The State Fair of Virginia: Tips and Tricks for Visiting with Kids

With pig races, fried oreos, rides and more, The State Fair of Virginia has something fun for all ages!

This annual fall event is open daily between September 27 to October 6 from 10am-9pm. You can meet farm animals, learn about agriculture, watch the Triple Crown Circus, cheer on the animals in races & more! There are also nightly concerts at 7:30pm. 

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When is the State Fair of Virginia?

The fair is in Richmond from September 27 to October 6, 2024.

You can visit daily between 10am-9pm. Amusement rides open at 11 a.m. daily. The buildings are open until 9pm.

No gate tickets sold at the Ticket Plaza after 8 p.m.

Where is the State Fair of Virginia?

It's held at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, near Kings Dominion. The address is: 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, Virginia 23047.

How much does it cost to visit?

Daily admission costs $15.50 pp. Children 4 & younger are FREE. This fee does not include access to the rides.

Unlimited amusement ride bands cost $31.50 pp. If you’re going to ride rides, the unlimited ride wrist bands are worth it. Rides cost $3-$5 each.

The fair has special promotions throughout the event:

1) If you bring 2 school supplies, 2 canned food items, or a pair of new winter gloves, you can enter through the main gate for $9! This ticket special is valid between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 or Monday through Friday, Sept. 30 through Oct. 4.

2) Purchase a midway wristband at the fair between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on any State Fair Cares Day and ride until 4 p.m. for $20!

Buy everything online. It saves money!

Where do you park for the fair?

Free parking is available - this is what I’ve always used. Premium parking costs $22.50 & it’s right by the kids’ area. 

Is it stroller friendly?

YES! The entire fair is stroller friendly, and you're definitely going to want to bring a stroller or wagon for children. There is a lot of walking.

Do I have to buy ride tickets?

This is totally up to you! You only need to buy ride tickets if you want to ride rides at the fair. I've been taking my children for the last 7 years, and we have only purchased ride tickets twice. If you plan on riding the rides, grab the unlimited ride wrist band. Paying per ride adds up quickly, and you may end up spending more than the unlimited wrist band costs!

There’s plenty of activities & shows without paying extra for rides. The Livestock Loop, Harvest Landing, Virginia 529Kidway & Young MacDonald’s Farm are great areas for families. 

How long should we expect to stay at The State Fair?

This will be totally dependent on your family! I'd say you could spend anywhere from 2 hours to all day.

We usually spend 4-6 hours at the fair, visiting the petting zoo, seeing the World Record produce, and watching the shows my kids want to see (ie circus, stunts, pig racing).

What's fun to do with little kids?

If you have a baby, this entire event is stroller-friendly. You can walk around, grab fair food and watch the livestock shows, stunt shows, pig races, and more!

As my children became toddlers and preschoolers, we have enjoyed these areas of the fair: The Livestock Loop, Harvest Landing, Virginia 529Kidway & Young MacDonald’s Farm.

What's fun to do with older kids?

My children love watching the circus shows, stunt racing and pig races. These are their favorites! Last year we also purchased ride tickets, and my kids enjoyed the helicopter, carousel, bumper cars, and the majority of the kiddie rides.

Ultimate Stunt Show is a motorcycle stunt show. You can watch it daily at 11:30am, 2:30pm & 5:30pm. The BMX riders ride in the Globe of Death & there’s a 40 foot motorcycle jump! 

Rosaire’s Royal Racers are pig races! They race daily at 11:30am, 1:30am, 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

Heads up: the stunt show is LOUD! If your kiddo is sensitive to sound, bring headphones or stand farther back in the crowd.

Specific Things to check out with kids:

The following areas and events are included in ticket prices. No extra cost for visiting or watching.

Young MacDonald's Farm will give you a farm animal fix! See the always-popular sliding ducks, hatching chicks, pigs, roosters, and the Sheep & Goat Birthing Center. Find this favorite farm at its new location in Livestock Loop.

Rockin A Ranch Petting Zoo features domestic and exotic animals, pony rides and camel rides!Pony & camel rides cost extra.

Doc Belmont's Magnificent Magical Medicine Show features a fast-moving, Broadway style magic show. It's a theatrical experience with tricks & lots of audience participation! Daily at 1pm, 4:30pm & 7pm.

The SouthLand Dairy Farmer Center has hand milking demonstrations! My kids loved learning about dairy cows and seeing exactly where milk comes from.

Pigeon and Dove Tent has over 300 different breeds of pigeons and doves!

Equine Shows happen daily with the 6 horse hitch demo at 3pm every day. Other equine shows include mounted shooting and rodeos, to dancing dressage horses and draft horses.

Triple Crown Circus features a world-renowned cast of international performers. Acts include the aerial lyra, hand balancing, bungies, chair balancing & the human cannonball. Daily at 2pm, 5pm & 8pm.

The Ultimate Stunt Show features BMX riders performing aerial acts, the Globe of Death & a 40 foot motorcycle jump! Daily at 11:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm.

Rosaire's Royal Racers feature racing pics! Daily at 11:30am, 1:30am, 6:30pm & 8:30pm.

Revenge Roughstock Rodeo Company features a rodeo with bulls, barrels and broncs on Monday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 1 at 6pm on both nights.

To learn more about the events at The State Fair of Virginia, check here!

More Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Fair with Kids:

1. The majority of the attractions are outside - dress for the weather.

2. Wear comfortable shoes - there is a lot of walking.

3. There’s plenty of clean bathrooms. Portapotties are in the parking area. 

4. You can bring your own food, but there’s plenty of concessions. 

5. It’s all stroller friendly. Definitely bring one! 

6. Visit on a week day or right at opening to beat the crowd. 

7. Bring hand sanitizer. This is very helpful to have after visiting with the animals or riding rides! I always carry these hand wipes and this spray.

Looking for more fall activities, check out my RVA Fall Bucket List!

For more things to do with kids around Richmond, follow @thewestendmom on Instagram!