Photo: Jeff Tong
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Photo: Estenia Diaz
Maryland State Fair Grounds
★4.4(601 reviews)$$Activity
🕑 3-5 hours for craft shows and smaller events; plan for a full day (6-8 hours) during the Maryland State Fair👶 Best for all ages, with something for everyone. Toddlers enjoy petting zoos and gentle rides during the fair, elementary-aged kids love the carnival attractions and animal exhibits, while tweens and teens appreciate the concerts, competitive events, and bigger thrill rides.🧡 Saved by 80+ families
About
The Maryland State Fair Grounds transforms throughout the year into a hub of family-friendly entertainment, from the iconic 11-day State Fair each August/September featuring carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live shows, to craft fairs, holiday markets, and special events year-round. With its spacious grounds and diverse programming, there's always something exciting happening that captures kids' imaginations while giving parents a taste of Maryland tradition.
Highlights
- ✓Annual Maryland State Fair with carnival rides, midway games, and cotton candy
- ✓Agricultural exhibits featuring farm animals, horse shows, and petting areas
- ✓Live entertainment including concerts, magic shows, and stunt performances
- ✓Seasonal craft fairs and holiday markets perfect for family browsing
- ✓Wide variety of fair food from crab cakes to funnel cakes
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase State Fair tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket booth lines during peak times
- 2.Arrive early in the day (right when gates open) to experience the most popular attractions before crowds build, especially during the annual State Fair
- 3.Bring a wagon or stroller even for older kids,the fairgrounds are expansive and little legs tire quickly
- 4.Download the event schedule beforehand to plan around live shows, animal demonstrations, and special activities so you don't miss highlights
- 5.Pack sunscreen and hats for daytime visits as much of the fairgrounds offer limited shade during summer events
Best Time to Visit
Visit during weekday mornings for craft shows and off-season events to avoid weekend crowds. The Maryland State Fair (late August/early September) is the marquee event but gets very busy on weekends; Thursday or Friday during the fair offers the full experience with lighter crowds.
What to Know
Parking is plentiful but costs vary by event (typically $5-$15 for the State Fair). Food vendors are abundant during major events with kid-friendly options, though outside food policies vary by event, so check ahead.
Seasonal Notes
The main Maryland State Fair runs for 11 days from late August through Labor Day weekend. Holiday-themed events occur November-December. Summer months feature outdoor festivals while spring and fall host craft shows. Check the official calendar as hours and events vary significantly by season, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays often closed outside peak fair season.
Nearby Eats
Head to G&M Restaurant & Lounge (5 minutes away) for their famous crab cakes in a casual family atmosphere, or visit Chick-fil-A on York Road for quick, reliable kid-friendly meals before or after your fairgrounds adventure.
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