Disclaimer :: This post contains sponsored content provided by Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is a family’s paradise with countless activities for kids of all ages to experience. The Stock Show, which runs from January 14 through February 5 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, can also be heaven for a mama, combining educational opportunities with priceless photo-ops and memories to last a lifetime.
Whether you’ve taken your family to the Fort Worth staple event in the past or this is your first time, take advantage of all the Stock Show has to offer with inside tips about attending moms are sure to appreciate!
What to Do
At a glance, the FWSSR features animals, concerts, rides, and rodeos. In the livestock barns, families will get an up-close look at cows, sheep, horses, chickens, and other barnyard animals. For the horse-crazy kiddos, stop by one of the many equestrian arenas to watch horses show. Speaking of horses, seize the opportunity to see the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales during one of their many appearances at the Stock Show’s rodeo performances or visit them at their stalls.
And good news for tiny legs and stroller pushers: From the middle of the Will Rogers Memorial Center grounds, every activity is only a five-minute walk!
Here are a handful of kid-specific areas to hit up when you visit.
Carnival/Midway :: A spin on the Ferris wheel combined with carnival games makes a trip to the FWSSR complete! The midway, which is a great place for older kids to scream in delight on rollercoasters, rides, and more, also has a section for younger kids to enjoy tamer rides.
Children’s Barnyard :: Seeing your baby with barnyard babies will, how do we say it: Melt. Your. Heart. Your family will see chicks hatch before their eyes, lambs and baby goats frolicking, and calves with their mamas. Student members of the FFA are on-hand to answer questions. This place is a family favorite!
Doorways to Agriculture :: Learn how most items your family uses every day begin on the farm in this interactive, fun exhibit presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.
Kids Gone Wild :: This program, hosted by Texas Wildlife Association, teaches kids how valuable natural resources such as soil, plants, and water, are to the environment, and how ranchers play a huge role in managing those resources. This program has several hands-on stations to help kids grasp theses concepts, including a catch-and-release fish tank where kids can cast a line, an air gun rifle activity (for youth ages five and up and family members), and critter demonstrations with bees, falcons, reptiles, and more.
Milking Parlor :: Witness how milk gets from “cow to cup” in fascinating demonstrations in the milking parlor. Your kiddo will have a greater appreciation for cereal and milk in the next morning!
Mooseum Experience :: Thanks to the folks at Central Market, admission to the Stock Show includes entry to three different museums for families to enjoy: The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, the Cattle Raisers Museum, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides :: Located west of the midway, the petting zoo gives families a chance to feel the soft coat of a goat, the bristly hair of a pig, and other farm animal friends. New to the petting zoo this year is a heated indoor play land for lemurs.
Cost of Admission
Attending the FWSSR does not have to be a pricey affair! With some planning, there are ways to bring the whole family and not spend a fortune.
On a typical day, general admission is $12 per adult, $6 for kids ages six to 16, and FREE to kids ages five and younger. General admission may be purchased at any gate and provides access to non-ticketed attractions on the FWSSR grounds.
On Fridays, seniors ages 55 and older get in for half price.
However, families may consider purchasing a souvenir badge for $50 per person, which gives admission to the grounds for all 23 days of the show, as well as entry to all three museums, the Bud Light Roadhouse, and The Corkyard wine destination. This is a great way to see all the attractions spread over several days instead of jam-packing everything into one day.
If purchasing rodeo tickets, the cost of the ticket grants entry onto the FWSSR grounds.
Another way to save on admission is to attend on themed admission days, such as Dickies Day (January 18) and TCU Day (January 27). Wear the theme-appropriate clothing and get in for free!
One grounds pass is also available on Tolltag Tuesdays to those with a North Texas Tollway Authority tag on their windshield who purchase parking on the grounds.
Where to Park
Parking is available onsite for $17 per vehicle. Being close to the grounds is a convenient option for families, however, if you’re looking to save some cash, weekend guests should consider using the Rodeo Redline.
For only $5 per car (less than half the price of parking at the grounds), guests who use Rodeo Redline can park at Billy Bob’s north parking lot on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Comfortable coaches run every 20 minutes. Drop off is at the Stock Show’s main entrance.
Handicapped parking spaces are available at most parking lots and you can find a handy parking map on the Stock Show’s website.
Other Notes & Tips
Changing stations galore. Changing stations and family-friendly restrooms are offered in several locations around the grounds.
Snacks welcome. A full day of adventures means snacks, snacks, snacks. However, there are plenty of food and dining options available, so bring your appetite.
Strollers and wagons are a must. A full day of adventures means a loaded stroller and wagon, which are both welcome at the FWSSR. However, they are not allowed in the coliseum or auditorium during scheduled events. Strollers and wagons can be checked in the area underneath Pioneer Tower (between Coliseum and Auditorium) and claimed afterward.
Whether you and your family live in the country or reside within city limits, whether you’ve attended the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in the past or you’re a first-timer, this legendary event will invigorate your kiddo’s senses. Your mama heart will appreciate the experience and time well spent with family.
