The State Fair of Texas has an annual attendance of about 2.6 million people—more than the population of 15 out of the 50 States! The Fair generally starts on the last Friday in September, and runs for 24 days. It’s spread over not just a vast expanse of days, but a vast expanse of ground as well: just the auto show covers a full 300,000 square feet, with additional buildings and a test drive track. But don’t let the size of the event scare you off from bringing your kids—the fair is a great place for good old family fun. There are tons of great attractions (and treats) for children (and adults) of all ages. There’s puppet shows, story time, a Children’s Barnyard (with pigs and giraffes and goats), and a plethora of fun rides.
It’s not a proper fair without proper fair food, and the State Fair of Texas won’t disappoint you when it comes to having a proper fair. The State Fair is known for its food, and especially deep fried everything: Pumpkin spice Oreo? Deep fried. Sweet tea? Deep fried. Peanut butter, jelly, and banana sandwich? Deep fried. Of course there is a veritable onslaught of other incredibly delicious non-deep fried foods too: kettle corn, ice cream, fudge (and actual food, too).
Like all fairs, the State Fair of Texas has plenty of rides, but two stand out above the rest (literally): The Texas Star is a 212 foot tall Ferris wheel, which was the tallest in North America from 1985 until 2013, when it was beaten by one in Mexico. The other ride is the Texas Skyway, a gondola ride that takes you halfway across the fairgrounds.
The centerpiece of the fair has long been a college football game between Texas and Oklahoma, as well as the State Fair Classic, between Prairie View A&M and Grambling State University. Both are played in the Cotton Bowl on the fair’s premises.
There is much more going on at the fair than just what I’ve mentioned here. Check out a full daily schedule here.
Check out a map of the fair here.
Admission is quite affordable, with discounts for children. See full details & pricing here.
Fair Park is located just two miles east of downtown Dallas. Directions here.
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