THE BALLOON MAN

State Fair Meadowlands Set for Kid-Pleasing Fun,
June 22-July 8


 

By Mel Fabrikant    
Wednesday, April 18, 2012   


Featuring the largest Kiddieland in New Jersey, Free Animal and Thrill Shows, Geocaching and Family-Friendly Facilities


State Fair Meadowlands, home to New Jersey’s largest “Kiddieland” amusement area, is set to return for 17 days of fun for children of all ages this summer, running from June 22 through July 8 at the New Meadowlands Fairgrounds, next to the Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford. The fair will return with over 25-kid friendly rides – including the Rockin Tug, the Caterpillar Coaster, Construction Zone, Bumble Bee, and of course, the traditional Merry-Go-Round – as well as special fair games where kids of all ages can step up to win their favorite prizes. Have a picky eater at home? No worries, there is something for every kid to enjoy, from curly fries, chicken fingers and pizza to cotton candy, fruit smoothies and ice cream.


Once you’ve entered the fair, shows are free. Children will love Circus Maximus, a tent circus with acrobats and animal shows, as well as the Live Shark Encounter, an entertaining and educational water show with real sharks. Wild animal fans can check out The Big Cat Show, with gorgeous performing lions, tigers and ligers. And, kids will love cheering on the Racing Pigs as they snort their way around a hilarious racetrack.


New this year will be Geocaching, a real-world outdoor treasure hunt that will be a hit with every member of the family. Containers will be placed throughout the fair, filled with prizes, and fair goers will be able to use their GPS-enabled devices such as smartphones to participate as well as share their experiences online.


“For just $5 admission on weeknights and $7 on weekends and holidays, you can bring a child to State Fair Meadowlands and enjoy the country’s best live animal shows, circus performers, rock bands and petting zoo,” said Al Dorso, President of State Fair Meadowlands. “We even offer a ‘Kids Go Free’ night on June 27, where any child 12 and under gets into the fair for free.”


Also new this year will be children’s karaoke. For older children and teens, don’t miss the Skyride, as well as the BATCOPTER from the original Batman TV show, providing panoramic rides of the fair and New York City. On the evenings of July 3 and 4, fairgoers will be treated to State Fair Meadowland’s world-class fireworks shows. 


The fair also offers comfort stations, conveniently located in Kiddieland, with diaper changing and family bathrooms, as well as covered private areas for mothers and babies. For more information about the fair, bargain days and promotions, visit www.njfair.com.


About State Fair Meadowlands 


State Fair Meadowlands is the largest fair in the New York metro area, with over 150 rides and attractions occupying over 35 acres of fairgrounds plus parking. This year’s fair features thrilling rides, free entertainment – including the Big Cat Show, the Live Shark Experience and Racing Pigs – and acres and acres of food vendors. Special discounts and promotions include opening Dollar Night, Kids Go Free Night, Midnight Madness, Cheap Cheap Night and Patron Appreciation Day. Fair hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to midnight; Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to midnight. Special hours on July 3 are 4:00 pm to 2:00 am, and on July 4, 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. On Friday, June 22, opening night, gates open at 4 p.m. This year, the fair is offering free parking Monday through Wednesday and just $4 all other days, including July 4. On June 22, opening night, parking is just $1. Visit www.njfair.com  for more information.