5 Ways for Families to Save at the State Fair of Texas

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State Fair of Texas - Megan Harney for Dallas Moms Blog HeaderFamilies love the State Fair of Texas, in fact we enjoy it so much we have already shared a Family Fun Guide to the State Fair of Texas. With the rides, shows, food, and concerts, there is something for everyone. Last year, my daughter watched in amazement as a momma goat gave birth in the petting zoo and laughed out loud at the pigs running like crazy in the pig races.

The only thing I don’t love about the State Fair is the cost. If you don’t plan ahead, that trip to see Big Tex can get pretty expensive. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to save money if you know where to look! Here are five easy ways families can save while visiting the State Fair of Texas:

1. Thrifty Thursdays

New this year, the State Fair of Texas is offering Thrifty Thursdays. Every Thursday during the State Fair, you will find savings on some of the State Fair’s best food like cotton candy, funnel cakes, and corn in a cup. Click Here to find more information about all of the discounts on food. If your kids are old enough to enjoy rides, you can also take advantage of half-price rides on Tuesdays. The promotion doesn’t include the Texas Star or the Thrillway rides, but it’s a great deal for Kidway, which is a kid-friendly section of the Midway filled with scaled-down rides and games just for kids.

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2. Look for Admission Discounts

Admission to the State Fair of Texas is $18 for adults, but you can find discounts before you leave the house. They offer discounts on specific days for fairgoers who ride the DART, bring a can of Dr. Pepper, and donate canned food. Click here for a full list of admission discounts.

3. Ride the DART

Riding the DART isn’t just the economical choice, my two year old thinks it’s the first ride of the fair! Parking around the State Fair of Texas is typically $15 and includes quite a walk. Depending on how many people are in your family, you might wind up saving some money by riding the DART and it drops you off right at the front gate.

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4. Find the Free Activities

There are hundreds of things to do at the State Fair of Texas and some of our favorites don’t cost any money once you get into Fair Park. Look for shows like the Wild West Pet Palooza, Backyard Circus, Pee Wee Stampede, and Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show. They have great spaces for little ones to learn and play at Big Tex’s Farmyard and Little Hands on the Farm. Kids can even get up close and personal with the animals in the Children’s Health Barnyard. Don’t forget to stay after dark for the Starlight Parade and the Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation

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5. Split the Famous Fried Foods

One of our favorite parts about the State Fair of Texas is trying the famous fried foods competing for the Big Tex Choice Awards! This year they have a Chicken Fried Lobster with Champagne Gravy and a concoction called Fernie’s Holy Moly Carrot Cake Roly that looks incredible. Unfortunately, I don’t think my waistline or my budget could handle trying all the fried foods myself, so we save a bit of money by each choosing one or two things to try and splitting among our family.

Do you have a secret way that families can save money at the State Fair of Texas? Share it in the comments below!

State Fair of Texas - Megan Harney for Dallas Moms Blog PinterestPhoto Credits: Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas

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