It's OC Fair Time!

Mmmmm... the smell of deep fried treats (think Twinkies and Snickers bars) and chocolate dipped bacon is in the air.... we all  know what that means- the OC Fair is in town!

Going to the fair is an annual tradition in this household. But, as our family grows, and our bank account seems to shrink, it is hard to rationalize a trip to the fair for a family of 5 (and a preggo mommy who HAS to have a pickle and funnel cake!)

Well, I have some tips that will hopefully help you save you some $$$ so you enjoy the fair during it's short lifespan this summer. (The fair runs until August 15!)

General Info:
Hours: Open Wed-Sun (yes- they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays- good to know!)
Open 10am to 9pm  (but, they happen to be open Tues, July 27 for some odd reason)

Admission Prices:
General (ages 13-59) $10
Child (6-12) $5
Senior (60+) $5
Children under 6- Free!

Parking: $7  
Preferred Parking: $12
*We like to park across the street by the Police Station and walk- it's usually $5 or so, and so worth it!

Weekly Deals- the good stuff :)
Free Admission for active military with valid ID

"We Care Wednesdays" 
Free Admission from noon-6 pm and 1 carnival ride with the following:


7/28 Book Drive: One new children's book or 3 gently used books
8/4 Clothing Drive: 5 gently used clothing items
8/11 School Supply Drive: Donation of 1 school supply item valued at $3 or more. 


Wednesdays and Thurdays- Unlimited rides $25. Sold until 5pm, valid until 8pm.


Kids Free Thursdays- Kids admission (under 12) free all day!


Fridays- noon-4pm  $1 Food Tastings
All rides $1 on Fridays until 7pm

Here is my plan :)
Go on a Wednesday
Drive through Taco Bell or McDonalds for a quick and cheap bite to eat on the way.
Park across the street, around 5:30 or so.
Bring the donation items (enough to cover 3 admissions)


The most expensive part is the rides (and food!). Last year, we were lucky to run into a youth group as they were leaving, and they gave the kids their wristbands for unlimited rides (score!) which lasted until 7pm. If this doesn't happen, I would suggest buying each child their own card (maybe $10 or so), and explaining to them once it's gone, it's gone! Give them a little freedom to pick and choose which rides they want to go on. My goal is to spend no more than $40- and this is totally do-able! Oh, and mommy gets a funnel cake for dessert, of course ;)