Family Fun in Omaha

Your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Kids
Classes

Free
Printables

Summer Camp
Guide

Current
Events

Birthday
Parties

8 of the Best Things to Do at the Iowa State Fair

August 9, 2019

A ferris wheel at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa State Fair is considered one of the best in the country with over 1 million visitors last year. Experience the amazing atmostphere, delicious food, fantastic entertainment, family fun, and more for a several days each August!

Best Things to Do at the Iowa State Fair

1. See the Baby Animals at the Animal Learning Center

A group of ducklings near a man made pond at the Iowa State Fair.

Kids and adults alike will love seeing the baby animals throughout the Animal Learning Center! Staff are located throughout the area ready to answer questions as you watch the adorable animals. We also saw a baby ostrich!

 

Baby lambs and their mother at the Iowa State Fair.

These baby sheep are only 40 minutes old!

 

A large group of suckling piglets at the Iowa State Fair.

These piglets are less than 1 day old!

 

2. Little Hands on the Farm

A group of people gathered at a building that reads Grocery Store at the Iowa State Fair.

At Little Hands on the Farm, younger children can become farmers at this free, hands-on exhibit. Children will love the interactive activities as they follow a path that includes a garden, grain bin, and apple orchard.

 

3. Butter Cow

A cow statue at the Iowa State Fair.

The famous Butter Cow is one of the not-to-miss traditions of the fair. Each year, different characters surround the cow in the Agriculture Building.

 

4. Animals

A wooly sheep in a cage at the Iowa State Fair.

Be sure to stop in the Cattle Barn, Horse Barn, Sheep Barn, and Pig Barn to see the livestock, with agricultural education stations throughout, and Livestock Shows daily. One of the awards of Biggest Sheep is pictured here!

 

5. Varied Industries Building

The front of a building labeld William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fair.

A nice stop for a place to cool off is a walk through the Varied Industries Building. Visit with a variety of vendors who are excited to share their free goodies with you.

 

6. Entertainment

A person performing on a stage at the Iowa State Fair.

Enjoy Free entertainment throughout the Fair, including concerts, shows, and the popular Bill Riley Talent Search. The Grandstand offers ticketed concerts with well-known bands and artists.

 

7. The Food

A plate of fried food at the Iowa State Fair.

Fair food at the Iowa State Fair.

Choose from many amazing foods all lined up around the fair, including delicious Cheese Curds, fried everything, many foods on a stick, and desserts galore!

A cup of chocolate chip cookies at the Iowa State Fair.

 

8. The Atmosphere

A group of people walking on the grounds of the Iowa State Fair with sky ride chairs overhead.

The Sky Glider is a relaxing ride and gives you a fantastic overview of the Fairgrounds.

 

People enjoying a large group slide at the Iowa State Fair.

The Big Slide was a Big Hit with many families!

 

Carnival rides at the Iowa State Fair lit up at night.

Choose from 3 different areas of amusement park rides from attractions for the little ones to thrilling rides.

 

A large group of people walking at the Iowa State Fair.

It was amazing how many people were there on the first day. We met a family from Virginia who had it on their Bucket List to visit the Iowa State Fair, and it did not disappoint. For many families, this has become an annual tradition!

 

A ferris wheel and other carnival rides at the Iowa State Fair lit up at night.

The Iowa State Fair was so much fun and offered a variety of attractions, food, entertainment, animals, and more for a full day. It is clear why it has been named one of the best in the country!

Find out more about daily schedules, attractions, new foods each year, fairground map, and more at the Iowa State Fair website.

 

Find More Fun:

  • Day and Weekend Trips from Omaha
  • Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Omaha

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Subscribe button to join the Family Fun in Omaha email newsletter

Filed Under: Family Fun Tagged With: Travel

Read Our Latest Issue:

Featured Events

May 30
Featured May 30 - May 31

Mystic Fest

View Calendar
A group of cabins with overlay text that reads, Cabin Rentals. A table of food with overlay text that reads, Kids Eat Free. A close up of a waterfall with overlay text that reads, Day Trips.

Looking for Things to Do this Weekend?

Subscribe button to join the Family Fun in Omaha email newsletter

Welcome

Family Fun in Omaha

Family Fun in Omaha is your local resource for family-friendly activities and events in Omaha and beyond! We are a local family of 5 that loves finding new adventures and wants to help you enjoy all that Omaha and the surrounding area has to offer. We recommend starting here. Thank you for visiting!

Work With Us

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Subscribe button to join the Family Fun in Omaha email newsletter

Stay Connected

The Facebook IconThe Twitter IconThe Pinterest Logo The Instagram Logo

Most Popular Pages

Copyright © Parsons Family Holdings, LLC · Advertising Disclosure & Privacy Policy