Can I drop my kid at the Mid-State Fair for the day? What parents need to know

The California Mid-State Fair returns to Paso Robles this summer, offering plenty of opportunities for family fun.

But if your youngsters are getting older, craving independence or are a little embarrassed to be seen with their parents, the fair is an entertaining and safe environment for older kids to explore on their own.

The Mid-State Fair is designed to appeal to visitors of all ages by offering rides, games, multiple concert stages, livestock shows and classic carnival treats like cotton candy and popcorn.

With over 400,000 visitors each year, the Mid-State Fair has seen an uptick in middle school and high school visitors, CEO Colleen Bojorquez told The Tribune.

“The CA Mid-State Fair is a family-friendly environment where our staff prioritize fairgoer safety above all else,” Bojorquez said in an email. “This commitment begins at the gates and extends throughout the entire fairgrounds.”

First off, Bojorquez noted,children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult.

Parents are responsible for discussing with their kids what to do in an emergency, but law enforcement and event staff are stationed throughout the fair and in information booths. 

Bojorquez encourages parents to create a plan before they drop their kids off. They should set a clear meeting spot and time, ensure their phones are fully charged and make sure the children know they can approach the event staff for help. 

“With such a large crowd, it is essential that parents provide guidance and closely supervise their children,” Bojorquez wrote in an email. 

The fair runs from July 17 through July 28. It is open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight, and Friday through Sunday, noon to midnight. 

For visitors under 12, daily tickets are $10, with a season pass going for $40. Adults can purchase a daily ticket for $14 pre-sale or $15 at the gate, or they can purchase a season pass for $80.

The fair is also hosting “Kids Day” on the final Friday, when all kids under 12 are eligible for free admission.

The carnival rides have a separate wristband for purchase for one-day use at $35 each. Tickets for individual rides are not available. 

Tickets are available now on the California Mid-State Fair website at midstatefair.com.

This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.