Little Texans are getting two new places to play at the 2026 State Fair of Texas. Debuting this year, Little Lone Stars Land offers the Fair’s youngest guests – especially toddlers and young school children – and their families a dedicated area filled with rides, food, entertainment, and attractions designed with little ones in mind. For young Fairgoers ready for their next level of Midway fun, a reimagined Kidway brings an all-new layout, expanded footprint, and additional family-friendly rides and attractions to the State Fair Midway. Both areas offer fun for the whole family, with experiences tailored to different ages and stages.
“We know that some of the most memorable State Fair experiences begin when our youngest Fairgoers see their first ride, meet a favorite character, or discover something that makes them smile,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas President. “Little Lone Stars Land and the reimagined Kidway give families even more opportunities to create those memories together, while expanding the ways our youngest guests can experience the Fair.”
LITTLE LONE STARS LAND
Located next to the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion, Little Lone Stars Land is designed with the Fair’s youngest Fairgoers in mind, bringing rides, food, entertainment, play, and animal experiences together in one central location. Families can expect:
- Four-coupon kiddie rides and fun houses, with three-coupon kiddie rides on Tuesdays
- 10-Coupon kid-friendly games
- Little Lone Stars Refillable Drinkware for 10 coupons and refills for five coupons
- Additional value-priced food and beverage items
- The Coop, a dedicated kids’ play area specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers to roam, play, and explore
- Oak Farms Dairy® Petting Zoo, offering little animal lovers the opportunity to get up close with some furry and feathered friends
- The Fringe Stage with daily shows from fan-favorite street performers, like strongman, Mighty Mike
Little Lone Stars Land also welcomes two Fair favorites to new homes: the Oak Farms Dairy® Petting Zoo, previously located in the Pan Am Arena, and The Fringe Stage, previously located along Nimitz next to Cotton Bowl® Stadium.
Throughout Little Lone Stars Land, Fairgoers will encounter enhanced, cartoon-style imagery of beloved State Fair characters, including Little Big Tex, Amy Dillo, and Champ. Amy Dillo and Champ will also make their debut as roaming characters, joining crowd favorite Little Big Tex in interacting with Fairgoers throughout the area.
THE KIDWAY GETS A MAKEOVER
Located in the heart of the State Fair Midway, the reimagined Kidway offers an expanded footprint and an all-new layout, giving families another destination to enjoy rides, games, food, and entertainment together.
- Kid-friendly rides and games, with the majority of rides being 5 coupons, dropping to 3 coupons on Tuesdays.
- Dr Pepper® Kidway Stage with daily performances from the Showstoppers!
- Value-priced food and beverage options
“Little Lone Stars Land and the Kidway were created with a simple idea in mind: to make the State Fair feel even more magical for our youngest guests,” said Jason Hays, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at the State Fair of Texas. “We wanted to create spaces where kids can see themselves reflected in the experience, discover something new around every corner, and, most importantly, have fun with the people they love. From the characters and visual identity to the rides, entertainment, play spaces, and food, every detail was thoughtfully designed to make these areas feel like their own little piece of the State Fair.”
Both areas give families more ways to make the most of their Fair day, with value-priced food, beverages, rides, and entertainment for little Fairgoers to enjoy. Together, these expanded family offerings build on the State Fair of Texas’ broader 2026 goal of providing more value and more ways for Texans to enjoy the Fair.
Beyond the rides, characters, and entertainment, the State Fair of Texas is a nonprofit organization committed to making every Fair day count for more. Through the Fair’s support of agriculture, education, and community initiatives, your Fair day helps Texans every day. From scholarships for Texas students to investments in Fair Park and support for communities across the state, the State Fair’s impact extends far beyond the gates of Fair Park.
The countdown is on! Families can experience Little Lone Stars Land and the reimagined Kidway beginning Opening Day, September 25. So, round up your little Texans and get ready for even more rides, entertainment, and Fair-day fun. Daily tickets are now available at BigTex.com/Tickets, and guests can learn more and plan their visit at BigTex.com/PlanYourVisit.