Last checked: October 2, 2026.
Minnesota State Fair with kids can mean hands-on farming, small rides, baby animals and time to explore at a child’s pace. The completed 2026 fair ran August 27–September 7; the next announced dates are August 26–September 6, 2027. This guide was checked October 2, 2026 and uses the available 2026 attraction details as planning references. Confirm new hours, prices and programs before attending.
Quick facts for the 2026 edition
| Little Farm Hands | Designed for ages 3–10 |
|---|---|
| Kidway | Children's rides with individual height rules |
| Animal stop | CHS Miracle of Birth Center |
| 2026 free admission | Children ages 4 and under |
| Next dates | August 26–September 6, 2027 |
| Suggested approach | Two priorities, food and a flexible finish |
Begin with Kemps Little Farm Hands
Kemps Little Farm Hands is a free agricultural-learning exhibit once inside the fair, aimed at children ages 3–10. Its activities follow food from farm work to a market and grocery store: children collect goods, earn pretend proceeds and exchange them for a real farm product. The listed 2026 hours were 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Allow time for the child to follow the sequence rather than hurrying them toward the final reward. Ask what they collected or which task they liked. The experience is easier to enjoy when it is treated as its own activity instead of a quick stop on the way to rides.
A child outside the intended age range may have different interests or need a different kind of support. Read the current attraction description and ask staff when unsure. Do not promise a particular product or exact activity before checking what is offered during your visit.
Choose Kidway rides by height and confidence
Kidway’s published table separates minimum or maximum height from the height needed to ride alone. For example, its listed Charlie Chopper minimum was 30 inches, with 36 inches needed to ride alone; Dalton Tractor Ride listed a 32–54-inch range. These dated examples show why a child’s age alone is not enough to choose rides.
Measure before discussing a long list of attractions, then read the current sign and operator guidance at each ride. A parent accompanying a child does not automatically remove every restriction. If a child is uncertain, let them watch a full cycle before deciding whether to join the queue.
The 2026 Kidway page listed individual ride/game tickets at $1, with bundles of 44 for $40 or 80 for $70. A ticket unit is not necessarily a whole ride. Check how many units each attraction requires and buy for the rides your family will actually use.
Make the budget visible to older children: choose a small number of rides first and review afterward. A large bundle may be poor value if a child becomes tired, changes their mind or cannot use several attractions. Food and admission belong in separate parts of the budget.
Use the animal exhibits for a different pace
The CHS Miracle of Birth Center describes calves, lambs, goats and piglets, with agricultural education supported by FFA and veterinary volunteers. The 2026 listing gave hours of 9 a.m.–9 p.m., closing at 3 p.m. on Labor Day. An animal birth is not a timed performance you can guarantee seeing.
Help children choose one thing to notice: how a young animal moves, what the adults are doing or how staff explain care. Keep room around exhibitors and follow their instructions. The value is in looking and learning, not simply taking a photo and rushing on.
If one child is fascinated and another is ready to leave, keep the next stop nearby when possible. A long cross-ground journey immediately afterward can turn a calm visit into a difficult transition. Check the current animal schedule instead of assuming every species is present every day.
Add a learning stop that matches the child
The fair’s educational directory also lists Alphabet Forest, Math On-A-Stick, Eco Experience and the Moo, Baa and Oink booths. Those listings offer different ways to build a family route beyond paid rides. Confirm the current program and map for any specific activity.
Let the child choose between two realistic options rather than asking them to decide from an enormous fair map. A child interested in letters may prefer one stop while another wants animals or counting games. Follow the interest that is actually present rather than the activity that sounds most impressive.
Leave one attractive option unused on purpose. It becomes a useful backup if a queue is too long, an exhibit changes or the family needs a less demanding activity. A backup works best when it is close to the planned route.
Plan food, travel and the finish together
For the completed 2026 fair, gate admission was free for ages four and under and $18 for ages 5–12. The next edition’s age categories and discounts must be checked before buying. A free or discounted child’s entry does not include every ride, snack or purchase inside.
Choose your transport with tired children in mind. The official site separates free Park & Ride from paid express-bus services. Confirm the return boarding point and operating times before entering, and save the exact parking or departure location. A short outward ride can still involve a wait on the way home.
Arrange a meal break before everyone is hungry. Keep the food plan manageable and ask vendors directly about any specific dietary requirement. Agree on whether a treat or souvenir is included so the day does not become a series of spending negotiations.
A simple family route to adapt
Start with the family’s first-choice learning or animal activity. Take a proper food and rest break, then choose a limited number of suitable Kidway rides. Finish with one optional exhibit only if the children still want to continue. This is a suggested structure, not an official timed itinerary.
Before splitting up, choose a staffed meeting point and make sure older children know how to contact an adult. Keep the return plan accessible to more than one adult when possible. For the wider ticket and travel overview, read our Minnesota State Fair guide.
Use the new daily schedule when released. The site’s 2027 date banner can sit above older attraction details, so read the event dates within each listing. A successful family visit depends on current details and a realistic pace more than on the number of attractions completed.
Venue location
Venue orientation only; use the organizer’s map for event entrances and viewing areas. Open the venue in Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
What ages is Little Farm Hands for?
The official description targets ages 3–10. Check the current attraction guidance before visiting.
Does Kidway use one height rule for all rides?
No. Individual rides list different limits, including separate requirements for riding alone.
Will we see an animal being born?
That cannot be guaranteed. The Birth Center also provides a chance to see young animals and learn about their care.
Should we use every ticket in a big ride bundle?
Buy according to realistic ride choices and your child's energy. A smaller purchase may suit a short visit better.
Official sources and edition notes
- Official dates
- 2026 admission and parking announcement
- Visitor FAQ
- Transportation choices
- Exhibits and education
- Rides and attractions
- Kemps Little Farm Hands
- Kidway
- CHS Miracle of Birth Center
Dates, charges and access notes describe the checked 2026 edition. Confirm current organizer notices before traveling; a future edition requires new verification.
