Free Activities
Expanding the creative world through kid fun
Free Activities Galore!
Once you are at the Fair all these activities are free!
The San Mateo County Fair is a perfect family outing, we offer free activities and attractions that are fun for everyone!
San Mateo County Fair Farm
Location: Barn
Come visit the Farm – see animals raised on local San Mateo County Farms entered into the Fair for Ribbons and Prizes by our 4-H participants and Future Farmers of America. From rabbits, turkeys and chickens to lambs, pigs, goats and steers. See all the barn animals at the Farm.
The Great American Duck Race
Location: Gate 5
The Great American Duck Race features live Mallard ducks raced on a water track. You may be one of the lucky ones chosen to hold and release one of the world’s fastest mallards into it’s racing lane. Prizes are awarded to all winners. These ducks have been featured on the Tonight Show, Wall Street Journal and People Magazine. It will definitely quack you up! “You can’t watch a duck race without smiling.”
Family Fun Zone
Location: Expo Hall- Creative Kids
The Family Game Zone made its debut at the 2018 San Mateo County Fair.. It was created with the idea that people of all ages could have an area to be enjoyed together. Some of the games you’ll find there are Life Size Connect 4, Corn Hole, Life Size Chess and Checkers, and Classic Ring Toss. Make and Take projects will also be available.
San Mateo's Creative Kids
Location: Expo Hall
Get in on the fun and tradition of SAN MATEO’S KIDS, San Mateo County Fair’s creative and educational competitions for kids from pre-school through high school. Check out the all-new 2021 competitions such as Art, Photography, Sewing, Science, Hobby Collections, Quilting, Needlework, Woodworking, Drafting, and Creative Writing are always popular…and so much fun! It’s easy to enter!
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs
Location: West Exterior of Expo Hall
Faster than a speeding train, bigger than a rabbit, and loves Oreo cookies! This show is educational and exciting and includes audience participation, pig trivia, pig cheerleaders, speedway flags, and fun prizes for winning cheerleaders.
Times: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm Daily.
Robotics Zone
Location: Fiesta Hall
Don’t miss San Mateo County’s finest Robotics competitors as they demonstrate their skill in robotics and capture your imagination. Teams that will be at the Fair include Jefferson Robotics, Aragon Robotics Team, Vulcan Robotics Team and more.
Black History Museum
Location: Event Pavilion
The Domini Hoskins Black History Museum showcases more than 100 exhibits at the San Mateo County Fair.
Fritters
Location: Strolling Grounds Act
Fritters area fantastically friendly, furry, fluffy flock of costumed critters that can be found throughout the fairgrounds begging for your attention, hugs, and photo opportunities. Look for the Fritters throughout the Fair as they are sure to be close by!
Balloonacy
Location: Strolling Grounds Act
Dennis Forel, one of America’s foremost Balloon Sculptors, has been performing since the Ides of March 1975. His repertoire of over 108 different animals, have taken him to state and county fairs, amusement parks, shopping centers, and special events throughout the Western U.S., Alaska, Mexico, Japan, and the Bahamas.
Louie Foxx Magician
Location: Strolling Grounds Act / Community Stage
Audiences across the USA love Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side Show and you will too. Howie Mandel called Louie’s performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent “Fantastic” and the International Brotherhood of Magicians said Louie was “incredible.”
Zoey the Butterfly
Location: Strolling Grounds Act
Catch a glimpse of Zoey the Butterfly as she flutters and flies around the fairgrounds. Brightly colored and towering above even the tallest of people. She will be dancing and posing for pictures–hopefully you will get a chance to see Zoey!
Sky River Butterflies
Location: Fiesta Hall
Butterflies have fascinated us for thousands of years, from their humble beginnings as a caterpillar to their emergence from their chrysalis as butterflies, theirs is an amazing life cycle.
In many cultures, butterflies symbolize love, freedom, and the rebirth of the immortal soul. For centuries, collectors and philosophers poured over the biology of butterflies and the fascinating patterns coded on their wings.
Come and learn about butterflies. Feed them. Enjoy them and take LOTS of pictures!
San Mateo County Libraries Bookmobile
Location: Expo Hall
The San Mateo County Libraries Bookmobile brings essential library programs and services to residents throughout the County. Mobile services allow us to engage with patrons beyond our buildings. The Bookmobile offers a collection for children and adults, including new movies and books, magazines, WiFi hotspots, Spanish language materials, and other popular items.
Hillia
Location: Strolling
Hillia Hula Hoop Extraordinaire pushes the creative limits of hula hooping with jaw-dropping tricks. She strives to create a memorable experience for her audience and spread joy.
Toytopia
Location: Expo Hall
Toytopia visitors learn about the origins of toys, who made them, and why they are fun and dear to us. They discover why some toys succeeded and some failed, as well as which toys have become collector’s items and why. Toytopia satisfies the curiosity of visitors of all ages with beautiful, compelling, and informative displays. Photo opportunities include a Monopoly car token big enough to sit in and the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, standing at 8’ high. Toytopia is not just about toys. Real working video arcade games from the 1970s and 80s are available for play. There’s also a life-size dollhouse!
Makermobile
Location: Expo Hall
San Mateo County Libraries’ Makermobile is a zero-emission vehicle built to deliver maker programs beyond our libraries. It is designed to “unfold” at each new destination, releasing movable carts that roll out and station around the vehicle transforming the surrounding location into a bustling pop-up makerspace. Equipped with built-in display cabinets, a video monitor for maker inspiration and awnings for shade protection, the vehicle invites visitors to stop and explore.
Photo courtesy of San Mateo County Libraries
Roberto the Magnificient
Location: Strolling Grounds Act
Captivating audiences for more than two decades, Roberto the Magnificent is recognized as one of the nation’s most unique variety acts performing throughout the USA. Roberto the Magnificent has appeared at thousands of events from civic performances, state fairs, music & arts festivals and schools.
Beats Of The Islands
Location: Sequoia Hall (6/1 All Day)
Experience the vibrant rhythms and rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands at the Beats of the Islands exhibit during Pacific Islands Day on Saturday, June 1st. Explore captivating exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands, including music, dance, arts, crafts, and cuisine. Immerse yourself in the beauty and uniqueness of each island’s culture, from Hawaii to Samoa, Fiji to Tonga, and beyond.
Paid Attractions
Pacific Northwest Camels
At Pacific Northwest Camels, our goal is to teach people about these rare domesticated animals that are the camel. The San Mateo County Fair offers a unique activity – and photo opportunity! – to meet and ride on the friendly animals. Camel rides at the Fair are available June 9 thru 13 only.
Eurobungy
Reach new heights, do flips, catch air! This isn’t your average backyard trampoline. This a bungee trampoline.
Rock Wall
Explorers, thrill-seekers, problem-solvers – do you have the skills it takes to climb the Rock Wall? It’s challenging, but a reward awaits if you can make it to the top!
Roaming Railroad
The Roaming Railroad serves the entire Northeast with some of the best family entertainment available. Not just a kid’s ride, the Roaming Railroad was custom built to accommodate adults, making it a true family attraction.
Petting Zoo
All Smiles Entertainment Petting Zoo brings fun and joy to all age groups. The Petting Zoo consists of fluffy alpacas, lovely Nigerian dwarf goats, bigger Nubian goats, minutare cows and also a miniature donkey. They also bring small furry bunnies, small ducks and friendly sheep that will brighten your day at the Fair.
Sports Cages
