2024 Sensory-Friendly Morning
Sensory-Friendly Morning Returns to the Iowa State Fair Presented by ChildServe
The Iowa State Fair is excited to partner again with presenting sponsor, ChildServe, and programming sponsor, Drake University, to host a Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Fair on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Sensory-Friendly Morning returns to the Fair for the third year in 2024 and has grown in popularity with special programming modifications, designated educational areas, clear directional signage and trained volunteers throughout the Fairgrounds. Extra consideration has been given to environmental factors at the Fair that might contribute to sensory overload, including sounds and lights, tastes, touches and smells for the morning.
Two separate calming rooms will be offered for Fairgoers who might need a break. One room called “Calm Your Body” offers sensory experiences like adjustable lighting, fidgets, music, coloring sheets and comfortable chairs. The other room called “Move Your Body” utilizes active stretching, jumping, bouncing on therapy balls and an obstacle course. All the rooms are air-conditioned and staffed by ChildServe Occupational Therapists.
Can't attend Sensory-Friendly Morning? Find a comprehensive list of daily Fair activities and areas suitable for children and adults with sensory processing disorders at www.iowastatefair.org. The Service Center calming room will be open throughout the Fair from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. but will only be staffed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14.
More Info for Sensory-Friendly Morning
Do I need to pre-register?
There is no need to pre-register for this event. Some Fair areas are open to our sensory sensitive friends early, but the Fair is open to the general public during normal hours.
How do I buy tickets?
You can save $5 on adult tickets by purchasing them online before the Fair. They will also be available at the Iowa State Fair ticket office, area Hy-Vee and Fareway stores beginning July 8. They are good any day of the Fair, including during our special programming on Wednesday, August 14.
Parking is $10 in the A, B and C Lots.
Should I bring anything with me to the Fair?
Although the Truck and Tractor Pulls do not start until noon, there may be a few tractors that fire up before noon to warm up. We will try to quiet as much as we can, but if you or someone you are with is sensitive to sounds, please plan accordingly for headphones or to be inside buildings.
Will there be a quiet space?
Our Calming Room was so popular last year we’ve added more space! If your child needs a place to calm down or recharge before heading back to the Fair, try out one of our sensory-friendly calming rooms, sponsored by ChildServe.
- Calm Your Body: We offer a mixture of sensory experiences like adjustable lighting, sensory fidgets, a calming tent, music, coloring sheets and comfortable chairs.
- Move Your Body: Enjoy movement activities led by ChildServe Occupational therapists including stretching, jumping, bouncing on therapy balls and testing out an obstacle course.
All rooms will be air conditioned and staffed by ChildServe Occupational Therapists on August 14, from 8-4 p.m. Find us at the Robert G. Horner and Sheri Avis Horner Service Center OR Jacobson Exhibition Center.
Is there an Adult Changing Station?
The Adult Changing Station is located in the First Aid Building marked with a red cross under the sky glider near Fun Forest. It is fully automatic and moves from 6 inches to table height. It is open from 9 a.m. to midnight each day.
What should I expect at the gates?
For the safety and security of all our guests, there are metal detectors at our gates. Many of them are simply walk thru without a lot of interaction needed. If you need special accommodations, please ask for the gate captain.
Do you have Service Animal information?
The only animals allowed on grounds and in buildings are those that align with the ADA's service animal classification for animals specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are therefore not allowed on grounds or in buildings.
Will there be interpreters?
Spanish interpreters and sign language interpreters will be located inside the Gate 15 entrance, and at the Fun Forest Stage during the Kids’ Club Make and Take event.
Where should I park?
There are several parking lots on the Fairgrounds, the A, B and C Lots. If you are coming from the east, headed westbound, turn left into the C Lot. If you are coming from the west, headed eastbound, turn right into the A Lot. There are accessible spots on a first come-first served basis in the A Lot. There are also courtesy golf carts and a tram to get you to the entry gate if needed. Motor coach buses may be dropping off guests at the Gate 15 entry gate that morning.