18 Activities your Kids will Love at the 2024 Indiana State Fair
The Great Indiana State Fair begins this weekend with all of the fun, food, and entertainment you may remember. 2024 celebrates “The Art & Nature of Fun” with many new exhibits and activities your family will love. You can visit the fair from Aug. 2-18 (note: the fair is closed on Mondays). Tickets and special access passes can be purchased online, and children under 5 years old are free. If you loved visiting our own Howard County 4-H Fair, you can experience it all again in August! Here are 18 things we know your kids will love at the Indiana State Fair.
New Attractions for the Family
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Baby Animal Feeding Adventure
There is nothing more precious than baby animals. This new animal feeding adventure exhibit located at Goat Mountains (near the DNR Building) allows you to cuddle and feed these precious little ones for just $5.Family Friendly Movies
Near Gate 12 behind the Glass Barn you’ll find a cozy new outdoor movie theatre featuring blockbuster family-friendly films on a giant screen from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Illuminate Outdoors
Last year’s exhibit was such a hit that its back, bigger, and outdoors! Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and located in the Backyard beside the Purdue Extension Building, the entire family will be in awe as you take in all 14 of these new immersive lantern sculptures.Momma Town
This new exhibit in the Mac Reynolds Barn explores the miracle of life on the farm. Momma Town will be home to many expecting mothers including chickens, piglets, and more. See the babies up close and learn more about animal parenting with your family daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.Outdoor Basketball Court
It’s not Indiana without Basketball! The basketball experience you may have visited before is now a permanent addition to the Indiana State Fair. The court is open daily for free-play from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and located inside Gate 12. Check the ISF program for details on camps and contests.State Fair Splash Pad
This new experience is a great way to cool off with your family. Located in the MHS Family Fun Park, the splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.WTHR Olympic Zone - Paris 2024
Every day in front of the Indiana Farmer’s Coliseum, WTHR presents a special exhibit that celebrates athleticism and unity that is fun for all ages.
Explore more of the new exhibits on the Indiana State Fair Website
Well Known Annual Attractions
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4-H Project Exhibits and Livestock Shows
You can support our own area 4-H members by viewing their 4-H project exhibits and livestock exhibits at the Indiana State Fair. 4-H projects are displayed alongside education stations and hands on activities in Centennial Hall and the Exhibit Hall from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day. See the ISF Program for more details on 4-H Livestock events.CANstruction Displays
You won’t believe what CAN be built with a bunch of cans! Walk through the display of CANstruction displays in The Mercantile in Ag/ Hort Building near the Midway from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.The Giant Cheese Sculpture
Presented annually by the American Dairy Association of Indiana, INC. You won’t want to miss watching Sarah “The Cheese Lady” Kaufmann sculpt a work of art out of cheese. This exhibit is located in The Mercantile in Ag/Hort near the Midway and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Depending on when you visit will determine if you see the sculpture in process or complete.Daily Parade
See and hear many of the special personalities and fun that are a part of the Indiana State Fair each year in the daily parade. The parade begins at 2 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, and at 6:30 p.m. on all other days. See the ISF Map for the Parade Route.Little Hands on the Farm
In the MHS Family Fun Park from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday, little ones are encouraged to help on the farm. Kids and toddlers are guided through a hands on farm-to-grocery store educational experience. They will love harvesting fruits and vegetables, collecting eggs, and riding on tractors.FFA Putt Putt Mini Golf, Petting Zoo, and Play Area
Everyday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the Corteva Agriscience FFA Pavillion is full of fun for families. Little ones will enjoy petting farm animals and working ground with farm and construction toys in the play area. Teens and families can test their skills and play 18-holes of putt putt mini golf.
Indiana State Fair Hidden Gems
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Watermelon Seed Catapulting Contest
Everyday at 3 p.m. in the lobby of the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, a special competition will award those who toss their seed the furthest each day will a special ribbon! The event is free and fun for the whole family.The Glass Barn Fun Photo Booth
The glass barn is a great place to learn about the science and versatility of soybeans. Play Bean-go to earn a special prize and learn from real scientists and farmers during scheduled chats. But don’t leave until you’ve gone to the back of the building and taken a picture in the green screen photo booth!Treats at Hook’s Drug Store Museum
Don’t let the title “Museum” fool you, Hook’s Drug Store is a beautiful way to experience life in the late 19th century. Open each day of the fair from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. the gem is that you’ll find nostalgic gums, candies, and made to order ice cream sodas and phosphates unlike anything else on the fairgrounds. Volunteers are nearby to answer questions and guide your family in this one of a kind experience.The Blacksmith’s Forge at Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village is a hidden gem itself with so much to offer (including haircuts), but its a must to visit the Blacksmith’s Forge and take in the tools of this ancient trade. If you ask, the Blacksmith may even make you a nail ring (possibly for a small cost).Selfie Stations Photo Trail
Under the Hoosier Lottery Grandstands on Main Street, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for a fun selfie. If you have tweens or teens that love a photo opportunity this is a must stop on your way to grabbing some food.
