Kids Activities

January 10-25, 2026

There's something fun for everyone!

With over 10 interactive and immersive programs, exhibits, and events across National Western grounds, there is plenty to see and do for kids of all ages! Our kid's activities promote education and entertainment through many aspects of the agriculture industry, with the help of CSU, Colorado FFA, Colorado 4-H, and commodity groups.

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Schedule of Events
Catch-a-Calf
Mutton Bustin'

Get Involved

Youth Art Contest
Youth Art Contest
The Youth Art Contest showcases western-inspired works of art from students in grades 1st-12th. Champion, Reserve Champion and Honorable Mention artwork will be displayed at the 2025 National Western Stock Show. The contest is FREE to enter for all Colorado students! Registration opens in September.
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VET 101
Vet 101

Vet101 is an NWSS educational program designed to give high school students interested in the veterinary industry an opportunity to spend a day with vets doing real, hands-on work.

Students are placed in groups of 10-12 and rotate through four vet stations: small animal & feeding, large animal, equine & rodeo, and embryology.

Registration opens November 1.

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School Visits
Ames Activity Pavilion

National Western proudly hosts more than 15,000 students, teachers, and parents each year through our organized School Visits Program FREE of charge.  

Students have the opportunity to tour the Stock Show grounds and learn about how agriculture impacts their everyday lives. Registration for 2026 opens August 25!

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Things to See and Do

7-Eleven Pony Rides
Pony Trails

Time to saddle up!  The National Western Pony Rides are available to all the future cowboys and cowgirls on the 3rd Floor of the Expo Hall. Open from 9:30 am-8 pm (Sundays-Thursdays) and 9:30 am-9 pm (Fridays-Saturdays).

Young riders have the opportunity to ride beautiful, purebred Welsh ponies for just $10.
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Location: 3rd Floor

Ames Activity Pavilion
Ames Activity Pavilion

A full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, including Top Hogs performances, Farmyard Follies, Sheep Shearing, and Stick Horse Rodeos.

Location: South Food Court (outside)

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CSU Ag Adventure
Dairy Discovery zone

CSU Ag Adventure is the perfect place for children and adults to learn about the world of agriculture.

 Guests participate in a hands-on experience learning about Colorado animal and crop production, featuring commodities from across the state. Within CSU Ag Adventure is CAM’s Classroom, which is home to scheduled lessons and activities presented by ag industry leaders and educators at CSU. Kids can also participate in the Jr. Ag Ambassador Program, where based on their learning experience, they can earn a badge and official ambassador title for the ag industry.
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Location: 3rd Floor

Dairy Discovery Zone
Dairy Discovery zone

The Dairy Discovery Zone is a fun, interactive exhibit where you and your family can discover the world of dairy and how your milk gets from the farm to the fridge.

From nutrition facts to mouthwatering recipes, your family will get to see what it’s like to milk a cow, test your farm strength and score cool freebies.
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Hutchison Western Pony Trails
Pony Trails

Horse around in this exhibit that will teach you everything you want to know about our equine friends.

The Hutchison Western Pony Trails exhibit is interactive, educational, and built with kids in mind! Watch live horse demonstrations that teach how to measure and groom a horse, learn about breeds, colors, and the differences between English and Western disciplines. Meet the Denver Mounted Patrol, and learn about the Temple Grandin Equine Center. Have your phone ready, because there are lots of photo opportunities within this exciting exhibit!
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Location: Paddock, Events Center

King Soopers Petting Farm
Petting Farm

Come face to face with over 60 barnyard animals! The Petting Farm is FREE with your grounds admission ticket. Open from 9:30 am-7:30 pm daily. 

Mini Sicilian donkeys, pygmy goats, and mini-call ducks make up the diverse group of friendly animals. Ice cream cones of food can be purchased for $3 at entry.
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Location: 3rd Floor

NW Nursery
Petting Farm

Come meet our newest arrivals of your favorite farm animals and learn about their first days of life on the farm at the National Western Nursery presented by Murdoch’s.

