Month Visited: June

New Jersey State Fair: Family Fun Close to Home

The summer is officially upon us and most families are looking to get out and enjoy the warm weather and each other’s company. You don’t have to wait until that much anticipated summer vacation to start having summer fun together. Kick off the season the right way with some of the best New Jersey has to offer. The State Fair Meadowlands is touted as “NJ’s Biggest Event” and has so much to offer a family of any size and makeup. It is affordable and close to home but more than that offers a genuinely mesmerising experience on a grand scale.

The fair runs from Friday June 20th through Sunday July 6th in East Rutherford New Jersey.

The fair is spread out over an impressive 35 acres and boasts over 150 rides and attractions. These include a full range from “kiddy” rides for your youngest children, to larger, faster ones to keep even the most skeptical teenager smiling. For the child in all of us you can even take a ride on the Batcopter from the original TV series. Top this off with one of the most diverse array of carnival games you’ll find anywhere and there are more opportunities to have fun and win prizes than you can shake a Spongebob Water Balloon at.

Besides great rides and games the fair is a foodie’s dream, with offerings that are sure to delight anyone from the most adventurous eater to the pickiest of picky. Perhaps your 8-year-old would flip for a chance to eat fried gator, while your teen loves good, authentic barbeque. At State Fair Meadowlands the entire family can find exactly what they want to eat within one venue. Let everyone have their dinner or snack of choice without ever splitting up. Choices range from typical summer fare like grilled corn on the cob and barbeque staples, to regional delicacies like gyros and souvlaki, to outrageous options like shark kabobs. If that wasn’t enough you’ll enjoy the kind of favorites you can only find at a fair like foot long corn dogs and a man who will deep fry anything you can think of.

Included in the price of admission are all of the live entertainment offerings. You’ll find racing pigs, a big cat show, live stunts and high wire acrobatics as well as comedy, dance and magic. Live music will be a central feature of the festivities with 60’s icons like Chubby Checker and Neil Sedaka; as well as contemporary stars and local up and comers.

The fair also features guest entertainment and games featuring the New Jersey Devils hockey team and is running a “selfie” photo contest online promising fun, fame and prizes to adventurous photographers.

The fair boasts an impressive list of amenities and safety features. New Jersey has the strictest laws in the nation governing ride safety and all rides and operators must be licensed. “No Name” child ID tags are available and state officials will be on hand to assist parents and facilitate a safe event. You can confidently bring your family and enjoy the fair knowing that security is a top priority. Also available are stroller and wheelchair rentals, infant care facilities and much more.

Founded in 1921 the fair has become an iconic local fixture. Countless families have attended, enjoyed and returned year after year. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or to start a new family tradition there is so much to get excited about here. The event is run by a family, in their 4th generation of planners, for other families. Their main goal is to provide something to please every group, and each member of every group. Wherever you come from, whatever you do and however diverse your family; there is enough here for everyone to find something to get excited about. Start summer off right with some great memories right near home.