Guide to a Family Fun Day at the Iowa State Fair

Get ready for the ultimate experience at the Iowa State Fair, the granddaddy of all fairs! In just a few days, this remarkable event will come to life. Gather your family and embark on a thrilling adventure filled with captivating animal exhibits, electrifying concerts, exhilarating carnival rides, delectable funnel cakes, irresistible corn dogs, and an abundance of other delightful attractions. It’s an occasion you won’t want to miss!

If you’re in search of more summer events and activities you might also want to check out the dsm4kids Events Calendar or Summer Fun Guide.

Here’s our list of insider tips to navigate this incredible fair with your kiddos:

Know Before You Go

Dates: August 10 – 20, 2023
Hours of Operation: Grounds: 8:00 am to 12:00 Midnight; Buildings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Cost of Admission: Adult Admission (Ages 12+) $16.00; Children Admission (Ages 6-11) $11.00; Children (Ages 5 & Under) FREE
Parking: Official fair parking is available for $10.00 in North, Northeast and University Lots. Bicycle parking is available inside Gate 11 for FREE. Residents and businesses surrounding the fairgrounds also offer parking for a fee. In addition, you can park off-site and ride DART from three different locations in Des Moines. Sites are listed here.
Food: Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the fairgrounds. Not to worry! The Fair offers a wide variety of food and beverages for purchase at countless concession and restaurant locations.
Restrooms: Restrooms are scattered throughout the fairgrounds. The “best” ones can be found in newer, air-conditioned buildings. Locations are designated on this map.
Prior to your visit check out the Iowa State Fair’s website where you’ll find additional information about the Fair.

Finding Discount Tickets

Save some moola by taking advantage of these special offers:

Advanced Ticket Purchase: Available now through August 10th on-line. Advanced prices are $11.00 for adults and $7.00 for children (age 12+).

Veterans Day (Monday, August 14): $12 for active and former members of the United States military and their spouse. (Will need to show proof of veteran or active military status.)

Older Iowans’ Day (Wednesday, August 16): $12 for Fairgoers ages 60 and over (With ID).

Sunday Funday (Sunday, August 20): $12 adult admission (ages 12 and over) and $8 child admission (ages 6-11). $9 adult admission with the donation of three cans of non-perishable food.

While You’re There

The Iowa State Fair is naturally on our family’s summer bucket list. We usually just go for a day and try to see and experience a few new things and of course, revisit some old favs. As a kid, we also made an annual visit to the Fair, but it was more of a pilgrimage. Grandparents and cousins would pack up everything and camp. We would spend a few days to a week at the fair. This article is really more of a “City” guide to the fair and for those that will be making a day trip.

There are so many things to do and see at the Fair that you will never be able to experience it all in a day. There are prize winning animals, fruits and vegetables, floral arrangements, baked goods, and canned goods. You’ll want to feast on fair foods and ride rides. But the Fair is really more than that. So how should you plan to take a city family to the Iowa State Fair?

General Tips, What to Bring & What to Wear:

- - The earlier you get there, the less crowded the Fair is. The later in the day, the more crowds arrive (especially those coming for concerts). It’s also a lot less crowded on a week day, then on the weekends.
  - Bring a water bottle. Technically, you aren’t supposed to bring in food, but you can bring in an empty water bottle and then fill it up once you’re in the Fairgrounds.
  - Don’t forget the sunscreen and you may want to wear a hat. Some areas of the Fair are shadier than others.
  - You’ll want to bring hand sanitizer. It is offered in a few locations, but it’s handy to have with you. You may also want to bring wipes, especially if you have little ones.
  - Cash is good to have on hand. While it’s worth noting that food and drink vendors are now obligated to accept credit and debit cards at the Iowa State Fair, it’s important to acknowledge that there are still a few smaller vendors who may find cash transactions more suitable. Although ATMs are conveniently available on the Fairgrounds, it’s advisable to bring some cash with you for added convenience.
  - Pack the stroller. There is a lot of walking, so you will want a stroller for young children.
  - Wear comfortable clothes. It’s August in Iowa and it is likely to be hot and sticky. Most of the events are outside, but there are air conditioned buildings, which are great places to take a little break.
  - Wear closed toed comfortable walking shoes. If you do wear flip flops, be prepared for really DIRTY feet at the end of the day! If you walk through any of the animal barns, you will be glad to have your feet protected.
  - The show will go on. Rain or shine. Make sure to check the weather and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may have in store.
  - Plan your outing. Take a look at the Fair’s website before heading out. It’s mind boggling how many things there are to see and do, so it’s a great idea to prioritize your “can’t miss” list before you arrive.
  - Remember live demonstrations and performances only occur once. So, you might want to schedule your day around them.

