Going for a spin at last year's Arlington County Fair
The county fair is pure nirvana for many kids. Where else do you get farm animals, carnival rides and games, the junk food gamut, live entertainment, pony rides, outdoor family movies, even piglet races all in one place? The season is upon us — there is a county fair going on right now, one starting today, two kicking off this weekend, and another a few weeks down the road. If you and the kids plan to enjoy the festivities (come on, you know you want to see those piggies run!), here are details on all the area fairs.
Arlington County Fair
What: We went last year, and everyone had a blast! There are carnival rides for everyone from toddlers to adults, and the kids especially loved the pony rides and piglet races. You can also check out competitive exhibits, enjoy a show by the Harlem Wizards and other live entertainment, cheer on racing animals, view outdoor movies, and take the little ones to the Kids Court for moon bouncing, face painting, and more.
When: August 8-12, hours vary by day, so check the schedule here.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second St., Arlington, VA
How Much: Admission is free. Buy tickets to use for rides and other activities: $1/ticket, $20/24 tickets, $40/48 tickets.
Montgomery County Fair
What: Our family attended this fair two years ago (read a KFDC review of it here), so trust me when I say that there is so much to do, you have to see the schedule on the website for yourself to get the full scope. This year’s theme is “Sew It, Grow It, Show It,” and highlights include plenty of 4-H exhibits and demos, including opportunities to pet some of the animals; animal races, pony rides, a KidZone with interactive games and activities, tons of carnival and kiddie rides, arts & crafts, and monster trucks and a demolition derby, and much more.
When: August 10-18, 10am – 12am daily
Where: 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, MD
How Much: Admission is $10, free for kids 11 and under. A one-day all-u-can-ride carnival wristband is available for $25.
Howard County Fair
What: The fair began last weekend, but you have through this Saturday to enjoy rides, Shazam Magic Shows, musical entertainment in the evenings, pig races and pony rides, the Kids & Critters barn, and more. Most of the rides cost extra, and packages are available, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available if you plan to go.
When: August 4-11, 8am – 11pm daily, though activity times vary, so be sure to check the schedule.
Where: 2210 Fairground Road,West Friendship, MD
How Much: Admission is $5/age 10 and up, $2/seniors, free for kids under 10. Rides and games are extra.
Prince William County Fair
What: Virginia’s largest annual county fair will include 4-H exhibits, rides, contests (think pie eating and water balloon tossing), rodeo, the Children’s Barn, Kid’s Zone, live performances, and more. On August Saturday, August 12, admission is half price. And on Tuesday, August 14, admission and all rides are just $2.
When: August 10-18, Hours vary by day, so check the daily schedule on their website (scroll down the page).
Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds. Get directions here.
How Much: Admission is $8/ages 14-59, $5/seniors and ages 5-13, free for ages 4 and under. Daily ride wristbands are available, but prices vary by day.
Prince George’s County Fair
What: A variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages — 4-H exhibits magic and dance shows, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition, a chain saw artist, a K-9 show, and much more.
When: September 6-9, hours vary by day.
Where: The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. Get directions here.
How much: Admission is $6/ages 12 and up, $5/ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under. Rides and games are extra.
Anne Arundel County Fair
What: Farm exhibitions, rides, lots of live entertainment, watermelon eating contests, and more.
When: September 12 – 16, check the website for hours.
Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, MD. Get directions here.
How much: Admission is $6/ages 16 and up, $4/ages 8 – 15, free for ages 7 and under. Rides and games cost extra.
