The Indiana State Fair celebrates so many things that make the Hoosier state special, but agriculture and animals are at the heart of the Fair.
Throughout the 15 days of the Indiana State Fair, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, poultry, and other animals make their way to the Fairgrounds. Many are there to compete in 4-H and open livestock competitions, while others give Fairgoers the chance to learn about animals and Indiana agriculture up close.
If you’re visiting the Fair with kids, chances are someone in your family is going to want to see the animals.
Luckily, they’re not hard to find.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair runs August 7-23 and is closed Mondays. Different livestock species arrive and leave throughout the Fair, so what you’ll see can depend on the day you visit.
Where to See Indiana State Fair Animals
You could probably spend an entire day at the Indiana State Fair focusing only on animals.
If your kids are hoping to see a particular animal, however, it helps to know where to look and when to visit. Here’s where to find some of our favorite animal experiences at the 2026 Indiana State Fair.
Best Overall: Livestock Barns and Pavilions
For many families, this is what the Indiana State Fair is all about.
The livestock barns and competition areas are where you’ll see some of Indiana’s best cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, poultry, and other animals.
The important thing to remember is that the animals rotate throughout the Fair.
For example, the 2026 livestock schedule includes llama and alpaca shows during the first weekend, meat goat competitions early in the Fair, rabbit shows August 14-15, poultry August 20-23, sheep events throughout multiple dates, swine competitions on several weekends, and draft horse shows later in the Fair.
That means you should check the official livestock schedule before you go if your child has their heart set on seeing a particular species.
Horse and pony events, for example, take place early in the Fair, while poultry doesn’t arrive until later.
Enjoy seeing the competition animals up close, but remember that these are working show animals. Don’t reach into stalls or pet livestock unless an owner or handler tells you it’s okay.
Best for Baby Animals: Momma Town
If your kids want baby animals, make Momma Town one of your first stops.
Located in the MacReynolds Barn, Momma Town gives Fairgoers a chance to learn about moms and babies on the farm.
The exhibit is open throughout the 2026 State Fair from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Fair days.
Different species of newborn livestock are featured, and live births may even take place during the Fair.
This is one of my favorite animal stops for younger kids because you can see several types of animals without trekking from barn to barn.
Best for Pig Fans: Animal Town
Head to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion to see the swine at Animal Town.
The 2026 Fair lists Animal Town – Swine in the Fall Creek Pavilion daily from 9 am-9 pm.
The Fall Creek Pavilion also hosts major swine competitions during the Fair, including 4-H barrow and gilt shows as well as the Open Swine Show later in the Fair.
If you’ve never seen a show pig up close, prepare to be impressed. Some of these animals are enormous.
Most Interactive: FFA Children’s Barnyard
If your kids are ready for a more hands-on farm-animal experience, head to the Corteva Agriscience FFA Pavilion.
The Children’s Barnyard gives families another opportunity to visit livestock and learn more about the animals raised on Indiana farms. The FFA Pavilion is also home to several free family activities, including putt-putt golf.
This is a good stop for children who have spent the day looking at livestock in competition barns and are ready for an experience designed specifically with young visitors in mind.
Best Outdoor Animal Stop: Goat Mountain
Goat Mountain is back for 2026.
Stop by and watch the goats climb, roam, play, and generally convince your children that your family desperately needs a goat.
Goat Mountain is open throughout the Fair beginning at 9 am.
And goats aren’t the only animals you’ll find there this year.
NEW Fun at Goat Mountain: Feed the Tortoises
One of the more unexpected animal experiences at the 2026 Fair is tortoise feeding at Goat Mountain.
Tortoise feeding is scheduled at 9 am on Fair days, and Fairgoers can purchase lettuce to feed the tortoises. Lettuce is listed at $2 for one piece or $5 for three.
Goats and tortoises in one stop?
Your kids may never want to leave.
Best for Bird Lovers: Parakeet Encounter
Add another animal to your 2026 Fair checklist.
The Parakeet Encounter is listed as a daily attraction throughout the 2026 Indiana State Fair, beginning at 9 am.
This allows families to add colorful birds to a day otherwise filled with cows, pigs, goats, and horses.
