More than 270 acres of Texas-sized adventure provide the ultimate family-fun experience at the State Fair of Texas. Included in your admission, these activities allow your family to make memories of a lifetime.
Created for your family’s enjoyment, we hope you can use this list of fun-filled activities to map out your day at the State Fair.
Pig Races
Ready, set… sprint? Contrary to popular belief, pigs are actually sprinters, averaging a top speed of 11 mph! An annual tradition, these curly-tailed piglets go snout to snout, taking on the track three times a day in the Pan Am Arena. Daily races at 6, 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. in the Pan Am Arena. [divider]
Starlight Parade
Animated, colorful and traveling through the fairgrounds nightly, the Starlight Parade features illuminated floats, life-size puppets, stilt-walking performers and characters of all kinds celebrating Texas and its rich culture. Nightly at 7:15 p.m. [divider]
Take a picture in front of Big Tex
A family tradition since 1952, Big Tex has evolved with our great state. Today, this giant talking cowboy is more technologically savvy than ever. [divider]
Dallas Police K-9 Demos
Showcasing brilliant canines on a quest for safety and justice, the Dallas Police Department provides these educational demonstrations. During presentations, officers demonstrate techniques and training methods used for these clever crime-fighting dogs. Shows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 3 and 5 p.m. in the Ranch Arena. [divider]
Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation – ALL NEW features in 2015
Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation is a spectacular evening show featuring synchronized acrobat dancers, a massive light show, pyrotechnic effects and a variety of popular, high-energy musical pieces. Nightly at 8 p.m. on the Esplanade. [divider]
Children’s Health Barnyard
Exotic meets domestic at the Children’s Health Barnyard. Families can experience giraffes and zebras in the same venue as pigs and goats. While you’re there, visit the nursery where sows, ewes, nanny goats and their young are on display. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the corner of Nimitz and MLK. [divider]
BMX Show
Feel the adrenaline as you watch this all-star team of stunt riders perform gravity-defying feats. These fearless daredevils flip, spin and complete a variety of tricks on their BMX bikes. Daily shows at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. No shows on Thursdays. Located in Chevrolet Park Plaza. [divider]
Pee Wee Stampede
Geared up in cowboy attire, hyped-up kids have a blast participating in mock rodeo events while the crowd cheers. This kid-centered show exposes children to bronco busting, barrel racing and other rodeo favorites. Daily shows at 12, 1:30 and 4 p.m. in the Ranch Arena. [divider]
Wild West Pet Palooza
The Wild West Pet Palooza, featuring Joel Slaven’s Professional Animals, boasts an eclectic and impressive cast of critters ranging from cats and dogs to pigs and porcupines. This fan-favorite includes an array of comical skits that are fun for the whole family! Daily shows at 1, 2:30, 4:30 and 6 p.m. in the Band Shell. [divider]
Explore the Livestock Barns
Want to get up close and personal with State Fair livestock? Take a tour of their living quarters and have all your questions answered by resident student experts! 16 daily guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., departing every 30 minutes from Ag-Power Plaza. [divider]
Big Tex’s Barnyard and the Kids’ Boardwalk
Catch a glimpse of the newest barnyard additions — calves, piglets, hatching chicks and more, all at Big Tex’s Barnyard. This exhibit also teaches audiences how farmers and ranchers produce enough food to feed the world. Right next door you’ll find the Kids’ Boardwalk, stocked with free games, activities and great shows like Ronald McDonald® and Buford Buzzard. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. near the Lagoon. [divider]
Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls
Does it get more Texan than driving tractors? This event allows kids between ages four and 12 to test both their driving skills and their leg strength as they race weighted tractors to the finish line. Kiddos compete to win prizes as the crowd cheers them on! Four daily races at 12:30, 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m., located in Ag-Power Plaza. [divider]
Backyard Circus
Audience members join the cast of the show at the Backyard Circus, dressing up and taking part in this three-ring circus favorite. Kids can play the part of lion tamers, tight-rope walkers, ballerinas and more! Daily shows at 1, 3, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. with an 11 a.m. show on Saturdays and Sundays, located at the Coliseum Terrace.
Be sure to check the daily schedule for times and locations of all activities.
Don’t forget to stay safe this season! Stop by an Information Booth and fill out a Safe Kids ID wristband for your kiddos, which helps State Fair staff and police officers keep track of younger fairgoers if they get separated from their families.