I have been visiting the N. C. State Fair every year since I was born. I have so many fond memories from the N. C. State Fair, so many wonderful moments that I hope to create with my own girls. Grace, my oldest, has just reached the age where she sees the awe and wonder surrounding the N. C. State Fair. It’s beautiful watching her experience something I love so very much. I love seeing her create memories of her own, but I can’t imagine taking on the N. C. State Fair with kids and without knowledge of the Fair. It’s overwhelming at times even though I’ve basically grown up running around the N. C. State Fair.
That’s where my guide comes in, it gives you the rundown on all the best kid friendly spots at the N. C. State Fair. Along with a few hidden areas where you can get a somewhat quiet moment to calm an overwhelmed child or nurse a babe. So let’s begin!
1. Field of Dreams
Located by the Dorton Arena.
Field of Dreams is a fun, hands on learning experience for kids of all ages.
When your child enters through the gate of the Field of Dreams they are handed a wooden bushel basket, they continue down the path through multiple different agricultural crops. Its always lots of fun guessing at the different crops. There’s everything from sweet potatoes to celery, corn to peppers. They will get to see rabbits, chickens, ducks and even a turkey! Soon they will come to a group of volunteers that will encourage them to “pick” different fruits or veggies. This year it was a sweet potato, zucchini and a beet. Then once they have their fruit or veggies, they continue down the path to a volunteer who is acting as the “market” aspect. Your child will then “sell” their produce to the market, earning money that they use to buy their goodie bag, thus completing the “life cycle” of agriculture.
While in the Field of Dreams tent they can also enter the coloring competition to possibly earn a prize. In its entirety the Field of Dreams is a wonderful kid friendly spot where your children can walk about freely exploring the world of NC agriculture.
2. Children’s Barnyard
Located by the Village of Yesteryear.
The Children’s Barnyard is put on by the FFA. It’s a small barn where you and your children can see different kinds of animals. In the past they’ve had cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and chicks. The volunteers are normally members of FFA and are quite knowledgeable about the animals.
3. Poultry Tent
Located near Gate 2.
This one may not be the best for small children as it can be quite noisy at times. If you know your child is sensitive to loud screeching than you may want to skip this one, if not than this is a wonderful spot to bring your kids. The Poultry tent is where the poultry exhibits are on display. You can see everything from beautiful roosters to pheasants. Turkeys and even geese reside in the poultry tent as well. There are hand washing stations outside of the Poultry tent so that if you’re worried about cleanliness you can take advantage of that.
4. Graham Building
Located next to the Poultry Tent.
The Graham Building is where most of the 4H larger animals are housed. You’ll find animals such as cows, steers, sheep and pigs being kept here. This is also where the 4H animal shows are performed. Feel free to climb into the stands to watch as the 4Hers show off their skills in the ring.
*It is suggested that pregnant women do not enter the Graham Building.
5. Agri Supply Expo Center
Located next to the Graham Building.
While the Agri Supply Expo Center sounds terribly boring it most definitely is not! Here you will find the massive pumpkins, the biggest watermelon you’ve ever seen and a variety of animals including the best in show from the 4Hers. There’s almost always a mare and mule foal, a sow and piglets along with a variety of cows and their young. This building can be quite busy so I highly suggest you visit the Agri Supply Expo Center earlier in the day when crowds should be less.
6. Old Grist Mill
Located in the Pfizer Heritage Circle.
The Old Grist Mill is a working mill that you can take a quick tour of. You enter in one side and are handed piping hot hushpuppies made from the flour that has been milled there. There are multiple volunteers who are willing to answer any and all questions you may have regarding the process of how the flour or various grains were milled using a water wheel and stones. This is a quick tour, but it isn’t stroller friendly as there are stairs.
7. Flower and Garden Show
Located right behind the Village of Yesteryear.
While this spot can be quite busy at times I highly suggest it! Seeing the Bonsai and mums along with all the colorful flowers is such a fun sight. There’s a lawn area with benches and tables back behind the Flower and Garden Show that is often not too crowded. It’s a good place to let children stretch their legs and play about.
8. Hunt Horse Complex
Located across from Gate 8.
If you parked near Gate 8 then I highly suggest visiting the Hunt Horse Complex. If you didn’t then it may be a bit of a trek. It is quite fun to watch the horses prance about and all ages will enjoy watching the different horse competitions. Out front of the Hunt Horse Complex they keep a few horses that your children will enjoy looking at and petting.
If you feel we are missing something from our list please leave a comment so we can update our suggestions for others. Have fun at the NC State Fair! Also, if you enjoyed this article check out our other articles about Raleigh NC here.