Home > Kids Activities

Kids Activities

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.

Get Involved

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 2026 National Western Stock Show. The contest is FREE to enter for all Colorado students! Registration opens in September.

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. Applications opens November 1.

School Visits

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 is now OPEN!

Things to See and Do

Pony Rides

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).

Location: Level 1, Itty Bitty Acres

Ames Beef Palace

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

Location: Level 1

CSU Ag Adventure

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

Location: Level 1, Itty Bitty Acres

Hutchison Western Pony Trails

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

Location: Level 1, Itty Bitty Acres

King Soopers 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.

Location: Level 1, Itty Bitty Acres

NW Nursery

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.

Location: Level 1, Itty Bitty Acres

Stock Show 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 120-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.

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 Beef Palace

Located on Level 1

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Rodeo

Time to saddle up for the National Western’s Stick Horse Rodeo!

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!

Swing & Line Dancing with Country KickUp

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

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!

Kids Activities

There's something fun for everyone!

Get Involved

Youth Art Contest

VET 101

School Visits

Things to See and Do

Pony Rides

Ames Beef Palace

CSU Ag Adventure

Hutchison Western Pony Trails

King Soopers Petting Farm

NW Nursery

Stock Show Tours

Ames Beef Palace

Farmyard Follies

Folkloric Dancers

Clownin' Around with the Dessel Clan

Top Hogs of the Wild West

Xtreme Dogs Pat & Chat

Wild West Show Preview

Sheep Shearing

Stick Horse Rodeo

Swing & Line Dancing with Country KickUp

Denver Area Square & Round Dancing Demo

Blog

An Insiders Perspective

A Dedicated Life to the National Western