Parent's Guide to the SD Fair: KIDS ACTIVITIES
OK, I'll get right to all the details that (I think) parents want to know. Here's an outline that I'll be updating over the next few days...
INTRO <--click here
GENERAL INFORMATION, GUEST SERVICES & FOOD <--click here
TICKETS & DISCOUNTS <--click here
PARKING <--click here
KIDS ACTIVITIES <--you are here
There are TONS of things to do at the Fair that don’t include rides. I know, try telling that to your kids, ha! I bet your kids will seriously enjoy a lot of these kid-friendly activities. I organized them (of course I did, lol) by “HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES”, “PERFORMANCES” and “CONTESTS”. There’s a lot so scroll down until you get to the section you want to see. Note that some activities happen everyday, while others are only on certain days or on one-day only.
Just some of the fun kid-friendly activities include: Hullabaloo concerts, pony rides, sand art, cockroach holding, digging for treasure, scavenger hunt, sewing, magic shows, animal shows, worm racing, pig racing, pie eating contests, a kid’s veggie eating contest! and sooo many more!! Hey, did you know that if you enter a contest you’ll get FREE ADMISSION to the Fair for that day?! Details below...
I did not include things that MY kids wouldn’t be interested in…like the Kombucha Brewing Contest or the Beer Stein Holding Contest. LOL! But your kids might be interested in things that mine aren’t, so if you want to see the full list, click below and be prepared to spend an hour looking through all of them. If you just want kid-friendly activities, then keep reading. ;)
Be sure to check the daily schedule or online for all of the fair info because sometimes things change or I get my information mixed up, yes it happens. Also, note that there are several booths I found when we were just wandering around the fair that aren’t listed on their website. Those that I found are listed below, but there are probably others so let me know if you find any to add.
All of this information is from the website: sdfair.com
To Find EVERYTHING to do at the Fair, click here.
-->You can filter the search for “kid-friendly” activities or whatever else you're looking for, but the way they list them takes forever to click through. That’s why I put them all in one big list so you can just scroll down and get all the details without having to click back and forth (like I did to get this information). ;)
You’ll notice these events list the “location”, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have the map to plot it out. Here’s the Fairgrounds Map.
OK, here we go:
KID-FRIENDLY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
location: KIDS ZONE
Face painting
Sand art craft projects, $10
Bible story times, free
Panning for gold, free
There’s a cost to buy a bag of gemstones (starts at $6) they can put into a water pan for your kids to sift and keep. Or you can use the other gold pans to sift for gold for free, but you don’t get to keep those.
location: CA GROWN
Pony Rides, $10 for ages 6mo+
Parents can walk with the rider. They do give a refund only if the child does not get on the pony...
Tractor equipment to climb on, free
Corn kernel box to play in, free
Petting zoo, free
There’s a cost to buy food and feed it to the animals, $1/scoop.
Kids Grocery Store Market, free
This is a really cute activity for kids. They pick out a grocery cart and receive a grocery shopping list. They have to pick out items from their list and take it to the checkout clerk. Kids will get a special prize for completing their list! But, no impulse shopping!!
Bug’s Land "Bugology", free
This is really cool actually! But only if you can stand bugs and other insects. You can even HOLD a cockroach!! Don’t worry, they’re all in their cages and boxes…unless they escape. jk We saw Tarantulas, Scorpions, Stick Bugs, Cockroaches and lots more. There’s even a Butterfly flight house and some cricket Chocolate "Chirp" Cookies that you can buy and eat! Would you?!
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KID-FRIENDLY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
@ CREATIVE YOUTH/BEST OF K-6
CREATIVE YOUTH CRAFTS
when: Everyday, 12-6pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Join us daily to create a “make-and-take” craft with guidance from our Oz-some CY staff. You will dabble in felting, corn puff sculptures, finger knitting and more.
