Milwaukee With Kids is a proud partner of Wisconsin State Fair.
The smell of corn on the cob (and manure!) is in the air, and so is a sense of pride for all things Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin State Fair is back this year, and it’s a celebration of agriculture, local delicacies, and yes, food-on-a-stick.
Check out their Daily Schedule for 2024!
Some things will be the same as ever, and other things will be different.
Read on to find out what you need to know this year, plus our suggestions for the best things to do -and eat – with kids.
1. KIDZBOP
You’ll have a blast at the KIDZ BOP Live 2024 tour as this new show brings the best of the best to the State Fair Main Stage on Tuesday, August 6!
This ultimate pop concert will have kids and grown-ups alike dancing along to today’s biggest hits, sung by kids for kids, including current songs like “Anti-Hero,” “CUFF IT,” “As It Was,” and many more.
Tuesday, August 6th is Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day, and the Milwaukee Bucks are bringing the energy of Fiserv Forum to the State Fair with an exciting day of activities!
There’s something for every fan, regardless of age. Enjoy performances from the Bucks Entertainment Network, score a high-five from Bango and the Wisconsin Herd’s mascot Pointer, take home a souvenir craft on-a-stick, put your NBA 2K skills to the test, enjoy music played by the Bucks DJs, and purchase some new gear from the mobile Bucks Pro Shop, too from 10am-4pm.
Plus, in the month of July, young Bucks fans can receive a free State Fair youth admission ticket after signing up for Bango’s Kids Club, presented by BMO. It’s free to join!
3. COMPEER FINANCIAL DISCOVERY BARNYARD
A must stop for kids and families is the Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard, located near Ag Village, where you’ll find hundreds of baby animals. Last year, 600 chicks and 21 piglets were born there. You’ll also find a cows and calves, ewes and lambs, dairy goat kids, and ducklings.
Nearby, you can take pony rides on Sue Wetley Court, or visit the “Neigh”borhood Corral, an in-depth exhibit focused entirely on horses, complete with grooming demos, educational displays, and more.
The Alpaca area is also located next door!
4. SAZ’S RACING PIGS
Saz’s Racing Pigs are a State Fair staple. Pick your favorite pig and cheer them on during races held throughout the day. It’s located on Second Street and Badger Avenue.
This year, you can cheer for Hank, Brooke, Maverick, and Harvey.
5. EAT!
From the iconic Cream Puff to Foods-On-A-Stick, no visit to Wisconsin State Fair is complete without ticking your taste buds with some delicacies.
Cream Puffs: For the true State Fair experience you’ll want to cap off your visit with an Original Cream Puff. Approximately 400,000 are consumed every year. The decadent cream-filled pastries have been sold at the Fair since 1924. You can get them in three or six packs.
Corn on the Cob: There’s simply nothing more satisfying than a juicy corn on the cob from the New Berlin Lion’s Club. You’ll find them right by the Giant Slide.
Foods On A Stick: Check out a complete directory of Foods On A Stick here.
Wisconsin Product Pavilion: The Wisconsin Products Pavilion offers higher-quality local faire like Door County cherry products and artisan jerky, as well as kid favorites like grilled cheese, pizza, and their famous baked potatoes.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation Milk House: The Milk House is ready to bring you traditional and not-so-traditional flavors of cool, refreshing milk. Pick up a glass for only $1.
New This Year: Check out all of the new foods being offered in 2024 here.
Sporkies Finalists: The Sporkies and Drinkies have encouraged State Fair vendors to create next-level foods and drinks for Fairgoers of all ages. This year’s finalists include a Cool Ranch Doritos Pickle, Deep Fried Lemonade Bites, and Hot Ham & Glazers. Look for the giant 13 ft. Golden Sporks and Drinkies Statues outside of each finalist and winner locations during your visit.
Crazy Grazin Day: Real foodies will go crazy for Crazy Grazin Day on Tuesday, August 6th, when you can get deals at over 30 stops throughout the fair.
