Presented by ChildServe
The Iowa State Fair is proud to partner with presenting sponsor ChildServe, along with programming sponsors Drake University and IAble, to host Sensory-Friendly Morning on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Now in its fourth year, Sensory-Friendly Morning continues to grow, offering a welcoming and accessible Fair experience for individuals and families. Thoughtful adjustments will be made across the Fairgrounds to reduce sensory overload, including lower sound levels, limited flashing lights, clearly marked directional signage, designated educational areas and trained volunteers throughout the morning.
For the morning, two air-conditioned calming rooms will also be available for anyone needing a break. "Calm Your Body" Room – A quiet, relaxing space with fidgets, dimmable lighting, soothing music, coloring sheets and soft seating will be in the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center. "Move Your Body" Room – An active area featuring stretching, jumping, therapy balls and a small obstacle course will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center classrooms. Both rooms will be staffed by ChildServe Occupational Therapists from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13.
New this year:
• A welcome tent, sponsored by Drake University at Gate 15: Stop by the new welcome tent inside Gate 15, where families can get all their questions answered and get a jump-start on their adventure.
• Variety Star Playground near Hy-Vee Fun Forest: The new inclusive playground features agriculture-themed equipment with accessible ramps and easy-to-navigate surfaces where children of all abilities can play!
• Stage Programming at the MidAmerican Energy and Susan Knapp Amphitheater stages: Stop by the Susan Knapp Amphitheater or MidAmerican Energy stage for special programming on mobility, sensory adventures and make-and-take activities.
We are still working on all the awesome activities that morning. A full schedule of Sensory-Friendly Morning fun will be posted in mid-July at www.iowastatefair.org.
Can't make it that morning? The Fair offers sensory-friendly features every day! Visit the website for daily recommendations and activities designed for individuals with sensory processing needs. The Service Center's calming room will also be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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About ChildServe
ChildServe partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. ChildServe offers Iowa's only pediatric specialty hospital, as well as a variety of services and day programs to meet each child's unique needs. ChildServe's four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. Through a coordinated care approach, services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can get many of their child's needs met in one location. Proudly serving the community since 1928, ChildServe now provides more than 30 services to over 5,800 children in Iowa each year.