Big Tex has big plans for little kids visiting the fair, and most activities are included with fair admission. Here’s our handy guide to shows, barnyard animals and other fun ways to keep children engaged during a day at the State Fair of Texas.
Home on the Range
The fair has done parents a favor —moved two very popular family attractions into one (air-conditioned) space. The Children's Health Barnyard petting zoo and the Little Hands on the Farm attraction have been relocated to the Coliseum building. It's a great pairing, as both are fun ways to introduce kids to the fair. The petting zoo, a treat for all ages, features pigs and piglets, goats, cows and a bevy of other critters, while Little Hands on the Farm lets kids up to about age 8 "work" their way through a day in the life of a farmer, harvesting eggs, planting seeds and driving tiny tractors. If you forget the petting zoo has moved and go to its old location, you're still in luck: It's now the Birthing Barn. Home on the Range is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Peewee Stampede and Rodeo / Kids' Pedal Tractor Pulls
Pretend your kids are rodeo riders at these two attractions. The Peewee Stampede lets kids 3-6 ride on stick horses — and even stick bulls — during mock rodeo events, daily in the Ranch Arena. Gear is provided to add to the fun. If your little kids liked the tractors at Little Hands on the Farm, you can bet the older ones will enjoy the tractor pulls. Kids 4-12 can test their tractor-driving skills in contests to see who can pull the most weight. Prizes — and cheering crowds — are involved. Try it out daily between the Swine Barn and Horse Barn.
Big Tex's Farmyard
Interactive exhibits as well as live animals including sheep teach fairgoers of all ages about agriculture and livestock's impact on our daily lives. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. near the Bandshell and the lagoon.
Kids' Boardwalk
Check out kid-friendly shows, arts and crafts, face painting and games at this boardwalk along the southwestern edge of the Leonhardt Lagoon. Pro tip: Visit this area of the fair when the kids need some quieter time; it's much more low-key than the midway. Also unlike the midway, it's free. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Nighttime fun
Stretch the boundaries of bedtime a bit, because there’s plenty of fun to be had at the fair in the evening. The Starlight Parade, held nightly at 7:15, is a merry little procession of illuminated floats, costumed characters and more. Pro tip: Watch the parade from the shores of Leonhardt Lagoon across from Cotton Bowl Plaza or in Big Tex Circle. Next, Head for the Esplanade (across from the main fair entrance) for the Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation light show, presented nightly at 8, featuring fireworks, as well as dancers and acrobats doing their thing with pop music playing in the background.
