Kids Activities

January 7-22, 2023

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'

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Youth Art Contest
Youth Art Contest

Celebrating its 19th year at the 2022 Stock Show, the Youth Art Contest showcases western-inspired works of art from students in grades 1st-12th.

Champion and Reserve Champions will have their artwork displayed at the 2023 National Western Stock Show.

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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 Fall 2022

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School Visits
Ames Activity Pavilion

National Western proudly hosts more than 20,000 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.

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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.

 Young riders have the opportunity to ride beautiful, purebred Welsh ponies for just $9.
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Location: 3rd Floor
Cost: $9/ride

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. Visit us in the South Food Court!
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Location: Stadium Hall 1411 (NEW location for 2022!

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.

 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 115-year old history, the agriculture industry, and the future National Western Center.

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are offered from 9 am-5 pm daily. 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 am - 5 pm, daily

Ames Activity Pavilion

Located in the white tent, outside near the South Food Court. Events and shows vary daily, please check the schedule of events for daily programming.

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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Old West Cowboy Antics
Cowboy Antics
The Wild West, as you’ve never seen it before! Ketch Weaver brings a diverse array of talents, including precision artistry with bullwhips and ropes. Come take a trip to the Old West.
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!
Sheep Shearing
Sheep Shearing
This special demonstration gives everyone an opportunity to witness a live sheep shearing.  Watch as one of the best professionals in the industry showcases the process 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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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. Then, see them at their performances in the Events Center, January 17 & 18.
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!