Mom-Tested: SD County Fair

With its carnival rides, farm animals and cornucopia of fried treats, the San Diego County Fair is a beacon for practically all San Diego children. But is a day at the fair really child-friendly, or is it a black hole of meltdowns and tantrums?

In this month’s Mom-Tested, Mom-Approved series, we check out the County Fair, open through July 6, from a parent’s perspective.

Preparation

Before committing to a fair day, it’s important to understand that it will not be relaxing whatsoever.

You’ll be walking and carrying and herding children through crowds. You’ll get sticky and sweaty and possibly sick from Ferris wheel rides and fried Oreos. And you’ll definitely spend more money than you imagined.

Once you’ve accepted all this, you’re ready for an exhausting day of fun.

Parking

It’s $10 to park at the fairgrounds, which is often jampacked and difficult to maneuver, especially later in the afternoon. But if you’re traveling with several kids, or very young ones, it may be worth it to pay the $20 rate for preferred parking. It’s near the main gate and can be a real benefit when you’re trying to tear little ones away at the end of the day.

Meltdown factor: Medium to high. There’s a lot of waiting and walking.

Rides

One of the best things you can do is attend on a Pay One Price Ride Day.

A $35 wristband grants unlimited access to both Fun Zone and Kid Zone rides.

It seems like a lot of money upfront, but if you stick with individual tickets, chances are you’ll end up spending the same or even more. With the wristband, kids can go on rides as many times as they like, giving parents a few minutes to enjoy a lemonade in the shade.

Pay One Price Ride Days are Thursday (online and at the fair), Friday through Sunday (online only); June 18 and 19 and June 25 and 26 (online and at the fair)

Meltdown factor: Low with the wristband, high without

Stacie Scott cleans play pieces in the Go Fish game at the San Diego County Fair on Friday in San Diego, California. — Eduardo Contreras

(Eduardo Contreras)

Family Funville

If you’re traveling with children ages 12 and younger, stay in this infield area as long as possible. The rides are age-appropriate, the food options are less extreme, there are kid-friendly dance and music performances throughout the day, and there’s even an art enclosure offering a shaded play area and crafts table. It’s also close to the farm animals and petting zoo.

There are two sets of restrooms by the art tent, but keep in mind the portables have no changing tables.

Meltdown factor: Low to medium, mostly when it’s time to leave

Food

It’s best to go in with a food plan. Will you eat the Triple Decker Krispy Kreme cheeseburger? The bacon-wrapped churro? Go for the crazy food upon arrival, that way everyone’s curiosity is satisfied and children will have a snack to fuel them through the exhibits and crowds. When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, it’s easier to feed children something healthy. You’re even allowed to bring in a packed lunch from home.

Meltdown factor: High. There are just too many tempting options.

John Goodrich, 23, of San Diego, enjoys his barbequed turkey leg on opening day of the San Diego County Fair. He says it’s his favorite fair food. — Charlie Neuman

(Charlie Neuman)

Overall

Because of the crowds and the expense, the San Diego County Fair isn’t an easy excursion. But if you’re prepared, it can also be a memorable summer adventure.