A Family Fun Guide to the State Fair of Texas

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tips for visiting the State Fair of Texas with kids

Updated in 2021.

One woman, three children, and one visiting grandpa. Find out how this family not only survived the State Fair of Texas, but managed to get everyone back home—via the train—in one happy, smiley piece.

Our trip to the fair began on opening day. We rode the DART, as I dearly love Dallas but loathe the traffic. First stop was, of course, the coupon station, and I got immediate kudos on my first brilliant decision of the day: matching outfits for all THREE girls, so that I could quickly find them at any given time.

smiling family, tips for visiting the State Fair of Texas with kids

After getting coupons to use for food, drinks, and games, we headed to the Auto Show which I maneuvered the girls through by letting them take turns driving the cars. As we exited the building, their eyes were immediately drawn to the fountain on International Boulevard, and I let them have some time to splash while I roasted in the sun.

Next stop, the puppet show inside of the Creative Arts Building. This was fantastic for several reasons:

1. It’s air conditioned! (It was still at least 90° out, and by the time you get there from the auto building, you and your kids could be incredibly hot, sticky, and thirsty.)

2. It was fast paced enough that even my 17-month-old was happy sitting on my lap or walking in front of our seats.

3. It was a combination of magic, musical, and puppets—three things all kids love. Also, if you child raises their hand quickly enough as the show starts, they may get to be a part of the show!

puppet show State Fair of Texas

As the puppet show ended, we decided to extend our air conditioned foray and explore the Embarcadero Building, which houses all of the crafts, dollhouses, butter displays (wow!), and cooking demonstrations. With chefs from La Duni, the French Room at the Adolphus, Nick and Sam’s, and Hattie’s, you have the opportunity to watch Dallas’s most amazing chefs make amazing dishes is right in front of you!

Once we were all cooled down, we headed across the way to the Children’s Petting Zoo. From goats and piglets to the more exotic kangaroos and ostriches, the kids were enamored and didn’t want to leave. For a small price you can even buy a little container of feed.

petting zoo ostrich at the state fair of texas

From the petting zoo, we headed directly into the Dog Show, which is housed in the same building. I was pleased with plenty of bleachers for wiggly children, and a not-too-long show with jumping dogs wearing cute little clothes.

As the show ended, we grabbed some snacks and headed around to the Midway.

Sensory overload and cotton candy here we come!

After the Midway, we wandered through some hidden gardens and pathways back to the Auto Show for one more round of air conditioning before heading out to the train station.

Our trip to the State Fair of Texas was done and over, I hadn’t lost any of my children, and everyone had a smile on their face as we walked back to the car.


Mom Tips for Visiting the State Fair of Texas

1. Look for discounts.

You can sign up as a Big Tex Insider and receive ticket discounts via email. Monday through Thursday means reduced ticket prices, and a season pass also nets savings. See more State Fair of Texas discounts including savings from Kroger, McDonalds, Dr Pepper, North Texas Food Bank, and more.

2. If you can swing it, the DART is your friend.

Self-parking at the State Fair runs you $20 per car, and that can involve horrendous stop-and-go traffic and a LONG walk to one of the park gates. Street parking can be found further out in the surrounding neighborhoods, but again, it’ll be a long walk to the gates. Alternately, you can board a train at any of the DART stations (check the DART schedule beforehand) and be dropped off literally at the front gates of the fair. Fares differ by time of day and number of trips, but can be as little as $2 per adult. Children ages 5–14 qualify for reduced fare, and kids under 5 are free.

3. Bring your stroller (and your baby carrier)!

The State Fair of Texas is BIG (didn’t you know everything in Texas is bigger??), so little feet will definitely need a break. If you’re coming with more than one child you can alternate between letting one walk and the other ride in the stroller (or in your carrier), thereby only having to chase after one child at a time.

4. Things do NOT start on time, so plan accordingly.

Now, this was my experience on the day, but the closest any of our shows got to starting on time was around 6–7 minutes late. When you’re dealing with littles who can’t stand still, it can be a little trying! Be prepared for the possibility, at least.

5. Remember that kids enjoy the most surprising things.

Whether it wandering down a “hidden garden,” sitting in a car at the Auto Show, or splashing their hands in a fountain, my girls had the most fun when I allowed them to explore and didn’t stress about getting all the “right” shows fit into our day at the park.

What are your favorite family-friendly activities at the State Fair of Texas?

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