Best LA County Fair Attractions For Kids
With the LA County Fair in town from August 29th through September 28th, 2014, there's a lot you can do with your kids. Whether they're into princesses or monster trucks, this year brings with it several exciting options. The fair marks its 92nd anniversary, and for the budget-conscious, there's several $1 admission days (the mornings of the opening weekend, for example), $2 carnival rides and games and other promos to get in cheap. For the 5-and-under set, there's also a whole slew of niche activities that will make navigating the fair easier for any parent.
Kiddie Rides
Kids who don't meet the height requirement for the bigger, more intense rides can have fun at the Kiddie Carnival, where they can drive their own farm tractors, get a Moto X experience, quad runners and VW bugs. Kids under 42" can also ride the new carousel with adult supervision. Luckily for you and your kids, The LA County Fair offers a very large variety of rides available for kids 36", and three-years-of-age up!
Fair Fun For Readers
While at this year's LA County Fair, make sure to visit the "America's Kids: Adventures in Literature" section of the fair where fictional characters will come to life. Your kids will gain a greater appreciation for reading as their favorite characters and storylines from "The Hobbit," "Flat Stanley," "Charlotte's Web" and "20,000 Leagues of the Sea," among many more, will come alive with interactive displays, character visits, and free arts and crafts.
Trains
If your child loves locomotives, the Railroad is the place for you. Considered the oldest (it may even be the largest!) miniature railroad of its kind in the United States, the hand-built and hand-operated train was built in 1924, has more than 9,800 feet of track and can run more than 30 trains at one time! And if train geeks want to see real trains — not miniatures — the LA County Fair train exhibit houses eleven full size train locomotives to explore up close. Choo Choo.
The Circus Is Coming
At Esmeralda's Traveling Circus, the Hollywood Aerial Arts and Mango & Dango acrobats perform astonishing and amazing tricks high in the air. A Flying Trapeze School and Barnaby's Circus School will also give you lessons if you're interested in twirling in the air yourself. Plus, the side shows are adorable! Horses of all sizes (from giant to the smallest of smallest) will be on display. There will also be a real-life flea circus. Finally, kids will love the classic Piccadilly Petting Zoo where kids get a chance to pet a wide range of animals!
Go Underwater
The Beneath the Sea section replicated the reef creatures in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, but it will also have a Sea Lion Splash show, sharks (in a 5,000-gallon tank) and live stingrays on display that can be fed. If you've never seen a real mermaid, Mermaid Melissa will talk to kids about being environmentally friendly as well. (That is, when she isn't holding her breath — which she can do for five minutes!)
Monster Trucks
The only event worth paying extra money for is the Monster Truck Mayhem which will show your kids just how big and loud monster trucks really are! The trucks will be tearing it up on the Grandstand, spinning and jumping through dirt on Sept. 25th. A limited number of complimentary tickets are given out at 3pm on a first come, first serve basis. General admission tickets (if you couldn't score a free one), start at $29.50.
Superhero's And More!
This year brings with it the new "Hall of Heroes" exhibition, a fun and educational way of learning about superheroes of all shapes and sizes. Start off at the Identification Station where you'll be educated about the various superpowers. Travel through the different areas including the "Powers of the Body", "Powers of The Mind", "Elements", "Mastery", "Real Life Heroes", "Gadgets and the "Superhero Gallery. Each one represents a different gallery where you'll find terrific artwork and interactive devices that superhero's use. Make sure to check out the Time Travelers exhibit which covers the history of superhero time travel including a life-size replica of Back To The Future's DeLorean Time Machine. Other must see's include the Batcave which features props, lights and sound from the 1960's television series as well as the Bat-mobile! And, if that wasn't enough, the Superhero Meet & Greet will let you and your kids meet and greet with costumed characters and celebrities of superhero fame!