A Family Guide to the California State Fair!
July 13-29 at Cal Expo
As Moms and Dad’s, we know that just going to the grocery store with kids can be a challenge. But the Fair? It scares some of us away! Not only can cost play a factor, but logistics; dragging the kids from one end of Cal Expo to the other, inadequate family space to eat or change diapers, and finding all of the things throughout the fair to keep our little ones (and big ones) busy, learning and continually smiling!
For Starters, I created a quick guide of all of the new exhibits and some of the special events happening at the fair this year. You can access that information here
After getting a media preview of this year's fair today, I have some awesome tips, tricks and exciting new features to share with you, to make this trip easy and fun!
Let's Start with Logistics! Here is some awesome information to make your trip easy from the time you arrive until the time you leave!
Parking: Parking at Cal Expo is $15 per day ($5 for motorcycles). Only CASH is accepted for parking payment. Bicycle parking is available at the Blue Gate, Main Gate and Gate 12. Accessible parking spots are available closest to each admission gate. Click here for additional information
Park Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: Opens at 12 p.m. (noon) Tuesday: Opens at 11 a.m. Friday – Sunday: Opens at 11 a.m. All Hours
Rent a Stroller (or wagon): In case you forget, have an issue, or just decide not to bring your stroller, you can rent a stroller or wagon just inside the front gate, near the Scooter Rentals.
Shade: There are lots of fun, cool places to escape the heat this year! The Promenade down the middle of the fairway, near the food vendors, they have expanded the covered seating area! This is super exciting for those of use trying to find a cool spot to eat.
Lockers: Don't want to carry around all your junk? Rent a locker and remember to make that a meeting place should your family get separated. Lockers are located at the Blue, Main and Green Gates.
Mother's Lounge: The fair has listened and created two Mother's Lounges for those breastfeeding or who just need a place to rest and change a diaper. The first location is in the Dream Big Exhibit area (Expo Center 2) and in the California Building in the "Whale Tail" exhibit.Hand Washing Stations: Kids get so dirty at the fair! The fair makes it easy with outdoor hand washing stations for everyone! No having to wait in line at a restroom to wash hands!
Lost Children: If you lost your child, please contact the Cal Expo Police at (916) 263-3050. TIP: Write your phone number on your child's arm!
Charge up and Cool Down: Quick-Charging Stations and Cool SpotsIf your phone battery is draining and so are you, charge-up and cool-down with fast cell phone charging stations with Free Wifi. These are also designated "Cool Spots" located throughout the fairgrounds. Download the CA State Fair app to find out where the "Cool Spots" are located.
Outside Food and Drink: You are welcome to bring outside food and drinks onto the fairgrounds. Ice chests will be searched at all entrances. No glass, aluminum cans or outside alcohol are allowed.
First Aid Station: Cal Expo’s First Aid is located in between the Main Gate and the Coca-Cola Promenade.
Restrooms: This is such an important part of being a parent! We must know where the restrooms are! Here is a quick list to refer back to when you have a kid that has to GO! There are restrooms conveniently located throughout the fairground
– Tractor Supply Big Barn (North and South)
– California Building A
– California Building B
– Expo Center (behind Expo Center 4 & below Expo Center 2)
– Carnival (North)
– Monorail
– Main Gate
– Coca-Cola Promenade
– Kids Park
– Save Mart Wine Garden
– Shopping (between Building C & D)
State Fair App: Be sure to download the State Fair App for for an overview of all of the fair happenings!
Ticket Information: Find your tickets and special offers, including season passes here
SAVE MONEY ON BIG FUN!
| Giving Monday SMUD Cares At the Fair: Donate 3 Cans of Food Before 3pm and Get in Free! Monday, July 16 & 23, until 3 p.m. On Mondays, bring at least 3 non-perishable food items per person and get into the CA State FairFREE before 3 p.m. The food donations benefit the Elk Grove Food Bank. Visit CAStateFair.org/SMUDGivingMonday for more details and to see the list of items most needed. Wells Fargo Tuesdays TUESDAYS ARE FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN and $2 rides for all! Fun Packs: Fun Packs, formerly known as Poppy Paks, are ticket packages that come with 4 general admission tickets, 4 monorail/ride tickets, and 1 parking pass. The Fun Packs are a great deal for anyone looking to save money at the California State Fair! These are only available for purchase prior to the start of the Fair. |
| COUPONS: You can buy a Fair Coupon book for $5 and it will help you save money around the fair too! Unlimited Ride Wristband: (Excludes Sky Ride) $30-35 |
Fair Secrets!
Family Fun at the Fair
There are so many things to see and do inside the fairgrounds! You can keep your kids busy for hours! There are so awesome new exhibits and returning family favorites that you just have to see! One of the best things about the fair, besides the food, is the opportunity for us to engage and teach our children about our beautiful state, it's history and inspire them through the various exhibits.
| | JULY 13-15 | TINY HOMES - FIRST WEEKEND OF FAIR ONLY! Come tour a variety of Tiny Homes in front of the Miller Lite Racetrack Grandstand. This display is only here for the first weekend of Fair, July 13 - 15. See them before they're gone! |
| JULY 16 | Kids Bop5:30pm doors / 6:30pm show Ticket includes free admission to the California State Fair on 7/16Acrobats of Hebei China 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm PG&E Center Stage Whale Tail by CA Coastal Commission 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Expo Building Want to check a few things off your bucket list? Head over to whale tail to touch a star fish, play with Giant Jenga and become inspired to help save our beautiful California Coastline! A Tree Climbing Experience is great to keep the kids busy while Mom can take a moment to breastfeed in our provided Mother's Lounge or pick up a healthy snack at the Snack Shack! | |
| July 17 | Performance of All Star DisneyTuesday, July 17, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Horse Arena Crown Capall invites you to forget, at least for a little while and just be a kid again. Dance with Belle and Prince Adam; head out to sea with Moana and Maui; paint it black with Maleficent and you won't want to miss the Princess Parade with all your favorite princesses. A princess's touch may be just what these big horses need to calm a wild heart. Acrobats on horseback will bring your favorite Disney characters to life! Come and meet the characters after the show! A great family show for children and adults alike! Located in the Horse Arena and free to all! |
Ongoing Daily Kid Friendly Exhibits / Performances- check schedule daily
Student Showcase Competition- Expo Building 5
Capt'n Jack Spareribs-Kaiser Permanente Farm Presented by Save Mart
Tree Circus-Expo Building 2
Fun with The Forest Foundation- California Forest Foundation Forest Center
Balloonacy- Kaiser Permanente Farm Presented by Save Mart
Freestyle Motocross-FMX Jack in the Box FMX Lagoon
Silent Disco Kid Friendly music daily - adult music at night Expo Building 1
Free Horse ride program- The Cavalcade's Free Ride Program was inspired by the idea that EVERYONE should have the opportunity to ride a horse at least once in their life! We are only open to the first 40 riders every day. Kid's you must have mom or dad with you to sign for you in order to ride. Located at the Horse Arena and free to all.
Obsidian Butterfly - Fire Show Promenade Stage
Forest Animals with Wild Things Inc.- California Forest Foundation Forest Center
Street Drum Corps-Throughout The Fairgrounds
Quick links to get you where you want to go:
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We do our best to insure that all event information is accurate, however sometimes dates and times get changed, or an event may be cancelled, and we are not made aware of it. It is always best to check with the the event website or Facebook page listing to be sure before going.
