Arizona State Fair's top kid-friendly thrills: The best rides for young adventurers
Get ready for laughs and screams this year at the Arizona State Fair where there are rides and attractions for people of all ages, with a few especially suited to families with young children.
Sure there are rollercoasters and other thrill rides for the brave of heart, but when it comes to kids' rides, the fair truly shines.
The Arizona State Fair is taking place from September 22 to October 29, from Thursday to Sunday with gates opening at 12 p.m. Tickets can be bought in sets, such as 40 tickets for $50. Rides require 4-20 tickets each. On Thursdays, you can purchase wristbands for unlimited rides at a cost of $50.
From whimsical carousel rides to exhilarating mini-coasters designed just for them, this is your guide to the best rides for kids and families at the Arizona State Fair.
Arizona State Fair 2023 discounts How to get ride wristbands and free admission
Balloon Ride
This ride mimics hot air balloons as it lifts riders up and down as kids use their own steering wheels to control how fast they want to spin around.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Carousel
Everyone knows them and everyone loves them. Whimsical animals or character-themed seats move in a slow and steady circular pace, making it fun to wave to any waiting friends or family as you glide by.
How many tickets: 4 tickets
Height requirement: Must be 32"
Little Dipper
Roller coasters are known to be big and scary, but this space-themed roller coaster offers milder thrills, making it suitable for younger riders looking for a less intense coaster experience.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Mini Bumper Cars
Everyone knows the classic fair ride of bumper cars, but this one is strictly for the kids. These pint-sized vehicles provide a fun way for kids to experience the thrill of bumping into each other while driving.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Motorcycles
Kids can get on top of mini motorcycles and feel the breeze hit their faces as they go around in a circular motion.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 34"
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Survival Island
This walk-through jungle-themed playground obstacle course allows kids to navigate tunnels, slides, bridges, hanging punching bags and climbing walls, which should leave them either worn out or wanting to do it over and over again.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Tea Cups
Prepare to get dizzy at this classic spinning amusement ride. The teacups rotate around and around allowing riders to control the speed and intensity of the spinning by turning a central wheel in the teacup. This spinning motion creates a fun and dizzying experience for riders as they twirl.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Tug Boat
Designed to resemble a miniature tugboat, this ride spins around, giving the illusion that the tugboats are rocking back and forth as if riding on waves.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 42"
Winky the Whale
Kids ride the seven seas on the back of colorful whales as Winky bounces up and down in circles. Up to two kids can fit in each whale.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Wiggle Wurm
A mini rollercoaster going in a gentle up-and-down motion, children can enjoy the ride in small worm-shaped or bird-shaped cars that chase each other around in a circle, creating a fun and playful experience.
How many tickets: 4 tickets.
Height requirement: Must be 36"
Arizona State Fair discounts and tickets for kids
General admission is $15; free for age 7 and younger. To purchase ride tickets, visitors can download the RCS FunPass app. Here's how much ride tickets cost on the app:
16 tickets for $20
40 tickets for $50
60 tickets for $75
80 tickets for $100
This year the state fair will include various admission and ticket discounts for kids such as the Read and Ride program for which kids can read a book and earn a free ride. Go to azstatefair.com/readandride for complete details.
For free admission, you can bring 10 nonperishable food items to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank and receive one free admission every Friday.
Details: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771, azstatefair.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The best kid-friendly rides at the 2023 Arizona State Fair
