The Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, more commonly known as the Youth Fair, is considered an iconic attraction for the citizens of Miami and has been for many years. Founded in 1952, it has been held consecutively for 73 years and over seven decades later, this park is still a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Whether students going with their friends or parents taking young children, it is known to enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Tickets costs from $14 to $16 to be allowed into the park itself , but . some guests can get entrance into the park for cheaper, such as those under the age of five and over 65.
This year, it ran from Mar. 13 to Apr. 6, 2025. The fair was originally created to showcase the talents of local students while also allowing 4-H and FFA to share their projects but it has changed over the years, now including and known for its rides and games. Each year, it is held at the fairgrounds in University Park, an area west of Miami-Dade.
“Every year, my best friend and I visit the fair and we always have a great time. This year, they brought a new ride called Downdraft. Despite the long lines, we managed to ride it a few times and had a lot of fun,” freshman Alejandra Perez said.
Now, the fair is a 21-day event featuring rides, carnival food, live music and games. It is closed on the weekends and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Although it is closed on specific days, it still manages to attract hundreds of people daily. This demonstrates how the fair is likely to continue its business for years to come, allowing this tradition to continue.
“The Youth Fair is a yearly event that I always look forward to. I usually get an unlimited rides ticket because I go every week until it closes. It’s a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family for the time of the fair until it closes for the year,” sophomore Sophia Artunuaga said.
The main attraction at the fair is the rides, which are divided into two sections: Kiddieland and Major Rides. With a selection of over 80 rides to choose from, there is a wide variety to suit all interests. Each ride has a height requirement and costs between six to 20 tickets. Guests can avoid this constant hassle of tickets, however, with the quick purchase of a wristband, which is separate from the admission fee. The wristband, priced between $35 and $40 depending on the time and place of purchase, allows guests to enjoy unlimited rides without the hassle of counting tickets and worrying about running low.
“I usually love going to the Youth Fair, but a couple of my favorite rides, like the Ring of Fire and the Bullet Train, were removed this year. I understand that this is probably for the safety of the guests, it was still disappointing because those rides were some of my favorites. Regardless, I still went to the fair since teachers gave out free passes, which motivated me to go,” junior Sofia Atay said.
The fair also hosts a food spot to satisfy every appetite. From elote corn dogs to ice cream served in a waffle, there stands aim to offer something for everyone, regardless of their preferences or mood. The event offers a combination of warm meals to fill attendees up, while also having a selection of classic carnival food, keeping that iconic fair feeling.
After enjoying a filling meal, attendees take a moment to settle before heading back to the rides. Many guests turn to the various games set up throughout the fairgrounds. By paying a small cash fee, visitors can compete to win prizes for themselves or for the friends they brought along.
“This year was my first time going to the fair, and I loved it. My friends showed me around to their favorite rides, and my absolute favorite was the Mega Drop. I can’t wait for the chance to go again,” sophomore Valentina Renay said.
The fair is an attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year. With a combination of music, games and a wide variety of rides, Miami-Dade aims to ensure that guests have a memorable experience, always finding something to enjoy. Ticket prices are variable, and the various food options hope to appeal to many different tastes. For a fair that lasts three weeks, many say it better to attend sooner rather than later.
