A Family Guide to the 2025 Ohio State Fair

Mark your calendars, summer’s biggest adventure is right around the corner! From July 23 to August 3, 2025, the Ohio State Fair returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, packed with fun for kids and parents alike. With exciting rides, hands-on activities, and nonstop entertainment, this beloved tradition is the perfect way to wrap up your summer with memories the whole family will cherish.

Family-Friendly Attractions

• Kiddieland: Designed specifically for younger fairgoers, Kiddieland features nearly 30 rides, including mini-coasters, a kiddie carousel, a petting zoo, and a 65-foot Ferris wheel.
• Natural Resources Park: This 8-acre haven offers free activities such as fishing for kids, kayaking, archery, and a butterfly house. Maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, it’s both educational and entertaining. ​Make sure to stop by the Accessible Playground and “The Dunk”, Ohio’s official State Fossil Fish! Furthermore, start a new tradition of talking with one of the only two talking Smokey Bears in the county.
• Family Fun Area: Located in the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, this area provides giant board games, a library reading nook, coloring activities, and opportunities for children to write thank-you notes to first responders and veterans. ​
• Tiny Town: Tiny Town is filled with playhouses, Cozy Coupes, and play gas pumps. Kids can enjoy some play time while the adults relax!
• Animal Care Center: Visit momma and baby animals at the new OVMA Animal Care Center.
• Cincinnati Circus Company: The Original Queen City Circus Stunt Show, presented by the Cincinnati Circus, is a high-flying, awe-inspiring performance featuring elite aerialists performing 30 feet in the air on silks, hoops, and trapeze. With breathtaking stunts and powerful storytelling
• Department of Children & Youth Kid’s Passport: Stop by any participating Ohio state agency booth throughout the fair to pick up your Kid’s Passport. Complete all stops along the way, collect stamps and submit your completed passport to any state agency booth for a chance to win a prize!

Arts and Education

• Youth Arts Exhibition: Showcasing the talents of Ohio’s young artists aged 5 to 18, this exhibition features diverse art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. ​
• Creative Arts Competitions: Families can participate in or observe competitions spanning sewing, fashion, jewelry, needlework, cooking, and baking.
• Monster Mural: Kids will jump at the chance to make their artistic mark on a giant Fair mural each day!

Special Days and Discounts

The Ohio State Fair offers a variety of themed days, each featuring unique events and promotions to enhance your family’s experience:​

• Opening Day (Wednesday, July 23): Kick off the Fair with live broadcasts at the Gazebo Stage, meet local TV anchors, and stay updated with the latest weather reports from ABC6.​
• Sensory Friendly Morning (Thursday, July 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.): In partnership with OCALI, the Fair provides a more comfortable environment for guests with sensory sensitivities by reducing lights and volume. Enjoy rides without flashing lights or music, participate in educational activities, and access quiet rooms.​
• WOSU Kids Day (Thursday, July 24): Meet beloved PBS KIDS® characters and engage in fun activities designed for the whole family, hosted by WOSU Public Media in Central Park.​
• $3 Thursday (July 24 and July 31): On both Thursdays of the Fair, vendors offer select menu items at a reduced price of $3, allowing you to sample a variety of Fair foods affordably.​
• RecoveryOhio’s Mental Health Day (Friday, July 25): Explore behavioral health resources aimed at promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery support for all Ohioans.​
• Veterans & Military Day (Sunday, July 27): Honoring veterans and active military members, who receive free admission with appropriate identification.​
• Family Discount Day (Monday, July 28): Adults pay the children’s admission price of $10, and kids 12 and under receive free admission all day. ​
• Senior Day (Tuesday, July 29): Seniors aged 60 and up enjoy free admission. ​
• College Student Day (Thursday, July 31): Students attending any college or post-secondary institution can gain admission for $10 by presenting a valid student ID.​
• Telhio and Ronald McDonald House Charities Day (Friday, August 1): Bring specified “wish list” items to designated booths outside the admission gates to receive a buy-one-get-one-free admission voucher before 6 p.m.

Entertainment Highlights

The fair’s concert series includes family-friendly performances:​

• KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour (Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m.): A concert tailored for kids featuring contemporary hits. ​
• All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir (Sunday, July 27 at 1 p.m.): Enjoy a free concert by this talented group.
• Let’s Sing Taylor (Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m.): An unofficial live tribute show to Taylor Swifts greatest hits.

Planning Your Visit

• Hours: Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., except Sunday, Aug. 3, when admission gates close at 6 p.m. Most buildings and activities close at 6 p.m. All Fair activities are concluded by 9 p.m.

• Admission: General admission details and special discounts can be found on the fair’s official website – Ohio State Fair 2025. 

• Parking: General parking is free, making it convenient for families traveling from Southwest Ohio. ​

• Accommodations: For those planning an extended stay, the fair’s website offers information on hotel discounts and the Ohio State Fair RV Park Camping options. ​

The Ohio State Fair promises a blend of entertainment, education, and family fun. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience this summer!