Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Indianapolis, IN

Did you know that we have one of the largest state fairs in the nation right here in Indianapolis? Growing up we always made our annual trip to the state fair. My favorites as a kid still remain my favorites to this day. Where I grew up I even entered a few state fairs and won a few ribbons. To me the state fair seems to be a rite of passage for every family.
Last year was our first year taking our daughter. Her highlight was buying a little bag of carrots and getting to feed baby goats. She also loved my favorite fair food, funnel cake (or elephant ear, fried dough covered in sugar, well worth the wait for the state fair.) There were plenty of areas where she could play and run around and of course plenty of animals to see. If your child is still able to fit (and willing to sit) in a stroller, bring one along, the fairgrounds here are enormous. (They are aren't they? I know the fairgrounds back home weren't even half the size of Indy's.) Add in the heat and it may save everyone's sanity if your preschooler has somewhere shaded to kick back and relax.
To keep everyone engaged make a scavenger hunt out of the fair. For younger children put a few cutouts or illustrations on a paper of things they can look for. Pumpkins, pigs, a tractor, a clown and corn are all good starts. For older kids, not only make them a scavenger hunt map but also put them in charge of navigation with the map provided by the fairgrounds. Since you won't have anywhere you really need to be it's a good opportunity to let your child take responsibility and learn how to use a map. If your child is able to find all of the things on his or her map maybe they could pick a special treat, a handmade necklace or face painting.
Finally the food. Oh fair food. It can get expensive and whoo, it can get unhealthy (fried Pepsi anyone?) Plan on eating a big breakfast or lunch before heading to the fair, bring plenty of water and a few snacks to tide everyone over. Picking one or two things to share together will allow a little indulgence for not a lot of money.
Maybe the state fair is uncool, but I know I have good memories of it (square dancers!) and it's something we always looked forward to as kids.
The Indiana State Fair started yesterday and runs through August 17th. 

• Sunday - Thursday: 8 am - 11 pm
• Fridays: 8 am - 12 midnight
• Saturdays: 8 am - 12:30 am

Admission is $8 and children 5 & under are free. Entertainment schedules and discount ticket information is available at the fair web site.