As promised, here’s my 2nd fair post-this one focusing on all that’s fun at the fair for the kiddos. Our friends at the fair sent over this monster list. You’ll want to look it over-to be honest, I thought I knew all about the fair, but I found some brand new things to do!
I’ve starred the free activities, and info. on where to change a diaper, nurse a baby, and other need to know stuff is at the bottom.
For my post on how to save money at the fair, which includes info. on ride deals, parking, the Kiwanis shuttle, and saving on admission and food, you’ll want to head to my post on saving on your fair trip.
Activities
Animals of the World: This exhibit will only be here the first five days , so check it out! You’ll see a wide range of exotic animals from around the world. Camels, goats, yaks, and wallabies will all be awaiting your visit.
*Free with Fair gate admission in Barn J
C&H Sugar Parent-Child Decorated Cookie Contest: Children 6-16 years and a parent (mother, father, grandparent, legal guardian or step-parent) are invited to make decorated cookies in this Home Arts Department contest. First place wins $100, second place $50, and third place $25. For rules, visit http://www.thefair.com/participate/exhibit-entries/
*Free with Fair gate admission Register in advance online
‘C.P. Huntington Train: This pint-size train is perfect for kids and their parents to take a spin around a portion of SillyVille. You’ll see the conductor, and enjoy a tunnel that give a peak of dinosaurs in days gone Fee charged In Sillyville
Draft Horse Hitch Demonstrations: See these gentle giants in their barn, then see them as they pull hitches, reminiscent of days gone by.
*Free with Fair gate admission hitch demonstrations in Barn D and shows in Arena G
Education Stage: The Education Building has a stage, with a variety of school students and special interests performing, from clogging to piano, native American dance to a 4-H Fashion Review.
*Free with Fair gate admission in the Pavillion
Face Painting: Merry Makers are at it again, using airbrush art to create whimsy on the faces of young kids. Children 12 and under can take advantage of this great offer, thanks to sponsor Mazatlan
Fair Farm: Who doesn’t love to see baby animals up close and personal? Kids of all ages get in on the action in the Fair Farm, where you can meet and pet countless critters. Nuzzle up to a bunny, piglet, pygmy goat or miniature horse. Or, watch chicks hatching. This is a petting farm you’ll
come back to year after year.
*Free with Fair gate admission In Sillyville area, Barn E on map
FFA and 4-H Activities:
Both youth organizations are hosting their state fair at the Washington State Fair. The students love to share their knowledge of their animals, agriculture and much more with visitors, so stop by the barns and visit with them.
*Free with Fair gate admission around the fair
Fireworks Spectacular (Sept. 5, 12, 20 at 10 p.m.):
You’ll love how the sky lights up each Friday night with the Fireworks Spectacular. You’ll marvel at a glorious display as they light up with amazing color, accented with the loud booms as lights explode into a kaleidoscope of color, thanks to sponsor Ashley Furniture HomeStore.
*Free with Fair gate admission September 6th or 13th at 10PM
Free Entertainment Stages: We have four stages offering a wide variety of entertainment, all free of charge, so check out the schedule to see who is appearing the days you will be attending.
*Free with Fair gate admission at the Fountain Plaza Stage, ShowPlace Stage, Blue Gate Plaza Stage, Coca-Cola Stage
Giant Pumpkin Carving:
See master pumpkin carver Russ Leno create works of art out of giant pumpkins. Each creation is different, and he’s fascinating to watch in action.
*Free with Fair gate admission inside the green gate
Hobby Hall: This hall is filled with amazing collections that people love to display, as well as Legos in the making.
*Free with Fair gate admission #11 on the map
Kids Tractor Pull: Let your little ones try their hand at driving a pint-size tractor. It’s a great way to burn off some energy as it is pedal powered!
