My little family of four made it out to the Meadowlands this weekend to take part our first visit to the New Jersey State Fair. With a 1 year old, 4 year old and husband who hates the summer heat, all in tow, I was nearly positive we wouldn't last more than an hour before finding some reason for a clean exit. Fortunately, as soon as we entered, the excitement overtook us. In the form of bright colors, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy as we each gravitated toward our niche.
My husband found that he loved to impress us with his carnival gaming skills.
My 4 year old was enamored with the elephant ride and Kiddy-land.
My husband found that he loved to impress us with his carnival gaming skills.
My 4 year old was enamored with the elephant ride and Kiddy-land.
Our 1 year old was happy to be along for the ride and content to take in all the bright lights and sounds.
Knowing now that we are fully capable to last more than an hour at the Fair, next time I am planning to do things a little differently. Based on my prior logic, I significantly underestimated what we would need to do and bring so I have compiled a list of Macaroni Mom Do's and Don'ts for future fair-goers.
DO...
Plan Ahead. Visit the website (www.njfair.com) before you decide to go and determine the best day and time of day for your family. There are bargain nights, coupons, special live performances and even racing pigs. Be sure to plan ahead so you don't miss out.
Bring water/snacks. It is OK. I have been so well trained by movie theaters and sporting events to avoid taking any of my own food/drinks into venues that I hesitated to being anything into the fair. Big mistake. The money we could have saved on food ( with exception to my funnel cake, of course ...) would have been much better spent on games and rides.
Bring Purell. Lots of Purell. The rides and games in Kiddy-land are excellent for kids...and their germs. In all the children's excitement, it can be quite the buzzkill to wash hands at every opportunity. Keep your kid's hands clean and stop the spread of germs. Please.
Check out the petting zoo. It is the only thing that is free and both my children loved it. Amoung the regular goats and sheep to feed, there were ponies, llamas and a kangaroo. That's right, a kangaroo. The kangaroo was too far to touch, but definitely close enough to get excited about. There were also camel and elephant rides for $6 each. Of all the rides at the carnival, the elephant was my son's favorite.
Check out the petting zoo. It is the only thing that is free and both my children loved it. Amoung the regular goats and sheep to feed, there were ponies, llamas and a kangaroo. That's right, a kangaroo. The kangaroo was too far to touch, but definitely close enough to get excited about. There were also camel and elephant rides for $6 each. Of all the rides at the carnival, the elephant was my son's favorite.
Look at the map before you start. We walked around the whole fair before we found Kiddy-land. I even told my husband, 'this doesn't seem like a place for little kids,' right as we rounded the corner and saw every child amusement ride possible - even a mini-ferris wheel. For parents of younger children, most children on rides in the area were ages 3 and up. I would advise against taking a baby up to 2 years old if you can. While there is not an age limit on rides, only a height restriction and parental discretion, wait a year and your child wil get much more enjoyment out of the experience. I loved being able to join my son in his excitement while I am still cool enough to sit with him and he is still young enough to feel secure holding my hand.
Do - bring a stroller, you will be able to stay happy longer. Parking was a breeze and only $5, but be prepared to walk to the entry gate. Once in the fair, with exception of the petting zoo, all other areas allowed easy access for strollers. For that, we were very thankful.
DON'T...
Miss it! If I had really thought it would be too much for my family, we wouldn't have gone this year and that would have been a big mistake. The New Jersey State Fair has so much to offer from the free petting zoo, multiple fun houses, adult rides and children's games, there is literally something for everyone. My husband and I were even tempted to go back for a date night. That means we had a GOOD time - even in the heat and with the kids! This year the fair ran from June 20th - July 6th. Next year we know to go earlier towards the fair's opening to save during the bargain day and put that extra money towards coming back for a date night. We are looking forward to making the fair a fun, summer time family tradition for years to come.
OTHER ARTICLES BY JENNIFER
Train and Mine Adventures with Delaware River Railroad Excursions
"I Never Wanted to Drive a Mini-Van," Series Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Spring Has Sprung at Papillon Bambino in Westwood
Mama Knows Best at Eat Your Spinach Children's Boutique in Ridgewood
Bergen County Model Railroad Club Open House in Hillsdale
A Night to Remember
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
OTHER ARTICLES BY JENNIFER
Train and Mine Adventures with Delaware River Railroad Excursions
"I Never Wanted to Drive a Mini-Van," Series Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Spring Has Sprung at Papillon Bambino in Westwood
Mama Knows Best at Eat Your Spinach Children's Boutique in Ridgewood
Bergen County Model Railroad Club Open House in Hillsdale
A Night to Remember
