The State Fair of Texas has taken place every year since 1886 except for a few years during the two world wars. It boasts an annual attendance of over two million, more than any other state fair. What a wonderful opportunity for some family fun, especially if you have a plan!
Big Tex Knows
The Big Tex website has excellent information on doing the fair with kids. The State Fair has a Safe Kids Program, so as soon as you get to the Fairgrounds, drop by any information center and pick up Safe Kids wristbands for your children. The website has a list of good things to know like what you can bring into the Fairgrounds, prices of tickets and much more. There is a whole section featuring all the shows and attractions that are FREE with the price of admission! Click here to read more.
Family Fun at the Fair
Taking the whole family to the fair can be quite pricey, but there are ways to save money. If you are able to go on a Wednesday, the price of admission is reduced to $4 if you bring four canned food items to donate to the North Texas Food Bank, or purchase your tickets online and save $1.50 a ticket!
The Fair is known for its food, and if you come on Thrifty Thursdays, there is special food pricing so you can try even more new and classic fair food!
Sometimes the noise and the lights of the Midway are disturbing to certain children, so everyday from 12pm to 1 pm the Midway operates without the usual lights and sounds. There are also designated Quiet Zones where families can go to depressurize. There are many more tips on this website. Click here to see.
8 Family-Friendly (and Free) Activities at the State Fair
This site is all about how to “maximize your admission ticket for the ultimate amount of fun without spending an additional penny.” That really got my attention because there are certainly lots of ways to spend money at the fair. There is a Children’s Barnyard petting zoo in the airconditioned coliseum, pig races, a dog stunt show, and of course the livestock barn to check out. If you are there on a game day, you can line up to see local school bands enter the Cotton Bowl. I think every activity mentioned on this site is absolutely doable and would make for a fun day at the fair! Click here to see all the suggested activities.
The Texas State Fair opens on September 27th and runs through October 20th.
