It isn’t always easy to navigate crowds with a stroller and children in tow, so we’re here to help you make the most out of your visit to this year’s Orange County Fair.
But first, just a warning: It’s hot outside, and walking on dirt and blacktop through large crowds near over-sized barbecues makes it feel even hotter. So if you don’t like being around a lot of people in the heat, maybe this isn’t the year for you to try out the fair.
Having said that, here are a few tips for how families can have a blast while staying (somewhat) cool.
1. Bring your own water and snacks. Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed, “as long as they are in factory sealed plastic receptacles,” according to ocfair.com.
2. Try to go during non-peak times. If you’re headed to the fair during the weekend, best of luck to you. We stopped by at opening time on Friday, and it was nearly empty. If you can stand the noon sun, get there as the fair opens, and then by the time the after-work crowds get there to enjoy their beer, you and your family will be headed out.
3. Know where the best bathrooms are and make everyone “go” together. Sometimes this is impossible, but if you save the not-so-great bathrooms for the emergency stops, you at least won’t need to be in there long. The best bathrooms are the large private ones in the white portables. There’s also a large restroom with many stalls and changing tables that stays fairly cool, located to the left of the Hangar.
4. If you are breastfeeding and/or have a baby in diapers, take advantage of the Baby Convenience Center, also to the left of the Hanger. This air-conditioned room has privacy curtains, couches and side tables. There are also small water coolers and two changing tables. Note: this room does not have sinks or even so much as a paper towel, so come prepared with those items.
5. Decide ahead of time how many rides the kids can go on. This is especially for those on a budget, since the ticket cost can add up faster than you can digest that fried butter you just ate. For the younger set, the Kid’s Carnival in the Family Fairway has plenty of easy-going rides, most of which cost 4 to 8 tickets (or $2 to $4). In the main Carnival area, most rides are 9 to 14 tickets (or $4.50 to $7). Tickets are available in packs of 10 ($5), 40 ($20), 100 ($50) or 200 ($100). The games in both areas also take tickets. Discount alert: Rides and games are just $2 each in both the Kid’s Carnival and main Carnival area from noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
6. Take breaks. We spotted the most shady tables in the back between the Explorium and the Hangar. There are also seats inside the air-conditioned Visual Arts building (Main Mall), where you can peer at the interactive “We Are One” projection display.
7. Let the kids get wet. In front of the Hanger at the Main Mall there are fountains shooting out of the ground, and in the back corner of the Explorium there’s an interactive water exhibit. There are also two water rides, one in each carnival area.
8. Do not skip the Explorium! This is a must-see for kids who like to touch things. Every area is interactive – from a huge sandbox to a crafts table where kids can make mini hot-air balloons, this tent is loads of fun. It’s located next to the Hanger in the Family Fairway.
9. Know where the important stuff is located. Lost children, public safety, first aid and lost and found are all located to the right of the Hangar, near the Action Sports Arena.
10. Last but certainly not least, make sure you visit the animals. The Livestock barns and pavilions have the huge pigs, goats, cows and more. The petting zoo is near here too, right inside the yellow gate. In the Centennial Farm area, closer to the blue gate, is where you’ll find a couple of mama pigs with their adorable piglets, as well as more goats and some feathered friends.
