The rides, the snacks, the contests, the animals – everyone loves a day at the fair. Here are some of the best outdoor fairs in the GTA the whole family will enjoy.
Milton Fall Fair September 23–25, Milton Fair Grounds
This traditional agricultural fair, held in the same location since 1864, showcases all things rural with the aim of bringing farm life to the city. Kiddos might be learning where their food and milk comes from for the first time as they get up close and personal with farm animals and meet the farmers. Little animal-lovers will also love the equestrian events, kids’ pet show, and dog agility shows, too. In between the truck and tractor pulls, games, and rides, don’t forget to indulge in classic fair confections, like candy apples, cotton candy, and BeaverTails!
Markham Fair September 29–October 2, Markham Fairgrounds
Come one, come all, to Canada’s largest four-day agricultural fair! This fair is jam-packed attractions, events, competitions, and performers. If a monster truck show, So You Think You Can Cook At The Fair competition, extreme cowboy demo, newborn farm animals, and buskers weren’t enough, brace yourself for a thrill a minute at the World’s Finest Shows midway with over 40 rides for thrill-seekers young and old. There’s a giant ferris wheel, the Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl, a haunted mansion – and flying elephants for the little ones. With all that excitement, will you be able to stay up for the fireworks show every night after dusk?
Word on the Street September 25, Harbourfront Centre
No, this fair doesn’t have farm animals or ferris wheels, but it has your favourite Canadian books, magazines, and authors. Word on the Street is a free, outdoor book and magazine fair at Harbourfront Centre that celebrates literacy and the printed word. With hundreds of authors, presenters, and exhibitors, Word on the Street is the biggest outdoor bookstore in the world! Stop by the TD Kidstreet area, where young bookworms can participate in spelling competitions, do interactive crafts inspired by new children’s books, and attend readings of some of the most notable children’s books of the year.
Brampton Fair September 15–18, 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon
Step right up for a day of fun at the Brampton Fair. This year’s theme, Honey Bees & Apple Trees, means a whole lot of delicious treats and adorable crafts. The demolition derby, midway, barrel racing, and classic car show will keep you busy all day, but don’t miss out on Brampton Fair’s Got Talent. This talent competition, open to all amateur performers, holds its first round on the fair’s last day.
Woodbridge Fair October 8–10, Woodbridge Fairgrounds
What better way to spend Thanksgiving weekend than celebrating fall at the Woodbridge Fair? In addition to the petting zoo, Doo Doo the Clown, and an amusement carnival, it’s got fall favourites like the kid-friendly pumpkin carving and pumpkin decorating contests. Little farmers in training can also enter the Farmer’s Challenge for kids to see how they stack up in farming activities like pedaling a tractor, picking apples, digging for carrots, and milking a cow. Free for kids 5 and under.
Uxbridge Fall Fair September 9–11, Elgin Park, Uxbridge
The weekend after Labour Day, bring the whole family to the Uxbridge Fall Fair. In addition to the usual fair events, like the tractor pull, homecraft, live entertainment, and cattle, have a blast watching leaf blower soccer or checking out the cruise-in car show (new for 2016). For the kiddies, there are lots of fun contests to enter and watch, with categories like ugliest bug, most unusual pet, and teddy bear and owner dressed most alike. This year’s women in agriculture theme will be celebrated with speeches and demonstrations from local women in agriculture.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- 30 Best Things To Do in the Fall with Toronto Kids
- 9 Amazing Natural Wonders in Ontario
- What To Do on Thanksgiving Weekend in Toronto with Kids
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