The ferris wheel, the flashing lights, the smell of cotton candy bring back good memories from childhood visits to the county fair. You want to pass those memories on to your kids, but the idea of taking small children into that swirling chaos can be daunting. You know it will be worth the trouble to see their grins, sticky from the cotton candy, as they bob along on the carousel, but how do your make the most out of your trip without stressing out?
Before you leave:
1. Dress sensibly - Yes, everyone else in the county is going to be there and you want to look nice when you run into those old friends you haven't seen since high school, but trying to get in and out of a child-sized helicopter with your preschooler while wearing a skirt or running after a toddler in uncomfortable shoes is going to make it a long day for everybody. Choose clothes that are comfortable and allow you freedom of movement. Chances are at some point you are going to find yourself racing your little guy through the fun house so wear your sneakers, too. If the forecast is chilly, make sure everyone has a sweater available. Consider dressing your entire family in the same bright color. If everyone has on red shirts, not only will they be easier to spot in the crowd, but it will be easier to remember what they were wearing if you do find yourself in a situation where you need to describe them to someone.
2. Pack smart - Along with diapers and other essentials, make sure you take along disinfectant wipes. Don't try to sanitize every seat and safety bar your child comes in contact with, but after rides and certainly after any petting zoo encounters, wipe your child's hands. Make sure you have band-aids in case of skinned knees or elbows when someone gets a little too excited and doesn't watch where they're going. Have an extra change of clothes for the kids out in the car in case of spills or accidents. Nobody wants to wear wet pants all day.
3.Get a group together - Invite along grandparents and friends who can help watch kids. Sometimes it seems like you just don't have enough eyes and hands to keep track of everyone, so bring along another pair or two of eyes and hands. No friends or family available? Call up your favorite babysitter and see if she's interested.
While there:
4. Bring a stroller - Even if your child is walking well and has been for some time, going to the fair is an exhausting business and he's going to want to rest at some point. Also, if you want to browse the crafts and other displays while you're there, you may want him buckled into his stroller to keep him from being tempted to grab things off the tables. If nothing else, the stroller is a handy place to keep your bag and any prizes your family wins.
5. Go slow - Matching your pace to that of your young child can be frustrating. They are slow, they are easily distracted, and they don't often want to go the same direction that you do. Keep reminding yourself that the purpose of this expedition was to invest them with the same fond memories you have of being a child at the county fair. Remember that it's all about them today and let them choose where to go and what to do.
6. Don't be a by-stander - The younger your child, the more likely that he's not going to ride without you so come prepared to take part. Don't worry about how ridiculous you'll look with your knees up around your ears sitting in one of those little kiddie rides. First, you won't be the only one. Second, look at the smile on your child's face as he "steers" the little car around the track or grasps your arm on the miniature roller coaster. These are the moments he'll remember when fair time rolls around next year.
7. Game time - If the long lines at the rides or the rides themselves prove to be to much for your little one, find some simple games for him to play. Many fairs have at least one game for toddlers where everybody wins.
8. Take pictures - Your child will enjoy looking at pictures and talking about all the rides and fun activities for days to come.
Make the most of your child's early visits to the fair. You only have so many years before they want to go their separate way at the gate so enjoy those silly rides and the way your child giggles every time the tilt-a-whirl spins. Make memories that you will both cherish.