Attractions

Accessible Playground

This playground features low-impact, easy-to-access entertainment for children. Whether kids are searching for remarkable fossils, navigating a path through a maze of towering barrels, exploring a mini truck or pretending to camp under the stars after an unforgettable canoe adventure in a life-size boat, there are opportunities to unwind and experience imaginative play in this newly constructed oil and gas themed area of the Natural Resources Park.

All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir

Performance times vary

The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir and All-Ohio State Fair Band arrive just days before the Fair opens, learning all of their music in a limited time. They perform daily at various times and locations, with nearly 200 total performances held during the 12-day Fair.

Animal Care Center

9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Wick Pavilion

Visit momma and baby animals at the new OVMA Animal Care Center.

“The Dunk”

10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park

Visit the Natural Resources Park's newest resident! A life-size sculpture of Dunkleosteus terrelli ("the Dunk"), Ohio's official State Fossil Fish, is now on display at the Geological Walk Through Time exhibit. Get up close to one of Ohio's most ferocious ancient predators!

Governor's Children's Passport

The Governor’s Children’s Passport is a great way to navigate the fair while providing your kids with fun activities along the way! Children who complete their passport and turn it in will have a chance at one of our many prizes! Visit the Guest Information Services Booths or one of the Children’s Initiatives partner agency booths (Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Department of Higher Education, Ohio Department of Commerce, andOhio Department of Development) to receive your passport today!

Kayak Pond

10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park

Grab a life jacket and try one of the fastest growing activities in the country – kayaking. Paddlers of all ages (50" tall minimum, 300 lbs. maximum) can kayak daily. Those interested must check in at the Discovery Pavilion in the Natural Resources Park.

Kids’ Fishing Pond

10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park

Kids age 14 and younger may fish daily for bluegill from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. using cane poles and tackle provided by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. If you catch a fish, an Ohio wildlife officer will help you take if off the hook. You can leave the fish in the live well, or take it home and fix it for dinner!

Little Farmers

10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center Lawn

This hands-on educational exhibit, targeted toward children ages 3-10, allows youth to explore different aspects of Ohio agriculture. Families will navigate through eight different stations featuring simulated animals, real grains, gardening, and more, with the opportunity to pick a small prize at the final station.

Lumberjack Show

See daily schedule for show times, Natural Resources Park

Catch lumberjacks in action as they entertain crowds with fast-paced log rolling, chainsaw carving and wood chopping. This family-friendly show will take place in the amphitheater.

Marvelous Mutts

Noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., The Dog House

Featuring a team of talented rescue dogs who have performed on Animal Planet, The Late Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and more, the Marvelous Mutts show entertains all ages with its variety of impressive canine tricks and stunts.

Monster Mural

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Lausche Youth Exploration Space Lawn (closes at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4)

Kids will jump at the chance to make their artistic mark on a giant Fair mural each day (with washable paint, of course).

Natural Resources Park

10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Enjoy free fishing for kids, kayaking, archery, a butterfly house, and so much more in this beautiful eight-acre park maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Enjoy native Ohio wildlife, a geological walkway, a camping village and a tall grass prairie. The outdoor amphitheater hosts free music and entertaining programs, such as the popular lumberjack show, throughout each day of the State Fair. (times of activities vary)

Nerveless Nocks Sway Pole Show

Ohio Proud Farmer’s Market

Thursday through Saturday, Taste of Ohio Pavilion

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Purchase farm-fresh produce from Ohio growers across the state, Thursday through Saturday only.

Ohio Proud General Store

11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Taste of Ohio Pavilion

Shop for local products, like honey, salsa, dip mixes, and more from Ohio Proud vendors. Each day of the fair, Ohio products will be available for sale – so stop by any day for a selection of great products grown and made in our great state.

Pig Races

Monday - Friday: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Saturday - Sunday: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Kiddieland
Three different breeds of swifty swine race around the track for a prize. Cheer on your favorite little porker!

Petting Zoo

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday), Kiddieland
The free Petting Zoo features more than 50 animals from around the world including goats, llamas, zebras, antelope, kangaroos and much more.

Smokey Bear

10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park
The Ohio State Fair is full of tradition. For many families, one notable tradition is to be greeted by name by the iconic Smokey Bear in Natural Resources Park. In fact, he is one of only two talking Smokey Bears in the country! Make it a point this year to visit Smokey Bear any day of the Ohio State Fair.

Tiny Town

10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Lausche Youth Exploration Space (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 4)
Come join us at Tiny Town filled with playhouses, Cozy Coupes, and play gas pumps. Kids can enjoy some play time while the adults relax!

Walk on Water - Water Bubbles

South end of Kiddieland
Water bubbles are a unique interactive amusement for both adults and children. Climb inside a large 6-foot diameter floating bubble to walk, run, roll, summersault, or relax on water! An incredibly fun experience, you’ll want to try again and again. Each water bubble experience is 5 - 6 minutes long and costs $12 per person (cash, credit, and debit accepted).