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The Wisconsin State Fair is a summer tradition for many Milwaukee-area families, and it’s packed with plenty to see, try, and explore this year—especially for kids. Here’s a helpful rundown of what’s new for 2025, what’s free to enjoy, and a few things to know before you go.
Wisconsin State Fair
🗓 July 31–August 10, 2025
📍Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis
What’s New This Year
The Dairy Building Returns
The historic Dairy Building has been fully restored, combining its 1920s architecture with a fresh, modern kitchen space. Inside, Original Cream Puffs will be served alongside two new additions: chocolate and a limited-edition strawberry flavor, created to mark the 20th anniversary of UScellular’s partnership with the Fair. Celebration Strawberry Cream Puffs will be released in small batches each day.
Refreshed Looks All Around
Exciting new things are popping up all around the State Fair! The new Back Forty area takes up the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds filled with fresh food vendors, live entertainment, and space to wander. New this year, the WonderFair Wheel, presented by Meijer has found a new home in the Back Forty. Families will also find a shady place to relax at the newly redesigned North Point area, located where Ag Village meets Grandstand Avenue.
Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day
On Tuesday, August 5, children ages 5–12 who are signed up for Bango’s Kids Club can receive free youth admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This offer is available only that day, and only through registration during July.
Hunk a Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich
Every year, vendors dream up creative new fair foods for the annual Sporkies & Drinkies competition. This year, kids will love the Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich! It’s a sweet and savory Grebe’s Bismark donut stuffed with a heaping scoop of Fat Elvis Ice Cream (banana ice cream swirled with salty peanut butter ripple and rich chocolate chips), topped with chocolate and peanut butter sauce, crispy bacon, and powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence. To find more Sporkies and Drinkies, look for a giant golden spork marks each finalist’s booth. Free maps are also available from the Guest Services Pavilion and info booths.
SkyScraper Ride
For older kids and teens looking for a thrill, the new SkyScraper ride sends brave riders 160 feet into the air in a windmill-style spin. It’s located on South Grandstand Avenue near Cirque at the Fair.
Free Things To Enjoy
Did you know that kids ages 5 and under get into the Wisconsin State Fair for free? Here are some other free things to enjoy for all ages:
Cirque at the Fair
A dazzling show filled with performances including aerial and juggling like you’ve never seen before.
📍South Grandstand Avenue | Shows at 12, 3 & 6 p.m. every day
K-9 Sports Arena, presented by Yutka Fence
Frisbee-catching dogs, dock diving, agility courses, and more. Many kids enjoy the photo ops with famous “doggie” mannequins like The Beagles and Bob Barker.
📍Wetley Way
Family Variety Stage
Jugglers, magicians, comedians, and other rotating performers take this stage throughout the day.
📍South Grandstand Avenue
Saz’s Racing Pigs
A Fair favorite. Cheer on your favorite pig with names like Tropics Trotter and Berry Fast Barnaby.
📍Second Street & Badger Avenue | Shows throughout the day
Compeer Financial Discovery Barnyard
An interactive area for kids to explore agriculture through play and see their favorite baby animals! This year’s games include ag-themed twists on Operation and Guess Who?, plus a baby animal I-Spy game.
📍Sue Wetley Court | Open daily 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Live Music & Street Performers
From acoustic sets to full bands, nearly 30 free stages are active throughout the Fairgrounds. Families might also spot stilt walkers, balloon twisters, and roaming acts between exhibits and food stands.
Visit The Animals
Stop by Ag Village each day to see your favorite animals, see incredible competitions and exhibitions, and learn about agriculture! You’ll see cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, rabbits, goats, and swine. Barns must be closed occasionally to allow animals to leave so we encourage you to plan ahead so you don’t miss seeing your favorites animals!
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.
Family Favorites
These aren’t new and they aren’t free, but they’re tried-and-true experiences families come back for year after year.
The Pig Slide
Located near the Discovery Barnyard, this playful pink slide looks like a giant piggy bank and offers a quick thrill for little ones.
📍Wetley Way near Entrance C | $2 per ride
The Giant Slide
An iconic part of the Fair since the 1960s, the bright yellow Giant Slide is a shared memory for generations. Grab a burlap sack and ride down the 200-foot slope.
📍Second Street & Central Avenue | $4 per ride
SpinCity Kids Area
Tucked along the west side of the Grand Walkway, the SpinCity Kids Area is designed with younger Fairgoers in mind. Most rides here have lower height requirements (under 48”), and many allow kids as small as 24″ to ride with an adult.
Tickets are required for all rides and games. Pricing varies by attraction and is clearly posted onsite. If a ride allows companions, both the child and supervising adult will need tickets to participate.
There’s a wide mix of gentle spins, mini coasters, and fun houses:
- Carousel – A classic option for the youngest riders.
- Lady Bugs – A cheerful ride that spins in a circle.
- Dragon Wagon – A kid-sized coaster that’s fast enough to feel exciting but not too intense.
- Puppy Express – Another coaster, this one with a pet theme.
- Rockin’ Tug – Rocks and rotates like a boat on the water.
- Super Slide – A 90-foot-long slide with burlap mats.
- Ghost Pirate Dark Ride – A not-too-spooky, pirate-themed fun house.
- Bumper Boats – A splashy twist on bumper cars, ideal for a hot day.
- Lolly Swing, Dizzy Dragons, Hog Rally, Beetle Bobs – Spins, tilts, and gentle thrills for a variety of ages.
Most rides allow kids as small as 36” to join with an adult, with several options available to kids even shorter than that.
A few classic carnival games are sized right for little hands:
- Duck Pond – Choose a duck and see what prize you’ll find.
- Drag-A-Fish – A playful fishing game.
- Hoop Zone – A kid-friendly basketball toss.
KIDZ BOP Live – Tuesday, August 5 @ 7:30 PM
This year’s big family-friendly concert features KIDZ BOP performing current kid-appropriate hits like “Espresso” and “Dance Monkey.” Expect high-energy choreography, colorful staging, and plenty of sing-alongs. The show also brings back the always-entertaining Daddy Dance Off.
📍Bank Five Nine Main Stage | Reserved seating $42–$52
A concert ticket includes fair admission for that day if purchased in advance.
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 | Corn Dog | Dill Pickle Pizza | Deep-Fried Mac N Cheese | Deep-Fried PB & J | Chicken & Waffles
Helpful Things to Know
Family/Baby Care Centers
There are four indoor care stations equipped for diaper changes and nursing, located inside the Exposition Center (both levels), the Guest Services Pavilion, and on North Grandstand Avenue.
Stroller & Wagon Rentals
Available near the main entrance. Current pricing:
- $15 for a single stroller
- $20 for a wagon
- $30 for a manual wheelchair
- $70 for an electric scooter
New Accessible Bathrooms!
All permanent restroom facilities at State Fair Park are accessible to Fairgoers with disabilities. Family/All-Gender restrooms and adult-sized, adjustable changing tables are available at the Central Mall, Grandstand Avenue, The Dairy Building, and Exposition Center restrooms.
Daily Schedule
Each day has its own set of performances and events. Checking the full daily schedule before arriving can help you time out your visit in a way that works best for your family’s energy levels and interests.
Daily Fair Schedule.
Families tend to find their own rhythm at the Fair—some focus on the animals, others head straight for the food or rides. However your day unfolds, a little planning can go a long way in making it more fun (and a lot less stressful).
🧭 For additional info on tickets, hours, and logistics:
State Fair Home Page
Related Posts:
10 Crowd Safety Tips for Families With Kids.
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.