If your kids love animals, I’d absolutely work this into your route.
Best for Little Kids: Pony Rides
Want to do more than simply look at a horse?
The Easy Ride ’em Ponies return to the Meijer Family Fun Park for 2026.
Young Fairgoers can enjoy a hand-led pony ride around the south end of the Family Fun Park. Pony rides are available daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and cost $8 per rider.
This is an extra-cost activity, but for pony-loving kids, it may end up being one of their favorite memories from the Fair.
Best for Babies and Toddlers: DNR Complex
The DNR Complex is a fantastic animal stop when you’re visiting the Fair with babies and toddlers.
Little ones tend to be fascinated by the fish, and there are plenty of other animal experiences here for older kids too.
The Butterfly Exhibit returns for 2026, along with live reptile programs, Birds of Prey programming, naturalist activities, and fishing opportunities for kids ages 5-17.
Kids ages 5-17 can try fishing at the DNR Fishing Pond from 10 am-1 pm and 4-7 pm daily.
The DNR area is especially helpful when you have children of different ages because something is interesting for everyone.
Best for Horse Lovers: Horse and Pony Shows
If you have a serious horse kid, plan your Fair date carefully.
The 2026 4-H Horse and Pony competitions take place primarily during the opening portion of the Fair, with events running through August 9.
Draft horse fans should visit later. Percheron and Clydesdale shows are scheduled for August 13-16, while Belgian and Haflinger shows take place August 20-23.
The Corteva Coliseum hosts several of the Fair’s major livestock and horse events, including the 4-H Grand Drive on August 9.
Best for Llama and Alpaca Fans
Yes, you can see llamas and alpacas at the Indiana State Fair too.
The 4-H Llama & Alpaca Show takes place Friday, August 7, followed by the Open Llama Show August 8-9.
These animals aren’t at the Fair for the entire run, so this is one experience where timing really matters.
Best for Bunny Lovers
Rabbit fans should plan to visit during the middle weekend of the Fair.
The 4-H and Open Rabbit Shows take place August 14-15, followed by the 4-H Rabbit Ambassador Program on August 16.
This is another reason I always recommend checking the livestock schedule instead of assuming every type of animal is at the Fair every day.
Best for Poultry Fans
Chickens and other poultry arrive later in the 2026 Fair.
The 4-H and Open Poultry Shows are scheduled August 20-23.
If chickens are at the top of your child’s animal wish list, plan for the final days of the Fair.
Don’t Forget the Dogs
Dogs also get their moment at the Indiana State Fair.
The 4-H Dog Show takes place August 22-23, making dogs one of the featured animal competitions during the final weekend.
Just remember that visitors cannot bring their own pets to the Indiana State Fair. Pets and emotional support animals are prohibited, while ADA service animals are permitted.
Check the Animal Schedule Before You Go
If seeing animals is one of your main reasons for visiting the Indiana State Fair, don’t just choose a date and hope for the best.
The livestock population changes considerably from one week to the next.
A family visiting during opening weekend will see a different mix of animals than a family visiting during the final weekend. Check the official Indiana State Fair schedule before you go and plan around the species your kids are most excited to meet.
Wash Those Hands
One final parent tip: animals and little kids are a fantastic combination, but make handwashing part of your animal-barn routine.
Keep little hands away from faces and snacks while you’re in livestock areas, wash thoroughly after animal encounters, and save the Fair food for after everyone is cleaned up.
Meet the Animals at the 2026 Indiana State Fair
Whether your kids want to watch enormous draft horses, cuddle up to the idea of baby farm animals, see show pigs, meet goats, watch tortoises eat lettuce, spot butterflies, admire colorful parakeets, or take their first pony ride, there are animal experiences all over the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The 2026 Indiana State Fair runs August 7-23 and is closed Mondays.
If animals are a priority for your family, check the daily livestock schedule before choosing your Fair date. Then wear comfortable shoes because there’s a very good chance your kids are going to want to see every single barn.
Find places to meet farm animals year-round.
One of our other favorite parts of the Indiana State Fair? The food!
Sara Keller contributed to a previous version of this article.
