Mid-August is the time to start preparing for our favorite annual end-of-summer bash. Make sure, if you’re planning to tote your family along, to consult our 2025 GUIDE TO THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR. If you are choosing to head to the Fairgrounds this year, we hope this guide will help you plan your best visit ever in 2025. [convertkit form=8313442]
Have you purchased your discount gate tickets? Mapped out the most efficient route to find the two dozen or so brand new Fair foods? Polled the family and made a checklist of the must-sees: the barns, the freebies, the climb-on tractors, the awesome shows at the Family Fair stage? Are you ready for the relentless heat and the shoulder-to-shoulder streets and the children begging you to buy souvenirs at every corner?
Just in case you’re not a rabid fan of the Minnesota State Fair (like certain members of the FFTC Team…) and haven’t been planning this great fete since Memorial Day, we’ve put together some tips and ideas garnered from years of towing our young families along to the Fair. Hope we can be of some help and inspiration.
The 2025 Minnesota State Fair Starts Thursday, August 21st Through Labor Day!
Before you go to the Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota State Fair 2025: Scoring Free & Discounted Tickets
There’s plenty of time to purchase discounted State Fair tickets ($17 each) and Midway/Kidway tickets before the Fair opens August 21st. Consider purchasing a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book ($5) that contains a ton of coupons to be used on all that Fair food and merchandise you’re craving. Finally, if you’re willing to volunteer a few hours of your time, there are ways to score FREE admission into the State Fair!
Tips for Staying Cool at the Minnesota State Fair
If this is your first time heading to the State Fair, you may want to read through this quick tip sheet. We have been to the fair in all the weather you can imagine in Minnesota and we have always enjoyed it. This is how we manage in the extremely hot days.
Tips for Family Safety at the Minnesota State FairÂ
The idea of bringing little ones to a place as densely packed as the Fair can be overwhelming. We’ve put together some of our best tips for keeping kids safe among the crowds.
Need a Break With the Baby?Â
Photo credit: Uche Iroegbu for Twin Cities PBS
Add TPT to your map! They offer a private and easily accessible Mother’s room and a phone charging station. They are on the corner of Underwood & Lee. There are a few other places designated for breastfeeding mothers. You can find those here. Of course, in Minnesota, you can legally nurse your baby anywhere, but it is nice to know you can find quiet privacy if you want it. Baby changing stations are available at most restroom locations.
Minnesota State Fair Guide for families – when you’re there!
50 Things To Do For Families at the Minnesota State Fair
Freshly updated for 2025! And most of the items on this list are FREE.
20 Ideas for Free Family Fun at the 2025 Minnesota State FairÂ
FREE is one of the FFTC Team’s favorite words. We’re betting you’re interested in ways to get as much bang for your admission buck as possible, too. All of the activities on the list are kid-friendly!
Best Bets for Live Family Entertainment at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
We’ve rounded up our list of our favorite live Minnesota State Fair family entertainment options to enjoy together.Â
2025 Minnesota State Fair Family Fun Events Calendar
Plan ahead with this calendar of fun and often exclusive events on specific days of the Minnesota State Fair! FFTC’s State Fair Guide Partner Join …
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