The staff of the State Fair has compiled a list of their favorite things to do with their families at the Fair.
Everything on this list is included with admission to the Fair and can provide an entire day of family fun. We hope that your family and friends enjoy these activities as much as our families have.
- Pig Races
A SFT tradition, the wiggly piglets take the track three times a day in the Pan Am Arena. - Pee Wee Stampede
The kiddos put on their cowboy gear and participate in mock rodeo events while the crowd cheers them on in their own special rodeo. - Pumpkin Painting
Let your artistic side go and become the Picasso of pumpkins. The best part, you get to bring your artistic creation home. - Take a walk through the Livestock Barns
Walking through the Barns is one of the best kept secrets at the Fair. Anyone can go in and just walk though. It is a great way to get up close to the animals and the students showing the animals are always happy to answer your questions. - Visit the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway
Yes, there is a Greenhouse on the Midway of the State Fair of Texas. It is a great oasis in the middle of the lights and sounds of the Midway. Plus, there is an amazing model train display that the entire family will enjoy. - Backyard Circus
The circus gives little ones the chance to dress up in costumes and take part in a show that features lion tamers, tight-rope walkers, ballerinas and a host of circus favorites. - See Ronald McDonald
Ronald performs daily shows at the State Fair every year. This year, he will have a new stage in the McDonald’s Kids Boardwalk which will be home to lots of additional free kid’s activities. - Little Hands on the Farm
Take a tour of a miniature farm that teaches kids how food gets from farm to table. - Children’s Barnyard
Want to feed a giraffe at the Fair? You can do that along with a whole host of other animals. The Barnyard is a great way for kids to see all different kinds of animals. - See the Butter Sculpture
Each year the State Fair Butter Sculpture is one of the most popular attractions. It is a sculpture created entirely of butter. And while you are in the Creative Arts Building, don’t forget to stop by and see the marionette show “World on a String.” - Illumination Sensation
The Illumination Sensation is the perfect way to end your day at the Fair. The spectacular evening show features sparkling fireworks, liquid-fire fountains and dancing waters across a picturesque reflecting pool. - Starlight Parade
The nightly parade features a colorful assortment of illuminated floats, life-size puppets, stilt-walking performers and animated characters in ornate costumes. The parade runs throughout the grounds. - Watch the school bands enter the Cotton Bowl Stadium on a game day
There is nothing more exciting than seeing the bands marching through the grounds on their way to the stadium. - Take a picture in front of Big Tex
A family tradition since 1952.
Be sure to check the daily schedule for times and locations of all activities.
Be safe when you are on the fairgrounds. Stop by an Information Booth and fill out a Safe Kid Wristband so the Fair staff and police can locate lost kids at the Fair.