Tips to enjoy the State Fair of Texas with Young Children

Howdy, folks! Attending the State Fair of Texas is a right-of-passage for Dallasites. It’s a shame it only comes once a year! Whether you go for the food, the rides, the football, or the animals, there is so much fun to be had with your family! Keep reading to find out how to make your visit with toddlers or young children a successful one.

1. FIRST THING’S FIRST. Head to Big Tex for a family photo opp while the kids are still excited and in a good mood.  Maybe your toddlers will smile for the picture, and maybe they won’t (like mine). But at least you’ve preserved the memory! This isn’t something you’ll want to miss out on if you’re leaving in a hurry.
2. Ride the ferris wheel! The iconic Texas Star was my toddler’s favorite thing we did. And yes, infants and toddlers are allowed on the ride with an adult! 
3. Skip the lines! For the best experience, go as early as possible on a weekday. If you do have to go on a weekend, plan to arrive in the morning when the gates open. We went at 2pm on a Monday and only waited about 15 minutes to ride the ferris wheel. Many of the activities and concession stands had no line at all. But if you try riding the ferris wheel on a Saturday evening… good luck!
4. Definitely indulge in some fair food, but keep it simple for the little ones! You can’t go wrong with a Fletcher’s Original Corny Cog and Cheezy Pup (a battered and fried American cheese stick – YUM).
5. Check online for daily discounts to save money on admission! You can find them here. Also, kids 2 and under are free! If you know you’ll be a repeat customer, consider a Season Pass.
6. Plan to spend plenty of time at the petting zoo and livestock birthing barn. These were a hit with our kids! They’re also included in the price of admission. 
7. Check out the daily schedule for a full list of shows and exhibits ahead of time. The fairgrounds are large, so if there’s something on the schedule you want to see make sure you’re in the right area beforehand! You can grab a map once you walk through the gates.
8. You can bring in your own strollers, wagons, coolers, and food. In this situation, bring more snacks than you think you’ll need! No glass or outside alcohol is allowed.
9. Head to the Kidway area of the Midway for rides suitable for ages 2 and older.
10. There are three Baby Care Centers across the fairgrounds: one by the children’s aquarium, one in the Guest Relations building on the Midway, and one by the Swine Barn and Backyard Steak-Out & Pizzeria.

Now go out and enjoy your time at the State Fair of Texas! And remember to set your expectations when going to the fair with tiny tots! While you’ll have a great time and make lots of memories, expect for there to also be some tears, tired feet, and general moodiness. The fair is a lot for an adult to take in, and it’s total sensory overload for a child! While this won’t be the easiest family outing of your life, it will be totally worth it.