Kids Activities
January 8-23, 2022
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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Youth Art Contest
Celebrating its 18th 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 2022 National Western Stock Show.
Vet101
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 for this event opens in November and fills quickly.
School Visits
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.
Things to See and Do
7-Eleven 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.
Location: 3rd Floor, Children's Hospital Colorado Ranchland
Cost: $9/ride
Ames Activity Pavilion
A full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, including Top Hogs performances, Farmyard Follies, Local Rodeo Royalty Clinics, and Stick Horse Rodeos.
Location: South Food Court (outside)
CSU Ag Adventure
CSU Ag Adventure is the perfect place for children and adults to learn about the world of agriculture.
Location: 3rd Floor, Children's Hospital Colorado Ranchland
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.
Location: South Food Court (outside)
Fabulous Farm Animals
Presented by Children’s Farms of America, Fabulous Farm Animals is the perfect way for everyone young and old to learn about agriculture! This game show format will keep you entertained the entire time.
Location: Beef Palace Auction Arena
Dates: January
Hutchison Western Pony Trails
Horse around in this exhibit that will teach you everything you want to know about our equine friends.
Location: Paddock, Events Center
King Soopers Petting Farm
Come face to face with over 60 barnyard animals! The Petting Farm is FREE with your grounds admission ticket.
Location: 3rd Floor, Children's Hospital Colorado Ranchland
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.
Location: Paddock, Events Center
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 115-year old history, the agriculture industry, and the future National Western Center.
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
Adventures of Dally & Spanky
Old West Cowboy Antics
Folkloric Dancers
Stick Horse Rodeo
presented by: 
The National Western Stick Horse Rodeo is perfect for your favorite buckaroos!
Stick Horse Grand Prix
presented by:
Time to saddle up for the National Western’s Stick Horse Grand Prix!
Top Hogs
Sheep Shearing
Local Rodeo Royalty Clinic
