The Dupage County Fair has so much to offer and the grounds can feel overwhelming for a family with kids, but Kidlist is here with insider tips for the Dupage County Fair to ensure your family has an enjoyable time! The Dupage County Fair was one of the first festivals we went to with our daughter. The farm animals, pig races, and live music kept our family entertained. The Dupage County Fair is proud to be hosting families for 65 years at their fairgrounds and you are going to love all of the fun options there. Check out these insider tips to help find the right activities for your family at the Dupage County Fair!
The video below gives great vignettes for many things you will find at the fair so you can get an idea of what to expect.
Best Time to Go
The lines are shorter on weekdays, which gives you easier access to most attractions! Also, kids are free on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 so you are saving $8 per child if you go on opening day.
What to Bring
If it’s a hot day, don’t worry! There are cooling stations located across the fairgrounds and you can also bring your own water bottles.
Strollers are allowed and they also have wagon rental available on site.
You are welcome to bring your own lunch, however the food is definitely part of experiencing the fair! See the When You Get There section for food favorites and recommendations.
Parking and Biking
All parking is free at the fair! From I-88, take Winfield Road Exit. Go North on Winfield Road to Route 38, East to County Farm Road, North to Manchester, East to Fairgrounds.
Did you know that you can bike to DuPage County Fair? You can ride on the Prairie Path and once you get to the fair, they have designated bike parking. The fairgrounds are located on the Elgin branch, close to where the three branches meet (see the map below).
When You Get There
You will not want to miss the variety of food at DuPage County Fair! Here’s inside info on some favorites. Best corn dog: McKinneys. Be sure to grab a funnel cake and fresh-squeezed lemonade too! Looking for something different from what you would usually find at a fair? Check out La Desma Tacos. All the way from California and some of the best tacos you will ever have!
New attractions are always exciting: Stem-a-palooza! Kids can make their own creations to take home and learn about the environment while doing it.
AgVentureland has lots of super fun activities for your kids and great photo ops for everyone! Kids can dress up like cowboys and cowgirls, see baby chicks, and go on a mini tractor ride.
The family-friendly carnival area is always a huge hit.
Consider entering in the watermelon and pie eating contests for a chance to win great prizes and have some fun while doing it!
Tickets and Discounts
General admission is $8 for children 3-12 years old, $15 for adults 13-61, and $7.50 for seniors. Children 2 and under are free.
Kids are free on Wednesday, the opening day of the fair (you can save $8 per child!).
Buying a Mega Pass online is a great deal and the best bang for your buck. At just $25 (bought online before you go), a mega pass covers admission and unlimited rides for any one day of the fair.
Group tickets are available at a discounted rate of $10 per ticket for groups of 20 or more.
DuPage County Fair Hours
The fair runs from Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, 2019.
Fairground Hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Carnival Hours:
Wednesday, July 24: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thursday, July 25: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday, July 26: – 11:00 am -11:00 pm
Saturday, July 27: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday, July 28: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: For the 65th year, the DuPage County Fair is taking place at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton at 2015 Manchester Road. Parking is free!
