This blog post is written in partnership with Ohio State Fair.
The anticipation is building as we gear up for the highly awaited 2023 Ohio State Fair, set to kick off this week. Get ready to explore hundreds of acres filled with fair food, rides, shopping, meet the cutest and most lovable animals, soak in the lively atmosphere of bustling crowds, experience your favorite Fair traditions like Smokey Bear, sky glider, livestock animals, the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir, and Natural Resources Park. And, of course, let’s not forget the star of the show – the legendary butter cow!
In this blog post, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to making the most of your time at the fair with your kids. What’s even better? We’ll be there not just once, but multiple times! Be sure to follow us on social media ’cause we’ll be dishing out live updates and sharing all the cool stuff we stumble upon!
Essential Information You Need to Know
- Dates: July 26 – Aug. 6, 2023
- Hours of Operation:
- Admission Gates:
- Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday* – 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Gates close at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6)
- Media Center: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. or by appointment (closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6)
- Live Animal Exhibit Buildings: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Other Buildings: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Natural Resources Park: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Shopping: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Closes at 8 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Mountain Dew Midway: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Open 11 a.m. – Midnight on Fridays, open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturdays, Sunday, July 30, and Wednesday, Aug. 2.; closes at 10 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Admission Gates:
- Gate Admission Prices:
- $12 – Adults 13-59
- $10 – Seniors 60+
- $10 – Children 6-12
- $8 – Advance-sale admission tickets available online, no fees applied, and at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts Stores (July 1 through July 25 only)
- Free – Children 5 and under
- Free – Veterans, Military, and First Responders with appropriate ID
- Rides:
- Operational 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Open 11 a.m. – Midnight on Fridays, open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Saturdays, Sunday, July 30, and Wednesday, Aug. 2.; closes at 10 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Ride-All-Day Wristband:
- $35 (purchased on-site)
- $32 (Advance-Sale Ride-All-Day Wristband available online only in advance through July 25)
- Individual ride credits (Talley’s Magic Money):
- $1 each
- All rides require 3 or more credits
- RFID-enabled wristbands and ticket cards can be purchased on-site at Talley Amusements kiosks or the Talley Amusements Guest Information Services Booth with cash or credit card.
- Free Parking:
- General parking is free in the main O’Reilly Auto Parts Parking Lot north of the Cardinal Gate
- Accessible parking is available
- Reserved parking is not available to the general public
- Outside Food and Beverage:
- You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Glass bottles and containers are not permitted on grounds
- $3 {Food} Thursdays
- Both Thursdays at the Fair, all vendors will be offering a menu item of their choice at a smaller size for just $3! This new initiative is the perfect way to try all the best Fair foods without breaking the bank. Visit ohiostatefair.com/3-Thursday for a full list of miniature food items and locations
- One thing that really was helpful when the girls were babies were the Infant Care & Nursing Stations presented by Molina Healthcare. The Ohio State Fair offers two large, air-conditioned Infant Care & Nursing Stations. One is located in Kiddieland and the other in the Taste of Ohio Café, at which parents can change their children’s diapers, and mothers who prefer to breastfeed their children in privacy can do so comfortably. Additional nursing stations are located in Kasich Hall and the Bricker MarketPlace Building.
Click here for a map highlighting the gates, games, rides, food, entertainment, and everything else at this year’s fair.
Sensory Information for your Visit
Sensory-Friendly Area
Navigating the hustle and bustle of the Ohio State Fair during peak hours can be overwhelming, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities. That’s why they’ve created a haven amidst the excitement. Enter the 8-acre Natural Resources Park, an oasis of tranquility within the fairgrounds. With its abundance of trees, inviting benches, and even a soothing waterfall, this serene area offers a much-needed respite for those seeking sensory refuge.
Quiet Room
For a moment of peace and calm, step into the air-conditioned Quiet Room located in the heart of the fair at the Taste of Ohio Café. Here, you’ll find a small adjacent restroom, sensory items to help you relax, and comfortable seating to unwind. It’s the perfect spot for a quick sensory relief, allowing you to recharge before diving back into the fair’s vibrant atmosphere.
Sensory-Friendly Morning: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
They understand that some fairgoers require a more sensory-friendly experience to fully enjoy the Ohio State Fair. That’s why, in partnership with OCALI, they have designated Wednesday, Aug. 2, as a special Sensory-Friendly Morning. During this time, they have made thoughtful adjustments to create a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. To help you navigate the fairgrounds with ease, they have provided a sensory accessibility guide that outlines the various sensory-friendly opportunities available. You can find additional resources such as print social narratives, a first-then board, wait cards, and a parking permit for a special area on the OCALI website at ocali.org.
