Tips and Tricks for Surviving the Indiana State Fair

We took a family day to the #IndianaStateFair, and boy let me tell you there are a few things that I was grateful that we were prepared for… but there were also some things we were NOT prepared for. This post is to help you learn from my mistakes and take my tips with you!

Timing is everything.

IF you can, GO THURSDAYS! They have $3 Thursdays and entry is only $3, but there are also vendors that have $3 deals on foods. These are shown in the windows of their stands on a blue piece of paper. Food suggestion #1: Deep. Fried. Oreos. Suggestion #2: Do not underestimate how good the $3 French fries are.

What should you bring?

This is a great question! There are definitely some things that you should bring that you won’t regret! Here’s a list of things we may or may not have forgotten on our trip - so again, learn from my mistakes! (Disclaimer: These links are #AmazonAffiliate links.)

• Bring the stroller! Do not assume your walking toddler will make it - they may survive for an hour or so, but after that you’ll regret it. Here is our go-to UMBRELLA STROLLER, this could support a small 4 year old with ease. Definitely worth it!

• Pack sunscreen. The fairgrounds have sunscreen provided throughout walkways; however after the most recent sunscreen recall - I would suggest packing your own just in case. It is also not a bad idea to just wear a hat!

• Do NOT forget water bottles. If you do, you will pay for it. LITERALLY. In the DNR building there is a water filling station that you will be grateful for. Otherwise, no one will provide you with complimentary water cups and you will have to purchase water bottles.

• Piggybacking the stroller idea, Bring the baby fan! We arrived at the fairgrounds by 9:20 am and wished we had packed the baby fan by 11am. If you have one great, if you do not, I would definitely invest in one linked above.

• Wear your walking shoes. They have a complimentary tractor shuttle that goes from one end of the fairgrounds to the other, however, as the day goes on the shuttle becomes more full and the stops become longer, so ultimately you may just want to walk.

As COVID appears to be becoming more actively discussed again, we did bring masks just in case, but we ended up not utilizing them. We were in both inside and outdoor exhibits. This is something to keep in mind as the fair continues and regulations may change in the weeks to come.

Things to do:

This one is pretty simple. PICK UP A MAP. Every day the walking tunnels are packed with maps and schedules for the day. There are events that occur everyday periodically. There are events for all age groups, but most events are geared towards elementary-aged children and older. This includes, FREE mini golf, play spaces, and so much more!

This was a super simple blog post, I know! Yet, sometimes that’s what you need. Not the mumbo jumbo but the in’s and the out’s and that’s what I am here for!

Until next time, Jordi.

All photos produced and edited by JGroove Photography.