Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Fair

Enjoy the Fair at Your Own Pace

The State Fair of Texas welcomes guests of all abilities. On select Sensory-Friendly Mornings, adjustments are made throughout the Fairgrounds to create a more comfortable environment for guests who may benefit from reduced sensory stimulation.

Families can explore sensory-friendly activities, visit designated Quiet Zones, follow a suggested itinerary, and experience designated areas of the Midway with reduced lights and sounds.

2026 Sensory-Friendly Mornings

Every Wednesday of the Fair from 10 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. :

  • September 30
  • October 7
  • October 14

During this time, lights and sounds will be reduced in designated areas of the Midway. At 1:30 p.m., regular Midway lights and sounds will resume.

What to Expect:

During Sensory-Friendly Mornings, guests can:

  • Follow a suggested itinerary featuring activities and exhibits selected for lower levels of visual and auditory stimulation.
  • Visit designated Quiet Zones throughout the Fairgrounds to take a break and decompress.
  • Enjoy designated areas of the Midway with reduced lights and sounds from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Visit the Safe Kids Corral for a dedicated sensory-friendly space.
View the Sensory-Friendly Morning Itinerary

MIDWAY REDUCED LIGHTS & SOUNDS

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

During this time, lights and sounds will be reduced in designated areas of the Midway. At 1:30 p.m., regular Midway lights and sounds will resume.

QUIET ZONES & SENSORY-FRIENDLY SPACES

Designated Quiet Zones are available throughout the Fairgrounds during Sensory-Friendly Mornings, giving guests and families a place to step away from the sights and sounds of the Fair as needed.

SAFE KIDS CORRAL

Need a break at another time during your visit? The Safe Kids Corral serves as a sensory-friendly zone throughout all 24 days of the Fair, not just during Sensory-Friendly Mornings. Guests and families are welcome to use this dedicated space to take a break, decompress, and enjoy a quieter environment whenever needed.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

The State Fair of Texas is proud to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, an internationally recognized program that provides a discreet way for individuals with non-visible disabilities to indicate that they may need additional assistance, patience, or understanding.
Guests who choose to participate can pick up a Sunflower wristband at:

  • Hospitality Centers
  • Guest Relations locations
  • Safe Kids Corral

Participation in the program is completely voluntary.

Please Note: Wristbands do not automatically provide priority access, fast-track services, or a place at the front of a queue.

Creating a Fair Experience for All

Providing a family-friendly and welcoming environment is at the heart of the State Fair of Texas’ mission. The Fair works with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and local organizations to identify opportunities to make the Fair experience more accessible, beneficial, and enjoyable for guests of all abilities. We welcome feedback from fairgoers to continue making the Fair accessible, if you’d like to share ideas, questions, or suggestions, just click below.

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