March 28, 2024

Iowa State Fair offers entertainment, activities just for kids

DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair has a wide variety of free, family-friendly fun coming to the 2016 Fair. Nothing Compares to kid friendly fun at the Iowa State Fair, set for Aug. 11-21.

The Kids’ Zone is a special area packed with games and entertainment, assembled with young Fairgoers in mind. Stop by Hedrick’s Petting Zoo, open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., where fairgoers can get up-close-and-personal with zebras, kangaroos, camels and more in a safe and fun environment. Children will squeal with delight as they watch baby pigs race. Join Hedrick’s Pig Races every day at 11a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. to watch sawdust fly and cheer on your favorite pig as they race for a cookie on a silver platter. Catch the additional 6:30 p.m. show Fridays through Sundays.

Before you leave, make sure to visit Little Hands on the Farm, where kids can actively participate in a kid-sized farm operation every day from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair’s special club for ages 10 and under, which allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members get to be part of the action during special Club activities every weekday morning at 10 a.m. These 45 minute activities are located at the Hy-Vee Fun Forest Stage. Membership is free and children can sign up between 9:15 and 9:50 a.m. for any club event or download a form at iowastatefair.org/visit/for-kids/ and bring it along.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:

Aug. 11 – Nothing Compares to MY State Fair

Aug. 12 – Breakfast with the County Fair Queens

Aug. 15 – Polk County Conservation with Animals of Iowa

Aug. 16 – “My Family’s Beef Farm” with the Iowa Agricultural Literacy

Foundation

Aug. 17 – Art Attack Day

Aug.18 – Puppy Jake Foundation Day

Aug. 19 – Veggie Day with the Iowa Department of Agriculture

The Fair’s family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted.

Your whole family is guaranteed to get a good laugh while watching Steve Brogan and Co Comic Ventriloquist perform. Mixing standup comedy, puppetry, audience participation, and improvisation, the comic ventriloquist will provide laughs and entertainment daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Stick around for The Chipper Experience, a one man show combining comedy and magic for an all-around electric magic show Shows begin daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

The Silence that Speaks Louder than Words staring Ricky Smith presented by Metro Arts artABILITY, is a professional mime that has performed for audiences all over the world for the past 38 years. Shows begin daily at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

Grounds Attractions

Stilt Circus presents Bistrevsky Brothers, a comedy, acrobatics and circus duo. The Brothers are sure to dazzle audiences of all ages. Shows daily at Noon, 3 and 6 p.m. on Expo Hill.

Bandaloni gives musical entertainment a funny facelift as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more – all at the same time! Strolling daily at 11 a.m.,1 and 3 p.m.

This year’s newest strolling act is the amazing Gantry Show. This pedal powered theatrical circus towers over the crowd on an 18 foot high structure. Acts such as contortion, Chinese poles and trapeze will be featured on the large structure, strolling down the Grand Concourse daily at 12:30, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

More Entertainment

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3, and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway kids’ activities will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. located by Grandfather’s Barn.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day, Thursday, Aug. 18. Participate in bubble gum blowing (9 a.m.) and the pie eating contests (10:30 a.m.) on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage or try your hand at the Big Wheel Races (11 a.m. and Noon), sidewalk bowling (11 a.m. to Noon) and scavenger hunts (1 p.m.) on the Grand Concourse.

Stop by the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building Atrium for the return of Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, and watch them construct an agriculture-themed masterpiece. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Discounted admission tickets are available now through Aug. 10, with savings of more than 30 percent. Purchase tickets online at iowastatefair.org or at the ticket office located in the Administration building on the Fairgrounds.

To find a complete schedule of events or to enter family friendly contests at the Fair, visit iowastatefair.org.