Would you take DC to the fair?

NewlywednOhio

DH and I are taking Friday off to go to the big Ohio State fair, and are torn about taking DS with us. We are seeing a vision of a hot sweaty day with food filled with grease (not healthy enough for a toddler), and rides too big for him.

I know he would love to see the sights like the cows and horses and pigs, and the monkey show they have, but as far as anything else? I'm afraid the combination of the heat and the crowded area would make him fussy.

What do you think?

KKM

I want to take ds to our fair at the end of the month as well, but I am having the same thoughts as you.  I also remember wondering when I was younger why people brought young kids and stroller to a really busy fair....not sure what I am going to do.

Josie22

We brought DS to the fair last year, and we will be bringing him again. It's mostly a sightseeing trip for him, and we don't spend much time on the midway. But he loved it last year. I'm sure he'll enjoy running around now.

ReeseM

We are taking DD, but our fair is a county fair and a bit smaller than the State Fair. Also there is an air conditioned building to cool off in.?

I would take him, and just find a cool place to take breaks in sometimes, and bring plenty of toddler friendly snacks. ?

lmdbww

We took DD to a big local fesitval last year. She was only a few weeks old though so I know it's a totally different story now. lol

I'd probably take him either after he's already eaten, or with tons of snacks and if he does get fussy you can just leave.  When we're out w/DD, as long as there's something to look at and she's in her stroller, she's fine.

brianna611

One of our local fairs is this week and I really want to take DD, but I'm not planning a whole day excursion, I agree that's probably too much.  I think two or three hours would be plenty at this age, and he'll have a lot of fun.

NewlywednOhio

Well, there are a couple large buildings that do have air conditioning. Maybe if he has lunch before we go (as some of you suggested) and we bring a good amount of snacks, he will be okay.

I will run this info by DH and see what he thinks.?

We aren't big ride people anyways, and mainly go to look at things the vendors are selling and to eat the fair food, so maybe it won't be too bad.

Thanks for your opinions!

MrsTotty

Our state fair isn't until the end of Sept/beginning of Oct and I am absolutely taking Jack.  The State Fair of Texas might be my favorite event of the year, and I didn't get to go last year.  I want him to taste his first funnel cake and take him to see all the animals 

ariel06

We took DS last year and plan to do it again this year.  My only issue last year was that there really wasn't any good places to change diapers so we ended up having to do it in the stroller.  This year we plan on trying to get their really early, pack lots of snacks for DS and we'll go home as soon as he gets crabby.  If we don't get to see everything we want, I think DH and I will go back later without him. 

iowagirl73

I chose not to take DS to the county fair when it was here.  It was small and I figured there probably wouldn't be much for him or for the adults actually.  And I won't be taking him to the state fair either (I don't even know when it is).  At least not this year. 

Dobie_Mama

Oh, I'd definitely go!  We took DD last year when she was about 8 months old and she had a blast!  We'll be going again this year.  Last year she was big enough to ride the carousel and kiddie ferris wheel.  She loooooved all the animals - especially the baby cows and goats.  We just made sure to keep her sunscreened up, hydrated and seek out shade/AC whenever needed.

flyingsaucer

We took DS to a street fair and outdoor circus recently.  He had a BLAST!  There was so much to see that he was really quiet in his stroller (he usually hates the stroller).  We went very early in the day to beat the heat.  Maybe you could do that or go in the evening when it is cooler?  I must admit, I gave him crap to eat.  He munched on a large soft pretzel (which kept his quiet forever) and he had an Italian Ice in a little cup which he held himself.  I don't give him junk all the time, but once in a while... thats what summer is all about!

Jettaky

We took DS to our County Fair and he had a great time. We did eat dinner there, he had a hot dog and fruit from the fair and we brought applesauce and other things to go with it. I took in a bottle of water for him and kept filling up his cup. It was very hot but he did good. He did want to get out of the stroller some so we went inside a couple of the air conditioned buildings and let him run a round a little. There was also a little kid area with toys and book for them to play with so he played in there a little bit. DS was pooped when we got to the car, he had a bottle and fell asleep and he even slept in the next day!

SBMBride406

I'm taking DS in a couple weeks - in fact, we're making it a gtg with some other girls from the Bump! This is the County Fair, though, and I know what to expect, where to go if he gets hot, etc. My DS loves to people watch and I think he will love looking at the rides, seeing the animals, etc.

Mc_Newlywed

My sister has taken her kids to the Ohio State Fair every year.  She just packs a picnic lunch for them (PBJs, etc) and tons of water and juices.  Go as early as possible so you can see most of the sights before it gets too hot.  Or go later in the afternoon and stay through the evening.  I'm sure your son will have a blast! 

One thing I miss about Ohio are the fairs.  Seriously, they aren't the same here in NJ!