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5 Reasons to Visit the Florida State Fair in Tampa this Year

Thank you to the Florida State Fair for hosting us for the day to help facilitate this post.

Reasons You'll Love The Florida State Fair

The Florida State Fair is back!  We spent an amazing day of family fun at the fair last weekend, and I must say it is a Florida tradition that you shouldn’t miss out on!  The Florida State Fair will be at the fairgrounds through February 18th, so make sure to pick a day, gather your family together, and go make some great memories.

Florida State Fair 2019 Logo

Here are 5 Reasons to Visit The Florida State Fair

Cracker Country

Being a Boston Native, this was our first time at the fair, and all I knew about Cracker Country was that my kids raved about it and came home with handmade candles when they went for a school field trip.  So, I was thrilled to see that Cracker Country is part of the Florida State Fair!  We spent the first couple hours of our day exploring this living history museum and immersing ourselves in the life of the original Florida pioneers.  We learned how they spun wool into yarn, weaved baskets, and so much more.

Cracker Country Tampa Florida

Cracker Country at Florida State Fair

Fair Food

After spending a couple hours in Cracker Country we exited back out the main area of the fair, and started to indulge on all the yumminess the Florida State Fair has to offer!  The first thing we tried were some deep fried cookies,  I had heard about fried OREOS before, but this was my first time trying them, and my sweet tooth was in love!  Some other delicious things we tried at the fair included pulled pork poutine, bacon wrapped chicken on a stick, and Tiki Tea.  Our bellies were very happy, and I am thinking about going back this week just to try some more of the great food vendors.

Florida State Fair Food

Fried Oreos at The Florida State Fair

Incredible Shows

With live music, animal races and presentations, competitions, and a full circus act, the Florida State Fair is packed with shows that will peak everyone’s interest.  Make sure to check out the entertainment guide when you arrive, so that you don’t miss any of the best acts.

Florida State Florida Circus

Photo Courtesy of The Florida State Fair

The Animal experiences

My kids are huge animal lovers, so they spent the most time in the barn area, specifically in the Mooternity Ward section. Where we got to witness a baby cow being born and Aidan got to hold and play with a baby pig that melted his heart.  There is also milking demonstrations, pony rides, and lots of places to feed the animals.

Animals at The Florida State Fair

Mooternity Ward Florida State Fair

The Rides

When we drove past the fair, we could see the rides from the highway and my kids were instantly jumping in their seats.  The showstopper of them all has to be the Midway Sky Eye Wheel, the largest traveling Ferris Wheel that brings riders up 155 feet!  The fair is also packed with smaller Ferris Wheels, fun houses, roller coasters, and rides that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Rides at The Florida State Fair

Promotional Days at The Florida State Fair

Heroes Day – February 7th, 2019
Military and Emergency Responders receive free admission for themselves and up to three guests with their official ID.

$2 Tuesday After 2 PM – February 12, 2009
Guests receive $2 admission, $2 Midway rides, $2 select food and games.Midway opens at 1:00p.m

$5 Admission After 5 PM – February 15th, 2019
Guests receive $5 admission after 5:00 p.m

Fair Cares For The Hungry Day – February 18th, 2019
Sponsored by Publix & Feeding Tampa Bay, $5 admission with the donation of two or more non-perishable/canned food items from Publix

Sky Wheel at The Florida State Fair

Visiting the Florida State Fair

When:
The Florida State Fair is open from February 7th – 18th, 2019

Where:
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, Florida 33610

Cost:
Daily admission into the fair is $13 for adults and $7 for kids over 5 years old.
Ride tickets are sold separately, however, if you plan to go on more than a couple rides I highly recommend purchasing a Ride Armband for $35.  

Want to save time and money? Buy your tickets in advance online here!

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5 Comments

  1. I love everything about the fair! The food looks so delicious! Now, if only I am close I would love to go there!

  2. Our kids LOVE animals, especially the girls. They could spend all day around these animals. I would love for our family to visit the Florida State Fair.

  3. I just love going to state fairs. The Florida State Fair sounds like a great time for the family!

  4. I love the state fair I didn’t even know Florida had one. Thank goodness we are heading that way next year for a extended time I may want to check it out. I’m a state fair food snob!!

  5. Would love to have and see some road landscapes – we don’t get much road trip here in Florida! Loved watching the new posts and so happy it did well!

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