If the price of a family day at the State Fair of Texas gave you a little sticker shock last year, here's some good news: the Fair is making a noticeable push toward affordability for 2026.
And they're not just talking about discounts. The State Fair of Texas has announced reduced prices on most Midway rides and games, a new collection of lower-priced food and drink options, and more than 200 food and beverage choices priced at $10 or less.
Families with younger kids are getting something else this year, too: an entirely new area designed especially for little Fairgoers, plus a revamped and expanded Kidway.
Here's what's changing for the 2026 State Fair of Texas.
Most Midway Rides & Games Will Cost Less
This is probably the news parents will be happiest to hear. According to the State Fair, prices on most Midway rides and games are dropping by an average of 17% this year.
Thrilling Tuesdays will also return, with most rides available for four coupons and select kiddie rides for three coupons. The Thrillway and Texas Star Ferris Wheel are excluded from the Tuesday pricing.
The Fair has also introduced a new Every Day Values program to make some of the more affordable choices around the Fairgrounds easier to find.
Among the value options announced for 2026:
- Bottled water for 1 coupon at select locations
- Cotton candy for 6 coupons
- Select kiddie rides for 4 coupons
- Select kiddie rides for 3 coupons on Tuesdays
- Fletcher's Original Corny Dog for 8 coupons
- Rides on the historic Dentzel Carousel for 6 coupons
- Kids' refillable drinkware for 10 coupons, with 5-coupon refills
- A commemorative State Fair refillable cup for 13 coupons, with 4-coupon refills
- Free chocolate milk in the GO TEXAN Pavilion
- Select Midway games where every child wins a prize
And Don't Forget What's Included With Admission
One thing that's easy to overlook when budgeting for the State Fair: you don't have to spend the entire day buying food and riding rides.
Admission includes more than 100 free daily attractions, exhibits, and activities, including live music, museums, livestock experiences, agricultural exhibits, the Texas Auto Show, children's activities, the nightly Starlight Parade and Illumination Sensation.
So if you're trying to keep the family budget under control, it may be worth planning your day around a mix of paid Midway fun and included entertainment.
NEW for 2026: Little Lone Stars Land
This one caught our attention! The State Fair is debuting Little Lone Stars Land, a brand-new area created specifically with toddlers and younger elementary-age children in mind.
Located near the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion, the area puts several kid-friendly attractions together in one place instead of requiring families with little ones to trek all over the Fairgrounds.
Little Lone Stars Land will include:
- Kiddie rides and fun houses for 4 coupons, or 3 coupons on Tuesdays
- Kid-friendly games
- Value-priced food and drinks
- The Coop, a new play area designed for toddlers and preschoolers
- The Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo
- The Fringe Stage with daily entertainment
- Roaming State Fair characters
Little Big Tex will be joined by Amy Dillo and Champ, who will make their debut as roaming characters this year.
For parents visiting with preschoolers in particular, having rides, animals, play space, food and entertainment concentrated in one area could make navigating the Fair a whole lot easier.
Kidway Is Getting a Makeover, Too
Kids who have graduated beyond the toddler attractions aren't being left out. The Fair's Kidway has been reimagined for 2026 with a larger footprint, new layout and additional family-friendly rides and attractions. Most Kidway rides will cost 5 coupons, dropping to 3 coupons on Tuesdays.
Families will also find kid-friendly games, value-priced food and drinks, and daily performances from the Showstoppers on the Dr Pepper Kidway Stage.
Between Little Lone Stars Land and the revamped Kidway, families will essentially have two areas geared toward different ages and stages of childhood.
Is the State Fair Getting Cheaper?
Well... we wouldn't exactly call the State Fair a bargain outing. A family can still spend plenty once you add admission, parking, food, rides, games and all those "Can I have one?" requests coming from every direction. And then you'll need to factor in the cost of coming from The Woodlands (3 hours driving time, so you might be getting a hotel for overnight).
But after plenty of conversation last year surrounding the cost of attending the Fair, the changes for 2026 are worth noting. Lower prices on most Midway rides and games, more clearly identified lower-cost food options, Tuesday ride discounts and additional activities for young children give families more opportunities to decide where they want to splurge — and where they don't.
WoodlandsMommy.com biggest Editor’s tip: Go in with a plan. Check the Every Day Values list before you arrive, take advantage of the many activities already included with admission, and if your kids are coming primarily for the rides, Tuesday could be the day to go.
2026 State Fair of Texas Dates
The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas, TX. This year's theme is "Stars, Stripes, and Howdies."
Little Lone Stars Land and the newly reimagined Kidway will both debut when the Fair opens September 25.
For admission, discounts, Every Day Values and additional planning information, visit BigTex.com.
Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas
