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Everyone knows about the Cream Puffs and the big yellow slide, but the Wisconsin State Fair is also filled with quieter corners, interactive exhibits, animal experiences, and free entertainment that many families walk right past.
If you’re planning a visit with kids, here are some of the most unique hidden gems to add to your day at the Fair.
Produced in partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair and the MKE With Kids community
1. Exploratory Park Is One of the Best Places to Take a Break
Tucked away on the south side of Main Street across from the Dairy Building, Exploratory Park feels completely different from the busy main areas.
Families will find:
- A shaded playground
- Sandbox with toys
- Giant chess board
- Hopscotch paths
- Japanese garden with waterfall and pond
- Quiet walking trails
- Birdhouse Boulevard
- Native plant gardens
- Fish tanks and wildlife exhibits inside the DNR building
Returning this year is Tom’s Trail, a shaded quiet zone with benches and rustic artwork. It’s an especially helpful stop for younger kids who need to move around or families looking for a calmer place to recharge.
2. Cirque at the Fair Is Completely Free
This free circus-style show takes place daily under a Big Top tent near Entrance A and includes high-wire acts, hula hoop performers, comedy, knife throwing, and aerial performances.
Highlights include:
- A high-wire bicycle balancing act
- A hair-hanging aerial performance
- Interactive comedy moments with the audience
- International circus performers from Mexico, Chile, and Argentina
Shows run daily at 12:00, 3:00 & 6:00 PM.The show lasts about 30-40 minutes and seating is first come, first served.
Parents should know:
- It’s indoors and shaded
- Bleacher seating is available
- Accessible seating is offered
- There’s an optional VIP upgrade, but general admission is free with Fair entry
3. The Discovery Barnyard Has More Than Baby Animals
Most families stop for the baby animals, but there’s a lot more happening inside this interactive agriculture space.
Try your hand at free ag-themed learning activities focused on Wisconsin commodities. Learn more about Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry and check out the adorable animals.
It’s located in Ag Village near the Lower Cattle Barn and stays open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.
4. Rabbit Hopping Is Exactly What It Sounds Like
Yes, rabbits actually complete obstacle courses. This unique event takes place inside the Poultry & Rabbit Palace and is a sure-fire kid favorite.
Families can also learn about rabbit breeds and watch traditional rabbit judging competitions nearby.
5. Dairy Lane
Fairgoers of all ages will enjoy and learn about Wisconsin’s vibrant dairy industry with these educational and interactive exhibits located in the heart of Ag Village. It’s located in the southeast end of the Lower Cattle Barn and is open daily from 10 AM-8PM.
6. The Family Variety Stage Is Packed With Smaller Performances
This stage on South Grandstand Avenue features rotating family entertainment throughout the day, often with smaller crowds than the major stages.
Acts include:
- Physical comedy
- Magic shows
- Interactive music performances
- Juggling
- Circus tricks
- Eco-themed entertainment
Some reader favorites include:
- Kenny Ahern (physical comic)
- Groovy Guy (comedy juggler)
- Steve Trash (rockin’ eco-entertainer)
Shows run throughout the day between 11:30 AM and 7:30 PM.
7. The “Neigh”borhood Corral Is Surprisingly Interactive
Located near the Discovery Barnyard, this horse-focused exhibit goes far beyond simply looking at animals.
Families can:
- Watch grooming demonstrations
- Learn how horses are measured in “hands”
- Compare their height to different breeds
- Explore sensory-friendly activities
- Ask questions to horse experts
There’s also a quieter reading and sensory area called Abbi’s Alcove featuring books, sorting activities, and seek-and-find games.
Daily demonstrations happen from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
8. The Pig Slide Is Still One of the Best $2 Activities
It’s simple, fast, and surprisingly memorable. The Pig Slide lets kids ride down what’s billed as the world’s largest piggy bank for just $2.
9. Kids Can Earn Real Ribbons Around the Fairgrounds
One of the more overlooked activities at the Fair is the collection of self-guided walks that let kids explore different areas while completing punch cards.
Families can complete:
- Cow-Temporary Art Walk
- Abso-blooming-lutely Garden Walk
- Wisconsin State Fair History Walk
Punch cards are available at Grand Champion Hall and the Young People’s Art Exhibit. Kids who complete the activities earn special ribbons.
10. The K-9 Sports Arena Runs Shows Almost All Day
This area features rotating dog performances every half hour throughout the day.
Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Dock diving
- Frisbee dogs
- Agility competitions
- Police K-9 demonstrations
- Nosework challenges
- Stunt dog performances
It’s located on Wetley Way & Second Street and tends to keep kids entertained for longer than expected because the schedule changes constantly throughout the day.
Plus, Don’t Miss Bucks Kid’s Day
Taking place Tuesday, August 5 from 10 AM to 4 PM in Central Park, this themed day includes:
- Appearances from Bango
- Bucks entertainment teams
- Music and performances
- Giveaways and souvenirs
- Interactive family activities
A Few More Hidden Gems Families Mentioned
- The shaded Japanese Garden
- Saz’s Pig Races
- Giant chess in Exploratory Park
- The DNR fish tanks and wildlife exhibits
- Quiet morning visits to the animal barns before crowds build
- Young People’s Art Exhibit located inside the Exposition Center Lobby
The Wisconsin State Fair is packed with headline attractions, but some of the best family moments happen in the smaller spaces between them. If you build in time to wander a bit, you’ll likely discover a few hidden gems of your own.
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.
