The California State Fair is celebrating 50 years at Cal Expo, right here in Sacramento! This year's the fair opens July 14th through the 30th and it claims to be the best fair yet!
As Moms, we know that just going to the grocery store with kids can be a challenge. But the Fair? It scares some of us away! Not only can cost play a factor, but logistics; dragging the kids from one end of Cal Expo to the other, inadequate family space to eat or change diapers, and finding all of the things throughout the fair to keep our little ones (and big ones) busy, learning and continually smiling!
For Starters, I created a quick guide of all of the new exhibits and some of the special events happening at the fair this year. You can access that information here
After getting a media preview of this year's fair today, I have some awesome tips, tricks and exciting new features to share with you, to make this trip easy and fun!
LOGISTICS
Parking: Parking at Cal Expo is $15 per day ($5 for motorcycles). Only CASH is accepted for parking payment. Bicycle parking is available at the Blue Gate, Main Gate and Gate 12. Accessible parking spots are available closest to each admission gate. Click here for additional information If you like to bike, on Saturdays ride your bike to the Fair and receive a free valet from 11am - 10pm. The valet is located off of the American River Parkway near Papa Murphy's Park.
Kids Park Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: Opens at 12 p.m. (noon) Tuesday: Opens at 11 a.m. Friday – Sunday: Opens at 11 a.m. All Hours
Save Money: Fun Packs, formerly known as Poppy Paks, are ticket packages that come with 4 general admission tickets, 4 monorail/ride tickets, and 1 parking pass. The Fun Packs are a great deal for anyone looking to save money at the California State Fair! These are only available for purchase prior to the start of the Fair. BONUS: TUESDAYS ARE FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN and $2 rides. Also, Military appreciation day is 7/20/17, all active military and veteran's are free and First Responders get in free on 7/27/17.
Coupons: You can buy a Fair Coupon book for $5 and it will help you save money around the fair too!
GIVEAWAY: Macaroni Kid will be giving away a Fun Pack (see above) for a lucky family! Watch for details!
Rent a Stroller (or wagon): In case you forget, have an issue, or just decide not to bring your stroller, you can rent a stroller or wagon just inside the front gate, near the Scooter Rentals.
Shade: There are lots of fun, cool places to escape the heat this year! The Promenade down the middle of the fairway, near the food vendors, they have expanded the covered seating area! This is super exciting for those of use trying to find a cool spot to eat.
Lockers: Don't want to carry around all your junk? Rent a locker and remember to make that a meeting place should your family get separated. Lockers are located at the Blue, Main and Green Gates.
Mother's Lounge: The fair has listened and created two Mother's Lounges for those breastfeeding or who just need a place to rest and change a diaper. The first location is in the Dream Big Exhibit area (Expo Center 2) and in the California Building in the "Whale Tail" exhibit.
Lost Children: If you lost your child, please contact the Cal Expo Police at (916) 263-3050. TIP: Write your phone number on your child's arm!
State Fair App: Be sure to download the State Fair App for for an overview of all of the fair happenings! Be sure to do the scavenger hunt with your kids, and when completed, go to any info booth and collect your SMUD goody bag (while supplies last). #50thFairHunt is the hash tag they are using this year
See the entire Fair: Tired feet or fussy kids? Take the Monorail, which will take you around the fair or the Sky Ride which will take you from one end to the other. Riders must be at least 42" to ride with an adult on the Sky Ride. BONUS TIP: We hear this is the BEST place to see fireworks every night at 10pm! Just be sure to be on the ride about 9:58pm for optimal viewing. One way tickets are $5 or $7 for an all day pass! If your kids are big enough, this can be a nice relaxing way to give your feet a rest between the two ends of the fair.
Fast Pass: If you don't want to wait in long lines for rides, the fair is offering limited quantity Fast Passes as an option. You can purchase the Fast pass for $20 at any Butler Amusement ticket box.
Hand Washing Stations: Kids get so dirty at the fair! The fair makes it easy with outdoor hand washing stations for everyone! No having to wait in line at a restroom to wash hands!
Restrooms: This is such an important part of being a parent! We must know where the restrooms are! Here is a quick list to refer back to when you have a kid that has to GO! There are restrooms conveniently located throughout the fairground
– Tractor Supply Big Barn (North and South)
Ok, now that we have some of the logistics out of the way, let's talk about FUN!
There are so many things to see and do inside the fairgrounds! You can keep your kids busy for hours! There are so awesome new exhibits and returning family favorites that you just have to see! One of the best things about the fair, besides the food, is the opportunity for us to engage and teach our children about our beautiful state, it's history and inspire them through the various exhibits. You won't want to miss:
Expedition Dinosaur! This is a an amazing animatronic exhibit that will delight kids of any age. You can get up close and personal with these life-like prehistoric creatures and learn about them. This show usually costs $35 per person, and it's free to fair goers. It's located in Expo Buildings 4 & 5.
Also in the Expo Buildings (Building 2), you can find the Whale Tale exhibit! This is a great place that features the California Coastline, and all of the creatures that you can find there. I was delighted to see the sea otters there, as I know this will be a new family favorite! You can see them roam and swim and even work with their trainers. You may also find a live Bald Eagle, a Pelican, and racoons, just to name a few of the rescued animals there. This is an air conditioned room, with a Mother's Lounge, so it's a perfect place for families!
The County Building (California Building B) is also a great place to stay cool and learn about the various counties throughout the state. This year, you will find that the Sac Museums has a booth featuring photo opportunities and a large light brite for the kids. Kids can sit inside of a replica Air Force plane, and spend time relaxing out of the heat. Also in this building are the Time Capsule Exhibit, cooking demonstrations, Restrooms and food vendors, along with some seating to stay out of the heat! This is a great building to spend some time in.
