5 Tips for Taking Your Young Child to the NC State Fair :: WRAL.com

The North Carolina State Fair is full of opportunities for family fun, but it’s not an easy trip if you have small children.

Ten years ago, I took my two-year-old son to his first state fair. This year I brought my 5-year-old daughter with me for the first time. Now that I’ve done this twice, I can tell you a few things that will make going to the fair with small children a lot easier!

Check out our complete guide to taking kids of all ages to the fair

5 Tips for Taking Your Small Child to the NC State Fair

Bring a stroller

Even if your child no longer uses it, small children get tired and want to be carried at least once during your visit to the fair. You can also rent a stroller or cart to use at the fair. Stroller and stroller vendors are located at Gates 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Most strollers and strollers are on a first come, first served basis. Mobility Concepts LLC at Gates 1 and 10 is accepting reservations on their website.

Go on a weekday and early

The NC State Fair tends to be busier on weekends and weekdays, especially on Hunger Relief Canned Food Day. Make plans to go during the week and before lunch. If you go in the morning it won’t be as busy and you’ll have some time to walk around without it being overwhelming. Plus, the lines won’t be as long.

This one place is the hidden gem for every parent at the fair

Go to the back of the Dorton Arena and find the UNC TV PBS Children’s Tent. They have activities inside and outside the tent. Plus, they have seats where parents can sit and keep an eye on their children. My daughter loved building and playing with the other children. I loved sitting!

Win or buy the big prize

If your child is begging to win a stuffed animal at the fair, he’s not alone. But is it better to just buy toys at one of the stands? It may be cheaper to buy a souvenir, but if your child insists on winning something, you have a few options.

The Lucky Duck game is easy for the little ones. Pay $5, pick a duck from the pond and you automatically win a prize from the trash. You can pay $10, choose three ducks and automatically get a slightly larger prize hanging above them.

The water pistol game. These range in price from $5 to $16 and some even accept credit cards. You just sit down and aim your water shooter at the target and hope that your little stuffed animal reaches the top of the pole first. I have had great success with this game over the years and have won many major prizes for my children.

Bring wipes, hand sanitizer and sunscreen

Your child is going to touch so many things at the fair that you will have to clean those hands before he or she eats! Sunscreen is also a must because you will be going outside.

Bonus tip: If you want to avoid having to take home a real goldfish, keep an eye out for that game, which is usually located in Kiddieland, across the side from Field of Dreams and Dorton Arena.