Summer in Minnesota builds toward one unmistakable event. The Great Minnesota Get-Together is back for 12 full days of food, fun, farm animals, and family memories. The Minnesota State Fair 2026 runs from Thursday, August 27, through Monday, September 7, 2026, ending as always on Labor Day. Held at the historic fairgrounds at 1265 Snelling Ave N in St. Paul, this beloved event spans 322 acres and draws close to two million visitors every year.
If you are planning to bring the kids, you are in the right place. This guide covers everything families need to know — from must-see attractions and baby care facilities to money-saving tips and crowd management strategies.
Fair Dates, Hours, and Key Details at a Glance
The fairgrounds are open every single day during the 12-day run, with no days off. General hours are 6 a.m. to midnight daily. However, most attractions and food vendors open at 9 a.m., with some barns and food stands opening as early as 8 a.m. On Labor Day, September 7, the fair runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission gates close at 6 p.m.
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | August 27 – September 7, 2026 |
| Location | 1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55108 |
| General Hours | 6 a.m. – midnight (most days) |
| Labor Day Hours | 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Fairgrounds Size | 322 acres |
| Phone | 651-288-4400 |
| Website | mnstatefair.org |
Admission Prices for 2026: Great News for Families
The Minnesota State Agricultural Society voted to keep ticket prices unchanged for 2026. That is genuinely welcome news for families planning a visit. Children four years old and under always get in free, which makes this one of the most family-friendly fairs in the country.
| Ticket Type | Gate Price | Pre-Fair Price (by Aug. 26) |
| Adults (ages 13–64) | $20 | $17 |
| Seniors (65+) | $18 | $17 |
| Kids (ages 5–12) | $18 | $17 |
| Children (ages 4 and under) | Always Free | Always Free |
| On-site Parking | $25 | $25 |
Pre-fair discount tickets are available at Etix.com for just $17 per person, regardless of age. These tickets are valid on any day of the fair. Therefore, buying in advance is one of the simplest ways to save money before you even arrive.
Several promotional discount days also give families extra savings at the gate. Kids Days fall on September 2 and September 7. Opening Day, August 27, also features discounted gate admission for adults, seniors, and children ages 5–12.
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions at the 2026 Fair
The fairgrounds offer a wide range of experiences that children genuinely love. Here are the highlights families should plan their day around.
The Miracle of Birth Center
This is one of the most popular stops for families with young children. Located at Judson and Clough Street, the Miracle of Birth Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Kids can watch live animal births and see newborn calves, piglets, lambs, and chicks up close. The experience connects children to agriculture in a way that is both memorable and educational. Additionally, the Thank a Farmer Magic Show runs just outside at the Christensen Farms Stage at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. daily.
Family Fair at Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park is the heart of family-friendly programming at the fair. Two attractions there stand out for younger visitors.
The Alphabet Forest invites children to explore books, letter-themed crafts, word games, and daily meet-and-greets with authors and illustrators. It is a calm and creative space within an otherwise busy fairground.
Math-On-A-Stick is right next door. It gets kids and adults working together on geometric puzzles, colorful tiles, and hands-on math challenges. The activity is designed to make mathematics fun and approachable for children of all ages. The Family Fair Stage at Baldwin Park also hosts free family-friendly performances throughout the day, so check the daily schedule when you arrive.
Kidway and Mighty Midway
Rides are a major draw for older kids and teens. Kidway offers smaller rides designed specifically for younger children. Mighty Midway features larger thrill rides for bigger kids and adults. Several popular individual attractions within this area are also worth singling out.
- Giant Slide — a classic state fair experience
- Butterfly House — a peaceful walk-through enclosure with live butterflies
- SkyRide — an aerial gondola that gives a great view of the entire fairgrounds
- Space Tower — a gentle ride up for a panoramic view
- Reptile Show — an educational and exciting live show for animal-loving kids
These individual attractions carry small separate fees ranging from around three to eight dollars per person. However, they are consistently rated among the fair’s most memorable experiences for children.
Farm Animals and Agricultural Buildings
Beyond the Miracle of Birth Center, the fair’s animal barns are a hit with children of all ages. The Sheep and Poultry Barn, cattle barns, and horse stables give kids a chance to see farm life up close. Early morning is the best time to visit the barns, as crowds are much smaller and animals are more active.
The Agriculture Building also offers apple cider freezes and fresh fruit smoothies. These make fantastic snacks for younger children and are naturally toddler-friendly.
Baby Care and Nursing Facilities: Everything Parents Need to Know
The fair takes excellent care of families with infants and very young children. Multiple dedicated baby care locations are spread across the fairgrounds, making it easy to find a private and comfortable space whenever you need one.
| Facility | Location | Hours |
| Family and Baby Care | West Dan Patch Avenue, south of West End Market | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (8 p.m. Labor Day) |
| KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center | West side of Underwood Street, between Carnes and Judson avenues | Fair hours |
| Momentum Refresh | East side of Cosgrove Street, north of Lee Avenue | Fair hours |
| myTalk 107.1 | West side of Underwood Street, between Randall and Wright avenues | Fair hours |
| TPT Twin Cities PBS | West side of Underwood Street at Lee Avenue | Fair hours |
The main Family and Baby Care facility on West Dan Patch Avenue offers both private and semi-private nursing rooms on a first-come, first-served basis. Electricity is available at all nursing locations. Height-adjustable changing tables are also available at this location.
The KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center is especially well set up for families. It provides a dedicated space for nursing and pumping, baby changing, a calming sensory space for overwhelmed toddlers, and device charging. It is air-conditioned, which is a significant benefit on warm August afternoons.
Baby changing stations and family-accessible restrooms are also available throughout the fairgrounds. Therefore, you are never far from what you need.
Stroller and Wagon Rentals
Bringing your own stroller is always an option, and collapsible strollers are permitted on the free Park and Ride buses. However, if you prefer to travel light, stroller and wagon rentals are available from HomeTown Mobility at five locations near entrance gates. Rentals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wagons are a particularly smart choice for families with multiple children. They are roomy, easy to navigate, and double as a spot for snacks, bags, and tired little legs.
Child Safety: Free ID Wristbands and Other Precautions
The fairgrounds are busy. On peak weekend days, crowds can be enormous. Therefore, child safety deserves a dedicated section of your planning.
As soon as you arrive, head to any information booth or the Family and Baby Care center and pick up a free identification wristband for each child. The wristband helps fair staff reunite separated children with their families quickly. It is one of the most important things you can do before exploring the grounds.
Additionally, take a photo of each child when you arrive. This gives you an up-to-date image showing exactly what they are wearing that day. If your child gets separated from you, this simple step makes a big difference.
Teach your children a basic meeting plan before you enter the fair. Choose one easy landmark and make sure your child knows to go there if they get separated.
Practical Family Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
A little preparation turns a good fair day into a great one. Here are the most useful tips for families attending in 2026.
- Arrive early: Gates open at 6 a.m. and most attractions start at 9 a.m. Weekday mornings are the quietest and coolest windows of the day.
- Buy tickets in advance: Pre-fair discount tickets at $17 per person are available through August 26 at Etix.com. This saves money and skips the ticket line.
- Visit on Kids Days: September 2 and September 7 offer discounted admission and ride and game tickets for children.
- Use Park and Ride: On-site parking costs $25. Free Park and Ride lots are available across the Twin Cities, with shuttle buses running throughout the fair. Kids ages five and under ride Metro Transit free.
- Bring refillable water bottles: Free water stations are located throughout the fairgrounds. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in late August heat.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The fair spans 322 acres of largely cobblestone and paved paths. Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable for a full day of walking.
- Check the daily schedule: Free performances, live shows, and special events happen all day long. The fair’s official app and website post daily schedules, so plan your route in advance.
Family-Friendly Foods Worth Trying
No fair visit is complete without food. Many classic options work perfectly for younger children. Sweet Martha’s Cookies are a fairground institution — warm, fresh-baked, and endlessly shareable. Fresh sweet corn, cheese curds, and Pronto Pups (the original state fair corn dog since 1947) are safe bets for kids with simple tastes.
For babies and toddlers, the Agriculture Building’s apple cider freezies and fresh fruit smoothies are naturally sweet, soft, and toddler-appropriate. They require no chewing and are a hit with little ones.
Conclusion
The Minnesota State Fair 2026, running from August 27 to September 7, is one of the best family events in the entire country. Admission is free for children four and under, and ticket prices remain unchanged from last year. The fairgrounds offer exceptional baby care facilities across multiple locations, free ID wristbands for child safety, stroller rentals, and an enormous range of kid-friendly attractions. From the Miracle of Birth Center and the Family Fair at Baldwin Park to farm animal barns, Kidway rides, and family-friendly stage shows, there is something to delight every age group. Plan ahead, arrive early, grab those wristbands, and get ready for one of Minnesota’s most beloved summer traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Minnesota State Fair 2026?
The fair runs for 12 days from Thursday, August 27, 2026, through Monday, September 7, 2026 (Labor Day). The fairgrounds are open every day during this period, with no breaks.
2. Is the Minnesota State Fair free for young children?
Yes. Children ages four and under always get in free. Kids ages five to twelve pay $18 at the gate or $17 with a pre-fair discount ticket purchased in advance at Etix.com.
3. Where can I nurse my baby or change diapers at the fair?
The main Family and Baby Care facility is on West Dan Patch Avenue, south of West End Market. It is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Additional nursing and changing facilities are available at the KaiBi Mobile Family Care Center, Momentum Refresh, myTalk 107.1, and the TPT Twin Cities PBS building. Electricity is available at all locations.
4. Are strollers allowed at the Minnesota State Fair?
Yes. You can bring your own stroller or rent one on-site from HomeTown Mobility at five locations near the entrance gates. Collapsible strollers are also permitted on the free Park and Ride shuttle buses.
5. What are the best days to visit with kids?
Weekday mornings are the least crowded and coolest times to visit. Kids Days on September 2 and September 7 offer discounted admission and ride tickets for children at the gate. Opening Day, August 27, also features reduced admission prices for the whole family.
