Two weekends ago, we decided to brave the Clark County Fair. It was our first big fair experience, and it was certainly an adventure!
First, thank goodness we brought the stroller. (I recently got a double umbrella stroller, which is perfect for this kind of thing!) We weren’t sure if we would need it, because you know, toddlers walk everywhere anyway, but we brought it just in case.
Obviously we are newbies at this, because a stroller was totally necessary. There was a long walk from where we parked to the entrance, and if they’d been walking on their own, I’m sure they would have run all over the place in opposite directions and gotten swallowed up by crowds. So it was a good containment device when needed.
We went on Saturday of the second weekend of the fair, in the early evening. The traffic was ridiculous getting to the fairgrounds–not sure if it’s like that all the time. That meant that by the time we finally parked, walked to the entrance, and waited in line to get tickets, it was past dinnertime for the boys, so they were cranky. They kept wanting to go look at the Ferris wheel and were very whiny, but mostly they were hungry. We got a smoothie, hot dog, burger, and curly fries to share between all of us.
We didn’t end up doing or seeing any of the kid-specific or animal stuff. We did pass the sealions, which definitely intrigued the boys. They were so focused on the rides and the kiddie stuff was off to the side and must have closed around dinner time? We didn’t leave until after 8pm.
The first stop after getting food and ogling the Ferris wheel was the carousel. Of course they loved it and wanted to stay. However, we lured them out with the promise of checking out other rides.
Since they were 36″ inches, there were a few little rides they could do–a tiny rollercoaster, flying elephants, and the “car-driving”. The first two looked a little bit intimidating for our toddlers, so we tried the cars. Of course they loved it. They looked around at the other kids, they waved at us, they ‘drove’ their cars.
The number of tickets worked out exactly so that they got to go three times! The last time they shared a car. 🙂 
I was struck by the realization that they’re only going to get bigger and older and more independent and more capable. I couldn’t believe that we had kids big enough to go on a ride all by themselves! Even though it was the dinkiest ride possible, it’s still the gateway, if you will. Before I know it, they’ll be running off on their own to go on the highest possible roller coasters, wanting nothing to do with their dumb parents.
Naturally, they were not happy when it was time to leave the ride for good.
It was a beautiful night and we were glad not to be in the long lines for the big rides. 
I couldn’t leave without getting an elephant ear, so I left all the boys to explore the the John Deeres while I got my treat. Once again, they would have stayed at the tractors all night long. They climbed up and down most of them, big grins on their faces. 
Final thoughts:
1: Going to the fair is EXPENSIVE. Parking, admission, food, ride tickets–it adds up really fast.
2: They’re at sort of an in-between age right now. Next year when they’re 3.5 they’ll be so much more capable and ready to do more exciting rides.
3: It was a lot of fun watching them explore and be so excited! I am already looking forward to our next time.
We Have Twins?! 
Me again 🙂 So can one parent handle both kids (without the other parent) at outings like this at their age? Again, 18m twins and I really cannot go anywhere with the girls unless they are confined to a room or their stroller because they will straight up just run away in opposite directions. Great blog, just found it and now I am hooked. 🙂
Hi! Thank you so much for reading!
I would definitely not go to an event like a big fair even now with only one parent. Too many people, the boys are older but still aren’t always paying attention. Would be so easy for someone to get lost.
However! We used to need both of us at playgrounds because they would go different directions *and* need a lot of help. BUT by the time they were a bit older (like even before they turned two) they started being more independent and could do more on their own. We’ve been going to the playground with one parent for over a year now. And it’s definitely made a big difference in stress level. 🙂
Ok, that is kind of what I thought but, you know, thought I’d check. 🙂 The playground info is the best thing I have heard in a long time! I stay home with the girls and sometimes really just want to go to the playground for 30 minutes but can’t by myself. So that is really encouraging! Thanks and happy twinning!
Do you have a bookstore near you? Our Barnes & Noble stores have train tables, which our boys have liked since they were about that age. We also have a lot of play cafes in Portland, which are pretty well contained. Either of those might be good options for your girls! 🙂 Happy twinning to you too!