7 WAYS KIDS CAN ENJOY THE RODEO
Here are some kid-friendly activities you won’t want the family to miss:
CARNIVAL
Trying your hand at winning prizes, eating funnel cake, turkey legs and riding La Grande XL, 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.
On March 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will host its first-ever Sensory Friendly Carnival Experience. During this time, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in certain areas of the Junction and the main carnival area. Rodeo volunteers from the Special Children’s Committee will also be on-site to assist guests.
GO TEXAN DAY
Houston kids have been dressing up for Go Texan Day for more than 50 years. This year, it’s Feb. 28, the day before the parade. Go Texan Day is the unofficial kickoff of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Traditionally held the Friday before the rodeo begins, the day serves to encourage the Houston community to celebrate Western heritage and raise awareness of rodeo season.
THE JUNCTION
The Junction is a kid-focused area with rides, games, a junior carnival and educational exhibits. Children can race on small pedal-powered tractors at the Pedal Tractor Pull and do farm chores at Fun on the Farm; the petting zoo, pony rides and pig races are other fan favorites. Many attractions are free, but for $9, you can hop on a camel. Hours for attractions vary, but most are open 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
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 bolting 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. Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 6 and not weigh more than 55 pounds. The cost is $15 per ride. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
FAMILY WEDNESDAYS
Formerly known as Value Wednesdays, RodeoHouston will offer free admission for seniors 60 and older, and children 12 and younger until noon (does not include rodeo/concert admission). Specials also include $2 rides and games from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with a $2 food or drink item at selected food stands in the Junction Carnival.
LIVESTOCK SHOW
Guests will have the opportunity to check out the young farmers and ranchers showing their animals in the Junior Show and the Youth Show.
AGVENTURE
Baby animals are the scene-stealers at Agventure in NRG Center. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s birthing center lets visitors welcome newborn livestock into the world. It’s hard for kids not to squeal with delight at the site of a litter of piglets. Or cheer for a wobbly calf taking its first steps. Watching a chick emerge from its shell is mesmerizing.
But Agventure isn’t all about baby animals, there are pony rides, milking demonstrations, a live beehive, tractors to climb, miniature livestock breeds, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities. For many urbanites, Agventure is their first exposure to the agricultural process. Volunteers are available to answer questions, and visitors can learn hard truths about livestock and what it means to be a rancher. There also are educational exhibits on commercial fishing, rainwater harvesting systems, composting and the landscape of Texas.
The Horticulture exhibit teaches the importance of soil composition, insects, worms, water and vegetation in urban and rural agriculture. Visitors can view a live ant colony and learn how to grow a garden. Agventure exhibits are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.