State Fair of Texas Adds New Kids Area and Reimagined Kidway for 2026

Taking the kids to the State Fair of Texas this year? There are two big changes families will notice when the gates open later this month.

The State Fair is introducing Little Lone Stars Land, an entirely new area designed for toddlers and younger children, while also giving the longtime Kidway a major makeover for 2026.

Both areas will debut when the Fair opens Friday, September 25, at Fair Park.

A New Part of the Fair Just for Little Texans

Little Lone Stars Land will be located near the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion and is designed specifically for the Fair's youngest visitors.

Instead of families having to move between different parts of Fair Park to find age-appropriate attractions, the new area brings rides, games, entertainment, food, animals and play areas together in one location.

Families will find:

• Kiddie rides and fun houses
• Kid-friendly games
• Value-priced food and drinks
• The Coop, a play area specifically for toddlers and preschoolers
• The Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo
• Daily entertainment on the Fringe Stage

The petting zoo is moving from its previous home in the Pan Am Arena, while the Fringe Stage is relocating from its former spot near Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Some Familiar State Fair Faces Are Moving In, Too

Little Lone Stars Land will also feature more of the Fair's kid-friendly characters.

Little Big Tex, Amy Dillo and Champ will be featured throughout the area, and Amy Dillo and Champ will make their debut as roaming characters this year.

That means younger Fairgoers could run into them while exploring the new section.

Kidway Is Getting a Major Makeover

For kids ready for something beyond the toddler rides, the State Fair is also reworking its Kidway.

The redesigned area will remain in the heart of the Midway but will have an expanded footprint and a new layout, along with additional family-friendly rides and attractions.

A new Dr Pepper Kidway Stage will also feature daily performances from the Showstoppers.

The State Fair says the majority of Kidway rides will cost five coupons, with those rides dropping to three coupons on Tuesdays.

Tuesdays Could Save Families Some Money

The Tuesday discounts extend to the new Little Lone Stars Land as well.

Kiddie rides there will generally cost four coupons, but drop to three coupons on Tuesdays.

That fits into a broader effort by the State Fair this year to make a visit more affordable. Fair officials have already announced reduced admission and parking prices, $10 children's admission every day, lower Midway prices and a new Every Day Values program highlighting lower-cost food, rides, games and souvenirs.

What Parents Need to Know

Little Lone Stars Land
📍 Near the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion
🎡 Designed for toddlers and younger school-age children
🐐 Includes the Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo
🎭 Daily entertainment on the Fringe Stage
🛝 Includes The Coop toddler and preschool play area
🎟️ Kiddie rides: generally 4 coupons, 3 on Tuesdays

Reimagined Kidway
📍 State Fair Midway
🎡 Expanded layout and additional family attractions
🎤 New Dr Pepper Kidway Stage
🎟️ Most rides: 5 coupons, 3 on Tuesdays

The State Fair Opens September 25

The 2026 State Fair of Texas runs September 25 through October 18 at Fair Park in Dallas.

This year's theme is “Stars, Stripes, and Howdies!”, marking both America's 250th birthday and the State Fair of Texas' 140th anniversary.

For families with younger kids, Little Lone Stars Land could make one of the biggest differences this year — giving them a section of the Fair designed specifically around their size, interests and energy level.

And if the kids are ready for something a little bigger, the newly expanded Kidway is right there waiting.