For parents planning to take their children to the Arkansas State Fair, safety is one of their biggest concerns. As thousands of families prepare to visit the fairgrounds in Little Rock, Arkansas State Police are increasing their presence and reminding visitors about important safety measures designed to help protect children and families.
The 2026 Arkansas State Fair opens Friday, October 16, and continues through Sunday, October 25, with gates open daily from 11 AM until 9 PM.
Arkansas State Police announced that additional Troopers will be assigned to the fairgrounds, working alongside Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies and Little Rock Police Department officers.
The increased law enforcement presence is intended to help maintain a safe environment as families enjoy the rides, entertainment, food, exhibits and other attractions during the 10-day celebration.
For parents, one of the most important concerns is knowing their children can enjoy the fair while security measures are in place to help keep them safe.
ARKANSAS STATE POLICE INCREASE SECURITY AT FAIRGROUNDS
Arkansas State Police Director Colonel Mike Hagar emphasized the importance of public safety as the annual celebration gets underway.
“The Arkansas State Fair is a tradition that brings families and communities together, and we want every visit to be a safe one,” Hagar said.
“We encourage fairgoers to review security policies before arriving, stay aware of their surroundings, and notify an officer or fair security staff member if they see something concerning.”
The increased patrols will bring together several law enforcement agencies, including Arkansas State Police, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Little Rock Police Department.
Troopers, deputies and officers will patrol the fairgrounds to help respond to emergencies, address safety concerns and provide assistance to fairgoers.
Officials are encouraging visitors to remain alert and report suspicious activity rather than assuming someone else has already notified authorities.
CHILD SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY FOR PARENTS
For families bringing young children to the Arkansas State Fair, the crowds, rides and busy midway can make keeping everyone together especially important.
One of the safety measures available to parents is the use of identification wristbands provided at fair entrance gates.
Parents are encouraged to obtain the wristbands for their children when arriving at the fair.
The wristbands are designed to help law enforcement and fair security personnel reunite children with their parents if they become separated.
With thousands of visitors expected to attend throughout the event, even a brief separation can be frightening for children and their families.
Parents should consider taking a few precautions before entering the fairgrounds.
Parents are encouraged to:
1. Obtain an identification wristband for each child at the entrance.
2. Take a current photograph of their children before entering the fair.
3. Establish a designated family meeting location.
4. Teach children how to identify uniformed law enforcement officers and fair security personnel.
5. Remind children to remain with their parents or designated adult.
6. Make sure older children know a parent’s telephone number.
7. Immediately notify security personnel if a child becomes separated from the family.
These simple precautions can help families prepare for unexpected situations while enjoying the fair.
ALL VISITORS MUST PASS THROUGH METAL DETECTORS
Security screening will be required for everyone entering the Arkansas State Fairgrounds.
According to the fair’s official security policies, all guests must pass through walk-through metal detectors.
Security staff will also inspect bags at entrance gates.
Bags larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches will not be permitted.
Visitors should carefully review the fair’s bag policy before leaving home.
The restrictions include backpacks, clear backpacks, oversized purses and several other types of bags.
Weapons are prohibited from the fairgrounds, including weapons carried by individuals holding concealed carry permits.
Other prohibited items include outside food and beverages, drones, selfie sticks and pets other than permitted service animals.
Security officials recommend that fairgoers arrive prepared for screening and avoid bringing unnecessary items.
YOUTH CURFEW ALSO IN EFFECT AFTER 6 PM
Another important policy for parents involves teenagers attending the fair.
The Arkansas State Fair’s official rules state that after 6 PM, anyone younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older to enter the fairgrounds.
Fair personnel may request identification to verify a visitor’s age.
Officials also reserve the right to remove unaccompanied minors younger than 18 from the fairgrounds after 6 PM.
Credentialed youth fair exhibitors wearing designated wristbands are eligible for an exemption.
Parents planning to allow teenagers to attend should review these restrictions before making plans.
The policy is intended to provide additional supervision during evening hours.
OFFICIALS ASK FAIRGOERS TO REPORT SAFETY CONCERNS
Colonel Hagar said visitors play an important role in helping maintain a safe fair environment.
Fairgoers are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately contact law enforcement or security personnel if they notice suspicious activity or a potentially dangerous situation.
Parents should also remind children that uniformed officers and fair security staff are available to help if they become lost or need assistance.
The goal is to help families enjoy the fair while ensuring that security personnel can respond quickly when assistance is needed.
2026 ARKANSAS STATE FAIR OFFERS FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
In addition to the increased security measures, the Arkansas State Fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and family attractions throughout the 10-day event.
The Hiland Dairy Fun Zone will be open daily from 11 AM until 7 PM and will feature several attractions, including:
Sea Lion Splash
Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
Hoop You
The Museum of Discovery will also offer interactive activities, including Ballapalooza, Giant Lincoln Logs and scheduled science shows on selected days.
Live entertainment will take place on the fair’s Main Stage throughout the event.
Visitors can also explore Arkansas Made products, food vendors, exhibits and other traditional state fair attractions.
2026 ARKANSAS STATE FAIR ADMISSION PRICES
According to the official Arkansas State Fair website, regular admission prices include:
ADULTS:$10 in advance$15 at the gate
CHILDREN AGES 6–12:$6 in advance$8 at the gate
CHILDREN AGES 5 AND UNDER:Free admission
SENIORS AGES 60 AND OLDER:$6 in advance$8 at the gate
GROUPS OF 20 OR MORE:$7 per person
PARKING:$10
RIDE BANDS:$30 in advance$37 at the fair
Advance pricing ends October 15, 2026.
Fair promotions and admission offers may vary by day.
The fair encourages visitors to check its official website for updated information.
FAIR HOURS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EVENT:2026 Arkansas State Fair
DATES:Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 25, 2026
GATE HOURS:11 AM–9 PM daily
LOCATION:Arkansas State FairgroundsLittle Rock, Arkansas
SECURITY:Walk-through metal detectors and bag inspections required.
MAXIMUM BAG SIZE:12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches.
CHILD IDENTIFICATION WRISTBANDS:Available at entrance gates.
YOUTH SUPERVISION:Visitors younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older to enter after 6 PM, subject to the fair’s stated exceptions.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:Arkansas State Police, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and Little Rock Police Department.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE:https://arkansasstatefair.com/
SAFETY AND FAMILY ENJOYMENT GO HAND IN HAND
For many Arkansas families, the State Fair is an annual tradition filled with rides, favorite foods, livestock exhibits, entertainment and memories that last for years.
But for parents, the most important part of any visit is making sure everyone returns home safely.
The additional law enforcement presence, identification wristbands for children, entrance screening and youth supervision policies are designed to help address those concerns.
Arkansas State Police encourage families to plan ahead, review security policies and report any safety concerns during their visit.
As the 2026 Arkansas State Fair opens October 16, officials are emphasizing a simple message: Have fun, remain alert and make safety a priority.
For the latest information, visit ArkansasStateFair.com.
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