Accessible Playground
10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Natural Resources Park
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.
Bull Riding
10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Located behind Main Street Stage near the helicopter ridesHow long can you hang on? Put your bull riding skills to the test! Bull rides are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under the age of 12.
Camel Rides
10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Kiddieland
No need to wait for Wednesday to celebrate 'hump day' at the Fair! Camel rides are offered for $10 per ride.
Canine Class
1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., The Dog House
Learn all the basics of dog training in a 30-minute demonstration taught by nationally ranked dog trainers. Who knows, your dog could be the next Air Bud!
“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!
Helicopter Rides
10 a.m. - Midnight, Located inside Gate 3
These views are unbeatable! Hop in a helicopter to see the Ohio State Fair and downtown Columbus like never before. This scenic ride takes passengers to heights beyond the midway's tallest ride. Helicopter rides are $50 per rider.
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!
Lumberjack Show
Noon, 2 and 6 p.m., 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.
Land & Living Exhibit
10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living presented by Ohio Farm Bureau
This highly interactive exhibit is packed with agricultural education activities the whole family can enjoy. Visitors will see, experience and learn about caring for animals on the farm, how science and technology are helping farmers produce safe food while enhancing our environmental resources, how scientists are researching solutions to our biggest food and farming challenges, and how young people can have careers in agriculture. Visitors can experience planting crops in a tractor simulator, shopping in an interactive grocery store, and recording their State Fair memories with a free photograph before leaving the exhibit.
Little Farmers
10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center Lawn
This hands-on educational exhibit, targeted toward kids ages 3 to 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.
Marvelous Mutts
12 p.m., 2 p.m., 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
11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Youth Center Lawn (closes at 4 p.m. on Aug. 7)
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)
Ohio Proud Farmer’s Market
Thursday through Saturday, Taste of Ohio Cafe
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 Cafe
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.
OVMA Veterinary Education Center
9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Wick Pavilion
Witness the miracle of birth and visit new and expectant farm animal mothers and their young at this educational exhibit near the Dairy Products Building. You can even milk a real cow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.!
Ohio State Beekeepers Association
10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Nationwide® Donahey Land & Living presented by Ohio Farm BureauLearn how to start and maintain your own beehive, as well as the importance of bees to our ecosystem, while having fun!
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 presented by AAA
10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Youth Exploration Space (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6)
Come join us at Tiny Town presented by AAA filled with playhouses, Cozy Coupes, and play gas pumps. Kids can enjoy some play time while the adults relax!
Touch-a-Truck
10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Youth Exploration Space Lawn (closes at 6 p.m. on Aug. 6)
Bring the kids to explore different types of vehicles from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and more.
Walk on Water - Water Bubbles
Located behind Main Street Stage near the helicopter ridesWater 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).