The Best Way to Have Fun With Kids at the Texas State Fair

Thank you to JCPenney and Lee Jeans for sponsoring this post!
Bottom: Lee Jeans Sculpting Pull-On Slim Jeans – use JCPLEE for 20% off Lee Jeans!
head over to my Instagram for a Lee Jeans giveaway
Jacket: J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket
Top: J.Crew Factory Cheetah in Cab Tee
Shoes:  Treasure & Bond ‘Sannibel’
Earrings: Nickel & Suede Gold Leather Earrings

It’s state fair season across the country, and the kids have literally been asking us every. single, day. when we would go check out our Texas State Fair.  So yes, finally, we went to the Texas State Fair!!  As the kids are getting older now (Dylan is 6 and Mei is 3), it’s safe to say that this year was hands-down our most fun year at the fair.  We set a new record with a solid 6 hours of non-stop fair action from seeing Big Tex and playing all the midway games to eating all their favorite fair food.

Adrian and I are long-time fair go-ers even from before we had kids but the whole experience is 10000% better with kids!  While it is an absolute blast experiencing it through their eyes, it can also be tricky with little ones in tow — for us the toughest are (1) timing it such that they have enough energy to last for at least a couple hours, (2) navigating around the different attractions so they’re not overstimulated or overwhelmed, and of course (3) being prepared ahead of time so I have everything I need to make it the best experience possible for the entire family!  This year marked our eighth year to go to the Texas State Fair (sixth with the kids) so I’m sharing my top 7 tips to help you make sure you have the best time at the state fair with your kids!

The Best Way to Have Fun With Kids at the Texas State Fair:

1.  Go In The Late Afternoon

For the first couple of years, we would go first thing in the morning right when the fair opened its doors.  As a mom, I figured Dylan would be fresh, the crowds wouldn’t be as big, and it wouldn’t be too hot.  Boy oh boy, I learned this one the hard way.  Going in the morning, the temperatures would rise as it approached noon and it would always get to a point where I was a sweaty mess, Dylan was cranky/tired, and riding on any sort of rollercoaster/amusement attraction in the stifling heat just seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

Then one year, I saw pictures one of my friends posted of the state fair at night and realized that the place was actually open super late (until 10 pm Monday – Saturday and 9 pm on Sundays!).  This was a total game changer for us.  I would have the kids take disco naps in the afternoon for a couple hours and then head to the State Fair of Texas so that we’d be there around 3-4pm.  The sun would be starting to set, temperatures would be falling and getting more comfortable, and there were actually fewer crowds so waiting in line for food/games became so much easier!

2.  Have A Strategy

Download the map.  Figure out what are must-dos and what are lower priority nice-to-dos.  With kids also, I find that it’s better when we ease them into the craziness that can be the fair and start them out with a few low-key activities such as a Ferris wheel ride or a paddle boating excursion around the lake.  The Ferris wheel is also a great way to get a panoramic view of Fair Pair and can give you a better idea of where things are laid out.  We’ll then decide on which midway games to play (we set a limit of 5 midway games each for the kids, otherwise they’d be asking to play everything!) and then follow it up with rollercoaster rides (which are still a novelty for them!).

3. Wear Clothes That Let You Move, Breathe, and Eat!

I usually tend to dress in layers as the weather can really cool down once the sun goes down and you really can’t go wrong with a casual t-shirt and jeans! I’m a denim girl 100% and this skinny jeans style from Lee was so comfy for a day at the fair. The denim fabric is stretchy, incredibly soft, and best of all, slimming! It’s a pull-on style so I appreciated that I didn’t have to worry about buttons or buckles poking into me. And for any expecting mamas out there, it’s also the perfect jean for that growing belly!

I’ve actually been opting for these jeans on the weekends when I’m just hanging out around the house and want something comfy like sweatpants but want to look just a little more put together. They wash and wear super well so I love that they handle messes from my kids too!

4. Be Prepared: Stroller, Hat/Umbrella/Mini Fan

Be sure to bring all the essentials to ensure that you and your crew are ready for a few hours of fun!  We always take our double stroller with the extra large sun shade and storage compartment underneath, bring extra insulated water bottles, and mini fans to make sure that the kids don’t get overheated.  This year we actually kinda lucked out in that there was a nice morning rainstorm so the temperatures actually stayed pretty cool all afternoon!

5. BYO – Snacks / Drinks

While sampling some of the State Fair food is part of the experience, I still bring some healthier options for me and the kids to snack on.  I personally find that my kids end up behaving better when they have good food in them with just a few indulgences in the State Fair treats added in!

6. Stay For The Fireworks

To really top off the night, end it with the nightly fireworks show at 8pm!  For us, it’s usually right about the time that we’re getting ready to leave anyway and the fireworks are visible from any of the entrances/exits to the park.  It’s an unforgettable way to top off the evening and I feel like my kids are literally falling asleep with the sound of fireworks in their dreams!

covered in bubbles post Bubble House!

7.  Save Your Unused Tickets!

And finally, most people don’t realize that the tickets from the Texas State Fair are valid year after year!  So don’t throw away or burn the extra tickets at the end of your day — save them and bring them out the next year to take to the fair!

Bottom: Lee Jeans Sculpting Pull-On Slim Jeans – use JCPLEE for 20% off Lee Jeans!
head over to my Instagram for a Lee Jeans giveaway
Jacket: J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket
Top: J.Crew Factory Cheetah in Cab Tee
Shoes:  Treasure & Bond ‘Sannibel’
Earrings: Nickel & Suede Gold Leather Earrings

Loving this Texas State Fair feature? Take a look here for more of my family favorites!