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By KOLLEEN TAYLOR
The Iowa State Fair means different things for different people. For some it's the midway rides, the free entertainment, the enormous number of vendors in the Expo Center, while for others it may be the delicious and sometimes crazy food. The Grandstand performances are always packed full of enthusiastic ticket holders and there is always something for everyone.
For farmers, FFA students and 4-H participants, it's about the competition, whether it is in the livestock area or in the air conditioned exhibit halls. There are opportunities to learn, equipment to view and consider, innovations in conservation practices, and in furthering yields with crop production.
Always set in one of the warmest stretches of summer, it is always challenging to keep the young ones entertained during the fair. But the Iowa State Fair planners have come up with many activities that will engage young ones while the older family members are searching for their ideal activity.
These are some places that should be on every young parents list who venture out to the fair this year. Many of these activities are free, some do require a ticket purchase. Some events are free, and tickets for special events are available at iowastatefair.org at a discount prior to the Fair. Little Hands on the Farm: Located near the Animal Learning Center, the interactive Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm ag adventure lets kids “work” their way through a swine barn, garden, grain bin, apple orchard, chicken coop, tractor shed, cattle barn, sheep barn and dairy barn. Their reward? A visit to the Little Hands’ grocery store to pick out a fruit, granola bar or ice cream treat!
Baby Animals: Just south of Little Hands on the Farm, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center is bursting with baby animals and unforgettable moments. Watch baby goats bounce, ducklings splash or even catch a live birth. Meet real Iowa farmers at the daily Farmer Chat, where you can ask questions and hear what life is like on the farm.
ShenaniGuns! Comedy: Check out the antics of the Wild West with slapstick antics at the ShenaniGuns! Comedy Wild West Show just north of Little Hands on the Farm. The quartet of cut-up cowboys fires off a laugh-a-minute load of funny one-liners, silly sight gags and crack-up cornball comedy. They’ll have Wild West comedy for the whole family.
Free Entertainment for Kids - Bring the whole crew to the Fun Forest Stage, sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union, for a lineup of free entertainment! Catch live shows by Brad Weston and The Rubber Chicken Show with Greg Frisbee!, Plus, keep an eye out for strolling acts like Bandaloni the one-man band, Hillbilly Bob and The AMirrorCAN Men.
Hands On Barn Experiences -Explore Cattle Corner, Horse Haven, Pig Place, and Sheep Stop-interactive exhibits where kids learn about Iowa’s livestock up close. Then, stroll through the Avenue of Breeds (next to the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building), where more than 70 unique animals show off Iowa’s incredible agricultural diversity. Sponsored by Iowa Bankers Association and WHO The Big Show.
Pick A Vegetable – The Garden, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and located north of Little Hands on the Farm, is blooming with hands-on learning. Kids can explore garden beds, learn how veggies grow in Iowa soil and even pick produce that helps feed local families through the Iowa Food Bank. Don’t miss the composting exhibit to learn about sustainability in action.
The All-Iowa Classroom: With a variety of classes for kids ages 5 and up, learn how to make bath bomb and bubble bath making, body spray and lip gloss, and perfume, or learn floral design with your own set of freshly harvested blooms. Ages vary per class. This is not a free ebent, but you can buy your tickets now for these fun learning experiences at iowastatefair.org.
Fun for the Whole Family: Watch thrilling events at Elwell Family Park, where high-energy entertainment like truck and tractor pulls, charros performances, figure 8 races and the demolition derby take center stage. Plus, check out the FREE Iowa Utilities Lineman Rodeo on Friday, August 21, at 8 a.m.
From corn dogs and cotton candy to Giant Slide rides and baby animals, there’s no shortage of fun for kids at the Iowa State Fair! But, did you know the Fair is also a giant classroom? Kids can get up close with farm animals, discover where their food comes from, try hands-on activities and learn how Iowa’s farmers grow the food that feeds our families. With something new to discover around every corner, learning at the Fair is anything but boring!
Visit www.iowastatefair.org/visit/kid-friendly-activities for a full list of kid friendly fun at the 2026 Fair!