by Liz Paulsen

The annual Wisconsin State Fair offers endless family entertainment from Thurs., Aug. 4 through Sun., Aug. 14 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St., West Allis. 

Six admission deals to the 2016 Wisconsin State Fair

Looking to save a few bucks on admission? The folks at the Wisconsin State Fair and their sponsors make it easy for families to save some money. Check out one of these six admission deals this year:

Thurs., Aug. 4

Get into the fair for $2 before 4 p.m. with a donation of at least two non-perishable food items or a cash donation. Donation will benefit the Hunger Task Force.

Fri., Aug. 5

Not from Wisconsin? Out-of-state fairgoers can get two adult admission tickets for only $12.

Mon., Aug. 8

It’s Kohl’s Family Value Day! From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., adults will receive $5 admission and kids 11 and younger will receive free admission.

Tues., Aug. 9

Take the grandparents to the State Fair! Fairgoers ages 60 and older can receive $5 admission all day.

Wed., Aug. 10

Meijer Day offers fairgoers the chance to save $4 on one adult admission ticket before 6 p.m. with a Custom Coupon from any Meijer store in Wisconsin from July 24-Aug. 10.

Sun., Aug. 14

The last day of the fair is Veterans and Military Recognition Day. Veterans, military personnel and their families receive free admission until 4 p.m.

Find other great fair deals here! Love the amusement rides, hate the prices? Check this out.

Beyond the rides and vendors, here are Wisconsin Parent’s top picks for family fun this year:

New food options!

The State Fair always has some new foodie finds, and this year is no different. With more than 80 new food and beverage options, there is something for everyone. New items on the menu that kids will love include Brownie Mountains at Lehmann’s Bakery, Chili-Mac Bottom Pizza at Brew City, Muddy Martian Ice Cream at Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Red Velvet Cake Milkshake at Hand Dipped Ice Cream and Three Little Pigs mini hot dogs at Saz’s Bavarian Haus!

Sea Lion Splash

Stop by South Grandstand Avenue to watch sea lions balance balls, shoot hoops, and more during a 30-minute show. It’s free! Daily shows are at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. 

Paw Patrol 

Paw Patrol is returning to the State Fair with a stop at Central Park on Aug. 5. The Roll Patrol Road Tour offers “Pawtastic” surprises, including a play area and photo opportunities. Check it out from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Milwaukee Bucks Milk House

Got milk? A must-do for the Wisconsin State Fair! Grab a glass of milk in a variety of flavors on the South Grandstand Avenue near the Exposition Center. An 8-ounce cup is only 50 cents. Say “hi” to Bango while you are there! 

Racing Pigs

Seven times each day, fairgoers can see pigs race at the Racing Animals Arena on Second Street and Badger Avenue. Showtimes are between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

Farm and Family Building and the Badgerland Financial Discovery Barnyard

Cow Pie Pitch, anyone? Kids can learn about healthy animals and good-for-you food through hands-on activities, including a vegetable car race. Be sure to visit with Alice in Dairyland, too! And don’t forget to visit the Discovery Barnyard to meet some animals and learn about agriculture through some kid-friendly exhibits.

There's also free family-friendly entertainment, from jugglers to comedians and more, daily at any of the family stages, and more family fun options here.