Daily Kid-Friendly activities you shouldn’t miss
Meet the Iconic Smokey Bear at the Ohio State Fair
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Natural Resources Park
For lots of families, one super cool tradition is to get a friendly shout-out from the famous Smokey Bear at Natural Resources Park. Can you believe he’s one of just two talking Smokey Bears in the whole country? You gotta make it a mission this year to swing by and say hi to Smokey Bear during the Ohio State Fair.
Fun and Thrills Await at Kiddieland
- 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (open until midnight on Fridays; opens at 10 a.m. for the sensory-friendly morning on Aug. 2; closes at 10 p.m. on Aug. 6)
- Kiddieland
Parents and kiddos alike are in for an awesome time at Kiddieland! They’ve got a ton of cool rides – nearly 30 of ’em – that are a total blast for the whole fam. Picture mini-coasters, a super cute kiddie carousel, a towering 65-foot Ferris wheel, and even spinny tea cups.
Discover Agriculture at the Land & Living Exhibit
- 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
This exhibit is super interactive and has a ton of cool activities for the whole fam to enjoy. You’ll get to see, experience, and learn all about taking care of animals on the farm, how science and technology are helping farmers make safe food and take care of the environment, how scientists are finding solutions to big food and farming problems, and even how you can have a career in agriculture. While you’re there, you can even try your hand at planting crops on a tractor simulator, do some shopping in a groovy interactive grocery store, and grab a free photo to remember your time at the State Fair. How cool is that?
Engage in Hands-On Agriculture at Little Farmers Exhibit
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center Lawn 42
Get ready for an incredible adventure at this hands-on educational exhibit designed just for kids aged 3 to 10. It’s all about exploring the amazing world of Ohio agriculture! Families will have a blast navigating through a variety of stations, where they can get up close with simulated animals, discover real grains, learn about gardening, and so much more. Plus, the cherry on top is that you’ll have the chance to pick a small prize at the final station.
Get Up Close with The Cutest Animals at the Petting Zoo
- 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday)
- Kiddieland
The free Petting Zoo features more than 50 animals from around the world including goats, llamas, zebras, antelope, kangaroos, a spotted Highland cow, giant tortoise, and more. I will confirm, but last year they had food you could purchase to feed the animals and it was CASH only. As a general rule, it’s just ideal to keep a bit of cash with you while visiting the fair!
Free Daily / Strolling Entertainment
- The Amazing Giants
- Daily Strolling Ranging from stilt walkers, acrobatics, magicians, caricaturists, and everything in between, there’s never a dull moment with The Amazing Giants. Their interactive and fun entertainment includes something for everyone.
- Barrel O’ Fun Magic Show {Aug. 1 – 6}
- NEW! Entertainment Alley Find Charlie moseying around Entertainment Alley with his Barrel O’ Fun. This classic presentation of magic and comedy will have audience members amazed and rolling on the ground laughing. You can catch Delilah Davenport alongside Charles Chesterfield, but watch out, she may have a few tricks up her sleeve!
Explore and Engage at the Lausche Youth Exploration Space
- Lausche Building
- Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 7)
Step into the exciting Lausche Youth Exploration Space sponsored by Intel® and begin an adventure brimming with fun and knowledge. This awesome zone displays the amazing skills, projects, and accomplishments of Ohio’s youth groups, offering a variety of hands-on activities and educational opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what they had last year:
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library had a great space with chairs, carpet, and tons of books to read!
- There was a Tiny Town play area with houses, cars, and gas pumps.
- There were HUGE games like Connect 4, bowling, tic-tac-toe, and Sorry.
- The Boy Scouts had Cubmobile, the LEGO Pinewood Derby, a GaGa ball pit, a Boy Scouts trading post, and Scouting artifacts and history.
- COSI Hands-on Science offered Dinosaur and Marvel photo opportunities, coloring pages, science activities, and more.
- The Girl Scouts provided hands-on activities such as archery, building, campsite setup, and crafting. Visitors could also learn about Girl Scouts’ programming and buy cookies.
- Outside, visitors had the opportunity to paint the Monster Mural, which was a huge mural!
Discover Nature’s Wonders at the Natural Resources Park
- 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (times of activities vary)
- Natural Resources Park
Get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking beauty of nature at the Natural Resources Park! This place is like a hidden gem, a magical 8-acre oasis carefully looked after by the awesome folks at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. However, it’s not just about the stunning scenery! Brace yourself for a whole bunch of cool stuff to do and see that will put a smile on everyone’s faces. So, here’s the lowdown on what’s waiting for you:
- Free Fishing for Kids
- Kayaking (There is typically a sign-up area)
- Two play areas
- Archery
- Butterfly House
- Native Ohio Wildlife
- Geological Walkway
- Nature Center
- Tall Grass Prairie
- Outdoor Amphitheater – From lively musical performances to the popular lumberjack show, there’s always something exciting happening throughout each day of the State Fair.