SCAVENGER HUNT (earn a patch at the fair!)
when: Everyday, all day
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Download a map (https://downloads.delmarfairgrounds.com/downloads/2019/educational-programs/Scavenger-Hunt-Questions-Map.pdf) and scavenger hunt questions, or pick one up at any Information Booth or the Creative Youth Exhibit at the Fair. Follow the routes and collect the information, then when you’re done, redeem the completed questions on your map in the Oz-Some Theme Exhibit or at the Creative Youth Exhibit to get a free prize donated by the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative (while supplies last). Scouts can also purchase an Oz-Some patch for $2 by participating.
CALIFORNIA LIVING HISTORY
when: Everyday, 11-5
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Step back in time and experience the pioneer days. Learn rope making, doll crafting, and other handy work, the old-fashioned way. California Living History also provides educational content for elementary schools.
EXPLORATION PLACE (this name seems a little misleading?)
when: Everyday, all day
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Explore the rich properties of repurposed plastics, wood and cardboard. Discover shape, color, texture, weight and size in this "loose parts" experience. All ages and abilities are welcome!
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY SCIENTISTS
when: Everyday, 5pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: The League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers presents Pre-K through 8th grade friendly science topics in an engaging class-like format This year, they explore DNA!
Presentations at the Creative Youth Stage will start promptly. In addition to the science presentations, the League will host a daily observation journal.
SEWING SUNDAYS
when: Every Sunday, 12-4pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Create your very own bookmark with straight, zig zag or specialty stitches on a sewing machine, with the guidance of a Home Ec Specialist. This is a free make-and-take activity.
POLYMER CLAY BEAD MAKING
when: June 13, 20, 27; July 4 at 11am-12pm AND 1-3pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: With direction and material generously provided by the San Diego Polymer Clay Guild, Fair guests can create a uniquely beautiful bead using polymer clay.
The SDPCG is dedicated to sharing the knowledge and techniques of using polymer clay and has more than 100 members. Artists and instructors have been featured on TV shows, as well as showing exhibits at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C.
This is a free hands-on workshop.
MEXICAN ARTISAN WORKSHOPS
when: June 7, 14, 21, 28 at 12-1pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what:
LEGO CREATIONS
when: June 15-16 at 11am-5pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Thousands of colorful Lego are provided for you to design a unique creation. (Creations are not make-and-take.)
FATHER’S DAY GIFT MAKING
when: June 15 & 16 at 12-6pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Create a special paper craft for dad or another loved one. Paper, embellishments and a sweet treat will be provided.
MEDIA ARTS GREEN SCREEN DEMONSTRATION
when: June 30 at 12pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Experience the magic of movie making with a "green screen" shared by Media Arts Center San Diego, home of the Digital Gym and the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and whose vision is to change lives and perspectives through media arts.
@ THE FARM
BUTTERFLY FLIGHT HOUSE
when: Every day, 12:30-5:30pm
where: The Farm
what: Experience native butterflies up close and personal in our Butterfly Free Flight House. The Butterfly Farms is an educational, research and conservation non-profit organization, dedicated to teaching about the importance of San Diego’s native butterflies.
CREATING POLLINATOR GARDENS
when: Everyday, 1-1:30pm
where: The Farm
what: A butterfly and pollinator paradise awaits in the Infield Farm! Visit the garden and take a tour with a habitat specialist. On the tour, you will learn about pollinator habitat with a focus on native plants, bees, and butterflies. Participants will receive a planting guide to help you get started on your own pollinator and wildlife-friendly garden at home or in your community.
@ THEME EXHIBIT
ASK THE WIZARD
when: Everyday, 11:30am and 1pm
where: Theme Exhibit
what: The Wizard is in! Come ask the “Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz” for what your heart desires. If you are worthy, he just may grant your wish.
3 O’CLOCK FUN
when: Everyday, 3pm
where: OZ-some Family Stage
what: Try your skill at hula hoops, sack races and other old-fashioned fun! Every day of the Fair.
EMERALD CITY GAMES
when: Everyday, 3-4pm
where: Theme Exhibit
@ HOME SWEET HOME STAGE
KID’S VEGGIE GROWING & GIVE AWAYS
when: June 7, 21 at 1-2pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: Hands-on workshop given by Roy Wilburn of Sunshine Care where kids will plant and learn how to grow their favorite warm-season veggies in containers. They will get tips on seed germination, planting, cultural practices, and pest control. Kids will learn how to take care of delicious organic vegetables in containers from start to finish.
