How to Take Babies to the LA County Fair

Plan a baby-friendly LA County Fair visit with play areas, quiet breaks, and stroller access.

This guide is for parents and caregivers heading to the LA County Fair with babies or young children. After following the steps, you will know where to play, where to rest, what to bring, and how to move through the fair with less stress.

Before you start

• LA County Fair tickets or admission plan
• Official fair website: lacountyfair.com
• Fair dates: through May 31, Thursday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day Monday, May 25
• Fair hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
• Stroller or wagon plan, or rental budget
• Baby essentials: diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes for adults and children

Step 1: Map the toddler play zones

Start by choosing the fair areas that are built for short attention spans and active little bodies. Expo Hall 7 has inflatable bounce houses, games, and escape rooms, while the pirate-themed play area near the lagoon gives toddlers a sandbox and space for imaginative play.

Use these spots as your first stop so children can burn energy before the fair gets crowded or they get tired.

You should see obvious family play spaces, kid-sized activities, and enough room to pause without committing to a long line.

Step 2: Pick the best kid-friendly sights

After playtime, head to attractions that are easy for babies and young children to enjoy without needing a lot of walking or waiting. The Garden Railroad offers model trains at eye level for little kids, and the Flower and Garden Pavilion adds color, lights, and sounds that can hold their attention.

If your child likes puppets or animals, the Bob Barker Marionette Show and Barnyard Racers are good options. The marionette show runs Sundays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

You should see your child watching trains, puppets, or small-scale races instead of getting overwhelmed by the full fairgrounds.

Step 3: Build in quiet breaks and feeding stops

Plan rest time before your child is overtired. A shady grove behind the Millard Sheets building gives you tables, trees, and a calmer place to feed a baby or take a nap. The Hill is another stroller-friendly, shaded route with picnic tables at the top for a quieter break.

If you need a dedicated feeding space, look for the mother’s room near the Grandstand and the lost child office. Bathrooms with changing tables are also available throughout the grounds.

You should be able to stop, feed, change, or reset without leaving the fair.

Step 4: Arrange stroller and wagon logistics

Decide before arrival whether you will bring your own stroller or rent one at the fair. Strollers and wagons are available at the blue, yellow, and red entrance gates. Rentals cost $15 for a stroller, $20 for a wagon, and $20 for a double stroller.

If you have more than one child or expect a long visit, a wagon or double stroller can make naps, snacks, and gear easier to manage.

You should know where to go at the entrance and avoid carrying tired children and supplies by hand all day.

Step 5: Use the fair’s family policies to save time

Take advantage of the admission rules and timing details that help families. Children under age five get in free, which can lower the cost of a family visit. Since the fair is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., many families do best by arriving earlier in the day, when temperatures and crowds are often easier to handle.

Keep your route simple: play area, one or two sights, rest stop, then exit if your child is done. That approach works better than trying to cover the whole fair.

You should see a smoother visit with fewer meltdowns and less backtracking.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without a rest plan. Fix: mark the mother’s room, changing tables, and a shaded break area before you enter.
• Trying to see too much in one visit. Fix: choose one play zone, one attraction, and one quiet stop, then leave if the child is done.
• Forgetting stroller or wagon logistics. Fix: decide in advance whether to bring one or rent at the blue, yellow, or red gates.

What's next

If you want to plan a fuller family outing, check the fair’s map, food options, and daily event schedule on the official LA County Fair site, then build a route around naps, meals, and the attractions your child will actually enjoy.