(Milwaukee, WI): The Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 1-11, 2024. It’s deep-fried cheese, Cream Puffs, farm animals, pickles the size of your face, live music, and so much more. People from all over Wisconsin and beyond head to the State Fair in August each year, and we are lucky to just be a short drive away from Milwaukee!

You could spend all 11 days at the Wisconsin State Fair and still not hit every attraction.  So, we’ve got the highlights for you, putting the spotlight on the features FAMILIES will want to know about.

**This post is in partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair

ADMISSION & HOURS

HOURS

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Parents of older kids: Fairgoers under 17 years of age entering the State Fair after 5pm must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required.

DEALS & DISCOUNTS

See all the deals for great savings like:

• Fair Deals on tickets, Cream Puffs, SpinCity, and more
• Save at the Gate with sponsored discounts on select days
• Ticket Packages with community partner events
• Earn Free Fair Tickets through partner incentive programs

Must-Do Classic Fair Hot Spots

The Giant Slide

It’s iconic. It’s cheap. Kids and adults alike love it. Trips down this 200 ft. slide are only $4! 

The SkyGlider

The ultimate in people-watching from a birds-eye view! Tickets are available at each end of the SkyGlider near the Exposition Center and on North Grandstand Avenue.

Wonderfair Wheel – New Location

North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel features 36 fully enclosed, brightly colored gondolas. Each gondola has a capacity of six people, and one gondola offers accessible seating. For only $7 per ride ($6 if you buy early), you get enjoy start to finish fun of approx. 10 minutes – that means an average of 1,100 Fairgoers can ride each hour!

New Location: Second Street & Badger Avenue

Cirque at the Fair 

Watch incredible acts at Cirque at the Fair — a dazzling free show with brand-new acts at the Wisconsin State Fair! Enjoy phenomenal performances including juggling and aerial dance like you’ve never seen before.

Daily Showtimes:

• 12pm, 3pm, & 6pm every day

Located just east of Entrance A on South Grandstand Avenue.

Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day

AUGUST 6: The Milwaukee Bucks are bringing the energy of Fiserv Forum to the State Fair with a day of activities that will have you chanting “Fear the Deer!”

There’s something for every fan, regardless of your age! Enjoy performances from the Bucks Entertainment Network, score a high-five from Bango and the Wisconsin Herd’s mascot Pointer, take home a souvenir craft on-a-stick, put your NBA 2K skills to the test, and listen to music played by the Bucks DJs. Plus, purchase some new gear from the Bucks Pro Shop in the Exposition Center all State Fair long.

Kid Friendly Attractions

We Energies Energy Park

If you are coming to the Fair with toddlers or young children, make We Energies Energy Park your very first stop upon arrival. You can pick up an I.D. safety wristband to help keep your child safe while you and your family enjoy your day. There will also be fun demonstrations about electricity and teaching kids about energy. Join Schlitz Audubon daily for up close and personal encounters with eagles, hawks, owls and other birds and so much more make this attraction on the west side of the State Fair Park on Wetley Way at Center Street an absolutely must-see for families.

K-9 Sports Arena

The K-9 Sports Arena features shows and demonstrations hourly on the half-hour on weekdays with additional shows on weekends. See dog dock diving, frisbee, agility courses, Police K-9 units and much more!

Cow-Temporary Art Walk

Cow-Temporary Art Walk: Artistic talent is overflowing in the Cream of the Crop Cow-Temporary Art Walk. See the mammoth barn quilt, metal cows, flowery horses, the legend-dairy Milky Way, and magnificent murals all over State Fair! Earn a special ribbon by visiting all 10 art exhibits. Pick up your Cow-Temporary punch card at the Young People’s Art Exhibit in the Exposition Center Lobby or Grand Champion Hall and earn a special ribbon by visiting all 10 art exhibits.

SpinCity

SpinCity, with more than 50 amazing rides and attractions, plus a Kiddie Area for the younger Fairgoers.

Insider Tip: If your kid loves to ride the rides, spring for the unlimited daily rides wristband versus buying a la carte ride tickets.

Exploratory Park

Take your family on an adventure through Exploratory Park!

Exploratory Park is the perfect place for you and your family to relax, and recharge. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiting to help you find your way to the great outdoors. Get to “gnome” the plants as you take a stroll through the Master Gardeners Display Garden. Hop on over to one of the hopscotch courts or take a crack at a game of oversized chess with the gang. AND, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a playground and sandbox area for the kids to enjoy. This dreamy oasis awaits your visit!

Located on the south side of Main Street across from the Original Cream Puff Pavilion.

Family Variety Stage

Find family entertainment on South Grandstand Avenue at the Family Variety Stage.

This stage features jugglers, comics, and more – including Kenny Ahern (Physical Comic), Hip Hop Juggler (Comic Juggler), The Circus Science Spectacular (Science Fun), Mark Hayward (Yo-Yo Tricks & Juggling), and Bex in Motion (Hula Hoop).

Racing Pigs – New Location

Saz’s Famous Racing Pigs, presented by the Milwaukee Admirals, are another one of those Wisconsin State Fair staples that you just can’t miss. With races running throughout the day, it’s easy to find a race that fits your family’s schedule. The presenters always do an amazing job of getting the crowd involved and the pigs are just so stinkin’ cute! Pick a pig and get cheering! Found at the Racing Animals Arena.

New Location: Wetley Way & Second Street

Barns & Animals

A trip to the State Fair just isn’t complete without visiting the animals. Introduce yourself to cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and more!  You can also check out Dairy Lane to learn about Wisconsin’s vibrant dairy industry. MKE Mom Tip: Put your visit to the barns at the early end of your day. As the temperature climbs outside, the barns also heat up quickly so it’s better to check them out early. Kids enjoy watching competitors – many of them kids themselves – working hard to bathe and prepare their animals for competition.

Download the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair Daily Schedule to have all this info at your fingertips!

Click here to purchase tickets