RODEO OFFERS FUN FOR THE KIDS

Houston kids have been dressing up for Go Texan Day for more than 50 years. (It’s March 3 this year.) The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a big part of the city’s culture. Growing up here means growing up going to the rodeo.

For some, it means even more, such as taking part in the activities that others only get to watch. Here are some familyfriendly activities you won’t want the kids to miss:

MUTTON BUSTIN’: Kids — wearing helmets and lots of padding — do their part in livestock wrangling by

trying to hold on as long as they can to sprinting sheep. The rodeo offers two ways to participate: Mutton Bustin’ in NRG Stadium or in the Junction.

To compete inside the stadium during the RodeoHouston performance requires advance registration, which is already closed. The Junction runs all day, and parents can register their child on the day they arrive. The cost is $15 per ride.

This fan favorite is becoming another Houston rite of passage.

THE JUNCTION

You’ll find games such as the Pedal Tractor Pull, where children race on small, pedal-powered tractors; Fun on the Farm, where kids do farm chores; and Pig Races,

another fan favorite. Many attractions are free, but for $7, you can hop on a camel. Hours for attractions vary, but most are open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. On Value Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all rides, games and select foods in the Junction are $2.

LIVESTOCK SHOW

This is how it all started in 1932, when the Houston Fat Stock Show opened. Now it’s the largest stock show in the country, with more than 30,000 livestock entries. Check out the young farmers and ranchers showing their animals in the Junior Show and the Youth Show.

CARNIVAL

Eating funnel cake, riding the air-conditioned Wheel of Excellence and trying your hand at winning prizes are all memories made at RodeoHouston. Opening hours vary (10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on various days); but the Carnival is always open until midnight.

Houston Chronicle file RodeoHouston’s carnival swing ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the grounds.

Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle A determined rider holds on tight.

James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle Taylor Morrow of Fort Hood eats a caramel apple at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle A staffer restocks midway games at RodeoHouston.

Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle Delaney Wrice, left, and her sister, Dayley Wrice, check out the goats at the petting zoo.

Larissa Medina The carnival features a Texassize Ferris wheel.