answers to a number of frequently asked questions. Check out the daily fair schedules at www.pasoroblesdailynews.com.
