Most visitors at the livestock barn cooed at the sight of a calf nursing from its mother. But one little boy I overheard was definitely not impressed. “Ewww,” he said. “That’s gross!” His mom, wearing a baby in a sling, laughed. “That’s what your sister does all day,” she replied. The Washington State Fair in Puyallup is a place where city kids can say hello to farm animals, and yes, learn about where food comes from.
There are rides for all ages, loads of unhealthy food, live performances, handmade arts and crafts, and so much more. I grew up going to the fair every summer, and I love taking my kids now to hit up all the events and attractions that don’t cost extra. So bring the wagon and load it up with water bottles, sunscreen, and lots of snacks. Here’s how to do the Puyallup Fair on a budget.
Parking: $15
Parking in the Fair’s lots is $15 on weekdays, $22 on weekends. Some entrepreneurial homeowners and schools near the fairgrounds sell parking too, but I prefer parking in the Fair’s lots, which are organized and well staffed.
Admission: Free
Regular Fair admission can cost $20 per person age 13 and up, but they offer many deals. It’s a little cheaper if you visit on a weekday and buy your ticket in advance online. My favorite price, however, is free.
Admission is free every Monday for everyone with a military ID and their dependents. Admission is also free from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, with a suggested school supply donation.
Puyallup Fair on a Budget: Rides for $13.20
We love rides, but boy, they are expensive. Tickets cost 60 cents apiece, and most rides start at 11 tickets. My kids looked through all the options and picked their favorite, the giant slide, for a 10-second thrill that cost $6.60. If rides are your thing, buying an unlimited Dizzy Pass bracelet ($55-$65) might be worth buying. We don’t bother with the games, which are a big money drain.
Kid-friendly activities: Free
The Farm at Sillyville is the best. Kids visit a dairy barn, an apple building, a chicken coop, a grain silo, and a bee box. It’s super tot-friendly and super adorable, and the staff here is the nicest. After completing the stations, each kid is awarded a piece of fruit leather. There’s also free face painting at SillyVille.
At the nearby Pioneer Village, kids can step back in time and use a saw, drill a hole, pump water, and weave yarn. You might catch Big Wa, the Fair’s mascot, for a photo op.
Head to Expo Hall to play ping-pong and try archery, both free. My son had so much fun his first time playing ping-pong that I think I know what Santa will bring this year. And I can’t say enough good things about the people at Skookum Archers, who are incredibly patient and kind.
Shows: Free
The free shows are a great place to take a break in the shade. The Showplace Stage features a very good Beauty and the Beast production daily at 12:15, 2:15 and 4:30 p.m. The Family Fun Stage alternates between a Choose Your Own Adventure Musical and Professor Smart’s Science Show.
Animals: Free
New this year is the cattle birthing center in the AgriPlex, where you can see all the mothers-to-be and some still-wobbly calves. Chat with a dairy farmer, watch a milking demonstration, and pick up a free cup of chocolate milk.
Catch one of the free daily draft horse shows at 2 and 3:30 p.m., and watch these amazing animals work together as a team.
In the Fair Farm Barn, you can pet a rabbit, rooster, sheep, and goats. Handwashing stations are right at the exit. In all the livestock barns, the owners usually sit nearby and are happy to answer questions. We saw fluffy Angora rabbits and learned how their fur gets spun into yarn and knitted into impossibly soft beanies.
Puyallup Fair on a budget souvenirs for $5
We love walking through the Showplex building to get a free sample of fudge and playing all the spinner games for candy. You can also pick up a lifetime supply of branded pens here. State Farm wins this year’s best freebie. You can go home with a personalized bobblehead at their booth near the Gold Gate. Eli Lilly, located near the Green Gate, is the runner-up with free squishy RVs. Also, near the Green Gate, my kids found a booth selling geodes for $2-$3 and picked out some gems to take home.
The firefighters and state troopers always welcome kids. At their respective booths, located side by side on Showplace Way, kids can get badge stickers, try on firefighting gear, and spin the prize wheel. (You might get lucky and win a ticket for a free scone!)
Food: $30
As much as I love curly fries and elephant ears, curly fries and elephant ears don’t love me. The one non-negotiable must-eat at the Fair is the famous Fisher scone, a 113-year-old tradition. Scones cost $3 each or $30 for a baker’s dozen. The Fair has a free fireworks show every Friday at 10 p.m., but that’s past our bedtime.
Our shadows stretched long when we finally headed to the parking lot, bags of scones in tow. Our total for an entire day of fun was $62.20. What a bargain!
Know before you go
- The Washington State Fair runs through Sept. 22.
- Where: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
- Admission: $16 weekday/$20 weekend for ages 13 and up, $13 weekday/$15 weekend for children 6-12 and seniors 65 and up, free for kids 5 and under.
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; and 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday and Sept. 4.
- Parking: $15 weekdays, $22 weekends
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Find more fun activities on the Seattle’s Child calendar
Looking for a place to go apple picking? There’s a farm for everyone.
