Fair Rides: A Safety Guide for Parents

Who regulates fair rides?

Rules for amusement rides are set by states and sometimes counties or cities, and they differ widely. Some places require inspections and permits, and others rely more on local practice and the ride company. We do not state any rule here.

To learn how it works where you live, ask the fair office or your state agency that oversees amusement rides. Many fairs post inspection information near the ticket booth or the entrance to the midway.

Ask the fair office, not a stranger on the midway, if you want to know how rides are checked. Operators often work long shifts in the heat, so a calm and polite tone helps. If you have a concern, bring it to a supervisor or the fair office, not to the person running the controls while the ride is moving.

What should I check before my child rides?

Read the sign at the entrance of every ride. It lists height, age and sometimes health or size limits set by the manufacturer. Measure your child where the sign directs, and do not argue with the operator about the limit.

Look at the ride as it runs. Notice whether it moves smoothly, whether restraints are used on every rider and whether the operator is attentive.

Take a moment to check the ground around the ride for trip hazards, and watch how riders look when they exit. Smiling riders and an orderly exit are good signs. Frightened or upset riders may mean the ride is more intense than the sign suggests.

• Posted height and age limits
• Restraints used on every rider
• Attentive operator at the controls
• Clean, orderly loading area

How do I read the operator and the ride?

A good operator greets riders, checks each restraint and watches the ride the whole time. Staff should not use a phone while the ride is running. If an operator seems distracted, rushes the loading or ignores a restraint that is not secure, choose another ride.

Look for a stop button within reach and a staff member at the controls. These are signs of a well-run ride.

If something seems wrong, tell the fair office. You can also watch a full cycle of loading and unloading. Operators who walk the platform, test each restraint and signal clearly before starting are doing the job the way it should be done.

How do I teach my child to ride safely?

Explain the rules before the ride. Keep hands and feet inside, stay seated, hold the bar and wait until the ride stops fully before standing. Practice at a gentle ride first.

Tell your child it is fine to say no. A child who feels afraid should be able to skip a ride without teasing.

Remind children to follow the operator's instructions. For teenagers, a short talk about not rocking seats, not standing up, and not trying to impress friends can prevent bad decisions. Peer pressure is common on the midway.

What about loose items and clothing?

Secure bags, phones and glasses, and check the ride's rules for loose items. Many rides have lockers or a place for belongings. Hats, scarves and long loose strings can be hazards on fast rides.

Wear closed shoes. Sandals can fall off, and bare feet are not allowed on many rides.

Leave items with a non-riding adult. Check pockets before boarding, since coins, keys and phones can fall out and become hazards below. Long hair should be tied back on fast or open rides.

Who should skip certain rides?

Posted signs often list health considerations, such as heart conditions, back or neck problems, pregnancy or motion sickness. If you have a health concern, talk to your provider and follow the posted rules. We do not give medical advice.

Some rides are not suitable for small children even if they meet the height limit, so use your judgment.

Respect any ride limits for accessibility needs and consult the ADA website for general information. Pregnant riders, people with recent surgery or injuries, and anyone unsure about a health condition should ask their own provider before riding and should follow every posted warning.

What if something goes wrong?

If you see a problem, tell a staff member or the fair office right away. If someone is hurt, call for help and find first aid staff or the nearest emergency worker. Do not try to climb onto a ride or move a person who is injured.

After an incident, the fair and local officials decide how to respond. Follow their instructions.

Keep the fair office number or the location of the guest services booth in your phone before you start, and remind children to find a uniformed staff member if they are separated from you.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.