The BEST Free Things to do with Kids at the Indiana State Fair | 2025

The Indiana State Fair is a beloved tradition and a foundational summer break activity. The 2025 Indiana State Fair runs from August 1 through the 17, Tuesday-Sunday. That’s fifteen days of festivities with tons of FREE things to do every single day.

Free Things to Do at the Indiana State Fair

There are so many things to see and do at the State Fair with your kids—animals, 4-H projects, the Dairy Barn, and so much more! Expenses can add up quickly on such an outing with your family, so here is a guide to the best free things to do at the State Fair with your family. If you want to save even more, check out the 2025 Indiana State Fair Guide to Discounts, Coupons, and Deals.

The Glass Barn

The Glass Barn offers a unique learning experience where you can connect your children with local agriculture, educate them on what farmers do, and show them how food goes from farm to table. The many interactive exhibits and games will immediately grab your child’s attention and help them appreciate food in a new way. Don’t miss the fun photo op experience while you’re there! The Glass Barn is open daily from 9 am-9 pm.

Bubble Tower

Just outside the Glass Barn, you’ll find the giant cow-spotted bubble tower, spouting glistening, colorful bubbles all day long. This feature has been enchanting fair goers, young and old, for several years now, and little ones will happily chase after the floating bubbles for as long as you’ll let them.

Big Top Circus

One of the biggest new features at the Fair in 2025 is the Big Top Circus. There are three free shows each day, with options to pay for upgraded seating and experiences. Witness remarkable feats of daring and displays of skill in a thrilling show under the huge Big Top tent.

The State Fair Parade

Off Main Street, you will be able to find the Indiana State Fair Parade full of exciting things to see! You can expect tractors, floats, and more in this themed parade. The parade can only be viewed off of Main Street. This daily event is offered at 2 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and at 6:30 pm on all other days. The timing of the evening parades is perfect for after-school fun.

Little Hands on the Farm

The Little Hands on the Farm activity is a family favorite of ours and a must-do on your trip to the Indiana State Fair. Located in the Family Fun Park, kids get to be farmers for the day and participate in various chores around the farm. Kids love harvesting crops in exchange for a fun prize at the end!

Mini Golf

Head on over to the Corteva Agriscience FFA Pavilion for free mini-golf! This is a fun and easy way to have fun at the fair, without breaking the bank. This building is full of other fun things to do, such as the country market and a petting zoo for little ones! This activity is open daily from 9 am-9 pm.

Tractor Shuttle Ride

Take advantage of free shuttle rides around the fairgrounds! This service once charged a fee, but today you and your family can ride together for free. My kids love the big tractors and can’t wait to ride this year!

See the Butterfly Garden

You’ll find the Butterfly Garden next door to the DNR building. Stroll through the enclosure to get up-close views of gorgeous species as they flutter and float between the colorful flowers and feeding stations.

State Fair Splash Pad

Cool off at this permanent fixture at the Fair, back for another year after debuting in 2024! The farm-themed splash pad is located in the Family Fun Park and will operate daily from 9 am-8 pm.

Jump Pad

New in 2025, you can find a giant jump pad near Gate 3. Bring your littles and let them bounce away — free of charge!

Indiana’s Court

Shoot hoops on this permanent outdoor court. The court, located near Gate 3, will host some formalized contests throughout the Fair, but is typically open for free play. Visit between 9 am and 9 pm.

The Backyard

Relax with free live music and free yard games in the Backyard. The music schedule varies by day, so be sure to check the Fair calendar to see who will be playing! Families can challenge each other to classic games like corn hole, Connect 4, and ladder golf.

Taste from Indiana Farms

Please note that this special event is only scheduled for August 7-10. If you happen to be at the Fair on these days, you’ll want to make your way to the Fall Creek Pavilion sometime between 11 am and 6 pm! Once inside the pavilion, which also hosts the swine show, follow the signs to the Taste from Indiana Farms experience. You’ll be handed a goody bag and invited to make your way through a variety of booths offering samples of food from local farms. Try Indiana popcorn, duck meat, honey, and more!

Tour the Animal Barns

There are many barns throughout the grounds of the State Fair. From horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and more, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with countless animals. My kids love visiting the horse stables to see the beautiful, medal-winning horses. Some of them are huge! You could easily spend your day just visiting the animals at the fair. The barns are open daily from 9 am-8 pm.

DNR Building

The DNR Building has live insects, snake shows, and giant fish in aquariums. Best of all, outside in the back, there’s a FishIN’ pond for kids to try their luck at fishing. Register at the table behind the DNR building and listen to a short talk on fishing tips and safety. Then cast your line and see what you catch! TIP: be sure to register early, as this is a popular event for ages 5-17.

Pioneer Village

Travel back in time when you and your family visit Pioneer Village! Nestled between Machinery Field and the MHS Family Fun park, this little village is straight out of the 1800s. Here, you can experience the Opry House, Antique Tractor Exhibit, and demonstration field. Want to channel your inner historian? Pioneer Village is also home to what researchers say might be the oldest Moline Universal Model E Road Tractor still in existence today!

Momma Town

Learn about your favorite barnyard animals all in one place! Visit Momma Town in the Mac Reynolds Barn on the north side of the fairgrounds. Here, you can get up close with all the newest fair mommas and their sweet babies.

4-H Project Displays

Head to the 4-H buildings on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds to see some seriously impressive projects submitted by kids around the state. Who knows what your child might be inspired to try to make, bake, or build after you visit?

This is just a sampling of all the things you can do for free at the State Fair with your kids. Get creative, and have an entire day packed full of family fun without having to spend more than the price of admission! It’s amazing how much you can do at the fair for such a great value – and don’t forget, children 5 and under attend for free! The State Fair runs from August 1-17. Grab your tickets on the Indiana State Fair website.

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