The Orange County Fair - A Family of Four - and $4
There are a few choices when attending the Orange County Fair. You can go all out and spend a couple of hundred dollars on admission, rides, games and food, you can go cheap (which is what this post is all about) or you can go somewhere in between.
Most people can figure out how to spend a few hundred at the Orange County Fair, and I thought it would be more fun to talk about doing the OC Fair on $4.
If you're going to do this, make sure you have a plan, especially if you have young kids.
Step 1. Plan to attend the OC Fair during one of its promotions. See Orange County Fair Discounts and Deals for ideas.
We attended during the book fair event which meant that if we brought one new book, we received 
fair admission and one free carnival ride, resulting in a savings of of $12 to $17 per person to start.
The result of this was that for a total of $4, we got four tickets and four rides, so each child got 2 rides, making them feel like they got to do some of their favorite things.
Step 2. Prepare your kids before you get to the Orange County Fair. For us this is a key step.
The kids knew ahead of time that we were not going to ride a bunch of rides or play a bunch of games. If we're going to do that, we come when they're $2 each.
By preparing the kids, we limited the amount of complaints and upset from not getting to do all of the rides and it works pretty well.
Step 3. Bring food and snacks. There is so much temptation at the Orange County Fair, very little of it good for you, so pack a few snacks and some water bottles. This cuts back on costs and makes the Fair healthier (which I know is antithetical).*
Step 4. Free parking. We are close enough to the Orange County Fair to be able to ride our bikes, but there are other options to free or inexpensive parking by parking in remote lots.
Step 5. Discover all the Fair has to offer for free. We signed up for the Knott's Berry Farm pie eating contest, watched the pig races, petted farm animals, posed for pictures, looked at lovely photos and watched glass blowers. There is so much to do at the Fair that is part of the admission, why not enjoy it.
Someone was even kind enough to give the kids a huge monkey. (Have you ever tried to take home a giant ape in a bicycle trailer?)
We spent four hours at the Orange County Fair on $4 and had a blast.
What other suggestions do you have for enjoying the Orange County Fair or other local places for cheap? We'd love to hear them.
* Please check rules on outside food and drink. No one commented on ours during the bag check.
Originally posted at Orange County Fair on $4.
***************************************************************************
About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.
Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.
If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes. Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.
Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.
Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.
Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS)
- You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.
- Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and
- Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.
Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.
Wow $4 is a great price for a day of fun! We have a fair in Helotes, Texas called Cornyval. Wish they had a good deal like this!
Thinking of you in Costa Rica!
Cathy - I have to say, I'm very envious of the Costa Rica thing ; )
As to the OC Fair, you have to try very hard to make it a $4 deal.
I'm telling you that pigs are faster than you think! If you haven't watch one of these races, they are not only funny and entertaining, but it is an education experience, because most people don't think about pigs being great runners. But, I can tell you those short little legs can move.
Todd - They really do move, especially the ones that escape and run their own race.
Christine $4 for four people is impressive!!! Great tips though, especially taking in all the free events and entertainment available