PAINTING LADYBUG ROCKS
when: June 7, 14, 21, 28 at 2:30-3:30pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: Create a beautiful ladybug from a beach pebble. Paint your own Ladybug Rock to place in your garden or just light up your life.
FANTASY MINI FAIRY GARDENS
when: June 14 at 1pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: John Noble, a founder of Botany for Kids and Coastal Sage Gardening owner, will teach kids how to plant a Fairy Garden in this hands-on workshop. Bring your children to this fun, creative and educational workshop where their fantasies can be planted.
Suggested material fee: $10.00.
MUNCHKINS GARDENS WORKSHOP
when: June 28 at 1pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: Create your own fantastical miniature garden. Use your imagination, as Frank Baum did, and turn pebbles, stones, glitter, plants and seeds into a wonderful landscape. Botany for Kids, and Coastal Sage Gardening have been maintaining the perpetual flower garden by the Lily Pond in Balboa Park.
@ MISC
DIGGING FOR TREASURE
when: Everyday, open-5pm
where: Gems & Minerals
what: Kids of all ages may screen for buried treasure and pick one free tumbled stone or rock of their choice, to keep for their very own. Limit: One rock per person each day. Volunteers from local rock clubs are on hand to assist with the screening, to describe different rocks, and to answer questions from fairgoers.
WOOD MODEL BUILDING FOR KIDS
when: June 12, 19, 26; July 3 at 6-8pm
where: Design Wood
what: Designed for kids ages 8-12, this is a small model building activity. There will be wood sailboats, pirate ships and Titanic kits for kids to build, while supplies last. All materials needed will be provided.
KID-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
@ FUNVILLE STAGE
GODFREY THE MAGICIAN
when: Everyday
where: 11:30am-12p at the Funville Stage
where: 1:30-2pm at the Plaza Stage
HULLABALOO!!
when: see below
5/31 from 5-6pm
6/7 from 12-1pm
6/14 from 2-3pm
6/21 from 1:30-2:30pm
6/28 from 5:30-6:30pm
where: Funville Stage
what: Hullabaloo is an award-winning kid-folk duo from Del Mar. Parents Magazine called Hullabaloo, “As good as it gets when it comes to Children’s Music.” People Magazine named their “Raise a Ruckus” album one of the “Top 8 Albums of the Summer.”
KATHRYN THE GRAPE
when: June 9 at 4-5pm; AND June 14 at 3:30-4:30pm
where: Funville Stage
what: Children’s musical performance
PUPPETS & PLAYERS LITTLE THEATER
when: Everyday, 12pm, 1:30pm, 5pm
where: Family Funville
what:
@ PLAZA STAGE
GODFREY THE MAGICIAN
when: Everyday
where: 11:30am-12p at the Funville Stage
where: 1:30-2pm at the Plaza Stage
@ THE FARM
WILDLIFE ON THE FARM
when: Everyday, 5-5:30pm
where: The Farm
what: Pacific Animal Productions is dedicated to conserving wildlife and endangered species while educating people about the wonders of wildlife. This presentation provides an opportunity to see and touch wildlife animals seen on a farm.
@ CREATIVE YOUTH/BEST OF K-6
ABRA-KID MAGIC CAMP
when: Everyday, 1:30pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: This magic camp will teach kids to perform five magic tricks, and every kid gets their own magic (in a bag) to take home.
IT’S MAGIC!
when: Everyday, 4pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
ZOVARGO ANIMAL SHOW
when: June 9, 23 at 5-6pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Zovargo brings the zoo to you! Their mission is to foster human-animal connections through unique encounters and interactive educational programs that inspire conservation stewardship. Zovargo is the creative combination of the word ""zo"" meaning animals and the word ""cargo"" meaning movement or progress. Together those words stand for progress in conservation animal education!
