Family fun meets fantastic attractions at the 2015 State Fair of Texas!
Animal Encounters
Creatures of all kinds make their way to the fairgrounds annually for sensational shows, exhibits and competitions. Children love engaging with these furry friends and adults seem quite fascinated, too.
Big Tex’s Farmyard
Witness barnyard animals interacting with their new babies and enjoy great photo opportunities at Big Tex’s Farmyard, where calves, piglets and chicks draw the attention of countless fairgoers. Take a walk through this interactive exhibit, filled with educational displays teaching the importance of farming and ranching and their role in the food production process. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with a new location next to the Kids’ Boardwalk.
Children’s Health Barnyard
Whether your interest lies with pigs and goats or giraffes and zebras, you’re sure to find some of your favorite animals at the Children’s Health Barnyard, where exotic meets domestic. Fun for the whole family, this petting zoo allows fairgoers to interact with all their furry friends, and even get the chance to feed them! Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the corner of Nimitz and MLK.
Livestock Barns
Livestock is at the heart of Texas culture, economy and livelihood. At the State Fair livestock barns you can test your livestock terminology and check out more than 15 different breeds of cattle, along with an assortment of sheep, rabbits, llamas and more. You can even jump on a tour with one of our livestock experts! 16 daily guided tours every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., departing from Ag-Power Plaza.
Get into the Action
Never satisfied with sitting on the sidelines? Is your child full of energy and always on the go? Great! Get into the action at this year’s State Fair.
Backyard Circus
At the Backyard Circus, audience members become part of the cast, experiencing every aspect of the performance, including dressing up and taking on their own roles in this three-ring favorite. Daily shows at 1, 3, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. with an 11 a.m. show on Saturdays and Sundays. This event is located at the Oak Farm Children’s Activity Center, which is now in front of the Coliseum.
Pee Wee Stampede
Ready to take on a challenge, children gear up in full cowboy attire for this mock rodeo, including bronco busting, barrel racing and other exhilarating events. This kid-centered activity helps create memories your family will cherish for years to come. Daily shows at 12, 1:30 and 4 p.m. in the Ranch Arena.
Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls
We may not be ready to allow them on the real roads quite yet, but at Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls, children between four and 12 can test their driving skills and leg strength as they race weighted tractors to the finish line. Parents can cheer on their kiddos as they compete to win prizes. Four daily races at 12:30, 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m., located in Ag-Power Plaza.
Make it a Tradition
Big Tex in 2014
Big Tex
Big Tex epitomizes the State Fair of Texas and its devotion to Texas culture. Posing for a family photo with this famous friendly cowboy has been a fairgoer tradition since 1952. Besides, who couldn’t use a Facebook profile picture update?
Butter, Butter, Butter
With more than 1,100 competitive categories, the State Fair’s Creative Arts department showcases some of Texas’ most interesting and unique works of photography, sewing, cooking, canning, drawing and more! Amidst all this talent, one of the most popular Creative Arts attractions year after year is the Butter Sculpture. That’s right – a sculpture made entirely out of butter.
Watch the Parade
The Starlight Parade’s colorful and animated floats light up the streets of the State Fair every night. Rich in Texas pride, this family-friendly show features illuminated floats, life-size puppets, stilt-walking performers and characters of all kinds.