State FFA officers oversee the care and feeding at the Nursery, and serve to answer questions about animal health and well-being. Included are a Holstein calf and Jersey calf, sow and piglets, goat and kids, ewe and lambs, alpacas and cria, and a miniature pony.
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Location: Paddock, Events Center

Stock Show Tours
SS Tours

Led by Colorado State FFA Officers, join in on this FREE tour into the heart of the Stock Show. Tour the grounds and learn about our 119-year old history, the agriculture industry, and the future National Western Center.

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are offered from 9:30 am-4:30 pm daily, every hour on the half hour. You can find the booth at the top of the South Ticket Lobby stairs.
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Location: Top of Stairs, South Ticket Lobby
Hours: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, daily (tours are offered every hour on the half hour)

Ames Activity Pavilion

Located in the white tent, outside near the South Food Court.

Farmyard Follies
Farmyard Follies
This delightful show features the lovable critters from the famous Great American Petting Farm.
A funny and educational animal entertainment show that features goats, sheep, and llamas performing with the infamous trouble-making spotted donkey, Fiona-No-No. Hosted by one of the “Zoo Crew,” the show includes animal behavior and antics accompanied by fascinating facts and stories about each type of animal.
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Folkloric Dancers
Folkloric Dancers
These enchanting dancers amaze the crowd as they take you on a journey through the past and present of one of the most popular styles of Mexican dancing.  Showcasing their flawless moves and bright colored dresses, these dancers can be found in the Activity Pavilion during the opening weekend.  Be the first to witness a sneak peak of the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganzas!
Clownin' Around with the Dessel Clan
Dessel Clan
Experience the excitement and laughs brought to us by renowned PRCA rodeo clown, Allan Dessel and his talented clan all the way from Cherokee, Iowa.
Top Hogs of the Wild West
Top Hogs
Watch your favorite barnyard animals perform thrilling tricks, act out hysterical impressions and even ride a skateboard!  Kids will have the exclusive opportunity to meet the brilliant pigs after the performance.
Xtreme Dogs Pat & Chat
Xtreme Dogs Pat & Chat
Dog lovers unite! Get an exclusive, up close preview patting & chatting some of our Xtreme Dogs! Man’s best friend thrills audiences with their athletic prowess and surprisingly unbelievable antics.
Wild West Show Preview
Wild West Show Preview
Swing on by the Ames Activity Pavilion to get a first look at the best of the west!  The Wild West Show Preview is an exclusive taster of what you will be able to see during the thrilling show held in the Cinch Arena in the Events Center!
Sheep Shearing
Sheep Shearing
Watch as one of the best professionals in the industry showcases the process of shearing a sheep effortlessly! Don’t miss this one, it’s always a fan favorite.
Stick Horse Grand Prix
Stick Horse Grand Prix
presented by: Time to saddle up for the National Western’s Stick Horse Grand Prix!  
Kiddos will have the chance to show off their equestrian skills as they ride their stick horses over jumps through the thrilling course.  All of the talented horseback riders will not want to miss out on this awe-inspiring event!
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Stick Horse Rodeo
Stick Horse Rodeo
presented by: The National Western Stick Horse Rodeo is perfect for your favorite buckaroos! 
Kids have the opportunity to create their own, pint-sized rodeo as they hop on a stick horse and compete in some of rodeo’s favorite events including barrel racing, steer roping, and bull riding.  Stick horse rodeos are a must for any future cowboy or cowgirl!
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Westernaires Trick & Fancy Ropers
Wild West Show Preview
One of the favorite varieties of casual recreation in the Old West, the Westernaires trick roping team makes the challenging artform of rope spinning appear amazingly easy.  These young performers work with a variety of sizes of rope in complicated tricks in an exhibition of skill which has made them favorites in their travels all over North America.  
Swing & Line Dancing with Country KickUp
Wild West Show Preview
Join Country KickUp in learning how to country swing & line dance! We will be teaching beginner, intermediate, & advanced lessons. ALL skill levels are welcome, no partner is required to participate, & we are SO excited to dance with you! Country Kickup’s 501c3 proceeds are donated to charities across Colorado – find out more at countrykickup.com
Denver Area Square & Round Dancing Demo
Wild West Show Preview
Join the Denver Area Square & Round Dance Council as they demonstrate the art of the dance! DAS&RDC is a non-profit organization. No fancy footwork required, learn these unique dances with some of the experts. It's dancing with a Mile High Attitude!