A Mom’s Guide to the Topsfield Fair: 10 Family-Friendly Things to See, Do & Eat

Planning a family day at the Topsfield Fair? Dr Marina is a local mom of two and owner of Great Marsh Pediatric Dentistry.  Here’s her guide to her favorite things to see, do, eat, and experience with kids—including the pig races, animals, kid-friendly rides, giant pumpkin, and a few tips for keeping little smiles healthy along the way.

There are certain things that just feel like fall in New England: crisp mornings, changing leaves, apple cider, and a family day at the Topsfield Fair.  One of the area's biggest seasonal traditions, the Topsfield Fair, returns from October 2 through October 12, 2026. Held at The Topsfield Fairgrounds (207 Boston Street in Topsfield, MA), the fair offers 11 days of activities, food, animals, exhibits, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

As a mom of two young children, the Topsfield Fair has become one of our family's favorite fall traditions. Every year, we make our way to the fairgrounds for a day filled with animals, rides, shows, food, and plenty of laughs.

And while a day at the fair with two young children can sometimes feel a little chaotic, it can also be one of those family experiences that your kids remember for years.

As a pediatric dentist and a mom, I especially love that the Topsfield Fair (2026 Topsfield Fair) offers so much more than the Midway Rides. There are farm animals to see, agricultural exhibits to explore, exciting shows to watch, and plenty of opportunities for children to experience something new.

If you're looking for family-friendly things to do at the Topsfield Fair, here are 10 of my favorites.

1. Visit the Farm Animals

If you have little animal lovers in your family, make time for the barns.

One of the best parts of bringing young children to the Topsfield Fair is getting to see animals up close. Kids can see cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals.

For my kids, wandering through the barns is every bit as exciting as the rides.

It's also a great opportunity to slow down and let children observe, ask questions, and learn about animals and agriculture. The fair also features animal demonstrations and other agricultural events throughout the day, so it's worth checking the schedule before you arrive.

Our favorite part in the barns is when we get the opportunity to pet a rabbit or a chick and get our ribbon!  My kids also loved watching the chicks hatch last year in the Poultry Barn. 

Mom tip: If animals are high on your family's list, consider visiting the barns earlier in the day when everyone has plenty of energy and they are less crowded.

2. Cheer on the Pig Races

The pig races at the Topsfield Fair are a must-see for families with young children.

Watching the pigs race around the track—and even swim—is the kind of silly, high-energy entertainment that keeps kids laughing.  My kids love watching the exciting pig races and cheering on their favorites. 

It's also a great activity for younger children who may not be tall enough for some of the amusement rides.

I recommend checking the daily schedule before your visit and arriving a little early for popular shows. With young kids, I find that having a few scheduled activities on our list makes the day much easier.

3. Enjoy the Kid-Friendly Rides

Of course, we can't visit the Topsfield Fair without spending some time on the rides.

The fair's kid-friendly rides and Kiddie Land area give younger children plenty of opportunities for age-appropriate fun, while older children and adults can enjoy the bigger attractions.

One thing I've learned as a mom of two: set your ride budget before you arrive.

Otherwise, that colorful Kiddie Land can quickly turn into a very expensive game of:

"Mom, can I go on one more?"

If your family plans to ride several attractions, look at the available ride ticket and wristband options before you go. It can help you decide what works best for your family and your budget.

Tip: We usually try to buy ride tickets before we arrive online and pick them up early before the crowds descend on Kiddie Land.  

4. See the Giant Pumpkin

Don't leave the Topsfield Fair without seeing the giant pumpkin!

The Topsfield Fair is famous for its giant pumpkin competition, and seeing one of these enormous pumpkins in person is something kids tend to remember.

For younger children, it's also a fun way to turn an ordinary fair visit into a little science lesson.

How does a pumpkin get that big?

How much does it weigh?

How long does it take to grow?

And how many little pumpkins could fit inside it?

As a mom, I love those unexpected learning moments that happen when we're simply out having fun together.

5. Make Time for the Demolition Derby/Touch-A-Truck or Old Ride Car Park

The Topsfield Fair Demolition Derby is one of the fair's big attractions and a tradition that older kids—and plenty of parents—look forward to.

There is something undeniably exciting about watching cars crash, spin, and compete.

If you're visiting the fair with toddlers or very young children, you may decide that this is one for the older kids and adults. But if you have children who love cars and action, the Demolition Derby can be a memorable part of your fair experience.