EXTREME DOGS
when: June 19-23 at 3-4pm, 5-6pm 7-8pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Meet Toto and the Extreme Dog Team in this exciting show that promises a fast-paced thrilling experience for all ages. Cheer on these amazing canine athletes – including the current world champion and several past champions – as they complete fast-paced agility maneuvers and amazing high-flying dock diving.
@ CHEVROLET LIVESTOCK AREA
COW MILKING DEMONSTRATION
when: June 12-16 at 11-11:30am, 1-1:30pm, 2-2:30pm, 4-4:30pm
where: Chevrolet Livestock Area
what: Watch cows being milked!
@ THEME EXHIBIT
STORIES WITH DOROTHY
when: Everyday starting on June 19th at 12-12:30pm or 2-2:30pm
where: Theme Exhibit
what:
BALLOON FARMER JILL
when: June 7, 9, 19, 20, 21, 29, 30 at 11am-6pm
where: Theme Exhibit
what: Watch as Jill creates Oz-inspired balloon sculptures.
KID-FRIENDLY CONTESTS
@ CA GROWN
KID’S VEGGIE CHALLENGE!
when: June 7, 14, 21, 28 at 11:30am-12:30pm
where: CA Grown
what: Kids brave enough to try some new foods might win the Albertsons | Vons Kids Veggie Challenge! Our presenting sponsor will bring several fruits and vegetables for kids to try. It starts out with familiar foods, such as grapes and carrots, and gets more “extreme” with each round.
@ THE FARM
WATERMELON SEED SPITTING CONTEST
when: Everyday at 12:30pm
where: The Farm
what: Join us for a free Down on the Farm Fun Contest where your spitting skills are put to the test, in adult and child divisions. Everyone can enjoy a piece of juicy watermelon.
WORM RACING
when: Everyday, 2pm
where: The Farm
what: And they’re off! Come early to choose your worm to compete in the Red Wiggler worm races. These Red Wigglers have the job of composting our food waste as well as being top-notch racing competitors.
CORN HUSKING CONTEST
when: Everyday, 4-4:30pm
where: The Farm
what: What’s the difference between corn huskin’ and corn shuckin’? Discover the answer as you compete against your friends in this thrilling, fast-paced contest, and enjoy fresh corn too!
@ SWIFTY STADIUM
SWIFTY SWINE PIG RACES
when: Everyday, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8pm
where: Swifty Stadium
what: Pig races
@ THEME EXHIBIT
BEST ANIMAL NOISES
when: Everyday, 3:30pm
where: OZ-some Family Stage
what:
FAMILY LOOKALIKE CONTEST
when: June 9, 23 at 3:30-4pm
where: OZ-some Family Stage
what:
BUBBLE GUM BLOWING CONTEST
when: June 12, 15, 27 at 3:30-4pm
where: OZ-some Family Stage
what: Show what you can do in our Bubble Gum Blowing Contest. We provide the bubble gum; all ages can participate!
FATHER/CHILD LOOKALIKE CONTEST
when: June 16 at 1-1:30 at Plaza State
when: June 16 at 3:30-4pm at OZ-some Family Stage
@ CREATIVE YOUTH/BEST OF K-6
HOMEMADE TOY OZ-SOCK CONTEST
when: June 14 at 1:30pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Youth ages 5-17 can bring their handcrafted soft sock toys to the Creative Youth tent to compete against other youth. There is no pre-registration required for this contest. Please see the Creative Youth Contests page for details and the entry form.
Make a soft sock character, doll, puppet, or toy and bring it to the Fair. These toys can be
made from a variety of materials including recycled items. Character toys need to be a character
from The Wizard of Oz.
TINMAN’S FRIENDSHIP JEWELRY CONTEST
when: June 21 at 1:30pm
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: Youth ages 5-17 can bring their handcrafted friendship jewelry to the Creative Youth tent to compete against other youth. There is no pre-registration required for this contest. Please see the Creative Youth Contests page for details and the entry form.
Make a friendship bracelet, ring, or necklace and bring it to the Fair. Bracelets are to be made
of embroidery floss. Rings and necklaces may be made from other materials such as twine, fishing
line, or jewelry wire. Bangles and beads may be used in any of the friendship jewelry designs. Check
out Pinterest for ideas.
