Top 8 Family‑Friendly Highlights at Texas’s 2017 State Fair
1. Head to the Kids’ Boardwalk
For first‑time fairgoers, the Kids’ Boardwalk is the place to start. This vibrant area offers free, kid‑friendly shows, games and activities that come with your Texas State Fair admission. Enjoy a lively puppet show, creative arts and crafts, or a calming Mother Goose Story Time. The Boardwalk operates daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. Ride the Kidway Rides
Kidway, the family‑friendly section of the Midway, features scaled‑down rides and games perfect for younger guests. Don’t miss the popular Dentzel Carousel. Older children can tackle the Texas Star Ferris Wheel or splash around on Sparklett’s Log Flume.
3. Catch a Show at Oak Farms Theater
Oak Farms Theater offers interactive performances every hour. Families can choose between the high‑energy Backyard Circus, featuring lion tamers, ballerinas and tight‑rope walkers—where kids can even dress up and join in—or the dazzling World of Magic Show, a fresh attraction that wows audiences of all ages with tricks, illusion and a floating robot.
4. Explore the Farm
Little farmers will love Little Hands on the Farm, a miniature ranch for toddlers to eight years old. Here kids plant seeds, collect eggs, and drive a tiny tractor before harvesting crops for the market. Older kids can test their skills at the Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pulls (ages 4–12) and compete for prizes. For animal encounters, visit the Child’s Health Barnyard and check out the fair’s Livestock & Farming page for more details.
5. Feed a Stingray at the Children’s Aquarium
The aquarium hosts over 250 species and interactive exhibits, making it an ideal learning adventure for families. Kids can explore the coastal touch pool and watch daily stingray feedings.
6. Play at Pee Wee Stampede & Rodeo
Little cowboys and cowgirls can throw on their gear, race on stick‑horses and enjoy the three daily performances (noon, 3 p.m., 4 p.m.) suitable for ages three to six.
7. Grab a Food Break
When hunger strikes, head to Fletcher’s Corny Dog for the classic State Fair corny dog, or treat the kids to warm chocolate chip cookies and milk from Stiffler’s Mom’s Cookie Factory.
8. End the Night with Lights
Wrap up the day with the nightly Starlight Parade at 7:15 p.m., featuring vibrant floats, upbeat music and fun characters. Follow with the Illumination Sensation at 8 p.m., where the Esplanade Reflecting Pool comes alive with water and laser shows, fireworks, liquid‑fire fountains and dancing waters.
There’s still plenty more to explore. For a complete list of attractions, visit the State Fair of Texas website.
