Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Is a Parents’ Paradise

Disclaimer :: Our friends at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo sponsored and crafted this post to spread the word about this family-friendly, annual event.

Coming down from the holidays can be trying for both parents and their youngsters — mom and dad are recovering from all the work that goes into it and the kids — well, they’re just looking for things to do and the fun they had.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo could provide the answer. With daily activities to keep your brood occupied, you may want to make it a regular stop from January 17 through February 8.

Every day parents can take advantage of the animals on the grounds, either being shown or on display through a number of different venues.

For example, you won’t want to miss Kid’s Gone Wild on January 26.

Kids Gone Wild teaches kids not just about nature, but also the important role ranchers play in managing natural resources, like soil, plants, and water, to benefit both livestock and wildlife. The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), which organized the event, is a statewide membership organization that serves Texas wildlife and its habitat. It protects property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources. Special thanks to TWA for putting on Kids Gone Wild!

Activities at Kids Gone Wild are:

• Archery. Archery Works teaches in a safe and easy-to-understand setting.
• The KIDFISH “Catch Tank.” This portable fishing pond is stocked with two- to five-pound catfish for catch-and-release fishing enjoyment!
• Texas State Rifle Association Air Rifle Range. Test your shooting skills and safe firearm handling techniques. For ages five and up and family members.
• And plenty more to keep your tribe entertained!

Animals to see include:

• Hawks and falcons from the Texas Hawking Association, and other birds like quail.
• Snakes, turtles, and other reptiles from the DFW Herpetological Society.
• Honey bees and did we mention . . .
• FISH!

There is also plenty to do every day!

Visit the Milking Parlor from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and see how milk gets from the “cow to the cup” at the Stock Show’s unique milking parlor. Experts from Southwest Dairy Farmers conduct milking demonstrations and provide valuable information on the importance of milk in our diets.

Presentations are normally scheduled for 10:00 a.m., 11:00, noon, 2:00 p.m., 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, and  6:00.

The Mattress Firm Petting Zoo is always a favorite. That first animal encounter between your little one and a “real, live farm animal” is a precious, picture-perfect moment! The Stock Show’s petting zoo and pony ride are two of the most popular attractions for parents and little ones. The petting zoo and pony rides are open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily.

Children will marvel at the magic of Mother Nature in one of the Stock Show’s favorite locations, the Children’s Barnyard. They’ll oooh and ahhh at mothers and baby calves, goats, piglets, and lambs. Of course, watching chicks hatch right before their eyes is another experience they’ll never forget.

The Children’s Barnyard is also a great place to meet our state’s most impressive young leaders. FFA students are on hand to answer questions and help your youngsters get the most out of learning about animals.

Planet Agriculture opens doors to a whole new world — the world of farming and ranching.

With a focus on personal learning, participants experience activities like leather crafting, hand-spinning wool, nutrition, and other topics often with a more localized experience.

You also learn how agriculture touches almost every aspect of our lives. Not just the food we eat and the clothes we wear, but many other items we enjoy in everyday life. See it all at Planet Agriculture.

And finally, no day is complete at the Stock Show without a visit to the carnival/midway.

Besides livestock, the midway is one of the oldest and most legendary features of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Offering acres of excitement for kids of all ages, you and your family will enjoy classic features like ferris wheels, a mega-drop, and plenty of cute rides for the little ones. There’s that classic carnival food, too.

 Make it easy on your wallet with the purchase of Magic Money wristbands. The wristbands include $50 of midway credits and are the Stock Show’s easy way to pay and play at the carnival. And, Magic Money Wristbands provide you FREE Stock Show grounds admission!