Iowa State Fair | Free Fun for Kids on the Iowa State Fair

In between corn canines and big slide rides, there are many methods youngsters can find out about agriculture on the Iowa State Fair.

1. Little Hands on the Farm – Located close to the Animal Learning Center, the interactive Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm ag journey lets youngsters “work” their method by means of a swine barn, backyard, grain bin, apple orchard, hen coop, tractor shed, cattle barn, sheep barn and dary barn. Their reward? A go to to the Little Hands’ grocery retailer to pick a fruit, granola bar or ice cream deal with!

2. Baby Animals – Just south of Little Hands on the Farm, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center is bursting with child animals and unforgettable moments. See chicks hatch, child goats bounce, ducklings splash and even catch a dwell start. Meet actual Iowa farmers within the Farmers Bull Pen, the place you possibly can ask questions and listen to what life is like on the farm.

3. Cowboy Experience – Giddy as much as Cowboy Boot Camp simply north of Little Hands on the Farm and uncover what it takes to be an actual cowboy. Kids can attempt gold panning, steer roping, horse grooming and extra at this hands-on academic zone. It’s a rootin’-tootin’ good time filled with Wild West enjoyable!

4. Kids within the Kitchen – Grab your apron and head to the Kids Can Cook kitchen within the east room of the Maytag Family Theaters. Open to ages 5 to 17, these enjoyable cooking demos educate youngsters learn how to put together easy, tasty, farm-fresh recipes whereas studying kitchen security, meals prep and cleanliness-all with a aspect of enjoyable!

5. Free Entertainment for Kids – Bring the entire crew to the Fun Forest Stage, sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union, for a lineup of free leisure! Catch dwell reveals by Brad Weston and magician The Chipper Experience – Where COMEDY & MAGIC Collide! Plus, preserve a watch out for strolling acts like Bandaloni the one-man band, Hillbilly Bob and The Ice Cream Show close to the triangle and the Pepsi Clock on Grand Ave.

6. Hands On Barn Experiences -Explore Cattle Corner, Horse Haven, Pig Place and Sheep Stop-interactive reveals the place youngsters find out about Iowa’s livestock up shut. Then, stroll by means of the Avenue of Breeds (subsequent to the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building), the place greater than 70 distinctive animals showcase Iowa’s unbelievable agricultural range. Sponsored by Iowa Bankers Association and WHO The Big Show.

7. Pick A Vegetable – The Garden, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and positioned north of Little Hands on the Farm, is blooming with hands-on studying. Kids can discover backyard beds, find out how veggies develop in Iowa soil and even decide produce that helps feed native households by means of the Iowa Food Bank. Don’t miss the composting exhibit to find out about sustainability in motion.

8. Fun for the Whole Family – Watch thrilling occasions at Elwell Family Park, the place high-energy leisure like truck and tractor pulls, charros performances, determine 8 races and the demolition derby take middle stage. NEW IN 2025: try the FREE Iowa Utilities Lineman Rodeo on Friday, August 15, at 8 a.m. Some occasions are free, and tickets for others can be found at iowastatefair.org.

Kids may also be a part of the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club, with weekday actions at 10 a.m. on the Fun Forest Stage and particular Saturday meet-and-greets on the similar location. It’s the right method so as to add just a little further enjoyable to your Fair day! Check out the checklist of occasions at iowastatefair.org.

From barnyard enjoyable to cooking courses, child animals to gardens, the Iowa State Fair has one thing for each younger explorer. Join us August 7-17 in Des Moines, Iowa, for kid-friendly occasions, household contests and memory-making moments you will not overlook. Visit iowastatefair.org for the complete lineup.