With summer comes the 4 F’s: fun, family, friends, fairs! Oh, and fried foods, of course! State fairs have been a blast for locals and tourists since the 1800s. Nowadays, state fairs are packed with rides, food, activities, markets, competitions, and concerts. There is truly something for everyone making state fairs a go-to summer activity for families. Below we’ve put together a list of the best state fairs for families in the US.
1. Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis, WI)
Beginning in 1851, the Wisconsin State Fair is one of the best state fairs for families and runs over an 11-day span every year. Beyond all the games and carnival rides, families can visit Garden Walk or the Exploratory Park. Exploratory Park is a garden filled with kid-friendly activities like Giant Chess, a playground, and a sandbox. Children can even learn about Smokey the Bear at Smokey’s School House. Up for some competition? Locals can compete in a variety of competitions featuring quilts, beer, wine, livestock, poster art, and more.
- Dates: August 4-14, 2022
- Attractions: SkyGlider, Pony Rides, WonderFair Wheel, Garden Walk, Exploratory Park
2. Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, IN)
Sitting on over 250 acres, the Indiana State Fair has been running since 1892. Unlike most state fairs, the Indiana State Fair is one of the best state fairs as it lasts for almost an entire month every year, giving families a lot of time to enjoy the festivities. One of the most exciting rides at this state fair is the Ball State Cardinal Super Wheel—the tallest Ferris wheel in Indiana at 150 feet tall. Livestock shows and Animal Town give children a first-hand look at sheep, cattle, rabbits, and more. For an exciting thrill, visitors can enjoy the Indy 500 Racing Experience.
- Dates: July 29-August 21, 2022
- Attractions: Sleep Number Skyride, Pioneer Village, Ball State Cardinal Super Wheel, Indy 500 Racing Experience
3. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, IA)
The Iowa State Fair is known as one of the “oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country.” More than a million people visit the Iowa State Fair every year, making it another one of the best state fairs. Concerts and free entertainment are live throughout the fair, including some big-name artists. The state fair includes tons of kid-friendly activities such as coloring contests, vet camp, and Little Hands on the Farm, where children get to learn about gathering food from the farm, selling at the Farmer’s Market, and purchasing items with the money they make. Thrill Ville features lots of family-friendly rides in an atmosphere that is clean and wholesome.
- Dates: August 11-21, 2022
- Attractions: Elwell Family Park, Thrill Park, Giant Slide, Ye Old Mill
4. California State Fair (Sacramento, CA)
The California State Fair is home to a variety of rides, fried foods, competitions, and entertainment. If you’re a foodie, grab a Food Festival Pass or check out the cooking challenges. Families can even sign up for a corn dog or pie-eating contest. Love cornhole? You can enter the Annual Cornhole Championship. A unique attraction of the California State Fair is Raging Waters Sacramento—a waterpark that includes Treehouse Reef, a 5-story water attraction that is a ton of fun. This attraction alone makes it one of the best state fairs for families.
- Dates: July 15-July 31, 2022
- Attractions: Raging Waters Sacramento, California’s Kitchen, Horse Race Wagering, Food Festival
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5. Ohio State Fair (Columbus, OH)
The Ohio State Fair is one of the best state fairs and has been around since 1850. It features a huge variety of entertainment and attractions. Some kid-friendly attractions at the fair include a playground, kid’s fishing pond, pig races, and a petting zoo where children can see llamas, zebras, kangaroos, and more. The Lumberjack Show is a hit with families and kids alike. A unique and annual attraction at the state fair is the Butter Cow—a life-size cow sculpted out of butter!
- Dates: July 27-August 7, 2022
- Attractions: Butter Cow, Kayak Pond, Kids’ Fishing Pond, Little Farmers, Petting Zoo
6. Kentucky State Fair (Louisville, KY)
Looking for some stellar horse shows? Then bring your family to the Kentucky State Fair, one of the best state fairs for horse competitions. This state fair features a few different horse shows, but they’re most known for the World’s Championship Horse Show which brings in contestants from all over the world. The Kentucky State Fair also hosts the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, with big-name artists headlining night after night. If you love agriculture, animals, and music, this is the fair for you!
- Dates: August 18-28, 2022
- Attractions: World’s Championship Horse Show, Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, Talent Classic, Agland Exhibits
7. The Great New York State Fair (Syracuse, NY)
With a name this good, The Great New York State Fair has to be one of the best state fairs. Over 13 days, this state fair offers all the traditional fair attractions you want, plus an incredible entertainment line-up in the evenings. The New York State Fair Competitions are also impressive, spanning a wide variety of categories such as Antique Tractors, Pigeons, Llamas, Culinary, and more. Sports games can be watched at the Sports Activity Center, and don’t forget to take the kids to the Family Fun Zone!
- Dates: August 24-September 5, 2022
- Attractions: Family Fun Zone, New York Christmas Tree Exhibit, Kiddie Midway, Indian Village
8. Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul, MN)
Last, but certainly not least, the Minnesota State Fair offers something for the whole family, even nursing moms who can take advantage of the fair’s breastfeeding facilities when necessary. Kid-friendly attractions are throughout the fair, such as the Alphabet Forest where kids can get creative and play games. For dog-lovers, take your family over to the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash where kids can get a first-hand look at dog tricks and high-jumping water challenges! Make sure to check out the annual parade and the Livestock Complex.
- Dates: August 25-September 5, 2022
- Attractions: All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash, Livestock Complex, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, Kidway, Arts A’Fair
As summer nears, the best state fairs start popping up throughout the country, with many offering tons of kid-friendly attractions and activities. What’s fun about state fairs is that they’re not all the same, so it’s neat to visit and experience what makes each state’s fair special. Don’t forget to grab a delicious funnel cake or cream puffs before you leave!
What do you think is the best state fair? We’d love to hear which one and why!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
I wish one of these was near me! Maybe one day I’ll have to travel to one of these for a quick summer vacation!