A large extended family walks while holding hands under a tree in a park while smiling and laughing with each other before heading to county fairs in illinois

5 County Fairs In Illinois For Some Wholesome Family Fun

Is there any other experience quite as midwestern as the county fair? This is your chance to celebrate the people who keep your town going. From sampling produce to meeting some adorable animals, these annual events give you the perfect way to reconnect with your community! As a Springfield family photographer, you can bet a trip to the fair is always on my schedule. If you are looking for the best county fairs in Illinois, here are the ones I think you need to visit! 

Get The Family Out For Some Fun At These Great County Fairs In Illinois

Sangamon County Fair

318 W Birch St. New Berlin, Illinois 62670

The Sangamon County Fair happens each June in New Berlin, Illinois! For five days, you will get the chance to listen to some live music, check out interactive exhibits, judge livestock, and watch a talent show. Over at the carnival section, you can enjoy gravity-defying rides and giant slides. They also offer sensory-friendly hours on Wednesday. 

A grandma and grandpa smile while standing with their toddler grandsons in matching blue shirts and jeans

Menard County Fair

18450 Fairgrounds, Petersburg, Illinois 62675

The Menard County Fair is a proud Petersburg, Illinois tradition that kicks off in the middle of each July! They offer fun experiences for people of all ages with live music, kids’ exhibits, and a demolition derby. They even offer camping grounds for those who want to turn this into a vacation. Get ready for delicious food and unforgettable memories as you come out and celebrate! 

Heart of Illinois Fair

1601 West Northmoor Rd, Peoria, Illinois 61614

The Heart of Illinois Fair happens in the middle of July in Peoria. This is the best way to celebrate our amazing state! This week-long event gives you everything you could ever want out of a fair. You’ll get to meet some animals over at the petting zoo, ride carnival rides, see a live performance, and enjoy all the fried food your stomach can handle! 

Champaign County Fair

1302 N Coler Ave, Urbana, Illinois 61803

The Champaign County Fair is an annual tradition that dates all the way back to the 1850s, when Illinois farmers would spend a day showing off their best livestock. The fair has evolved quite a bit since then, keeping the cattle while adding in tractor contests, monster trucks, carnival rides, and delicious, locally-made food! 

Happy mom and dad stand under a tree in a park with their two giggling toddler sons in matching jeans and blue shirts before heading to county fairs in illinois

McLean County Fair

1106 Interstate Dr, Bloomington, Illinois 61705

The McLean County Fair is the largest county 4-H fair in the entire world! It is a must-visit for everyone around the Bloomington-Normal area. You can swing by during the last week of July and create some memories you will never forget. In addition to live performances and fantastic food, they offer a horse show, monster trucks, carnival rides, STEAM day, and markets from local makers.

Your Family Will Love Avoiding The Usual Spots With These County Fairs In Illinois

If you have been looking for the best way to celebrate this state, I just know you are going to make these county fairs in Illinois your new family tradition. Add them to your calendar so you don’t miss a single moment. 

Are you looking for more ways to make memories with your family? Then I would love to chat! I am a Springfield family photographer, and I adore working with parents to help them document every magical moment together. If you would like to learn more about scheduling a session, you can send me a message so we can connect! 

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