Can’t Miss FREE things to See at the Iowa State Fair:

- - Butter Cow. Sculpture of a cow made out of 600lbs of butter in the Agriculture Building. While in the Ag building you’ll also want to check out the humongous pumpkins, beautiful blooms and find the queen bee at the Iowa Honey Producers booth.
  - Competitions. The Iowa State Fair hosts more than 45 competitions testing the talent, creativity and sheer zaniness of their Fairgoers. You’re sure to find one worth watching or you may even want to enter! Take in a classic like the Cow Chip Throwing Contest or a newer edition such as the Mullet Contest.
  - Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. This is one of our family favs. My kids love seeing all of the baby animals. The chics and ducks are particularly adorable. There’s also baby piglets and their mother. This agricultural education exhibit features live births of various species including calves.
  - Art at the Cultural Center. I’m always amazed by all of the creativity in this building. It’s also a beautiful air conditioned building and is a nice respite from the hubbub of the Fair. You can also check out Art Attack in the Cutural Center’s Courtyard, and relax while your kids enjoy hands-on crafts – specifically designed with them in mind.

Best FREE Entertainment 4 Kids:

- - Fun Forest Stage. Let the kids hang-out on the play area or enjoy live kid-friendly entertainment that is offered throughout the day. All shows ASL interpreted.
  - The Red Trouser Show. Located on Expo Hill, this high-end street theater production is full of acrobatic tricks and hilarious stunts. This highly skilled duo uses fire, juggling and illusions to provide a unique show that leaves awe-stricken audiences laughing.
  - 4-H Building. Check out the projects created by some very talented and creative 4-Hers. Kids can participate in daily hands-on adventures and check out worthwhile programs.

Best for Young Children:

- - Blue Ribbon Kids Club. Kids’ club members have the opportunity to participate in seven FREE fun-filled activities, which start at 10:00 am each day and last 30-60 minutes. There’s also two Saturday morning meet and greets. Visit the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club page for membership benefits, registration information and event details.
  - Thrill Town. Little Fairgoers and their families will find loads of fun and stroller parking in Thrill Town. The area features kid friendly rides in a fun, clean and convenient location without having to navigate the larger Thrill Park areas. Thrill Town is located east of Gate 10 and directly north of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center Lawn.
  - Little Hands on the Farm. Kids ages two to ten become farmers at this FREE, hands-on exhibit. Kids will actively participate in the workings of a pint-sized farm operation where they plant, harvest, sell and more.
  - Giant Slide. Grab your gunny sack and climb your way to the top of the 45 foot-high, 150 foot-long slide for a thrilling ride to the bottom. Very young kids can ride with parents.
  - Animals Galore! It’s just not a trip to the Fair, without making your way through one of the many storied livestock buildings. A kid favorite, the barns are all open for viewing a variety of animals as their owners care for them and prepare them for competition. Check out the Avenue of Breeds, Cattle Corner, Pig Place, Horse Haven and Sheep Stop. Can’t miss, the big boar and I Milked a Cow.

And More:

- - Hopefully becoming an annual event, for the second year ChildServe is sponsoring a Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Fair on on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. With thousands of things to do, see or eat, the Fair might seem a bit overstimulating to some, so they are bringing it down a notch or two for a morning.
  - There are many Exhibit Buildings throughout the Fairgrounds. You will see vendors, exhibitors in various categories, and displays including: quilts, jams, produce, farm equipment and machinery, agricultural vendors, energy efficiency, fine arts, and more. Explore a bit and you’ll discover your own family favorites. One of our family favs in the Varied Industry Building is the giant running water faucet without a pipe attached. Many vendors give out samples or handouts (tattoos, coloring books, fans) for children.
  - We always try to save the Midway and Thrill Rides til the end of our trip. The kids love riding rides and its hard to get them away once they start. The fair now offers three areas of amusement rides Thrill Ville, Thrill Town and Thrill Zone. A full list of attractions is located here.
  - There are many more Concerts and Shows, ticketed and FREE, offered on several stages throughout the duration of the fair. An Entertainment Overview can be found here.

Iowa State Fair
3000 E Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50317
(515) 262-3111
http://www.iowastatefair.org/

Do you have a favorite attraction or must-see exhibit at the fair that your kids love? Let us know in the Comments below!

All photos provided by the Iowa State Fair Image Library.