Family Fun at the County Fair in Central Iowa

Family Fun at the County Fair in Central Iowa

As we reach mid-summer, county fairs across Central Iowa will be taking place. Most people know county fairs have livestock like cows, pigs, horses, chickens and turkeys.  But they also have carnival rides, concessions, games and entertainment…packing a whole lot of family entertainment in one spot!  And, the best part is that admission is FREE.  Here’s your guide to county fairs happening this summer in Central Iowa.

Boone County Fair

1601 Industrial Park Road • Boone, IA 50036 • (515) 432-5899

Do you have a tyke that’s crazy about animals? Head to the Boone County Fair where your kids will be able to check out all kinds of livestock. Not into animals? This fair goes all out for the kiddos with Bohm Family Magic Shows, Helping Hands Farm, a Kidz Corner and Carnival.  Carnival Armbands are available for purchase on-line for $15.00, which allows wearers unlimited rides on specific days and times.

Dates: July 13 – 16, 2017
Hours: 7:30 am to 12:00 Midnight
Admission: FREE.  Ticket information is provided on the website for carnival rides and grandstand events.

Central Iowa Fair

2608 S 2nd Street • Marshalltown, IA 50158 • (641) 753-3671

Nothing Compares to Your Central Iowa Fair! Each day there’s a little something for everyone in the family.  Kids will have fun on the Pony Go Round Pony Rides; Cookie Decorating and Cupcake Challenge, and getting an inflatable creation from Toby the Balloon Dude.  Parents will enjoy the rodeo, races and concert.  Everyone will like Family Fun Day which is on Saturday, July 15, 2017.

Dates: July 12 – 16, 2017
Hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 Midnight
Admission: FREE.  Select events and activities charge admission.

Dallas County Fair

28057 Fairground Road • Adel, IA 50003 • (515) 993-3728

The events schedule is jam packed at the Dallas County Fair.  Kids can participate in fun contests like a bubble gum blowing or pie eating contest; cutest baby contest and a Pedal Tractor Pull. The day to take a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl  is on Thursday July 13th when it’s $1.00 Kids Day Rides at the carnival. All kids’ rides are $1.00 until 2:30 pm or you can purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $15.00, good from 5:00 pm til close on the same day.

Dates: July 12 – July 16, 2017
Hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 Midnight
Cost: FREE.  Ticket information is provided on the website for carnival rides and select events.

Jasper County Fair

359 N. Walnut Street • Colfax, IA 50054 • (515) 674-4382

“Let the Good Time Grow” at the Jasper County Fair!  Family Day is July 16th and Children’s Day is July 17th.  Both days have some old-fashioned fun in store with a Hot Dog Eating Contest, Oreo Stacking Contest and a Cookie Decorating Contest.  There will also be a parade and the Kid’s Carnival opens both days at 8:00 pm

Dates: July 14 – 20, 2017
Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 Midnight
Admission: FREE. Select events and activities charge admission.

Madison County Fair

1204 W. Summit Street • Winterset, IA 50273 • (515) 462-1295

If you have little daredevils, Saturday, July 22nd is Kids Day at the Carnival.  Purchase $15 arm bands and the kids can ride to their hearts content from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Grandstand and Arena events include a truck pull, two rodeos, circle track mud run and mud bog.

Dates: July 13 – 17, 2017
Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 Midnight
Admission: FREE.  Ticket information is provided on the website for carnival rides and select events.

Marion County Fair

1000 N Lincoln Street • Knoxville, IA 50138 • (641) 842-5431

The Marion County Fair is chock full of family fun with carnival rides, a rodeo, farm animals, pony rides, face painting and a daily Kids Craft Corner. Families can also go roller skating and play Chicken Poop Bingo.  PARMALEE will be their featured concert act on July 14th.

Dates: July 14 – 20, 2017
Hours: Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm. Saturday 7:00 am to 12:00 am; Sunday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm; Monday 8:00 am – 10:30 pm; Tuesday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Admission: FREE. Ticket information is provided on the website for grandstand events.

Polk County Fair

Iowa State Fair Grounds • 3000 E Grand Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50317 • (515) 262-3111

Enjoy the summer in “Fairadise” at the Polk County Fair. Enjoy an authentic county fair close to home with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. The fair features barbeque, Anything Goes Competition, Bill Riley Talent Search and a Teen Movie Night.

Dates: July 19 – July 24, 2017
Hours: Wednesday 8:30 am – 10:00 pm; Thursday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm; Friday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am – 12 Midnight; Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm; Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Admission: FREE

Story County Fair

220 H Avenue • Nevada, IA 50201 • (515) 382-6551

You won’t want to miss all the livestock and pet shows, Queen Coronation and Family Fun Night (Sunday, July 23rd) at the Story County Fair.  Mini fairgoers will also enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting.

Dates: July 21 – July 26, 2017
Hours: Saturday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm; Sunday 6:30 am to 11:00 pm; Monday 9:00 am – 8:30 pm; Tuesday 8:30 am – 9:00 pm; Wednesday 7:30 am – 8:30 pm
Admission: FREE

Warren County Fair

1400 W 2nd Avenue • Indianola, IA 50125 • (515) 961-5861

Family fun abounds at the Warren County Fair.  This year’s family friendly entertainment includes the Nick’s Kid Show, Hillbilly Silly Science and Tom Terrific, The Balloon Man. Kids won’t want to miss the Carnival Rides. Wristbands will be available for $22.00 (or purchase them in advanced for $18), which allows wearers unlimited rides at specific times each day of the fair.

Dates: July 26 – 31, 2017
Hours: Wednesday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm; Thursday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am – 11:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am – 11:30 pm
Admission: FREE. Ticket information is provided on the website for grandstand events.

 

Which Central Iowa County Fair will your family be attending this summer? Give it a shout out in the Comments below!