Freebies And Activities At The Minnesota State Fair For Families And Deal Seekers

The Minnesota State Fair is more than just a place to enjoy food-on-a-stick and carnival rides—it's a hub of entertainment, education, and, most importantly, free experiences. For families, deal seekers, and those looking to stretch their entertainment budget, the fair offers numerous free activities, giveaways, and sample opportunities that make the experience both enjoyable and cost-effective. This article explores the variety of no-cost offerings available at the Minnesota State Fair, from educational exhibits to promotional freebies and seasonal events.

Overview of Free Offerings at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is a week-long event that attracts millions of visitors each year. Beyond the famous food and rides, the fair features a range of free activities and giveaways that cater to all age groups. These free offerings are designed to provide entertainment, educational value, and promotional opportunities for both attendees and participating organizations.

Free activities at the fair are typically included with general admission and can be found in various pavilions, booths, and exhibits. These include interactive learning experiences, live performances, and sample giveaways from brands and organizations. Additionally, the fair offers special events during the holiday season, such as the Minnesota Merry Market, which provides free entry and family-friendly activities.

Free Activities for Families and Children

The Minnesota State Fair offers a wide array of activities that are both fun and educational, particularly for families with children. Many of these activities are included with admission and provide an opportunity for kids to learn while having fun.

One of the most popular free activities is the Eco Experience Building, where children can participate in interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities such as making tote bags from T-shirts. The building also features Climate Connection Bingo, a game that teaches kids about environmental sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

Another favorite is the Math on a Stick program, where children can engage in interactive math games without realizing they are learning. This program is designed to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking in a playful environment. Additionally, the Great Big Sandbox and Nature Adventure Play Space offer opportunities for unstructured play and exploration.

Live performances and shows are also available at no additional cost. For example, the 3rd Lair Skatepark at the X-Zone offers free skateboarding performances, while the Timberworks Lumberjack Shows provide an entertaining look into traditional logging skills. The Ramberg Center also hosts free music concerts throughout the fair, offering a variety of musical genres for all ages.

The fair also features interactive exhibits such as the DNR Building, where visitors can learn about Minnesota’s wildlife and view taxidermy displays. The building also includes a fire tower that offers a panoramic view of the fairgrounds. These exhibits are designed to educate visitors about the state’s natural resources and environmental conservation efforts.

Promotional Freebies and Brand Giveaways

In addition to free activities, the Minnesota State Fair is a popular venue for brands to promote their products and services. Many companies set up booths where they offer free samples, branded merchandise, and other promotional items to attendees.

One of the most notable promotional areas is the Education Building, where organizations such as the Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Farm Bureau offer free giveaways. For example, the Department of Public Safety gives out footballs and flying discs to promote safe driving, while the Minnesota Farm Bureau provides spatulas, stress balls, and reusable wheat cutlery.

Radio stations such as KS95, WCCO, and WGVX also participate in the fair by offering free merchandise. These include reusable bags, water bottles, sunglasses, and ponchos. These giveaways are not only useful for fair-goers but also serve as a way to promote the radio stations’ brands.

Other companies, such as Bremer Bank and Blue Flame Gas, offer free items like sunglasses, seed packets, and reusable tote bags. These items are often given out to encourage visitors to learn more about the company’s services or products. For example, Blue Flame Gas’s booth highlights energy-efficient gas products, while Bremer Bank’s booth promotes financial services and community involvement.

The fair also provides opportunities for environmental and community organizations to engage with the public. For instance, Friends of the Boundary Waters offers free reusable sporks to promote wilderness conservation, and the Federal Reserve Bank gives out shredded money souvenirs to educate visitors about the banking system.

Educational and Interactive Exhibits

The Minnesota State Fair is not only a place for entertainment but also for learning. Many of the free activities and exhibits at the fair are designed to provide educational value while keeping visitors engaged.

The Eco Experience Building and the DNR Building are prime examples of exhibits that combine education with interactive learning. These spaces offer visitors the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability, wildlife conservation, and the importance of protecting natural resources.

The Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum hosts livestock and horse competitions, which provide insight into agricultural practices and animal care. These events are often accompanied by educational displays and information about the role of agriculture in Minnesota’s economy.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Buildings also offer educational experiences, such as viewing butter sculptures and flower kaleidoscopes. These exhibits showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of agricultural workers and highlight the importance of local farming and food production.

Seasonal Events and Free Activities

Beyond the regular fair week, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds host other events that offer free activities and giveaways. One such event is the Minnesota Merry Market, a holiday shopping event held in December. This event is completely free to attend and features over 80 local artists and gift vendors.

At the Minnesota Merry Market, visitors can enjoy free Christmas crafts, games, and even free trackless train rides. The event also includes visits from Santa, who is available for photos on multiple days. These activities make the event a great option for families looking for free holiday entertainment.

Live music and food trucks are also available at the Minnesota Merry Market, providing additional opportunities for visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere without spending money. The event is designed to support local businesses and encourage community engagement during the holiday season.

Tips for Maximizing Free Experiences

To make the most of the free experiences at the Minnesota State Fair, visitors should plan their visit in advance. The MN State Fair App is a helpful tool that provides a map of the fairgrounds, schedules of events, and information about which vendors accept coupons. This app can help visitors navigate the fair efficiently and ensure they don’t miss any free activities or giveaways.

Purchasing a Blue Ribbon Bargain Book is another way to save money while enjoying the fair. This book includes coupons for food, merchandise, and attractions from 150 different vendors. Before buying the book, visitors should check the app to see if the coupons will be useful for their planned activities.

Visitors should also take advantage of the free activities listed in the fair’s guidebook. These activities are often spread out across the fairgrounds, so planning a route in advance can help visitors experience as much as possible without getting overwhelmed.

For those attending the Minnesota Merry Market, arriving early can help visitors beat the crowds and have more time to explore the vendors and activities. Visitors should also bring a reusable bag for shopping and be prepared for cold weather, as the event is held in December.

Conclusion

The Minnesota State Fair offers a wide range of free activities, promotional giveaways, and educational experiences that make it a valuable destination for families, deal seekers, and community members. From interactive learning exhibits to free branded merchandise, the fair provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy themselves without spending money. Additionally, seasonal events like the Minnesota Merry Market extend the fair’s offerings into the holiday season, providing even more free entertainment and shopping options.

By planning ahead and using tools like the MN State Fair App and the Blue Ribbon Bargain Book, visitors can make the most of their experience at the fair. Whether it’s learning about environmental sustainability, trying free samples, or enjoying a live performance, the Minnesota State Fair offers something for everyone.

Sources

1. Simplify Live Love - Free Things to Do at the Minnesota State Fair
2. DayTripper - Score Free Stuff at the Minnesota State Fair
3. Thrifty Minnesota - Minnesota Merry Market at the MN State Fair