10 Reasons Kids Love the State Fair

Photo by Patrick Hagerty

The Washington State Fair is coming up this next month. I have fond memories of attending this same fair each year with family and friends. My kids look forward to the Washington State Fair every summer. It is a great way to say goodbye to summer before heading into the fall season.

Does your family love attending the state fair?

10 Reasons Kids Love the State Fair

1. Animals

Photo by Patrick Hagerty

In addition to the standard farm animals and draft horses, for the first five days (Sept. 11-15) the Animals of the World exhibit will be available. There will be a wide range of exotic animals from around the world. . Jacob Sheep, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, and Fainting Goats to name a few.

2. Rides

In addition to the carnival rides they love: swings, roller coaster, ferris wheel. You’ll find rides that will please the little kids in Sillyville. The kids also love the C.P. Huntington Train. This pint-size train is perfect for kids and their parents to take a spin around a portion of
SillyVille. You’ll see the conductor, and enjoy a tunnel that gives riders a peek of dinosaurs in days gone by.

3. Live Shows

Photo by Patrick Hagerty

With so many live shows to see each day at the Fair the kids don’t want to miss The Cutest Show On Earth (formerly Let’s Pretend Adventure). Young children can be the stars of this show! Kids are invited to take part, and select a costume to wear in their very own half-hour show.

4. Face Painting

Merry Makers are at it again, using airbrush art to create whimsy on the faces of young kids.Children 12 and under can take part.

5. Fireworks

You’ll love how the sky lights up each Friday night with the Fireworks Spectacular. You’ll marvel at a glorious display as they light up with amazing color, accented with the loud booms as lights explode into a kaleidoscope of color.

6. Giant Pumpking Carving

See master pumpkin carver Russ Leno create works of art out of giant pumpkins. Each creation is different, and he’s fascinating to watch in action.

7. Milking Parlor

Kids are invited to milk a cow, well, a faux cow, anyway! Mabel is located in the Dairy Barn, with a stool set up for kids to try their hand at milking a pretend cow. Don’t worry, there are farmers ready to help them out! Then wander over to see real cows being milked in the Milking Parlor, and sample some free milk.

8. Northwest Outdoors

The Northwest Outdoors exhibit also invites kids to learn about adventures in the Northwest by strapping on some snowshoes, learning to shoot a bow, and fishing. All weekend long, children can explore as they follow a straw track lined with trees and booths. Don’t forget to stop by and try your hand at shooting a real bow, or catching a rainbow trout. Fishing gear and volunteers are there to help them get a nibble (kids 12 years and under, please).

Photo by Patrick Hagerty

8. Parade

The fair hosts a daily parade through the fairgrounds with costume characters, scouts and more! Weekdays at 5:30 p.m., weekends at 12:00 p.m.

9. Planting Patch

Many kids have never seen where fruits and vegetables come from, so this area is a place of wonder. Wander through patches of enormous pumpkins, corn, and squash, and see berries growing.

10. Tractor Tracks

Talk about a hit when this was introduced last year! Thanks to sponsor, Tractor Supply, kids get a chance to take the wheel and pedal a mini antique tractor around a maze, enjoying sights found on a farm, including a red barn, water feature and a tractor.

[Tweet “Kids and fairs. Simply put, they go together!”]

Connect with The Washington State Fair

Faceboook | Twitter | Instagram

For a chance to win one a 5pk of gate admission tickets to the Washington State Fair head over to my Facebook page contest and leave a comment!