Surviving & Thriving at the Minnesota State Fair: Mom-Approved Tips

We did the Minnesota State Fair this week, and let me tell you—it was a blast but also a little wild! If you’re heading out with kids (or honestly, even just by yourself), here are some mom-tested, mom-approved tips to make the most of your day at the Fair.

1. Parking + Getting There

The free Park & Ride system is amazing, but wow—it was busy this year. Lots were filling up by late morning on the first two days (something I’ve never seen before!). Here’s our workaround: we waited until a bus dropped people off, then snagged their spots once they left. It worked perfectly at the Minnesota Office Plaza. Just note: some lots, like Corpus Christi, literally close when they’re full, so that trick won’t work everywhere.

Another option? Park on a nearby street and walk to the Park & Ride stop. (Just be careful where you park – residents don’t want people parked in front of their mailboxes!)

2. Coupon Book Hack

The Blue Ribbon Coupon Book is only $5, but we’ve never used more than a few coupons. So here’s my tip:

Don’t buy one—get a Free Coupon Book from your Buy Nothing group! I scored one from a neighbor who went on day one, used it when we went on day two, and then passed it along to someone else for day three. We saved money on foods like walleye cakes, Green Mill pizza, and even a Sara’s Tipsy Pie. Such a great way to stretch those State Fair dollars.

Of course, the later you plan to attend the fair, the better chance you’ll get someone’s used coupon book.

3. Sweet Martha’s Cookie Trick

If you’re bringing cookies home (because of course you are), pack a big plastic baggie in your bag. Sweet Martha’s piles them high, and without a bag you’ll be chasing chocolate chip casualties all over the fairgrounds. (Yes, I stepped on some.) Even the guy stacking cookies for my order spilled them as he handed them over and had to restack them.

4. Stay Hydrated for Free

Bring water bottles from home and refill them at the water stations scattered around the fair. Super easy, super free, and saves you from spending $5 on bottled water.

HOWEVER – I heard from some of you that there is cheap bottled water at the fair! Get ice cold 20 oz water at Bobby and Steve’s for $1.00. This is worth considering as the free water is cool but definitely not ice cold.

5. Get Cheap Food & Share

Yes, there is cheap food at the fair! 

When we entered, at the entrance where the buses are, we found a pizza truck with $3 slices.

Some suggestions from you:

There are $2 snow cones to the west of the ferris wheel.

In the agriculture building, there’s a $3 apple cider freezee.

What else would you add?

Also, share food so you can try more! 

6. Beat the Heat

August in Minnesota = hot and sticky. My must-haves: ponytail holders, a little neck fan, and light clothes. Some vendors even handed out free paper fans (shoutout to Thrivent for mine!). I also got a free t-shirt from Thrivent and changed into it as my shirt that I came in with got sweaty fast!

Check out all these portable fans.

7. Cash is Queen

Many vendors are now charging a 3–4% credit card fee, even Sweet Martha’s. It’s not huge, but it adds up. Bring cash and avoid the surcharge. Plus, businesses appreciate cash instead of cards! I honestly think cash is becoming king again because of credit card fees.

And some businesses at the fair only accept cash so be prepared with at least some on hand. (There are ATMs at the fair if you need one there though I get cash beforehand to avoid the fees.)

8. Go early or go late.

Mornings are cooler and less crowded, evenings are calmer (and some rides are discounted). Midday is the hot chaos zone.

9. Pick a family meet-up spot.

The crowds are no joke. Choose a landmark (like the Giant Slide or Space Tower) as your “just in case” spot. (Even if you do all have phones – batteries can die!)

10. Wear comfy shoes.

You’ll walk miles without realizing it—sneakers beat sandals every time.

11. Bring hand wipes or sanitizer.

Between barns, food, and rides, it’s a sticky-hands paradise. There are some hand-washing stations provided but wipes come in handy when you’re just walking and have some sticky food on your fingers.

12. Download the Fair app.

Maps, food stands, bathrooms, schedules—it’s a lifesaver. I liked having a printed map though so I picked one up when we arrived.

13. Take advantage of freebies.

Beyond the coupon book, lots of booths hand out yardsticks, bags, sunglasses, lip balm, even seeds. Kids love collecting them. As I mentioned, I got a free t-shirt at the Thrivent booth (and people have been asking me about it – they definitely knew what they were doing giving these out!). Grab a deals brochure when you arrive which lists free stuff you can get at the fair.

14. Budget for rides.

Grab a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book or buy ride tickets in bulk—big savings if you plan ahead. The fair has special discount days for rides too.

15. Plan a rest stop.

The fair is overstimulating. Find a shady spot (like Baldwin Park) for a recharge.

16. Pack a portable charger.

Between photos, the app, and group texts, your phone battery will vanish. A small power bank = hero move. Here’s the kind we use!

What to See & Do This Year

There’s so much new and fun happening! A few favorites:

• Journey to Space exhibit (a hit with kids and grown-ups) – this is there throughout the fair, but NASA has some items on display just through August 24th

• Instagram Teen Accounts booth for free selfies (through August 24th)

• The giant wheel for incredible views

                               

• New foods: we loved the deep-fried pimento cheese puffs and the beers at Shanghai Henri’s (so good!)

• Meet Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse on Wednesday, August 27th from 1-3pm!

The Fair is one of those magical Minnesota traditions that’s equal parts exhausting and wonderful. With a little planning, you can skip the stress and soak up all the fun.

What are your go-to State Fair tips? Drop them in the comments so we can all level up our fair game!

Want more guides?

How to Save Money at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair

What’s New at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair

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