This year’s Texas State Fair stays true to its “24 Days of Fun” theme. With so much fun to do, you may be wondering how to fit it all in, especially if you’re visiting the fair with kids. It’s easy to get distracted by all the sights and sounds, so it’s best to have a plan. So before you head to Midway or get your first corny dog, check out these must-see family-friendly attractions.
Don’t forget to check the trade show’s website (bigtex.com) and its social media channels for last-minute changes. You can find more events at Go See DFW.
Kevin Brown/Texas State Fair
Dinosaur Time with Lagoon Dinosaurs and Professor T. Rex
Big Tex isn’t the only giant you’ll want to take a selfie with. Visit Leonhardt Lagoon to meet the prehistoric giants. The exhibit features 10 life-sized dinosaurs from Texas, including a 57-foot-long Alamosaurus. Professor T. Rex and his dinosaur wrangler will be on hand at set times throughout the day to answer all your dinosaur questions.
Located in Leonhard Lagoon. The dinosaur exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Professor T. Rex speaks daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 5:35 p.m.
butter sculpture
This not-to-be-missed attraction is educational, artistic, and quirky. Each year, local sculptors use 1,000 pounds of butter to create a display depicting the fair’s theme, this year’s “24 Days of Fun.”
Located in the Creative Arts Building.
Fiesta de marioneta!
A small village of over 85 handmade marionettes comes to life, telling stories and celebrating a festa of color, culture and creativity. After the show, take a backstage tour to see where the magic happens. There are also craft activities for children.
Shows are held daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. at McDonald’s Amphitheater on 1st Avenue.
Kevin Brown/Texas State Fair
all star stunt dog show
This family-friendly show features dogs rescued from pounds and shelters across the country performing amazing tricks. In addition to showcasing unique canine talent, each show promotes pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of spaying and neutering.
Shows will be held at Marine Plaza at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
Mundo Latino: Dia de los Muertos
Most Day of the Dead celebrations are more than a month away, but you can still enjoy the holiday in Mundo Latino: DÃa de los Muertos. This exhibition showcases the rich history and importance of the holiday through colorful art installations and live paintings. session.
The Women’s Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kevin Brown/Texas State Fair
On-call petting zoo
Don’t miss the fair’s new and improved petting zoo. The event will be relocated to the Pan Am Arena, giving visitors more space to interact with more cute animals. Meet and feed a variety of farm animals including emus, zebras, pigs, goats, sows, ewes, nurse goats and their babies.
Pam Am Arena is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
soap bubble circus
Watch bubble artists, or “bubbleologists,” perform Guinness World Record-breaking feats in this unique blend of comedy, improvisation, and circus-style talent. Enjoy the bubbles that spin, float, and rise. There’s also a bubble snowman dancing on a tightrope.
Shows are at Oak Farms Theater at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm.
The Go See DFW Calendar is a partnership between KERA and the Dallas Morning News.
Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration supported by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.
This community-funded journalism initiative is supported by Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, University of Texas at Dallas, Community Foundation of Texas, Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James and Gail Halperin Foundation, Jennifer and Peter – Altabef and Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control over Arts Access’s journalism.