DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2015)(readMedia)-- There's no better place to be a kid than at the Iowa State Fair. Kids' activities and entertainment, all free with admission, can keep families busy all 11 days of the Fair. Whether it's jumping into a hands-on Blue Ribbon Kids activity, becoming a farmer at Little Hands on the Farm or watching unforgettable entertainment, "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 13-23.
The Kids' Zone - a special area packed with games and entertainment - is assembled with young Fairgoers in mind. Go sailing every day at 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. on a comedy treasure cruise with SwashChucklers as they search for the map to the long-lost Cursed Treasure o'the Spanish Main. Try out your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm or learn about Iowa's agriculture at Seed Survivor.
Before you leave, make sure to visit the Blue Ribbon Kids tent for fun Fair-themed activities every weekday. Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members get to be part of the action during special Club activities every morning at 10 a.m. These 30-60 minute activities are located in the Kids' Club tent in the Kids' Zone, north of the Animal Learning Center. Membership is free and children can sign up between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for any club event or download a form at iowastatefair.org/just-for-
Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:
Thursday, August 13 - Make and Take T-shirt Day at Kids' Club
Friday, August 14 - Turkey Day at Kids' Club
Monday, August 17 - Happy Birthday Fairfield and Rosetta
Tuesday, August 18 - Kids in the Kitchen Day at Kids' Club
Wednesday, August 19 - Kids' Club Gives Back
Thursday, August 20 - Iowa State Fair History Day at Kids' Club
Friday, August 21 - Llama Day at Kids' Club
Fun Forest Stage:
The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted, courtesy of the Deaf Action Center and the Iowa State Fair.
Dale Jones: The One Handed Comedy Juggler astounds audiences with his world-class original comedy along with his juggling. Shows begin daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
The Rubber Chicken Show starring Greg Frisbee, a comedian, juggler and escape artist. He keeps the audience on their toes by juggling while his hands are on fire, escaping from a straight jacket and launching a rubber chicken from a cannon. This family-friendly event is sure to entertain. Shows begin daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Grounds Attractions:
The Red Trouser Show offers a high-end street theater production full of acrobatic tricks and hilarious stunts. This professional and highly skilled duo uses fire, juggling and illusions to provide a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-stricken audiences laughing. Shows daily at Noon, 3 and 6 p.m. on Expo Hill.
Bandaloni gives musical entertainment a funny facelift as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time! Strolling daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Hedrick's Petting Zoo is the ideal place where fairgoers can get up-close-and-personal with zebras, kangaroos, camels and more in a safe and fun environment. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. north of Gate 11.
Oscar the Robot, along with his partner, Jack Prather, provide laughter and memories at all of their performances. This dynamic team is informing and entertaining for all age groups. Oscar is sure to provide an unforgettable spark of energy to your Fair experience. Shows daily at Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.
More Entertainment:
In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3, and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway kids' activities will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in a tent located by Grandfather's Barn.
No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day, Thursday, August 20. Participate in bubble gum blowing (9 a.m.) and the pie eating contests (10:30 a.m.) on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage or try your hand at the Big Wheel Races (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), arts and crafts (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and scavenger hunts (1 p.m.) on the Grand Concourse.
Stop by the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building Atrium for the return of Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, and watch them construct an agriculture-themed masterpiece. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.
