Iowa State Fair 2026: For the Kids

We are just weeks away from the Iowa State Fair! Before we know it the “Nothing Compares” Iowa State Fair will be in full swing. Families plan their vacations, jobs, and lives around this 11-day event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. From August 13 through August 23, children and families will be taking the day to explore the Iowa State Fair, not once, but several times. Whether it is your first time visiting or the hundredth, it can become overwhelming and expensive, but don’t worry! I am here to help guide you through all the family-friendly fun and what you should think about before attending the fair. 

Take a look at this guide to the Iowa State Fair for families and kids. 

THINGS TO DO

There are a lot of things to do but here is a list of specific activities you may want to check out with the kids. 

Butter Cow

You cannot visit the Iowa State Fair without seeing the Butter Cow! The tradition goes back to 1911 when J.K. Daniels sculpted the Fair’s first butter cow and was succeeded by J.E. Wallace of Florida. Make sure you visit this year’s cow and companion sculptures. 

Elwell Family Park

Elwell Family Park will host the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls, Monster Truck Thunder, and Domination Motorsports Demolition Derby. New this year you will find short courses on UTV and ATV racing. These shows require tickets. Take a look at all the options.

Food 

The whole reason to attend the Iowa State Fair, right?! Check out the list of new foods this year. Whether you like cotton candy, fried Oreos, craft beer, or funnel cake, fair food is definitely everyone’s favorite!

Giant Slide

The Giant Slide is a fan favorite for all ages. You can not leave without one ride down the big, yellow slide.

Iowa State Fair Parade

The Wednesday evening before the gates open for the fair is the Iowa State Parade. This year it is Wednesday, August 12, and will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. You can see 200 floats, animals, vehicles, and more. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street.

Kids Makers Market

Save the date for August 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Kids Makers Market! Come check out some fun gifts and handmade items from kids at the Kids Makers Market located at The Garden (East of the Animal Learning Center).

Kids Zone

The perfect place for the young fairgoers to learn and play! There are tons of opportunities for hands-on fair experience in an interactive way. 

  • Little Hands on the Farm: The hands-on exhibit located in the Kids Zone offers a chicken coop, cattle barn, baby animals, and more.
  • Blue Ribbon Kids Club Tent: For children ages 10 and under. You must register. Take a look at the list of scheduled events during the fair for Blue Ribbon Kids’ Members. These special kids’ club activities are tons of fun!
    • Thursday, August 13 – Make and Take T-Shirt Day at Kids’ Club
    • Friday, August 14 – Choose Iowa Day at Kids’ Club
    • Saturday, August 15 – Meet and Greet with Iowa State Fair Police
    • Monday, August 17 – Living History Farms – Iowa Before the American Revolution
    • Tuesday, August 18 – DMACC Vet Camp Day at Kids’ Club
    • Wednesday, August 19 – Sensory-Friendly Morning at Kids’ Club (open to all ages)
    • Thursday, August 20 – Living History Farms: America’s Westward Expansion – Iowa Becomes a State
    • Friday, August 21 – Dance Party at Kids’ Club
    • Saturday, August 22 – Happy Birthday, America, Fairfield, and Rosetta

Livestock

One of my favorite things to see at the fair is the farm animals. With all the kids touching the livestock. Do not miss snuggling a baby animal! Please, make sure they wash their hands.

  • Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center
  • Milking Parlor/Milking Experience
  • Boulevard of Dairy Breeds
  • I Milked a Cow
  • Cattle Corner and view all the Dairy Cattle
  • Avenue of Breeds
  • Pig Place
  • Horse Haven
  • Sheep Stop

Sensory Friendly Morning

The Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon. The morning provides an environment designed for children and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind. Special programming is planned with modifications, including the mitigation of sounds and motions as much as possible, designated educational areas, directional signage, and trained volunteers throughout the Fairgrounds. Take a look at more tips for a sensory-friendly day at the Iowa State Fair. 

Sky Glider

Enjoy fun views of attractions and the people from above! A fun way to get off your feet after walking around all day.

Spray Pad

Perfect place for the kids to run and cool off on a super hot day. Bring extra clothes and a towel.

STEM DAY

Enjoy STEM Day at the fair on Sunday, August 23from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is a fun and interactive day and is held on Extreme Sunday which is the lowest-priced day of the Iowa State Fair. The day is filled with hands-on activities centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. After spending time on the Grand Concourse, take a seat at the MidAmerican Stage to enjoy stage performances throughout the day presented by Blank Park Zoo, Wartburg College, the Grout Museum, and Insect Zoo. Enjoy a special high-altitude balloon launch around 11 AM on the Grand Concourse by the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Iowa 4-H Youth Development, and Make to Innovate.