Just outside the back of California Building B, you will find the Kaiser Permanente Farm! Chef Keith Breedlove , who has many many appearances on television and is a local chef to Sacramento will be out in the Farm creating full meals daily at 1pm (the focus is on meats and side dishes) and 4pm (vegetarian and vegan cooking), using ingredients he finds fresh in the farm. On July 17th and 18th, he will have 16 year old, Holden Dahlerbruch from Man vs. Child, Chef Showdown at his side, which the kids will LOVE! Also, Chef Breedlove says he loves kids at his shows and will encourage them to come and help him during his cooking demonstrations. This is a must see at the fair! Also in the farm is an Insect Exhibit, All of the awesome vegetables, and the Farmyard Follies, Animal Edu-tainment show! Kids just love this! Check your App for show times. BONUS TIP: You can Pet a Sturgeon in the farm too! Yes, I said STURGEON, as in the fish! This is super fun, and entertaining for the kiddos!
The Iconic Cal Expo Water Tower is being turned into a movie screen! Yes, I said water tower! At 8:45pm every night they will be projecting fair photos, and if you would like your photo to be considered, tag the #CAStateFair and Post through the App!
Out at the horse arena, you can meet and watch Hollywood Horses at the "Mane" Event! There is an awesome youth troupe who perform with the horses nightly, and you will get to meet the stunt horses and riders from "The Walking Dead" and "Seabuscuit". The kids will go wild for this show! AND, behind the arena is the KIDS CORRAL - which is an awesome free play area for toddlers and big kids alike. They have a ton of sensory opportunities, games and learning fun offered up daily!
Of course, just past the arena, is the Barn where the Prize Winning Animals are, as well, as the"Baby Barn" next too it. You will see lots of baby animals here which is always a kid crowd pleaser! As well as the other animal exhibits and the petting zoo. For all of the animal information, click here
If your kids are interested in becoming more involved with animals, they should check out the Junior Market Animals and breeding program July 14-17, where 4-H and FFA kids will bring in their animals.
Rides: The fair is featuring more than 60 rides this year, 4 of which are new! I test rode the Super Shot Drop Tower, which was quite exhilarating, but not recommended for littles or the faint of heart. The new ride in the Kids Park area is Jumping Jungle Fun House.
Read to Ride Program: Children in 8th grade or below can earn two free carnival rides (courtesy of Butler Amusements) by reading two books and turning in the report form to the Guest Services team. Click here to learn more about the Read to Ride program and download your form.
One of the BEST Features for kids at the fair is the Tree Circus! Every year they are one of the most popular booths among children and families! This year they are also located in the Whale Tale exhibit room. Your kids can learn how to climb trees like the professionals do! They have an ask the Arborist time and a story time from the Sacramento Public Library. You can find all of the details here.
The California Forest Center -This beautiful, shaded area features 40 native species of trees in a relaxing atmosphere which is great for the kids! Try to go early and bring home a seedling to plant to remind you of the fair for years to come!
Camp Smokey- This fun, interagency fire prevention program teaches fire safety at home and in the forest. Visit Smokey’s cabin and enjoy puppet shows, learn “stop, drop and roll” and safely exit “smoke-filled” rooms to earn your Camp Smokey bandana! Kids of all ages can hike the forest trail and learn how to prevent fires while camping. The kids love this exhibit!
Student Showcase is in Building 3 and it a fun and inspiring exhibit for kids and adults alike. You can see art entries from children all over California from 5-8 years old! It's amazing to see what these kids have created! It may just unleash the artist in your child!
Motocross: Catch a free Jack in the Box Freestyle Motocross show during each of the 17 days of the Fair
There are other great exhibits to check out too! See them here!
Of course, the fair wouldn't be complete without Fireworks! Every night at 10am, you can see the fireworks show from multiple places throughout the fair! Be sure to capture some photos of your children enjoying the show!
Here are some of the Special Events I recommend checking out!
July 15: New this year at the California State Fair is the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Dog races on July 15. Held in-between the live thoroughbred horse races at the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand, come watch and cheer on these tiny-legged running machines.
July 18: You definitely want to celebrate Poppy's Birthday if you are at the fair on the 18th! Fairgoers of all ages are invited to enjoy music, live entertainment, free cupcakes provided by Save Mart and lots of fun with Poppy and other mascot friends. Don’t miss the California State Fair’s biggest birthday bash on the PG&E Center Stage!
July 20: For a day revolved around immense appreciation, we invite active duty, reserve and veterans from all branches of the military to enjoy FREE Fair admission. Military and civilian guests will enjoy a MRE cookoff, a showcase of real military vehicles, representatives from military organizations and other special entertainment. The whole day is focused on paying gratitude and celebrating the individuals and organizations that keep our country safe.
July 27: As a special thank you for their hard work and bravery, active members of law enforcement, firefighters and first responder units can enjoy free Fair admission on July 27, courtesy of BloodSource. All fairgoers can enjoy a day of fun celebrating first responders complete with special exhibits, interactive activities, one-day-only entertainment and much more.
July 27-30 is Splash Dogs! This is an amazing show of swimming dogs! Sure to delight the dog love in all of us!
The California State Fair is an amazing place to create memories with your family! If you have other tips to share with our Macaroni Kid Moms, please don't hesitate to share!
**If you are thinking about going to the fair without the kids, check out Rebecca's article "Date Night Ideas at the California State Fair"
