After too many months of winter doldrums, families are ready get out and enjoy the Washington State Spring Fair and all it has to offer from April 16-19 at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup.

Once guests pass through the turnstile of this 26th annual event, there are loads of free activities that will delight all members of the family.

A wide range of activities meet a myriad of interests, ranging from baby animals to the Northwest Living & Garden show to Motorsport Mayhem, plus loads of great free entertainment. Kids of all ages like to drop by the barns and see the NW Jr. Livestock Show, with 4-H and Future Farmers of America students showing their steers, hogs and lambs. Nearly 350 exhibit booths will sell their wares, while the midway will be alive with rides like the Classic Coaster, Rainier Rush and the Extreme Scream. The Spring Fair wouldn’t be complete without amazing fair food, either (can you say scones and onion burgers)?

With kids in mind

• Kids ages 0-18 years can take advantage of free kids admission on Thursday, April 16, opening day, with free gate admission from 2-10 p.m. A non-perishable food donation for the Puyallup Food Bank is recommended at the annual opening day food drive.

• A new area this year is Fun on the Farm, featuring the ever-popular fair farm where you can pet animals, as well as Barnyard Adventure, an interactive area young kids will love. Kids can try their hand at milking a pint-size faux cow, and more. All these activities are free of charge.

• KidZone is an area emphasizing kids and their talents, plus some fun as well. The Annual Creative Kids Exhibit winners are displayed in the pavilion, ranging from art to creative writing to baking and textiles. Students in Future Farmers of America will also share their projects in the first floor of the pavilion. KidZone would not be complete without a favorite, Brad’s World Reptiles. This is an interactive area that kids love, whether touching the creatures or enjoying at a distance.

• Tot Spot, found right inside the Red Gate will feature AG-Ventureland, a hands-on paradise for young kids. The Let’s Pretend Show will draw young children from the audience to participate in the show. Free face painting for kids up to 12 years is also located in Tot Spot.

• The second floor of the pavilion is dedicated again this year to the Puyallup School District STEM Showcase, where students are encouraged to team up on invention and technology projects in this Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum-based learning program.

• In addition to Puyallup School District’s STEM Showcase, the district will also feature their Diversity Celebration, featuring student displays and demonstrations. Students will command the Coca-Cola Stage on Saturday, sharing their talents in demonstrating diversity. Guests are also invited to drop by and see some great artwork featuring the second grade art project and junior high poster contest with Puyallup School District.

Free entertainment

Both the Coca-Cola Stage and the Showplace Stage will offer a wide variety of free entertainment. Wally & the Beavs takes the stage on Thursday night, a cultural high school percussive dance competition takes place on Friday.

The annual KMPS Showcase will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m., featuring an up-and-coming country musician at Showplace Stage, inside Blue Gate. The Coats (a capella) and comedian juggler Alex Zerbe perform on Saturday. Strolling entertainers will be found around the grounds throughout the Spring Fair, from the Tacoma Scots marching band, to an oversized chicken, ready for selfies with Fair guests.

Northwest Living and Garden

The Northwest Living and Garden Show includes many other well-known Northwest living and gardening professionals sharing their expertise throughout the Spring Fair on the Sleep Country USA Stage. Over 60 vendors representing the finest in home living, nurseries, garden shops, non-profit organizations and clubs and landscape artists will take part. Again this year is the awe-inspiring display by Marenakos Rock Center. Guests will be inspired with ideas perfect for their own garden.

Garden guru Ciscoe Morris is back to answer gardening questions live on KIRO Radio on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sleep Country USA ShowPlex.

Motorsport mayhem

Motorsport Mayhem, presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, is revved up to return, bringing auto action to the Spring Fair. The Monster Truck Show, produced by WGAS Motorsports will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17. A spectacular fireworks show will follow at approximately 9 p.m.

Slamfest Demolition Derby, produced by Evergreen Speedway/High Road Promotions, will feature a slamming good time at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by a fireworks show. The Sunday Demo Derby is slated for 4 p.m. The demo derbies include Figure 8s, the soccer game contest, and Slamfest heat races, as well as meet and greets with Daredevils or Disasters reality TV star, Mr. Dizzy.

Monster truck rides will be available from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, 2-6 p.m. Friday and 12-4 p.m. Saturday. Auto Alley will feature fascinating cars and interactive fun. Visit www.thefair.com/spring-fair/motorsport-mayhem/ to purchase Motorsport tickets.

Animals and more animals

You’ll find animals at more places than just the annual Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale. Baby animals in the new Fun on the Farm exhibit are certain to captivate kids of all ages. Other animal shows include the pygmy goat show, Irish Dexter cattle, and the Junior Poultry Exposition.

Two popular features that are free of charge to Fair attendees include amazing leaping canines at Dock Dogs, plus Swifty Swine Racing Pigs. Both draw huge crowds at their multiple performances each day.

Tickets, hours, parking

Advance discount gate and ride tickets to the Spring Fair are available online at www.thefair.com and at select Fred Meyer Stores, Safeway stores at Pierce and South King County locations, and South Hill Mall for $7.50 (adults), and $6.50 (students 6-18 years). Combination event and gate tickets for the Monster Truck Show and Slamfest Demo Derby are on sale, with discount pricing through April 16. Print your tickets online at www.thefair.com in advance, and omit standing in line at the gates.

Adult gate tickets are $10 at the gate, and Students (6-18 years) are $8 at the gate. Children five years and under are free. Parking is free. The Quack Pack includes everything you need for a fun-filled family outing at the Spring Fair. For just $68, the Quack Pack includes two adult and two student (ages 6-18) Spring Fair gate admissions plus a Ride & Game FunCard with 120 tickets (rides and games require more than one ticket). They are available pre-Fair only online for $68 ($96 value) at www.thefair.com