Given our city lives, state fairs can seem like somewhat of an alien adventure for parents — but filled with games, old-fashioned food and games and tons%uFFFD to see, they’re a kid’s paradise. (A local favorite to look forward to this fall? The two-day, annual Queens County Fair at the Queens County Farm Museum, which will feature everything from pie-eating and corn-husking competitions to carnival rides, and will take place on September 25 and 26. ) In the meantime, though, there are plenty of "real deal" state farms that are just a short car trip away. Here are some notable ones, along with some late summer festivals to look forward to! —
The New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show: Running through this Sunday, this NJ fair has been around for 65 years and averages 200,000 visitors! It offers guests a nice balance between carnival fun and agriculture. Also features a scarecrow contest, honey bee demonstration and an interactive "Farm Fun" exhibit just for kids.
The Great New York State Fair: The largest annual event in New York State, this 12-day fair (running this year from August 26-September 6th) features hip musical performances, outrageous exhibits, delicious fair food, dozens of exciting rides and entertainers and and plenty of animals to keep kids busy and happy.
The Big-E Fair: September 17- October 3) Located in West Spring, Massachusetts, this fair is the largest in the northeast! Some of the fair’s many attractions include parades, carnival rides, exclusive concerts from popular artists, free circus shows and an annual cheese competition,%uFFFD this fair has plenty to keep kids occupied. (West Spring, MA)
Curious George Cottage Family Festival (August 13-15)
Hosted
by the Margret and H.A. Rey Center and blending art, science and
literature, this festival enables families to embark on a three-day
adventure with every child’s favorite monkey. Enjoy a banana pancake
breakfast, meet Curious George and the Man With The Yellow Hat, witness
rocket launches and planetarium shows, hike one of the pristine nature
trails, hear live music and take part in an eco-art project! (Waterville Valley, NH)
Dutchess County Fair (August 24-29)
The
mother of all county fairs, this much-loved festival showcases the best
in area agriculture, arts and crafts, food and entertainment and draws
over half a million visitors to the bucolic Dutchess County Fairgrounds
each year. Don’t forget to take the kids to hear the Melody Singing
Veggies! (Rhinebeck, NY)
Atlantic City Air Show (August 25)
Witness
the heart-stopping solo routines, formation flying, and aerobatic
maneuvers of military and civilian pilots over the Atlantic City
Boardwalk. This year’s “Thunder Over The Boardwalk” show will be
headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden
Knights, the Brazilian Smoke Squadron and more. (Atlantic City, NJ)
American Folk Festival (August 27-29)
This
free three-day festival on the Bangor Waterfront celebrates American
and international music with traditional performances, arts and crafts
demonstrations, a children’s area and a marketplace with handcrafted
items and an array of foods offering visitors a “Taste of Maine.” (Bangor, ME)
Downtown Plymouth Waterfront Festival (August 28)
Take
part in the popular Ducky Dash or go for a swim in the New England
Aquarium’s Traveling Tide Pool at this year’s Plymouth Waterfront
Festival. Stroll the arts and crafts show featuring over 100 local
artisans, and enjoy two stages of live entertainment—not to mention a
carnival complete with giant bouncy house! (Plymouth, MA)