*Free with Fair gate admission Times: Monday – Thursday 12:45, 2:30, 4:30 and 6:15 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:15 a.m., 1:00, 3:15, 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. in SillyVille
Let’s Pretend Circus Adventure: Young children can be the stars of this show! Kids are invited to take part, and select a costume to wear in their very own circus show. *Free with Fair gate admission in Sillyville
Milking a Cow and the Milking Parlor:
Kids are invited to milk a cow, well, a faux cow, anyway! Mabel is located in the Dairy Barn, with a stool set up for kids to try their hand at milking a pretend cow. Don’t worry, there are farmers ready to help them out! Then wander over to see real cows being milked in the Milking Parlor, and sample some free milk, thanks to Darigold.
*Free with Fair gate admission in Barm M on the map
Northwest Outdoors – Trout Fishing Pond:
The Northwest Outdoors exhibit shares the great outdoors with Fair guests. You can learn about activities to enjoy in the state’s great outdoors, as well as offering children the opportunity to catch a rainbow trout in a fully stocked pond. Fishing gear and volunteers are there to help them get a nibble.
*Free with Fair gate admission In Northwest Outdoors, “Go Play Outside”
Northwest Outdoors – Archery and Snowshoeing: The Northwest Outdoors exhibit also invites kids to learn about adventures in the Northwest by strapping on some snowshoes or learning to shoot a bow. All weekend long, children can explore as they follow a straw track lined with trees and booths. Don’t forget to stop by and try your hand at shooting a real bow.
*Free with Fair gate admission In Northwest Outdoors “Go Play Outside”
Piglet Palace: A brand NEW home has been built for two sows and their litters, and it is a palace, the Piglet Palace. Timing is everything, and they have perfected it here. One sow gives birth near the beginning of the Fair, and one midway through, so you can see newborn piglets. The palace features enhanced viewing areas, as well as a big screen to see the piglets on crowded days.*Free with Fair gate admission in SillyVille area
SillyVille: An area dedicated all to kids. Let out all of your silliness on the rides and activities located here. Reminder: Due to safety, guests under the age of two may not go on the rides.
Rides require ticket purchase. There is also a kiddie food area in Sillyville.
Talking Chicken and Chick Hatching: Kids are amazed when they enter the Poultry Building and a giant chicken talks to them. They are then invited to get close to the viewing area where chicks are hatching.
*Free with Fair gate admission in Barn A
Tractor Tracks: NEW! Kids get a chance to take the wheel and pedal a mini tractor around a maze, enjoying sights found on a farm, including a red barn, water feature and a tractor.
*Free with Fair gate admission in the SillyVille area
Wool Riders Only: Have you ever heard of mutton bustin’? This is where young children (4-7 years) under 60 pounds can practice bull riding – on a sheep! Youngsters can attempt to hang onto an unpredictable sheep for six seconds in hopes of winning a prize! Helmets are provided and required for safety.
Times: Sept. 6 at noon, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 7-8 at 10:30 a.m., noon, 3:00, 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.; Sept. 9-22 Monday – Thursday at 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.; and Sept. 9-22 Saturday and Sunday at10:30 a.m., noon, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. Fee: $10 Location: SillyVille inside Green Gate It’s free to watch if you don’t want your kiddos doing it themselves.
World Vision’s Kisongo Trek: Kisongo Trek is an immersive experience in which visitors are digitally transported to Tanzania through film and design all inside a double-expandable semi-truck trailer. Guests sign into akiosk outside and receive a bus ticket, and are invited into the “Kisongo Trek.” The journey to
the village of Kisongo in Tanzania takes about 15 minutes, and 80-100 people can visit an hour, thanks to World Vision. *Free with Fair gate admission at the Blue Gate Plaza
Other Parent Stuff:
Diaper Changing Area: Changing tables are located in both men’s and women’s restrooms.
Near Blue, Gold, Green and Red Gates; the north and south ends of SillyVille; and the Expo Hall.
Nursing Station:A nursing station has been provided for mothers in the women’s Red Gate restroom near the restaurant building
As you can see, there is a ton for the kiddos at the fair, and so much of it is Free (This is Far from all of it, btw)! For tips on how to save on parking, food, admission, and rides, head one post down or go here for my master list of fair savings tips! If you checked that post out earlier, readers have left some helpful comments you’ll want to check out, too! If you’re a newbie to the fair, and you find this all a little overwhelming, I have my best fair going tips in a shorter format in this article I did for our friends at Parent Map.