The Western Idaho Fair has been a family fun tradition throughout the Treasure Valley for generations. This summer, August 21st-30th, 2026, get ready for 10 amazing days of exciting carnival rides, exhilarating entertainment and shows, tasty fair food, and another year of spectacular community tradition. Family fun has been a highlight of the Fair for decades, and this year is no different. Creating childhood memories for your little ones is easy with this guide to family friendly activities, rides, and more at the Fair this year, including tips, tricks, and savings.
Western Idaho Fair Activities and Entertainment
One of the main features of the Fair is its wide array of activities and entertainment, and many of these activities include fun for the whole family! Cowtown is an educational, all-day event where kids can interact with and pet cows, as well as learn how dairy gets from farm to table through live demonstrations with historic machines! At the Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, kids get to race down a track while pulling heavy sleds behind tiny tractors, and parents get to cheer them on from the sidelines. Aces Flying Pig Races brings fun for everyone as little piglets race around a track in an adorable fashion.
If rides are more exciting for your family, Butlers Carnival boasts a wide array of kiddie rides! There is a 36” minimum height requirement and children must be accompanied by an adult, but many attractions allow kids to ride alone as long as they are 42” tall or taller. If you don’t want to get carnival wrist bands to keep your little ones busy, August 25th is $2 Tuesday at the Fair, where rides are only $2 per ride! $2 Tuesday also comes with $2 admission tickets and $2 food items from the vendors that will be lining the fairgrounds.
Special Deals and Ways to Save
$2 Tuesday isn’t the only day of savings at the Fair. On opening day, August 21st, families can get free admission to the Fair with a donation to the Boise State food pantry between 12PM and 4PM! August 27th is also a day of savings, with Buy One, Get One Free admission. Additionally, children aged 5 and under get free admission the entire duration of the Fair.
If you’re worried about crowds, consider enjoying the Fair after 7:30PM Monday, August 24th, to Friday, August 28th, while the Grandstand Concerts are going. General concert admission is included with Fair admission, so many people will be away from the main carnival and fairgrounds to be a part of the roaring grandstand crowd. Whether or not you and your family enjoy time at the Fair while foot traffic is slower, the Found Kids booth offers wristband IDs and other safety-first services all day, so you can have extra peace of mind while your little ones have fun at the Fair. The Found Kids booth is located near the main gate.
Western Town
If you and your family need a break during your visit, be sure to stop by Western Town for shade, air conditioning, and kids make and take activities! The Western Town Building is open until 9PM and has a changing table and a designated area for breastfeeding at the Babies Rest Stop. Carts and strollers are also allowed onto the fairgrounds, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones getting too tired from walking around and exploring.
Western Idaho Fair Dates and Times
The Fair runs 12PM to 11PM August 21st, 11AM to 11PM August 22nd and 23rd, 12PM to 11PM August 24th to 28th, 11AM to 22PM August 29th, and 12PM to 10PM August 30th, so there’s plenty of time both before and after bedtime to make lifelong family memories at the Western Idaho Fair.
For tickets, concert details, and the full Fair schedule, visit idahofair.com