Fletcher’s corny dogs and Big Tex’s “Howdy, folks!” might steal the spotlight for most families’ fair affair. But this year’s State Fair of Texas boasts endless adventures for the littles in your clan. This year, treat the tykes to the best kid-approved attractions including mock rodeos, puppet shows and lots of slides, swings and speedy rides.
Children’s Health Barnyard
Where: On the corner of Admiral Nimitz Circle and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, across the street from Little Hands on the Farm
When: Daily from 9am−9pm
Littles will love: Meet familiar furry friends such as goats, pigs and ewes, and more exotic animals like giraffes and zebras. In addition to meeting and petting, adventurous kids can feed the farm animals. Once the kids reach their fill of fur — or you run out of hand sanitizer— head across the street to the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit.
Cost: Free, plus $1 per cup of animal food
Kids’ Boardwalk
Where: First Avenue, just west of the Leonhardt Lagoon Nature Walk
When: Open daily from 10am−7pm, with various shows happening from 11:30am−6:30pm
Littles will love: For a hub of interactive shows and attractions, post up at the Kids’ Boardwalk adjacent to the Lagoon. Catch one of eight daily shows of Buford Buzzard, the feisty raptor filled with amusing antics, or one of four daily performances of the Ronald McDonald Show, a magic-filled performance that involves audience members. Let the kids get temporary Big Tex tattoos or have their faces painted while you scope out your next fair food indulgence.
Cost: Free
Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls
Where: Ag Power Plaza, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
When: Four daily races at 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm
Littles will love: Hitch a ride on vintage pedal tractors weighted to increase difficulty as kids get closer to the finish line in this driving contest. This is no speed racer competition; this is a test of strength and endurance for kids 4−12. Up to 20 kids can participate in these daily competitions by signing up shortly before race times.
Cost: Free
Kidway
Where: Inside the Midway, just northeast of the Texas Star Ferris Wheel
When: Open daily with various hours, usually from 10am−10pm
Littles will love: If your little thrill-seekers aren’t quite ready for the Love Bug or the Magnum rides on the Midway, the Kidway offers dozens of rides perfect for toddlers and young kids. Little ones can get lost in the Monkey Maze, twist and turn in the teacups, and test their driving skills with monster trucks and bumper cars. Don’t miss the hand-carved 1914 Dentzel carousel.
Cost: Rides vary between 6−8 tickets, or $3−$4
Little Hands on the Farm
Where: On the corner of Admiral Nimitz Circle and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, across the street from the Children’s Health Barnyard
When: Daily from 10am−7pm
Littles will love: Have you been met with blank stares when trying to explain the concept of farm-to-table to your little eaters? This interactive exhibit for kids 2−8 follows the entire life of a meal — from seed to harvest to market to meal. Wee farmers will practice feeding chickens, planting seeds and selling pretend crops in the General Store.
Cost: Free
Pee Wee Stampede
Where: Ranch Arena, just northeast of the Cotton Bowl on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
When: Three daily rodeos start at 12pm, 1:30pm and 4pm
Littles will love: Grab your one-gallon cowboy hat and your trusty (stick) steed for a rootin’ tootin’ pint-sized rodeo. Kids 3−6 participate in mock rodeo events such as horse races on stick horses, barrel racing and bronco busting. All rodeo participants receive a ribbon and winners earn a trophy. The first 25 cowboys and cowgirls in line before each rodeo begins get to participate. Bring the video camera for this one because the State Fair doesn’t get more Texas than this (you know, except for the fried Oreos).
Cost: Free
Starlight Parade
Where: Parade begins at the intersection of First Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and makes a wide counterclockwise route around the Cotton Bowl, ending in front of the Coliseum
When: Daily at 7:15pm
Little will love: Stilt walkers, animated costume characters and life-sized puppets dance through Fair Park during this 20-minute parade. After your Texans-in-training have their fill of contests, rides and interactive shows, find a bench and enjoy this long-standing State Fair tradition. Various local school bands perform nightly, as well as the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps from September 25−October 6.
Cost: Free
Published September 2015