Reader Recommended: We asked our Instagram community what their favorite thing to eat at the fair was, and these were their answers: Baked Potatoes & Island Noodles | Fried Veggies | Maple Syrup Cotton Candy | Hot Wisconsin Cheese | BBQ Pork Chop Sandwich | Pierogis | Corn in a Cup | Truffle Tots | Mexican Corn | Corndog | Dill Pickle Pizza | Deep Fried Mac N Cheese | Deep Fried PB & J | Chicken & Waffles
6. THE MILKING PARLOR
The Milking Parlor is where your kids can learn where the milk you get in the grocery store comes from.
View the cow milking demonstrations four times daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm and goat milking demonstrations 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Please note on that last Sunday, cow milking demonstrations will be 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and goat milking demonstrations at 12pm and 2pm.
Located in Ag Village at the southeast corner of the Livestock Horse Barn on Central Avenue.
7. K-9 SPORTS ARENA
Stop by the K-9 Sports Arena, located in the Big Backyard, for shows and demonstrations like dog dock diving, frisbee, agility courses, Police K-9 units and more.
For thrill seekers, check out the Salto Power Jump Trampolines on Wetley Way across from the K-9 Sports Arena.
8. THE GIANT SLIDE
It will be difficult to resist (and hard to miss!) the 200-foot Giant Slide, which has been around for over fifty years.
Hop onto a burlap sack and take a ride down the iconic slide for $4 each. It’s located on Second Street, just north of Central Mall.
9. WONDERFAIR WHEEL
Near the Giant Slide is North America’s largest traveling Ferris Wheel, the Wonderfair Wheel, which stands 15 stories high and features 36 fully enclosed, brightly colored gondolas.
Each gondola has a capacity of six people, and one gondola offers accessible seating. The ride time from start to finish is approximately 10 minutes. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the city, with visibility of over 10 miles from the top of the wheel.
Rides on the WonderFair Wheel cost $7 per person. Save $1 when you buy online! It’s located on Wetley Way at Second Street.
10. SPINCITY KIDS AREA
For amusement rides with lower minimum heights and exciting games of chance, head to the SpinCity Kids Area on west side of the Grand Walkway in SpinCity.
Sensory-Friendly SpinCity Morning: Fairgoers who have special sensory needs can play games and experience rides and attractions from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5th.
Lights, sounds, and non-safety related announcements will be reduced. (Some operational noises will be noticeable during this time, and some attractions are not able to be fully silenced.)
11. CIRQUE AT THE FAIR
Cirque at the Fair is back this year! Find it just east of Entrance A on South Grandstand Ave. Watch incredible acts at Cirque at the Fair — an all-new dazzling free show.
Enjoy phenomenal acts including archery and aerial performances like you’ve never seen before. Showtimes are Monday – Friday: 1pm, 4pm, & 7pm and Saturday – Sunday: 12pm, 2pm, 5pm, & 8pm. Upgrade to VIP here.
While you wait for the next show, head to the Wilderness Resort Family Variety Stage located nearby, where there will be jugglers, comics, musical fun, magicians, illusionists, and more.
12. VISIT THE ANIMALS
The Animal Buildings are open this year from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Each year, the State Fair welcomes over 10,000 animals to Ag Village for competitions and exhibitions.
You’ll see cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, rabbits, goats, and swine, and more!
13. EXPLORATORY PARK
Pro Tip: When you need a calming break from the fun, your kids might also love Exploratory Park, where they can explore Paradise Pond, an oversized chess board, hopscotch, bag toss, quirky toad stools, a dragonfly bench, a sand box, and more.
SAVE ON ADMISSION
Here’s a summary of the special admission deals and activities at this year’s State Fair:
- Piggly Wiggly $5 Day (Thursday, August 1): Fairgoers can enter the State Fair for just $5 by donating two cans of healthy fruits or vegetables or making a cash donation, benefiting the Hunger Task Force.
