Events and Activities : Fun Fair Entertainment and Activities Just For Kids

At the 2011 Iowa State Fair "Nothing Compares" to the kids activities and entertainment all free with gate admission. From the Blue Ribbon Kids' Club to the Fun Forest Stage and family-friendly fun in the Kids' Zone, family Fairgoers will always have something to see or do. The Fair is set August 11-21.

New this year is the Kids' Zone - a special area packed with food, games and entertainment - planned with young Fairgoers in mind. Check out the flips of the Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, try your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm and visit the Blue Ribbon Kids Tent. Stroller, wheelchair and SecuraPAL rental are also located in the Kids' Zone.

BLUE RIBBON KIDS' ACTIVITIES

Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members will get to be part of the action during special club activities.

All events start at 2 p.m. at the Kids' Club Tent in the Kids' Zone, north of Animal Learning Center and will last 30-60 minutes. Children can sign up at any club event or download a form from iowastatefair.org and bring it along.

Schedule of Kids' Club Events:

Thursday, August 11 - Blue Ribbon Kids Club Kick-Off Event

Friday, August 12 - 100th Birthday Party for the Butter Cow

Monday, August 15 - Get Fit with Kids' Club

Tuesday, August 16 - Pella Wildlife at Kids' Club

Wednesday, August 17 - Make and Take Craft Day

Thursday, August 18 - Get Up Close and Personal with a Percheron

Friday, August 19 - Treat Time for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Fun Forest Stage:

The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestles in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted.

The show Kids Celebration encourages families to reconnect by engaging in playful activities that inspire laughter and learning. Shows daily at 11a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. No 11 a.m. show on Friday, August 12.

A carefree, kid-centered program by Mr. Stinky Feet features a blend of music and awareness education encouraging young Fairgoers to enjoy their youth, love themselves and be kind to others. Shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. No 11:30 a.m. show on Friday, August 12.

The mind wizard Ray Thompson's unique blend of magic and theater will have your mind whirling as spoons bend and thoughts are revealed. Audience members will have a chance to participate in this mind-blowing presentation. Presented by VSA Iowa Fest. Shows daily at Noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

More Entertainment:

The young pop band Allstar Weekend has made an appearance on the Disney Channel show Sonny with a Chance and will be making their Fair debut on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage on Monday, August 15 at 8 p.m.

There's no knowing what will pop out of Magician Ricky Rowray's hat. This fun-loving, kid-friendly magician has a bag of tricks that's bound to entertain any audience. Performances will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at 10 a.m. and Thursday August, 14 at 11 a.m. in the Susan Knapp Amphitheater. Also at 2 p.m. on the Anderson Erickson Stage both days.

Local singer and story teller Nina Givan as Mother Goose travels throughout Iowa providing children with educational and engaging entertainment. Story time with Nina will be held August 13 &14, 20 & 21 at 12:30 p.m. on the Museum porch and at 2 p.m. in the Country School.

At the Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show amazing pooches thrill audiences as they execute big air stunts and amazing tricks like jumping rope, dancing, back flips and hand stands. Shows will be held daily at 10 a.m., 1 & 4 p.m. in the Kids' Zone, North of the Animal Learning Center.

During the Swampmaster's Gator Show, Swampmaster Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators provide thrills, laughter and fun facts as they give valuable information and edge-of-the-seat entertainment guaranteed to please. Show is held daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m., west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day. Visit the Anne & Bill Riley Stage and Grand Concourse on Thursday, August, 18 and participate in bubble gum blowing and pie eating contests, big wheel races, arts & crafts and scavenger hunts.

With the explosive flight of the human cannonball to the heart-stopping thrills of the Spacewheel, you won't believe the acrobatics in the Fearless Flores Thrill Show until you see them for yourself. This family-friendly show is a must-see, held daily at 1, 3 & 6 p.m., west of Jacobson Exhibition Center.

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Kids Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.), more Grape Getaway Kids' Activities will be held daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in a tent north of Grandfather's Barn.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 11-21, 2011. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.