Racing ducks go for the glory at the Montgomery County Fair
If your little ones get tired from walking a lot, or your shoulders get sore after carrying them for a while, then plan to bring a stroller to the Montgomery County Fair. It’s big. And I say that in a good way. This fair exemplifies everything a county fair should be. There are dozens of rides whirling around squealing kids, farm animals on display for exhibition and competition, carnival games luring guests with giant stuffed animals, and the scents of fried dough, hot dogs, gyros and all of the delicious treats you look forward to indulging in for a day.
It all makes for a super fun experience, but can be a lot to take in upon arrival, so be sure to get a program, complete with a map and schedule of events, as you enter. Admission to the fair is $10 for anyone aged 12 and older, and kids 11 and under are free. Rides, games, and food cost extra. Most rides require 3 tickets per person, and you can buy a pack of 24 tickets for $20. Kids who do not meet the height requirement for rides can go on them free with a paying adult.
The rides are what you come across first when you enter. They range from easy kiddie rides like slow circling helicopters to shriek-inducing thrillers like the swing ride. One ticket pack proved to be enough for us—the 24 tickets got us four rides (not all of us went on every one), including an obstacle course that Owen conquered on his own.
Some of the food stands are mixed in with the rides, but if you want to check out all of your options (and there are a lot), head out towards the agricultural area. You’ll find plenty of fare on the way to the stables and and animal viewing areas.
The farm portion of the fair is quite impressive, housing horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, cattle, llamas, and birds. Kids can take a pony ride for $3—there’s a line, but it’s always moving. There’s a good chance you’ll see a sheep being sheared, and if you head to the rabbit area, you’ll likely get to pet the sweet, soft bunnies. You may see cows being milked and horses groomed. But the most fun part of the agri-tour was the races—not just piglets as advertised, but goats and ducks, too. Watching those cute little creatures go for glory was definitely a sight to behold and so much fun for every age. Be sure to check the schedule for race times and get there about 15 minutes early, because the area around the “raceway” gets crowded fast, and little ones will want to get close to be able to see.
So, if all that is not enough, there is also the KidZone, which has a game area, inflatable toys, and a theater showing The Lorax and Beauty and the Beast. There are also special events and other kinds of entertainment like nightly family movies, dance contests, and appearances by cartoon characters like SpongeBob. The program schedule lists them all.
If you’re looking for a day (or even more) of fun for the whole family, the fair will not disappoint. Just be prepared for tired feet.
Pingback: Fair Game: Carnival Time in the Counties | KidFriendly DC
Pingback: Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 15-19 | KidFriendly DC