The smiling faces of kids roaming the new York State Fair are often enhanced by colorful paint, artfully applied at one of several tents around the grounds.

Kids love to feel a part of the festivities and wearing decorative make-up does the trick.

Look for the face painting tents, where you can let the kids get into the show while mom and dad take a break.

The canine carnival known as Waterbarks has splashed down for its second year at the New York State Fair

While the human actors do some dazzling acrobatics and corny comedy, it’s those adorable dogs who steal the show, leaping into the pool, weaving through poles, jumping, flipping and generally cutting up and having fun.

The free show takes to stage and water in the Family Fun area just past the new Expo Center daily at Noon, 3 and 6 p.m. with an additional performances Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m.

Nearby, a high-dive show, an acrobatic trampoline act and the  Circus Hollywood also offer daily free shows.

If a visit to the Department of Environmental fish tanks or the New York Experience pond puts your kids in the mood to cast a line, head over to the Wade Shows midway where the fishing game stand is among the dozens of spots where they can try to hook a prize.

While winning is rarely guaranteed, some games are scaled down for the small fry, giving them a better chance to get a toy to go along with the memory of winning at the Fair. The gurgling streams aren’t exactly mighty rivers, but kids seem to really enjoy stand-ing by, pole in hand to play for keeps.

It’s also one of the best spots for parents to memorialize the family trip to the Fair with a photo, as State Fair Hound photographer Nick LoPresti shows here.

Kids seem to have the most fun at the New York State Fair. State Fair Hound caught these youngsters getting into it around the grounds.

This little guy hung on while riding a mechanical bull.

These kids chatted with a Haudenosaunee man in traditional garb while visiting the Iroquois Village.

This quartet performed at the Talent Showcase.

The 4-H Youth Building provided a hands-on opportunity for these kids.