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!

Ag Art Contest

Kids can enter their best Ag Art at the 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.

All you have to do is draw something related to the theme "A Day on the Farm" on a standard 8 ½"x11" white paper using any colors or materials you like. Entries are due by July 31. Coloring sheets are available for those who feel more comfortable coloring.

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.

Any questions, please contact ewynn@iowastatefair.org.

Kids' Club Activities

Vet Camp & Advanced Vet Camp

It's the chance of a lifetime!

Vet Camp is an educational, exciting, hands-on learning program aimed at encouraging 4th-7th graders to learn about animal health, welfare and what it is like to be an animal doctor.

Advanced Vet Camp is for 8th-12th graders who would like to learn more about the field of veterinary medicine and have an interest in attending vet school.

The two-hour long programs focus on both large and small animal veterinary medicine. Vet Camp and Advanced Vet Camps, sponsored by Agri-Pro Enterprises of Iowa, Inc., are FREE with paid Fair admission.

Register for:

Vet Camp - Thursday, August 13
Vet Camp - Friday, August 14
Vet Camp - Saturday, August 15
Advanced Vet Camp - Saturday, August 15
Advanced Vet Camp - Sunday, August 16 FULL

2026 Vet Camp Brochure

Contact Emily Wynn at ewynn@iowastatefair.org or 515.401.1544 for questions.

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