The N.C. State Fair runs from Oct. 15 through Oct. 25. It can be a fun/trying time with kids. Here are some tips to get you through or just maximize the fun courtesy of the very able and nice Natalie Alford, a fair spokeswoman.

1. Children ages 2 and under can ride for free on a select number of kiddie rides as long as they are accompanied by an adult 16 years and older, who has a wristband or tickets for rides. The adult must also accept guardian responsibility and common sense on which rides they choose.

Here's a list of those rides: Construction Zone, Fire Chief, Gondola Wheel, Merry Go Round, Tea Cups, Dizzy Dragons, Fun Slide, Jalopy Junction and Wiggle Wurm

2. There are vendors that rent strollers and wagons set up at Gates 8, 9 and 10 along Trinity Road. All strollers and wagons are first come, first serve, and cannot be reserved in advance. Vendors will take a deposit of collateral such as cash, a driver's license or car keys. Prices range from $10 to $15 per day for a child's wagon large enough to hold more than one child, and $7 to $8 per day for baby strollers.

You can bring your own diaper and lunch bags, wagons, strollers, umbrellas and other personal items to the fair, just be aware that all baggage is subject to being searched at the gate for weapons, glass bottles, alcohol, drugs and other prohibited materials.

3. Changing tables are in most restrooms and family restrooms in the Martin and Expo buildings. There are mothers' rooms in the Scott, Martin, Expo and Graham buildings.

4. If you plan to take your child to a concert, be aware that everyone age two and older, or any child who will need to occupy a seat, will need a ticket.

And some events your kids might be interested in:

1. On Sunday, Oct. 18, Nat & Alex Wolff, formerly of Nickelodeon's Naked Brothers Band, will be performing in Dorton Arena. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 each.

2. A new feature will be the Interactive Gaming Experience tent, located near Gate 10 and the Folk Festival tent. Get your gaming fix at the 2009 Adrenaline Jam Tour from IGX, sponsored by Ray Price Harley Davidson. Play the latest electronic game consoles for free, including Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360. Seventeen stations will offer the latest games for players of all ages to enjoy.

Gamers can also participate in a Guitar Hero World Tour Video Game Tournament to win up to $100 in gift cards. Preliminary rounds will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, Sunday, Oct. 18, Thursday, Oct. 22 and Friday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. each day. The top two contestants from each round will receive Fair admission tickets to return on Saturday, Oct. 24 to compete for the Grand Championship. Tournament registration will be first come, first serve and begins on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.

3. The fair will have several new, free performers this year. Steve Trash, Rockin’ Eco Hero and Kid Comedian, has a green magic show filled with eco-illusions, magic tricks and comedy that provide children with tips on being green. Steve will make his N.C. State Fair debut on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5 p.m., in the Kiddieland Fun Park. He will perform daily at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. starting Friday, Oct. 16.

4. Also new this year is the group HoopDrum. Local artists and musician, Julia Hartsell and Scott Crews from Carrboro take the drum solo and hula to a whole new level that's sure to wow the crowds and get them wanting to shake their hips. Forget all that you learned as a kid... It's not hula hooping, it's hoop dancing! HoopDrum will perform in front of the Expo Center at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. daily, except on Preview Day, Oct. 15, when they will perform at 6 p.m. only. They will add a show at noon on Saturdays.

5. The LEGO Experience Tour will come to the N.C. State Fair Oct 17 and 18. The tour will include a family building challenge, construcution zone and other interactive games.

6. Thursday, Oct. 22, will be Food Lion Hunger Relief Day where everyone can exchange four cans of food for one free admission ticket. The N.C. State Fair has set a goal to collect at least 200,000 lbs. of food this year, which will be distributed to those in need through the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. If you can bring an extra can to help "Stuff the Food Bank Warehouse" please do so. Only four cans are required to receive free admission, but extra cans will be greatly appreciated.

7. The Field of Dreams exhibit, located near Dorton Arena, will have a new Kidz Zone with lots of fun activities for children including a simulated cow milking booth, kitchen to play in, bean bag toss and scarecrow-making activity. Kids can spin the Ag Education wheel to learn about North Carolina agriculture and win prizes.

8. The fair will celebrate the 100th anniversary of 4-H in North Carolina. On Monday, Oct. 19, the fair will host a Youth Celebration Day and is inviting youth groups to visit the Fair on that day.

And some giveaways ...

1. Neomonde Baking Company will offer bread baking demonstrations during the fair for the first time. They will be set up in Heritage Circle, and will be demonstrating at 4 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday each weekend. Chef Benjamin Messaoui will be making different kinds of artisan bread each day, and samples will be available.

2. L’Oreal Paris, a new State Fair sponsor, will offer makeovers, consultations, samples and a self-service manicure bar where visitors can try out L’Oreal products. After mom has logged a few miles on her pedometer while walking the kids around the fairgrounds, she can stop in for a quick makeup refresher! The L’Oreal Paris tent will be open everyday and will be located behind Dorton Arena, along Hillsborough Street.

The fair's daily schedule can be found by clicking here.

Have fun!

Looking for other things to do with your kids? Go to www.trianglemom2mom.com/play and check back here every Thursday.