Enter here to WIN A Family 4 Pack of Tickets to the MN State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the best family traditions in the state, but it can get expensive fast — which is why these Minnesota State Fair tips for families are designed to help you save money, plan smarter, and enjoy the Fair without blowing your budget.
First trick to saving money is to WIN your tickets from MN Mom Community! Click the link above to get entered to win! Just in case you don’t win, I’ve got your mom‑approved guide to saving money while still having all the fun!
If you’re a Minnesota mom, you already know the MN State Fair is basically our Super Bowl — except with more cheese curds, more crowds, and way more opportunities for your kids to ask for things every 30 seconds. As a busy Twin Cities mom myself, I love the Fair… but I also know how fast it can turn into a very expensive day if you’re not careful.
So here’s your budget-friendly MN State Fair guide for families — packed with real‑life tips, mom hacks, and smart ways to enjoy the Fair without emptying your wallet.
1. Go on Discount Days (Huge Savings)
The State Fair offers multiple deal days that can save families a ton:
– Kids Day Wednesday September 2nd and Monday September 7th– Reduced admission for kids
– Senior Day Monday August 31st and Thursday September 3rd– Bring grandparents and save
– Military Appreciation Day Tuesday September 1st – Discounts for service members
– Labor Day is known for getting you some of the best bargains at the fair! Many vendors will have end-of-fair specials on food and merchandise, and the last Chance flier rounds them all up in one place. Grab one at the information booths or find it online on Labor day to catch all the deals!
If you’re bringing multiple kids, Kids DAy is your best friend. It’s the difference between “fun day out” and “why did we spend our grocery budget on Pronto Pups?”
2. Park Smart — Don’t Pay $20+ Unless You Have To
Parking near the Fairgrounds can get wildly expensive. Instead:
– Use free park‑and‑ride lots
– Take the Express Bus (kids under 5 ride free)
– Park farther out and walk in
The Express Bus is honestly the best hack for families — no traffic stress, no hunting for parking, and no meltdown from your toddler who “can’t walk anymore.”
3. Share Food (Portions Are Huge!)
The MN State Fair is famous for giant portions. Sharing is the easiest way to save money:
– One bucket of Sweet Martha’s Cookies feeds an entire neighborhood…. Ok maybe not an entire neighborhood but for sure will cover your family!
– Cheese curds are easily shareable
– Corn dogs, fries, lemonade — all big enough for multiple kids
Pro tip: Bring zip-top bags so you can portion things out for kids and avoid the “Mom, he got more than me!” drama.
4. Bring Water Bottles (Free Refill Stations!)
The Fair has free water refill stations, and bringing your own bottles saves you from buying $5 drinks all day.
Plus, hydrated kids = fewer meltdowns.
Hydrated moms = fewer headaches.
Hydrated dads = fewer “I’m fine” moments.
5. Set a Spending Limit Before You Go
Kids love the Fair, but they also love asking for:
– Games
– Toys
– Slushies
– More games
– More slushies
– A giant inflatable hammer they’ll never touch again
Give each kid a set amount of money (cash or a kid debit card). When it’s gone, it’s gone. This teaches independence and protects your budget.
6. Hit the Free Activities First
The MN State Fair has tons of free family-friendly attractions:
– Little Farm Hands
– Pet Pavilion
– Live music
– Parade
– Miracle of Birth Center
– STEM activities
– Animal barns
– Play areas
– Livestock & Horse Shows
– Free Entertainment on Fair stages
– Educational Activities like Math On-A-Stick and Alphabet Forest
– Daily Parade at 2pm.
Kids don’t care if something costs money — they care if it’s fun. And these are genuinely fun.
7. Avoid Impulse Shopping (The Fair Makes It Hard!)
The Grandstand and vendor booths are full of adorable things you suddenly “need.”
You don’t need them.
Your kids don’t need them.
Your wallet definitely doesn’t need them.
If you *do* want to shop, set a small budget and stick to it.
8. Go Early — Everything Is Cheaper (and Happier)
Morning at the Fair is magical:
– Cooler temps
– Shorter lines
– Less chaos
– Kids are happier
– You spend less because you’re not stress-buying snacks
Plus, breakfast foods at the Fair are usually cheaper than dinner foods.
9. Pack Snacks for Kids
Yes, you’re going to buy Fair food — but packing a few snacks saves you from buying overpriced emergency food when your toddler suddenly becomes “starving.”
Bring:
– Fruit pouches
– Crackers
– Granola bars
– Pretzels
This alone can save $20–$40.
10. Grab the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book and Use the MN State Fair App to Plan Your Route
The bargain book is only $5 and is full of coupons and discounts from vendors around the Fair. Pick one up at the Blue Bargain Cars throughout the fairgrounds. Plus, the app helps you:
– Find deals
– Locate free activities
– Map out food stops
– Avoid wandering aimlessly (which leads to impulse spending)
A little planning = a lot of savings.
The MN State Fair is one of the best parts of Minnesota life — and you can enjoy it without blowing your budget. With a little planning, a few mom hacks, and realistic expectations (because someone will spill something, someone will cry, and someone will need a bathroom immediately), you can make it a fun, affordable day your family will love.
Minnesota moms deserve joy and savings — and this guide helps you get both.
