Sensory-Friendly SpinCity Morning

The sparkle and sounds of SpinCity are exciting, but can be overwhelming at times. With this special day, we are creating a time where everyone can explore and enjoy. Come on down to enjoy our rides and games when lights, sounds, and non-safety related announcements will be reduced in SpinCity as much as possible. Below are tips and more information to prepare for your trip!

Outside Food, Drink, & Bag Policies: While visiting the State Fair, all bags must to be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. However, diaper bags or medical bags are allowed and may be subject to search. Any carry-in items for family care, such as sealed water bottles or snacks, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed. If any items or medication need to stay cool, small soft sided coolers are permitted to come into the State Fair. Find more information here.

Sights & Sounds: While lights and sounds are turned down as much as possible during this morning, we’d recommend bringing noise-cancelling headphones or darkened eyeglasses if there is a high sensitivity. Please note that SpinCity’s usual lights and sounds will turn back on at 1pm on Monday.

Safety Identification Wristbands: Get a bright orange identification wristband, provided by We Energies. This wristband has space to write your child’s identification and your cell phone number in case anyone gets a little lost. Head to the Guest Services Pavilion near the Exposition Center or We Energies Energy Park to get yours.

Need a place to rest and recharge? Check out these State Fair gems below:

YOUTH EXHIBITS – Family fun awaits you in the Youth Exhibits Building! Rest and recharge before taking on more Fair fun while you see the best youth exhibits made by Wisconsin youth ages 12-19. Located on Grandstand Avenue & Fifth Street right outside of SpinCity, you’ll find plenty of games, inspiration, and space to chill.

EXPLORATORY PARK – Packed to the brim with FREE fun for folks of all ages, discover the mainstays of this area on the south side of the State Fair. Chill out by Paradise Pond, Japanese Garden, and Steven’s Springs! Play oversized chess, hopscotch, bag toss, at the playground area, or find your artistic side playing in the sand box. Then, relax on the dragonfly wings bench or quirky toad stools. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiting to help you find your way to the great outdoors. Then, take a stroll through the Master Gardeners Display Garden and ask them all your budding questions.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S ART EXHIBIT – Stop by the Exposition Center Lobby to meet the Artist of the Day, enjoy the free Make & Take Art Area, and be impressed by youthful talent as the Young People’s Art Exhibit celebrates its 56th year of amazing, vibrant, and colorful youth art created by Wisconsin kids in grades 6-12.

Do I need to pre-register?
No, there is no extra ticket or pre-registration needed for Sensory-Friendly SpinCity Morning.

How do I buy tickets to the State Fair?
You can purchase your State Fair tickets here. Be sure to check out our discounts and ticket packages as well!

Where should I park?
Ample parking is available most mornings of the State Fair in our various parking lots. Parking in our North Lot near Entrance E will have you enter in directly into SpinCity. Accessible Parking Spaces cannot be reserved in advance.

Please note: Advance sale of parking has now closed. Parking is still available at the Fair and you will be able to purchase it at the parking gates day-of.

I purchased a GoRide Wristband, but am not comfortable wearing it around my wrist. What should I do?
All Fairgoers who wish to enter a ride or attraction in SpinCity must have either the required number of tickets OR a valid GoRide Wristband properly and visibly affixed to their person to be permitted to ride.

Special exceptions are made for those with sensory needs. If you have sensory needs, please visit the SpinCity Office for assistance! We are happy to work with you and your family to find a solution for affixing your wristband in a way that will be accepted by ride operators and comfortable for you.

My GoRide Wristband was put on too tight and I need it removed. What do I do?
Visit the SpinCity Office or Guest Services Pavilion for assistance! Our staff will be able to assist you in removing your band. If you remove your wristband PRIOR to alerting a staff member, proof of purchase and the removed wristband will be required for consideration of replacement.

Will there be quiet spaces?
You can find quiet spaces closest to SpinCity at the First Aid location just outside of the SpinCity Gate on North Grandstand Avenue.

There are also three Family Baby Care Centers that offer private, air-conditioned, comfortable areas in the following locations: Exposition Center, Guest Services Pavilion, and North Grandstand Avenue & Fifth Street. Each location offers an area for nursing mothers as well as a diaper changing station. Diaper changing stations are also available in most restrooms throughout State Fair Park.

What should I know about accessibility at the Wisconsin State Fair?

• All permanent restroom facilities at State Fair Park are accessible to patrons with disabilities and accessible parking is available in all State Fair Park lots.
• Accessible Ramp at the State Fair Main Stage is General Admission. To purchase accessible Main Stage concert seating, please call 414.266.7100 or click here.
• Find audio files of the State Fair Daily Schedule here.
• Find information on stroller, wheelchair, and electric scooter rentals here.
• Please see here for more information.

Is there an Adult Changing Station?
An adult-sized adjustable changing table is available at the Central Mall restrooms.  A family restroom equipped with an adult-sized powered changing table is also located in the north lobby of the Exposition Center.

What should I expect at the admission entrances?
For safety, all Fairgoers must go through metal detection at the entrances. In most cases, this is a simple walk-through. If you need special accommodations, please let the public safety officer know.

Do you have Service Animal information?
Working service animals are permitted and are required to be on a leash, harnessed, or tethered. Find more information here.