DES MOINES, Iowa — There’s more to do than just see the butter cow and eat at the Iowa State Fair. Check out several different playgrounds and learning centers for kids.

Little Hands on the Farm provides kids with the opportunity to step into the shoes of a farmer. From tending to the cattle and pigs to picking apples and carrots, they get to experience it all.

“I Milked A Cow” gives people the chance to milk a real dairy cow at the fair. The experience will cost $3 and is operated by the Iowa State University Dairy Science Club.

The Animal Learning Center allows visitors the chance to see the process of farm animals giving birth and the care they receive after. Fairgoers can see various baby farm animals at the ALC.

The Fun Forest has a new playground for this year’s fair. This is just one of the many projects that the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation has worked on.

Visit the 2025 Iowa State Fair website for a map of kid-friendly activities and their locations. The Iowa State Fair runs through August 17.