Thrill Parks

The Iowa State Fair offers Thrill Parks. Thrill Parks consist of Thrill Ville, Thrill Town, and Thrill Zone. If you think you will be riding a lot of rides, then purchasing a wristband is going to be the best for your wallet. Take a look at all the options. You can purchase discounted wristbands advanced online. These wristbands are good for 1-day of unlimited rides Monday through Thursday until 10 p.m. 

  • Thrill Ville: This includes the newest, fastest, and most thrilling rides. This will be located between the Grandstand and Ye Old Mill.
  • Thrill Town: These rides are perfect for little fairgoers and their families. There will even be stroller parking available. The rides are kid-friendly, fun, and clean. It will be located east of Gate 10 and directly north of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center Lawn. This is perfect so you do not have to navigate through the larger Thrill Park areas.
  • Thrill Zone: These rides are for those seeking breathtaking and heart-stopping rides. This is located on the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds.

Varsity Star Playground

The Iowa State Fair in partnership with Variety Club of Iowa have brought a new all inclusive playground to the Iowa State Fair grounds … Variety Star Playground! This playground honors Iowa’s rich agriculture history while offering so much to engage everyone with all abilities! It is also shaded. A great spot to take a break while exploring. Learn more about this fantastic playground.

Ye Old Mill

Ye Old Mill is the oldest and favorite ride for many families and couples. It is located next to the Midway on Grand Avenue. It offers riders the chance to relax on a smooth boat ride after a long day at the Fair.

PRICES & HOURS

Grounds

8 a.m. to Midnight.; no entry or re-entry after 9 p.m. on Extreme Sunday, August 23.

Buildings

9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thrill Parks

  • Thrill Ville: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday) (Open until Midnight on Friday and Saturday nights)
  • Thrill Town: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Thrill Zone: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Regular Gate Admission

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted at the gate.

  • Adults (Ages 12+): $16 (at the gate)
  • Children (Ages 6-11): $10 (at the gate)
  • Children (Ages 5 & Under): Free

Check out all the discounted admission tickets opportunities. There is still time to purchase punch cards, mega passes, etc. I highly recommend taking advantage of these. It will save you a lot. Check out all the details and don’t delay purchasing. 

Parking

There are several places to park and it depends on where you are coming from, how long you will be at the fair, etc.

  • Park on the fairgrounds for $10 per vehicle. 
  • Iowa State Fair and CIT Charters: The new CIT Transportation buses operating from Southridge Mall will be free for all riders. Free parking will be marked in the Southridge Mall parking lot and buses will run continuously from 8 a.m. to midnight (service from the Fairgrounds will end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 23).
  • Park at someone’s house and/or yard surrounding the fairground. Prices vary. 

WHAT TO BRING

Hand sanitizer

There are lots of animals to touch and play with, so make sure you have something to clean your hands afterward.

Extra clothes

There is a fun splash/fountain area for the kids to run and cool off in. Make sure you have some dry clothes to change them in afterward.

Food & Water

Outside food and one sealed bottle of water are allowed on the grounds during the Fair. Reusable drink containers are acceptable if they are empty. I highly recommend doing otherwise water and food will add up quickly. 

An itinerary

Some like to stroll and take in the fair in their own time. If you want to see specific attractions and shows, I would highly recommend creating an outline before going. This way you can see and do as much as you can in one day. There is an awesome resource on the fair’s website. You can check out the complete schedule of events on the Iowa State Fair website and create your itinerary.

BEST TIPS FROM OTHER PARENTS

We have gathered the best tips from other parents who have visited the Iowa State Fair. Take note of these great ideas before you go!

  • Take pictures of your kids before entering. Dress them in bright clothing, and get bracelets at the security booths with your number on them. Buy advance ride passes or value packs. Set low expectations for what you’ll personally get to!
  • Pack a lunch/plenty of snacks. Carry water bottles – there are places to refill all over the fair. Make and Takes in the 4H building is a great break! The kids can do a craft while they cool off in the A/C! Just say no to rides and set that expectation before you get there. The craft area in the Cultural Center is another great place to take a break! We have taken our kids for multiple days since they were little – many
  • Always bring extra clothes. Kids love the fountains by the flag’s area.
  • Have a stroller or a stroller-wagon. They’ll wanna nap and you need something to carry all the stuff you get in the Industries building.
  • Try and plan your day in a loop or stay in one area to eliminate backtracking and extra steps!
  • Sign up for the Blue Ribbon Kids Club. There are prize giveaways on weekday mornings and the kids get a coupon/discount booklet for various fair vendors.