Iowa State Fair | Fair Kid-Friendly Activities

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Kid Friendly Activities


Kid Friendly Activities

There's no better place to be a kid! Whether it’s jumping into a hands-on Blue Ribbon Kids activity, pretending to be a farmer at Little Hands on the Farm or whirling on a ride, the Fair has enough kid-friendly activities to keep families busy all 11 days!

Kid Friendly Activities at the Iowa State Fair

Ag Art Contest

Kids entered their best art for the 2026 Iowa State Fair!

The Ag Art Contest is split into four age groups: 3-4 years old, 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old and 9-12 years old. Plus, there's a special category for folks of any age with intellectual developmental disabilities.

2026 Winners

Blue Ribbon Kids' Club

Blue Ribbon Kids', the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids' members will get a rare glimpse at the heart of the Iowa State Fair and become part of the action during special kids' club activities. Blue Ribbon Kids' Club members not only get a hands-on Fair experience but will receive a birthday card and a quarterly e-newsletter for parents.

All Kids' Club events will be held weekdays at 10 a.m. at the Fun Forest Stage during the Fair. Meet and greets will be Saturdays at 10 a.m. on the Fun Forest Stage.

Because the activities are so special each day, you need to have pre-registered by August 1 - there is no on-site registration available.

Any questions, please contact ewynn@iowastatefair.org.

Kids' Club Activities

Blue Ribbon Kids' Club

Little Hands on the Farm

Located in Kids Zone, Little Hands on the Farm teaches children the importance of agriculture and how it affects their daily lives in a fun and interactive way. Children ages 2 to 10 become farmers at this free, hands-on exhibit. Children obtain a gathering basket and proceed along a path that includes a garden, grain bin, apple orchard, chicken coop, tractor shed, sheep barn and dairy barn. After gathering particular items along the way they get the chance to sell these items at the Little Hands on the Farm Farmers’ Market for a Little Hands dollar to spend at the Grocery Store for such items as a piece of fruit, a granola bar or an ice cream sandwich.

Little Hands on the Farm Map

Little Hands on the Farm