The 2026 Houston Rodeo runs March 2–22 and features an expanded carnival midway, educational exhibits, ranch horse shows, live animals, and nightly concerts. It’s one of the largest events of its kind in the world and has made a lasting impact on the livestock industry, the sport of rodeo, and the lives of thousands of Texas youth.
Mission of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™:
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage, and provides year-round educational support within the community.
For families visiting with kids, it’s an incredible way to introduce them to agriculture, animals, and Texas traditions—all while having a ton of fun.
Our Favorite Kid Spot: The Junction
If you’re visiting the rodeo with children, make The Junction your first stop.
This area is designed specifically for families and ended up being the highlight of our day. The interactive farm experience was a huge hit with my boys. Kids move through stations where they collect eggs, plant crops, and learn how food goes from the farm to our tables. It’s hands-on, engaging, and surprisingly educational.
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Another favorite was the baby chick hatching exhibit in the AgVenture area (Air Conditioned!). Watching chicks hatch in real time had the kids completely captivated.
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The Pig Races (Our Unexpected Favorite)
One of the most entertaining moments of the day was cheering on the pig races. Kids gather around the track, pick their favorite pig, and cheer as the little racers dash toward the finish line.
Our boys chose Piggie #3, and when that pig crossed the finish line first they were ecstatic. Even hours later they were still talking about it.
Mutton Bustin’ Was Adorable
We also stopped to watch Mutton Bustin’, where young riders hold on tight and try to ride a sheep across the arena. It’s easily one of the cutest events at the rodeo and had the crowd cheering loudly for every kid brave enough to hop on.
A Lesson We Learned About the Rides
One tip from our experience: don’t skip the rides located near The Junction.
We assumed the rides in the main carnival midway would be the same, so we waited and headed there later in the day. They are definitely not the same.
The rides near The Junction are designed specifically for younger kids and are much more age-appropriate.
Also, if you plan to ride rides in the future, buy carnival ride packs ahead of time. Buying them onsite was much more expensive, and I definitely wasn’t about to spend $50 for four people to ride the Ferris wheel. Lesson learned for next year.
Learn more about ride packs here:
https://www.rodeohouston.com/plan-your-visit/carnival/
A Fun Surprise: Coca-Cola Cherry Float
One unexpected highlight was stumbling across a Coca-Cola tasting event at 3 p.m., where they were sampling a new flavor called Cherry Float. It was a fun surprise break during the day and something the kids thought was really cool.
Helpful Tools for Planning Your Visit
The RODEOHOUSTON app was very helpful during the day because it uses your location in real time to help navigate the massive grounds.
We did have trouble purchasing tickets through the app, but you can easily buy them when you arrive.
Good news for families: Children 2 and under are free to attend.
The rodeo website also has a fun Kids Corner with worksheets and activities. My boys especially loved building their own “Howdy!” character.
Explore the Kids Corner Activities
Check RODEOHOUSTON.com for daily schedules since concerts and events change nightly.
Special Rodeo Days to Know
- Family Wednesdays (March 4 & March 18, 2026) – Free admission for seniors 60+ and children 12 and under until noon. BOGO rides and games in the Junction Carnival until 4 p.m.
- Volunteer Appreciation Day (March 12, 2026) – Celebrating the volunteers who help make the rodeo possible.
- Go Tejano Day (March 15, 2026) – A vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture featuring mariachi performances, live entertainment, and traditional dance.
Our Best Tips for Visiting the Houston Rodeo With Kids
- Hats and sunscreen are a must.
- Dress kids in athletic or quick-dry clothing.
- Bring lots of water and snacks unless you want to pay about $5 per bottle.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring a portable handheld fan.
- Take breaks throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
The Houston Rodeo is truly one of those Texas traditions every family should experience. Between the interactive farm, pig races, adorable Mutton Bustin’, and all the animal exhibits, there’s so much for kids to explore.
For our family, the highlight might just have been cheering on Piggie #3 to victory—and judging by how often my boys have talked about it since, it’s a rodeo memory they won’t forget anytime soon.
