Del Mar Fair 2012

San Diego County Fair or a.k.a Del Mar Fair 2012 has been open since June 8, 2012. It’s located on Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014. Open every day from June 8 to July 4 2012, except Mondays (except July 2nd).

Del Mar Fair Tickets

Before going there, I asked my kid to finish reading 10 books so he could earn a free admission ticket. Normally this ticket is $7 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and younger.

Just download a reading certificate to keep track the books your kids read,  have a librarian signed it and bring the certificate to the admission gate. That’s all you have to do.

For adult tickets, I went to Albertson to get them at $11 each (instead of $13 at the gate).

Parking

Free parking offered at the nearby Horsepark. There will be free shuttle buses that carry people to or from Del Mar Fair to Horsepark. I highly recommend people to use this free parking facility. When we came we only waited for a few minutes for a bus to come. And no long line. There is often long line on weekends or holidays.

When going home, just go to the same bus stop for Horsepark and wait for the bus.

Safety First

When arriving, we just went straight to the admission gates. Have your bags ready for checking at the metal detector gates.

Also it’s a good idea to get the kids band at the information booth right after the entrance once you get in. On the band you may write your name and cellphone number in case the kids get lost. Wrap it around your kids’ wrists.

Another thing suggested by the drive, take the photos of your kids on your smartphone or camera, just in case something happens.

Time

We went at a perfect time on Wednesday almost noon time. It was cloudy and there weren’t many lines and crowds. We got in and out  pretty fast. There were more people in late afternoon.

Another reason we chose Wednesday is on that day they have Pepsi Pay-one-price Ride day. It means you can buy a $30 wristband at the fair or online that allows you unlimited access to all rides in Fun Zone and Kiddieland, except the arcades. This really offers good value especially for the kids and the accompanying adult because usually we end up spend many tickets.

Wristband can be purchased online and redeemed at special booths at the fair.

Rides

All rides are divided into 2 areas, the Fun Zone for adults and the Kiddieland for kids. Most rides require certain height (sometimes age) to be able to ride on alone or with an adult. So mom and dad you have to get some tickets too or get your wristband.

All rides need coupons with different amount. The Giant Ferris Wheel needs 6 while the small one only 4 coupons (maybe, sorry I don’t remember). Compare to buying coupons, I find that purchasing a wristband saves more money. The coupon adds up quickly. Each is 75 cents.

Tips: there are many ticket booths scattered around in the Fun Zone or Kiddieland. So if one booth in front of you have a long line you can go and find another one that’s empty.

Foods

Del Mar Fair is widely know as the home for the wackiest foods you have to try. From  chocolate covered bacon to totally fried frog legs are available for you to choose. There are so many fried and grilled foods.But my dear husband decided to cook for us that day to eat there so we can save some money.

There are also many mouth-watering sweet treats such as potato donuts,  funnel cake (just knew they have red velvet funnel cake there, which I really wanted to try),  whipped cream puff, ice cream and many more.

Concert

Del Mar Fair has tonnes of shows and concerts, which we didn’t care to go last time because we thought we went there just for the rides. We would come back later for the show.

One show I was happy to be able to see is Bandaloni, the One Man Band. There was this one man with a bunch of instruments attached or wired to him so he could play a full music alone. This man was so amazing and talented that I simply couldn’t imagine how he could do it.

We spend our whole afternoon there just for the rides. To visit all booths, shows and rides, we need at least 2 days. Usually on July 4th, there are a lot more going on plus they have Fireworks (for about 30 minutes the last time we went). So on that day you can spend your whole day there until evening. But beware, the parking can be chaotic too.

So have you been to Del Mar Fair? What is your favorite food, ride or show? Do share your story.