Planning a fun-filled day with the family at the 2024 New Mexico State Fair? Whether you’re bringing little ones or older kids, this guide will help you make the most of your family outing. With family-friendly rides, attractions, and activities, the fair has something for everyone to enjoy!
Family-Friendly Rides and Attractions
The fair is packed with rides and attractions that cater to all ages, making it perfect for a family day out:
- Kiddie Land: This section is ideal for younger children, offering gentle rides like carousels, mini roller coasters, and bumper cars.
- Sea Lion Splash: One of the fair’s most popular shows, Sea Lion Splash features talented sea lions performing fun tricks and interacting with the crowd. It’s an exciting and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
- Great American Pig and Duck Races: Kids will love cheering for their favorite pigs and ducks in these lighthearted races, which are always crowd-pleasers.
- Foam Zone: Let your kids cool off and have a blast playing in the foam at the Foam Zone along Main Street, a fun and refreshing activity for children.
Kid’s Activity Barn
The Kid’s Activity Barn offers a hands-on agricultural experience combined with a fun scavenger hunt. As children explore, they’ll collect items like eggs, apples, corn, gourds, and peppers, all while learning about New Mexico’s rich agricultural traditions. Along the way, they’ll get the chance to ride John Deere Tractors designed for little ones and even try their hand at lassoing a dummy.
Once the scavenger hunt is completed, kids can pose for a photo with life-sized Transformers and claim a special prize—this year, milk! To make the experience even more immersive, children are encouraged to wear a State Fair apron as they collect their items and learn about the farm-to-table process.
Sensory Station
For families attending with children or adults who have sensory sensitivities, the fair offers a Sensory Station—a calm, safe space for anyone feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated. This specially designed area provides a variety of audio, visual, and tactile effects to help guests de-escalate and meet their sensory processing needs.
The station also features cool temperatures and restroom access, making it an ideal place to recharge before returning to the excitement of the New Mexico State Fair. Whether it’s hands-on activities or a quiet moment, the Sensory Station is available to support everyone’s fair experience, regardless of age.
Exploring Fun Exhibits and Competitions
The fair has plenty of family-friendly exhibits and competitions to explore, offering educational and engaging experiences for all ages:
- Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge: Watch as chefs compete to make the best green chile cheeseburger. It’s a delicious and exciting event that food-loving families won’t want to miss.
- Great American Pig Races & Great American Duck Races: Cheer on the animals as they race to the finish line. It’s a fun and lighthearted experience that kids will love.
- Petting Zoo and Pony Rides: Located near the Box Car Lawn, the petting zoo lets kids get up close with friendly farm animals, while pony rides provide a classic fair experience that’s perfect for younger children.
- Creative Arts Building: Stop by to see arts and crafts made by fairgoers of all ages. You’ll find inspiring and impressive works that might spark your child’s creative side, including the exciting LEGO competition and exhibits.
Planning the Perfect Family Day
Check the Schedule: With so much to do, planning ahead is key. Check the event schedule on the State Fair’s website or download the official New Mexico State Fair app on iOS or Android to see when your favorite shows and activities are happening.
Discount Days: If you plan to visit with the whole family, take advantage of Dollar Day or Graze Days (September 5 and 12), where food vendors offer select menu items for $5 or less. These are perfect days to save money and enjoy more of what the fair has to offer.
Safety Tips for Families
Tag Your Tots Program: This free program offers wristbands with a parent’s name and phone number for children, making it easier for fair staff to reunite families if they get separated. Wristbands are available throughout the fair, offering peace of mind for parents.
Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes. With all the walking, you’ll want to make sure everyone is comfortable and protected from the sun.
Use Park & Ride on Weekends: If you’re attending on a weekend, Park & Ride is highly recommended to avoid traffic and parking stress. Children under 5 ride for free, making it a convenient option for families.
Capture the Memories
Remember to capture the fun moments during your family’s day at the fair. From smiling faces at the petting zoo to the excitement of the Great American Duck Races, there are plenty of opportunities for great photos.
A day out with the family at the 2024 New Mexico State Fair is filled with fun, learning, and plenty of smiles. With rides, exhibits, and activities designed to entertain and engage kids of all ages, there’s no shortage of things to do. Plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy a fantastic family experience at the fair!
Be sure to check out our full guide on Everything You Need to Know About the 2024 New Mexico State Fair for more detailed information.
