Good news first: strollers and wagons are welcome at the NC State Fair. This guide covers what the Fair allows, how bag checks work with a stroller, where families can find changing tables and how stroller rental at the gates worked at the 2026 Fair. The Fair's rules here come from its own pages. Rules can change, so check the official N.C. State Fair site before you go in 2027.
What the Fair allows
The Fair's Accessibility Guide says parents can bring these items:
- Strollers
- Wagons
- Diaper bags and lunch bags
- Umbrellas and other personal items
There is one condition. All baggage is subject to search at the gate for weapons, glass bottles, alcohol, drugs and other prohibited items. That includes anything tucked into the stroller basket.
The Fair also says personal golf carts are not allowed on the grounds. Pets are not allowed either. Service dogs are welcome.
Getting through the gate with a stroller
The Fair runs a modified clear bag policy during the October Fair. Each gate has two security checkpoints:
- One line for fairgoers with clear bags, which moves faster.
- One bag search line for opaque bags.
There is no size limit on a clear bag. The Fair's Insider Tips and FAQs list items that are allowed through security:
- Outside food and drink
- Water bottles
- Diaper bags with baby and toddler supplies
- Medications
Alcohol, drugs, firearms, knives and weapons of any type are not allowed.
A simple plan helps. Pack snacks and baby supplies in a clear bag where you can. Keep the stroller basket easy to see. Have a hand free to lift items out if staff ask.
Strollers and the tram
The Fair runs an inner perimeter tram inside the gates for a fee. In 2026 it stopped at Gate 1, Gate 10, Dorton Arena and Gate 8. Tram tickets are sold at booths at each stop and cannot be bought ahead. The Fair notes that the tram is not wheelchair accessible. If you plan to ride with a stroller, ask at the tram booth how they handle it that day.
Changing tables, family restrooms and mothers' rooms
The Fair lists several spots for families. From the 2026 Accessibility Guide:
- Universal changing tables: Scott Building, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Kiddie Land restrooms, Grandstand restrooms, Gate 8 restrooms and Midway Event Center.
- Mothers' rooms: Scott and Martin Buildings, Agri Supply Exposition Center and Midway Event Center.
- Family restrooms: Martin Building, Agri Supply Exposition Center, Gate 8 restrooms and Midway Event Center.
The Fair also says changing tables are in both men's and women's restrooms.
Rides for little ones
The Fair says the minimum height for children's rides is 36 inches. Children under 40 inches tall can ride slides and carousels free with a paying adult 16 or older.
Getting there by bus with a stroller
GoRaleigh ran a State Fair park and ride shuttle from Dix Park, Lot A on Hunt Drive, to Gate 1 in 2026. GoRaleigh says children under 40 inches tall ride free. If you plan to bring a stroller on the bus, call GoRaleigh ahead to ask how they handle it.
Renting a stroller at the gate
If you would rather not bring your own, you can rent one at the gates. At the 2026 Fair, our staffed tents were just inside the ticket booths at Gates 1, 8, 9 and 10. Gate 10 was the main tent. We offered:
- Single strollers
- Double strollers
- CuddleCars
How it worked in 2026:
- The rental lasted the whole Fair day.
- You left a driver's license or federal ID with us until the stroller came back. A passport or military ID worked too.
- Returns were due 30 minutes before the Fair closed that night, at the gate you rented from.
Our pickup guide has the full details. Our rental tent map shows each gate. For a stroller outside the Fair, such as when grandchildren visit the Triangle, see our stroller rentals page and ask for a quote.
Quick checklist
- Clear bag for snacks and supplies
- Diaper bag with baby supplies
- Water bottles
- Any medications
- ID if you plan to rent at the gate
- Our number, (919) 533-8846, in case you need help finding a tent
Plan for 2027
The Fair sets its rules each year. Before you go in 2027, read the Fair's Accessibility Guide and Insider Tips pages. We post our 2027 rental details on our State Fair page once they are set.