- Celebrate Wisconsin Day (Friday, August 2): Travel Wisconsin offers a special deal where out-of-state visitors can purchase two adult admission tickets for only $18, and explore local travel opportunities at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion.
- Veterans & Military Recognition Day (Sunday, August 4): Veterans and military personnel, along with up to three family members, receive free admission by presenting a military ID. Special activities, including a Veterans & Military Resources Expo, are planned at Central Park.
- Milwaukee Bucks Kid’s Day (Tuesday, August 6): Free State Fair admission for youth who sign up for Bango’s Kids Club, sponsored by BMO. The day features fun activities and showcases the spirit of the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Meijer Day (Wednesday, August 7): A $5 discount on one adult admission ticket is available for purchases at Wisconsin Meijer stores from July 2-August 7. Activities for children and free giveaways will be available in Central Park.
- Prairie Farms Dairy Day, Honoring Educators (Thursday, August 8): Free admission for educators presenting a school ID or badge. Educational and interactive displays, including Dairy Lane, highlight Prairie Farms’ contributions.
Each day offers unique themed activities and savings, providing an enriching and budget-friendly way to enjoy the State Fair.
WHAT TO KNOW FOR 2024
Dates: The Wisconsin State Fair will run August 1- 11th, 2024 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.
Hours: The State Fair will be Sunday – Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Thursday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to midnight. You can find Building Hours and SpinCity Ride & Game Area Hours here.
Admission: Kids 5 and under are free! At the gate, adult admission (12 and over) is $18. Seniors (60 & over), military/veterans with ID and youth (ages 6-11) admission is $13. Only credit cards are accepted at the gate. Save money by buying tickets online.
Parking: Over half of State Fair Park is dedicated to onsite parking for State Fair attendees. Parking services at State Fair Park are provided by Interstate Parking Company. All parking is first come, first served.
For everyone’s safety, local authorities only allow right hand turns into State Fair Park along all bordering streets (S. 84th Street, W. Greenfield Avenue, W. Kearney Street, S. 76th Street).
Cost: $15 per vehicle, $8 per motorcycle
General and motorcycle parking are available through the following vehicle gates:
- Gate 1 – located at W. Greenfield Avenue and S. 79th Street | Opens at 6am daily
- Gate 7 – located on Kearney Street (I-94 Frontage Road) between S. 84th & S. 76th Streets | Opens at 9am daily
- Gate 9 – located at W. Pierce Street and S. 76th Street | Opens at 9am daily
Carry-ins: No carry-in alcoholic beverages or weapons allowed. Unopened bottled water and food for infants or those with food allergies is permitted.
Parent Supervision/Youth Admission Policy: Fairgoers seventeen (17) years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 21+) to enter Wisconsin State Fair Park beginning at 5pm each day of the Fair. Each parent or guardian may only chaperone up to six (6) minors per day.
Family/Baby Care Centers: Families can visit one of three private, air conditioned, comfortable areas designated as Family/Baby Care Centers in the Exposition Center, Guest Services Pavilion, and at North Grandstand Avenue & Fifth Street. Each location offers an area for nursing mothers as well as a diaper changing station. Diaper changing stations are also available in most restroom facilities throughout State Fair Park.
Restrooms: Nearly every permanent building at State Fair Park includes restrooms inside of it, excluding smaller exhibit halls and open-air livestock barns. Dedicated restroom structures and portable restrooms are also spread out through the grounds.
Stroller & Wagon Rental: The State Fair is a big place and sometimes legs get tired. Vista Mobility provides onsite rentals for strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and electric scooters. Rental fees are as follows: $15 per Single Stroller, $20 per Wagon, $25 per Wheelchair, $65 per Electric Scooter ($45 after 6 pm).
Locations include:
- Outside the UScellular Main Entrance
- West Entrance C
- State Fair Main Stage Entrance G
Head to the Wisconsin State Fair website for even more information about this year’s fair.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.