What are the Top Kid Picks at The State Fair of Texas to perfectly fit the interest of your child? Let’s take a glimpse inside a ‘personalized trip’ the way your child would see it. I couldn’t wait to feel like a kid again and let my son, Caleb lead the way!
Meet Caleb, 6 1/2 years old and BEYOND excited to SEE The State Fair of Texas HIS way. We teamed up with Little Big Tex who gave us a few “insider tips” for our journey.
1) The Kid’s Board Walk: This colorful area is perfectly designed for the “kid view”
Parent’s can kick-back and observe as kiddo’s have the freedom to roam around. There are sand boxes under the shade, plenty of hands-on activities, face painting, tattoos, and they can create their own mini master-pieces to take home.
Top Pick: The Puppet Shows! We loved the talking “Buford Buzzard” puppet show. Buford was interactive with the kids and quite the entertainer with his spunky personality and silly questions. Buzzards are silly birds after all! We learned this lovable show is over 20 years old and was brought to The State Fair of Texas by the famous puppeteer, John Hardman.
The Boardwalk is open daily from 10AM-7PM located on the West Side of Leonhardt Lagoon. Bonus! Roaming Little Big Tex is an surprise sight and may be spotted in this area! It’s like a Where’s Waldo. You never know where Little Big Tex is going to be since he likes to explore.
2) All Aboard! The Kidway Rides: Specialized child-sized rides for all ages and heights. Open 10AM-10PM
The Texas Star Ferries Wheel: Caleb wanted to go as high as he could possibly see and that’s the very tippy top of The Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Standing a whopping 212 feet tall, the Texas Star has been the most popular ride since it’s debut in 1985!
Top Pick: The Big Slide: This was by far the most thrilling experience. It is quite the hike to climb to the top and fun to watch riders zoom past. Choose a color and get ready for the longest slide you and your child have ever been on.
3) It’s Game Time! Games and Prizes: Along the Kid Way, all kids who play win a prize every time. This is a game changer to have your child walk away with a memorable prize since there are exciting toys every corner you turn. 500,000 toys are given away on the Midway each year! We played the classic duck pond and balloon dart game. Caleb won a Pokemon.
4) Tummy Grumbling?! Poke Snacks were the answer for a quick hunger fix. Stiffler’s Concession’s Poke Snacks are brand new to the fair this year followed by the latest Pokemon craze. Caleb jumped up and down recognizing the iconic poke-snack. We had to ask!
“Kid’s are recognizing this snack from the Pokemon game. Cheetos drenched in warm nacho cheese- they love it” owner Tammy Stiffler told us. She was right. Caleb couldn’t get enough.
Still hungry? Fernie’s Famous Funnel Cakes will fill-up the whole family.
“Our funnel cakes are a tradition. We were the first to arrive at The State Fair of Texas- Mother brought funnel cakes to the fair in the 1980’s.” said CFO, Chief Frying Officer Christi Erpillo. Caleb and I loved hearing this and agreed we will have this be our family tradition.. to always split a funnel cake at the fair together.
5) Petting zoo: Caleb couldn’t contain his excitement to see the animals up close and all in one place! From exotic animals like giraffes, zebras and baby kangaroos, to baby farm animals.. Caleb got the chance to hold a baby chick thanks to Little Big Tex!
I encourage you to let your child lead the way and experience The State Fair of Texas the way THEY would want to. Memories to last, bonding moments and new traditions. It truly gave me the feeling of being a kid again!
This makes me want to take my kid to the fair and check out all these locations! Great post. Thanks Sarah and Caleb!
Love this! Took me back to when I was a kid at the fair!
These all sound like reasonably-priced activities as well! The fair can get super expensive.