Of all the areas of the Ocean Beach Street Fair, the component with the closest connection to this year’s theme of the Wonderland Amusement Park’s 100th anniversary is the Fun 4 Kids area, also known as Wonderland, in the 4800 block of Newport Avenue.
While the entire event is family friendly, the younger will encounter a wealth of activities for ages 3-10. Like its century-old forebear, this mini Wonderland offers a mix of music, rides and fun things for kids and young-at-heart parents. There is also no shortage of kid-friendly food vendors, ranging from traditional treats like snow cones, kettle corn and cotton candy to healthier options.
There is plenty to do for the active youngster. The most visible attraction at Wonderland is the giant inflatable slide, perfect for little daredevils. But organizers said the most popular spot is the pony ride. Even children who don’t want to ride the ponies want to watch them, ensuring a picture-perfect spot for parents. Low-cost rides are available for those 6 months and older and weighing less than 100 pounds.
Visitors will also find carnival-style rides for a reasonable price, including chair swings and spinning teacups. Additionally, various bounce houses and a small merry-go-round will be on site giving smaller children plenty of options.
Other activities include face painting, caricature artists and mimes. It all adds up to Wonderland being a fun and colorful area that will hold a young child’s attention and imagination for hours.
Entertainment on the adjacent Wonderland Stage features primarily acoustic acts, except the bands Destructo Bunny at 3:30 p.m. and The Krass Brothers at 5 p.m.