Sensory-Friendly Morning
Quiet Moments, Big Memories:
Sensory-Friendly Morning Returns to the Iowa State Fair
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.
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.
More Info for Sensory-Friendly Morning
Do I need to pre-register?
There is no need to pre-register for this event. Some Fair areas are open to our sensory sensitive friends early, but the Fair is open to the general public during normal hours.
How do I buy tickets?
You can save $5 on adult tickets by purchasing them online before the Fair. They will also be available at the Iowa State Fair ticket office, area Hy-Vee and Fareway stores beginning July 8. They are good any day of the Fair, including during our special programming on Wednesday, August 13.
Parking is $10 in the A, B and C Lots.
Should I bring anything with me to the Fair?
Although the Truck and Tractor Pulls do not start until noon, there may be a few tractors that fire up before noon to warm up. We will try to quiet as much as we can, but if you or someone you are with is sensitive to sounds, please plan accordingly for headphones or to be inside buildings.
Will there be a quiet space?
If your child needs a place to calm down or recharge before heading back to the Fair, try out one of our sensory-friendly calming rooms, sponsored by ChildServe.
- Calm Your Body: 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: – An active area featuring stretching, jumping, therapy balls and a small obstacle course will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center classrooms.
All rooms will be air conditioned and staffed by ChildServe Occupational Therapists on August 13, from 8-4 p.m. Find us at the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center OR Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Is there an Adult Changing Station?
The Adult Changing Station is located in the First Aid Building marked with a red cross under the sky glider near Fun Forest. It is fully automatic and moves from 6 inches to table height. It is open from 9 a.m. to midnight each day.
What should I expect at the gates?
For the safety and security of all our guests, there are metal detectors at our gates. Many of them are simply walk thru without a lot of interaction needed. If you need special accommodations, please ask for the gate captain.
Do you have Service Animal information?
The only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.
Will there be interpreters?
Spanish interpreters and sign language interpreters will be located inside the welcome tent at the Gate 15 entrance. For sign language interpreters at the stages, please contact 515-262-3111, ext. 305 or email ticketoffice@iowastatefair.org at least two weeks before the event.
Where should I park?
There are several parking lots on the Fairgrounds, the A, B and C Lots. If you are coming from the east, headed westbound, turn left into the C Lot. If you are coming from the west, headed eastbound, turn right into the A Lot. There are accessible spots on a first come-first served basis in the A Lot. There are also courtesy golf carts and a tram to get you to the entry gate if needed. Motor coach buses may be dropping off guests at the Gate 15 entry gate that morning.
Interested in planning your own Sensory-Friendly Morning? Check out our planning guide.