Preschoolers are perhaps most impacted by hands-on experiences. Just how something looks, feels, tastes, or smells certainly leaves an impression with this age group. A great opportunity for children to get their hands on some things they don’t see every day is going on now through Monday, September 6 at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.
A bonus is that most of the attractions that young children will be interested in are free with fair admission. Strolling through the livestock barns presents the opportunity to get up close and personal with pigs, goats, cattle, chickens, rabbits, and much more. There is also a petting farm where children can be surrounded by friendly animals like ducks, a calf, pygmy goats, and hens. They are encouraged to pet them and can learn so much about them even in a short visit. It’s a great chance for children to see how these animals really look and behave, and why it’s so important to be gentle and as empathetic as they can possibly be with them. The fair also provides hand-washing stations at the exit, which will please parents.
Next to the petting farm is a kids’ activity tent, where the little ones can pretend to gather eggs, pick apples, dig for potatoes, and milk a cow. They then “deliver” their goods to the grocer, giving an example of how some of our food might arrive at the store for us to buy.
The Western Heritage Museum—also free with fair admission—covers much of Snohomish County’s history with several interactive displays. Children interested in things that go will have a wide variety of tractors and other farm machinery to look at.
Perhaps not entirely educational, but a lot of fun, are the All-Alaskan Pig Races. Children squeal almost more than the pigs themselves as they race by. There are plenty of opportunities to cheer and develop a favorite throughout the course of the show.
An exhibit that does require an additional fee for admission ($3 for children and $5 for adults) is Days of the Dinosaur. Fifteen motorized dinosaur replicas roar near signs explaining where their fossils were found and what is known about them. There are a few activities for kids at the end, but coloring dinosaur pictures require a dollar for paper and a pretend dig site with “fossils” does not provide any digging tools. The dinosaurs themselves may frighten some young children, too. Use your best judgment as to whether your child has enough interest and if the extra cost is worth it.
This fair is over soon, so if you can’t make it this year, consider it for next year. The Puyallup Fair is also coming up and runs from September 10-26 this year.
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