By the way, Make sure you grab a Governor’s Children’s Passport
The Governor’s Children’s Passport is an amazing opportunity to explore the fair while ensuring your kids have a blast along the journey! By completing their passport and submitting it, children will have the chance to win one of our numerous prizes! Obtain your passport by visiting the Guest Information Services Booths or one of the partner agency booths for Children’s Initiatives (Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources)!
{NEW} Explore Ohio’s Rich History at the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village
- Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Daily
- North of Main Cardinal Gate Entrance
For the very first time, folks at the fair will get the awesome chance to explore Ohio’s fascinating past by checking out the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village, all at no extra charge while enjoying the Ohio State Fair. Just outside Kasich Hall, there’s a handy shuttle service that can take you over from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the fair. Let yourself get immersed in the rich heritage of the Buckeye State as you wander through the Ohio History Center. You’ll come across captivating exhibits that showcase the diverse history of Ohio, all the way from its Native American roots to the present day. Be amazed by artifacts, interact with the displays, and gain a deeper understanding of the events that have shaped Ohio’s past. And when you step into Ohio Village, you’ll be transported back in time to a 19th-century Ohio town. With period buildings, interpreters dressed in costumes, and authentic demonstrations, it’s like living in another era. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, chat with the village’s residents, and experience what life was like in days gone by.
Click here to read a blog post about our visit to the Ohio History Center
Exciting moments that take place on specific dates and times
Get Ready for the Ultimate Pop Concert with KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live
- Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m.
- Ticket Price: $25
- Get tickets here
The KIDZ BOP Never Stop Live Tour is coming to the Ohio State Fair! Sing and dance along with the KIDZ BOP Kids as they perform today’s biggest hits, live on stage including “As It Was,” “About That Time,” “AntiHero,” and many more. This is the ultimate pop concert for kids (and the entire family), so don’t miss out on making memories that will last a lifetime!
Experience the Thrills of Construction at ACT Ohio Construction Demo Days and Little Builders Zone
- July 26 – 28
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Cardinal Patio
Try hands-on construction activities in more than 10 building trades, see live construction demonstrations, learn about building trades careers, and meet the construction tradespeople who build Ohio at this family-friendly event hosted by ACT Ohio and the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council. Learn more at ACTOhio.org.
WOSU Kids Day
- July 27
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Central Park
Join WOSU Public Media in Central Park for a chance to meet some of your favorite PBS KIDS® characters! The event, designed to keep the whole family entertained, will offer PBS KIDS® crafts, coloring, educational activities, and games. See PBS KIDS® characters throughout the day for photo opportunities.
Fun with Columbus Zoo Animals
- July 29 – 30, Aug. 5 & 6
- 11 a.m.
- Natural Resources Park Amphitheater
Columbus Zoo’s crew will have audiences of all ages captivated with the Columbus Zoo Animals show that will take place in the Natural Resources Park amphitheater.
Embark on a Back-to-School Adventure with the “Back to School with Kroger” Scavenger Hunt
- Aug. 4
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Visit Kroger’s booth North of 17th Avenue in front of the Rhodes Center
Visit Kroger’s booth North of 17th Avenue in front of the Rhodes Center to learn about a fun back-to-school scavenger hunt around the fairgrounds! Obtain a special map and embark on a fun-filled, interactive search to find one of the twenty-five special vouchers strategically hidden around grounds. The vouchers can then be redeemed for a chance to win a backpack and a $25 gift card to purchase school supplies at Kroger!
Get Ready to Rock with The Shazzbots at the Ohio State Fair {Free}
- Aug. 6
- Noon and 2 p.m.
- NEW! Main Street Stage
Prepare for an out-of-this-world musical experience as The Shazzbots, Columbus’ very own children’s music sensation, take the stage at the Ohio State Fair. Join this intergalactic rock band as they embark on an adventure in their Space Winnebago, spreading their rocking tunes to children across the cosmos. For over 10 years, The Shazzbots have been entertaining kids and parents of all ages with their unique brand of music, adventure, and fun!
There is SO much to do at the Ohio state fair! For even more ideas, check out this blog post by The Beard and The Baker for 185 things to do at the fair!
Pro Tip: These are the BEST fries at the fair. You can find them towards the back of the fair in front of the Land and Living Building.
Get ready for an abundance of non-stop fun and excitement at the Ohio State Fair! From the iconic butter cow to thrilling escape artists and live music, there’s an array of free activities and attractions that cater to everyone’s taste. Share unforgettable moments with your loved ones as you explore captivating exhibits, indulge in the joy of the petting zoo, and marvel at the wonders of the natural resources park. The Ohio State Fair promises an adventure you won’t want to miss out on! So, mark your calendars and join us for an incredible journey of fun and exploration! See you there! And if you have any questions or need expert tips to make the most of your experience, feel free to drop me a message. See you there!
