State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas is a fall institution, taking over Fair Park in Dallas for about three and a half weeks every autumn. In 2026 it runs September 25 through October 18. Presided over by Big Tex, the 55-foot talking cowboy, it’s a full day of midway rides, livestock barns, corny dogs, live music, and more free daily activities than any family can finish in one visit. It’s one of those only-in-Texas experiences worth building a fall weekend around.

Things to Do

There’s genuinely too much to see, but the family highlights include:

• Say hi to Big Tex — the iconic 55-foot cowboy is the fair’s mascot and the classic first-photo stop.
• Ride the midway — more than 70 rides, from the 212-foot Texas Star Ferris wheel and the 500-foot Top o’ Texas Tower to the antique 1914 Dentzel Carousel. Younger kids have their own Kidway, with rides sized for ages 2 and up.
• Walk the livestock barns — cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction make this one of the most walkable, educational, and free parts of the fair, and a favorite with little kids.
• Catch the free daily programming — more than 100 free activities are included with admission, including weekend rodeos, 90-plus musical acts, pig races, a petting zoo, and roaming street performers.
• Eat the food — the fair is legendary for its fried creations and Fletcher’s corny dogs, and the annual Big Tex Choice Awards crown the wildest new fair food each year.

Best for Which Ages

Toddlers and preschoolers love the Kidway rides, the petting zoo, and the animals in the livestock barns. Elementary-age kids get the full run of the midway (watch height requirements on the bigger rides), the games, and the shows. Tweens and teens gravitate to the thrill rides, the food challenges, and the music. The mix of free and paid activities makes it easy to tailor the day to any age and budget.

Tickets, Coupons, and Timing

• Admission: as of 2026, general admission ranges from about $7 to $29 depending on the day, with kids ages 3–12 and seniors in the $7 to $24 range and children 2 and under free. A money-saving tip: after 5:00 p.m., everyone pays kids’ prices. A season pass runs roughly $52 to $62 and covers every day of the fair.
• Rides and food are separate. They run on coupons purchased on top of admission, so budget extra for the midway and the corny dogs. Buying coupons in advance online often saves money.
• Getting there: parking at Fair Park is paid and fills up, so many families take DART rail straight to the fair to skip the traffic.
• Plan on a full day, and wear comfortable shoes — Fair Park is big.

Tips for Visiting

Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. Arrive early or come after 5 p.m. for the cheaper admission, pace the food, and carry water, especially during warm early-fall afternoons. A stroller is worth it for younger kids given all the walking.

Make It a Fair Park Day

The State Fair takes over historic Fair Park, home to several museums and Art Deco landmarks. It’s an easy add-on to a broader downtown Dallas itinerary alongside stops like Klyde Warren Park and the free Dallas Museum of Art.

Planning your fall family fun? Browse our full directory of family-friendly attractions across DFW for more Dallas-area ideas.