Check the schedule ahead of time, and remember that popular events can fill up.

With smaller children, there is a Touch-A-Truck Event planned for Friday at the Fair but one of our favorite things to do is to explore the playground of old ride cars.  I am not sure if this area  has an official name, but it is usually to the side of the Arena near the entrance to the larger Midway rides and has always been a stop for us to play around.  It was the place we spent the most time besides the animals when my kids were toddlers!

6. Explore the Agricultural Exhibits

One of the things I appreciate most about the Topsfield Fair is that there's so much to discover between the rides and food.

Take some time to explore the agricultural exhibits, crafts, flowers, produce, animals, and other displays throughout the fairgrounds.

For children, these exhibits can provide a glimpse into farming, gardening, animal care, and the work that goes into growing and creating the things we see every day.

And sometimes, the things you didn't plan to see end up being the things your kids remember most.  

In the Grange, we always love to see the Lionel Train set up.  My son could watch those trains for hours!  If you have a train enthusiast this is a great stop.

7. Enjoy the Fair Food—With a Little Balance

Let's talk about everyone's favorite subject:

Fair food.

Fair food is part of the experience. Fried dough, cider donuts, french fries, pizza, ice cream, kettle corn, and all kinds of sweet treats are hard to resist.

And as a pediatric dentist, I'm certainly not going to tell my kids they can't have a cider donut at the fair!

Instead, I like to think about the bigger picture.

A special fair day is just that—a special day. Enjoy the treat, but look for opportunities to balance it with a meal or snack that includes some protein, fruit, vegetables, or other filling foods. And don't forget water. Staying hydrated is especially important when you're walking around outdoors for several hours.

One of my favorite parenting rules is that healthy habits don't have to mean missing out on the fun.

We can enjoy the special foods and experiences that come with childhood while still teaching our kids how to take care of their bodies and their teeth.

8. Keep Those Little Smiles Healthy at the Fair

A full day at the fair can mean hours of walking, eating, snacking, and drinking.

One of the easiest choices you can make for your child's teeth is also one of the simplest:

Choose water often.

Water helps keep kids hydrated without adding sugar to everything they drink. It can also be an easy way to balance some of the sweeter foods that come with a day at the fair.

And when you finally make it home—probably tired, happy, and carrying at least one stuffed animal—don't forget the normal bedtime routine.

Even after a busy day, it's still important to:

• Brush your child's teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  
  
• Clean between the teeth daily.
  
  
• Choose water frequently throughout the day.
  
  
• Keep sugary snacks and drinks as occasional treats.
  
  
• Help younger children brush effectively rather than expecting them to do it completely on their own.
  
  

At Great Marsh Pediatric Dentistry, we talk with families about practical ways to build healthy oral habits that fit into real family life. Because as a mom myself, I know that "perfect" parenting isn't the goal. Building healthy routines that you can actually maintain is.

9. Plan Ahead to Avoid the Crowds

If you've ever taken young children to a busy fair, you know that crowds can make a big difference.

A little planning can make your family day much more enjoyable.

Whenever your schedule allows, consider going on a weekday and arriving earlier in the day. Before you leave home, look at the fair schedule and choose a few activities your family really wants to see.

You don't have to do everything.

In fact, trying to see everything may be the fastest way to end up with two overtired kids and one very tired parent.

I like to pick a few priorities—maybe the animals, pig races, a couple of rides, and a favorite food—and then leave some time for wandering.

A stroller or wagon can also be helpful for younger children. And don't forget to build in a few breaks. Little legs get tired!

10. Make the Topsfield Fair a Family Tradition

Ultimately, the best part of the Topsfield Fair isn't one particular ride, show, animal, or snack.

It's doing it together.

It's watching your child's face light up when they see the animals.

It's laughing during the pig races.

It's seeing the giant pumpkin for the first time.

It's riding the carousel.

It's sharing a special treat.

And, inevitably, hearing:

"Can we come back next year?"

As a pediatric dentist in Georgetown, MA, and a mom of two, I know that raising healthy, happy children isn't about making every choice perfectly. It's about creating healthy routines while also making room for fun, family traditions, and the occasional special treat.

That's one reason I love the Topsfield Fair. It feels like childhood.

And if you're a family from Topsfield, Ipswich, Boxford, Rowley, Georgetown, Newburyport, or another North Shore community, I hope you enjoy a wonderful day at the fair—and make a few memories of your own.

Here's to a fun-filled fair, happy kids, and healthy smiles!