Minnesota State Fair Family Activities

Taking kids to the Minnesota State Fair can be nerve-wracking at best, horrifying at worst if you aren't prepared. You can't expect kids to follow you around shopping at the International Bazaar or talk about tractors and riding lawn mowers without getting bored and misbehaving. It just doesn't work that way, especially not at the MN State Fair. Instead, you should spend your time at the MN State Fairgrounds partaking in the many family activities offered at the Minnesota State Fair that kids find enjoyable. There are so many things to do with kids at the Minnesota State Fair that you just might have to make a return trip the next day! Here are a few suggestions:

• Little Farm Hands is a great exhibit for youngsters interested in farms. They can ride on tractors and milk cows at this interactive MN State Fair exhibit

• The Shenanigans Wild West Comedy show will have you laughing more than any other production on the MN State Fairgrounds.

• Governor's Fire Prevention Day is on the first Friday of the MN State Fair, which is also the second day the Minnesota State Fair is open. During Fire Prevention Day, kids can see fire trucks and life-saving equipment up close and learn all about fire prevention and safety.

• Check out the MN State Fair pet center, where your kids can visit and pet dogs of all kinds and watch dog shows.

• The Minnesota State Fair Moo Booth is educational and fun-it teaches kids how dairy products get from the farm to their local grocery store.

• Ride a trolley around the MN State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair trolley is a great option for easing tired feet or navigating through massive crowds.

• Watch the fish in the DNR fish pond

• Check out a Minnesota State Fair Lumberjack contest. Not only are the feats of strength entertaining, there is plenty of humor and wood-carved prizes to go around!

• Watch the Fireworks at night just before the MN State Fair closes for the day

• Attend one of several free horse exhibitions. The best horse shows at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are those with performances by Tommie Turvey, the Equine Extremist.

• Visit the alpacas, the cutest and softest animals at the MN State Fair!

• The CHS Miracle of Life Center is a favorite with kids at the Minnesota State Fair. It offers kids the chance to see all kinds of baby animals, including lambs, chicks, piglets and calves!

• Check out Princess Kay of the Milky Way's statue that is carved out from butter. It is a MN State Fair must-see.

• Watch the afternoon parade that winds through the MN State Fairgrounds. There are tons of local marching bands, clowns, fire trucks and old cars.

There are family activities waiting around every corner of the Minnesota State Fair. If you explore the MN State Fairgrounds, you'll be sure to find many more activities to keep your kids busy and entertained.