What to Do With Toddlers at the State Fair of Texas

Taking a toddler to the State Fair of Texas might sound a little ambitious. It’s big, it’s busy, people are everywhere, and there is a real possibility your child will become emotionally attached to a giant stuffed animal you have absolutely no intention of carrying around Fair Park for the rest of the day.

But the State Fair is also surprisingly fun with little kids — especially if you go in with a toddler-friendly game plan.

The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs from September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park, and this year there are even more attractions designed specifically for the littlest Fairgoers. Children two and under also get into the Fair for free, which makes the toddler years a pretty great time to introduce your child to this Dallas tradition.

Here are a few things you can do if you’re heading to the State Fair of Texas with a toddler.

Visit Little Lone Stars Land

Little Lone Stars Land is brand new this year and was created specifically with toddlers and young children in mind. Located near the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion, it puts several toddler-friendly attractions together in one area — which means less time pushing a stroller across Fair Park.

There are kiddie rides and fun houses, kid-friendly games, entertainment, and food options. There’s also The Coop: a play area specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers to roam and explore. You can also find roaming State Fair characters like Little Big Tex, Amy Dillo, and Champ.

DMF Tip: Make this your home base. With a toddler, I would rather thoroughly enjoy one section of the Fair than spend the entire morning racing from one side of Fair Park to the other.

Visit the Petting Zoo

Animal-loving toddlers will definitely want to make a stop at the Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo, which has moved into Little Lone Stars Land. Little ones can get up close with furry and feathered animals, making this one of those attractions that actually feels designed for their age instead of something they're just tagging along to see. 

Even better, the petting zoo is one of the Fair's many attractions included with admission.

DMF Tip: Just remember the rule that applies to basically every petting zoo everywhere: wash those little hands afterward!

Take a Walk Through the Livestock Barns

If your kids are currently in their cow-pig-horse era, don't skip the livestock barns. These exhibits are a huge part of the State Fair's agricultural roots, and Fairgoers are welcome to walk through the barns to see the animals being shown. What's there can vary depending on the day's schedule, so check before your visit if you have a little one who will be devastated if they don't see a particular animal.

DMF Tip: This is a nice change of pace when everyone needs a break from the lights, rides, games, and general excitement of the Midway.

Try a Ride — If They're Ready

You don't necessarily have to skip the Midway just because you have a two-year-old. The Kidway is designed for younger Fairgoers and includes rides suitable for children ages two and older. It has also been completely reimagined this year with a larger footprint, a new layout, additional family-friendly rides, games, food, and daily entertainment.

Of course, whether your toddler actually wants to ride something is another question entirely. If they're hesitant, don't force it. Watching the rides can be nearly as exciting at this age — and considerably cheaper.

DMF Tip: If rides are high on your list, consider going on a Tuesday. Kiddie rides in Little Lone Stars Land are three coupons on Tuesdays, and the Fair also offers discounted Midway rides as part of Thrilling Tuesdays.

Say Hi to Big Tex

You can't take your toddler to their first State Fair without introducing them to Big Tex. Will they be delighted by the enormous talking cowboy? Terrified? Completely uninterested because they spotted a balloon 30 feet away?

There is truly no way to know. Either way, snap the picture. This is one of those photos you'll love having later — especially if you recreate it year after year.

DMF Tip: Give your toddler a heads-up before you get close to Big Tex! He’s really big, and the booming voice can catch little ones off guard. Point him out from a distance first and let your toddler decide how close they’re comfortable getting.

Let Them Try Some Fair Food

Half the fun of going to the State Fair is eating something you would never normally consider eating at 10:45 in the morning. Toddlers probably don't need to participate in your quest to try every fried food finalist, but there are plenty of Fair foods that are easy to share. Think corn dogs, French fries, soft pretzels, lemonade, ice cream, or whatever else your particular toddler will reliably eat.

DMF Tip: Buy things for the family and let your toddler sample rather than offering them an entire Fair-sized portion of something they’ll likely only take two bites of.

Some Final Dallas Mom Friend Tips

There is a lot to think about when going anywhere with your kids. So here are our last bits of advice before you head to the Fair with a toddler: go early, have a loose plan, and leave before you have to. 

Toddlers can hit their limit quickly with all the crowds, music, lights, rides, smells, and excitement, so don't feel like you need to see everything in one visit. If your child is particularly sensitive to noise or crowds, consider one of the Fair's Sensory-Friendly Mornings, when designated areas have reduced lights and sounds and Quiet Zones are available throughout the fairgrounds.

Before you go, I would also make note of the locations of the Baby Care Centers so you aren't trying to find one in the middle of an urgent diaper change. And definitely bring the stroller — even if your toddler insists they want to walk!

Most importantly, don't measure a successful State Fair day by how long you stay. A few hours is plenty of time to pet some animals, wave at Big Tex, ride the carousel, eat a few bites of a corn dog, and make some really sweet memories. There will be plenty of years for staying late and trying to see it all.

And if you make it back to the car before the meltdown starts? I'd call that a State Fair win.

Sincerely, 

Your Dallas Mom Friend