HOMEMADE CANDLE & SOAP CONTEST
when: June 28 at 1:30
where: Creative Youth/Best of K-6
what: This contest, part of the Creative Youth One-Day Contest series, is open to youth ages 5 -17. Youth can make their own candle or soap, then bring their entry to the Creative Youth Tent by 1:45 p.m. for judging. Get more information, including the entry form, on the Creative Youth One-Day Contests page in the Contests section.
@ HOME SWEET HOME STAGE
YOUTH SALSA/GUACAMOLE CONTEST
when: June 15 at 1:30pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: This contest, part of the Creative Youth One-Day Contest series, is open to youth ages 5 -17 and to families in separate competition classes.
Create your best homemade salsa or guacamole and bring it to the Fair. Entries must be brought
in an unpacked (uncanned) jar/bottle (no chips necessary) to the Home Sweet Home Stage located in the Garden Show by 1:45 p.m. for judging. Get more information, including the entry form, on the Creative Youth One-Day Contests page in the Contests section.
FAMILY BAKING CONTEST
when: June 22 at 1:30pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: Create an OzSome homemade baked item and bring it to the Fair. Items may include cake, cookies, brownies, breads, or pie. This contest, which is open to all ages, is part of the Creative Youth One-Day Contest series. There are two classes, one for youth ages 5-17 and the other for families.
Get more information, including the entry form, on the Creative Youth One-Day Contests page in the Contests section.
FAMILY CREST CONTEST
when: June 29 at 1:30pm
where: Home Sweet Home Stage
what: This contest, part of the Creative Youth One-Day Contest series, is open to all ages. Families can create a family crest, either recreating an existing crest, or designing one from scratch. Bring the entry to the Home Sweet Home Stage in the Garden Show by 1:45 p.m. for judging. Get more information, including the entry form, on the Creative Youth One-Day Contests page in the Contests section.
@ PLAZA STAGE
PIE EATING CONTEST
when: Everyday, 12pm
where: Plaza Stage
what: Be the fastest to eat a piece of Coco’s cream pie without using your hands, and you’ll win a ribbon in this daily contest.
FATHER/CHILD LOOKALIKE CONTEST
when: June 16 at 1-1:30 at Plaza State
when: June 16 at 3:30-4pm at OZ-some Family Stage
MOST PATRIOTIC CONTEST
when: July 4 at 1-1:30pm AND 3:30-4pm
where: Plaza Stage
what: Don your red, white and blue, put on your stars and stripes, and enter our Most Patriotic Costume Contest! As always, the most creative win the ribbons.
@ SHOWCASE STAGE
SAN DIEGO’S GOT TALENT
when: June 29 at 2pm
where: Showcase Stage
what: no info was given online. Questions: (858) 794-1124
@ FUNVILLE STAGE
PITCH N WIN HORSESHOES
when: Everyday, open-7pm
where: Family Funville
what:
BABY DERBY!!
when: June 7, 16, 28 at 2-3pm
where: Funville Stage
what: The fastest babies in the West start at one end of our carpet-covered dance floor and crawl to the finish line, with trophies on the line. Parents can use keys, toys or other items to attract their crawler, but may not reach over the finish line to grab them. And if your baby takes his or her first steps, it’s a mixed blessing. What a milestone! But in this race, only crawling is allowed.
CONTEST ENTRY DETAILS HERE:
Enter a Cooking or Craft CONTEST and you’ll get FREE ADMISSION to the Fair!!
Kids and teens: Enter one of our Creative Youth cooking or craft contests, and you’ll get free admission to the Fair, plus the chance to win a blue ribbon!
Similar contests for adults are on the Home & Hobby Contests page.
Contest materials available: Mid-February, 2019.
Contest dates: Contests take place on Fridays and Saturdays in June, 2019.
Registration deadline: Bring your item and the entry form to the O’Brien Gate on the contest date for free admission to the Fair. Then bring your item to the Creative Youth Tent for judging.
Not only is there no entry fee, but you will be admitted to the Fair free on the day of the contest between 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Questions: (858) 792-4207
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