State Fair of Texas Family Trip For $70 (Food Included!)

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The State Fair of Texas is a must-attend event for families, but costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fair without breaking the bank. This guide will show you how to plan a budget-friendly day at the fair, complete with discounted admission options and affordable food, so your family can have a fun-filled experience for $70.

Admission Discounts by Day of the Week

Here's a breakdown of the best admission discounts available throughout the week, with a special focus on Value Days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which provide significant savings for families, as well as Feed the Need Wednesdays.

• Feed the Need Wednesdays Discount: Donate five canned food items to the North Texas Food Bank and receive admission for just $5 per person. Availability: Discount available until 5:00 PM on Wednesdays. Perfect For: Families looking to give back while enjoying significant savings.
• Senior Citizens Thursdays Discount: Seniors (60 years and older) get in for only $5. Perfect For: Multi-generational families where grandparents can take advantage of this deal.
• Value Days on Tuesdays and Thursdays Discount: Admission is $10 per person if you sign up as a Big Tex Insider and use the promo code. Sign up here to receive the code. Perfect For: Families who want lower-cost admission with a bit of advanced planning.
• After 5 PM Deal (Any Day) Discount: All visitors pay the child ticket price after 5 PM, which is approximately $15 per person. Perfect For: Families visiting in the evening for cooler weather and reduced prices.
• First Responders and Military Discounts Discount: Active military, veterans, and first responders (and their families) receive a $5 discount every day. Perfect For: Service families who want to enjoy the fair together at a discounted rate.

Low-Cost Food Options at the Fair

On Thrifty Thursdays, food vendors across the fairgrounds offer discounted signature items. Here are some of the best low-cost options, with the vendor names included in parentheses:

• Pineapple Ice Cream Cone – $4 (Pineapple Man)
• Cheese Nachos – $4 (Pizza & Nachos)
• Hot Dogs – $5 (Texas Burgers, Dogs & More)
• Mini Funnel Cake – $7 (Granny's Funnel Cakes)
• Fried Oreos – $6 (Stiffler's Sweet Spot)
• Corn in a Cup – $3 (Backyard Steakout)
• Small Gelato – $5 (Eataly)
• Bacon Cheddar Ranch Fries – $6 (Gulf Coast Grill)

A Budget Plan for a Family of 4

Here's a sample plan for a family of four attending the fair on Value Days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) or Feed the Need Wednesdays. This plan includes discounted admission, affordable food options, and free activities to make the most of your day.

Plan for Value Days (Tuesday)

1. Admission Cost Admission is $10 per person with the Big Tex Insider promo code found here. Total Admission: $10 x 4 = $40
2. Food Budget (Regular Pricing on Tuesday)

• Pineapple Ice Cream Cone ($6 x 4) = $24
• Cheese Nachos ($6 x 2) = $12
• Hot Dogs ($7 x 2) = $14

Total Food Cost: $24 + $12 + $14 = $50
3. Free Activities

• Big Tex's Discovery Farm: Explore agriculture through fun, interactive exhibits (free).
• Livestock Birthing Barn: Watch live animal births and learn about Texas livestock (free).
• All-Star Stunt Dog Show: A must-see show with trained rescue dogs performing fun tricks (free).
• Petting Zoo: Kids can interact with goats, pigs, and other farm animals (free).
• Big Tex Photo: Take a memorable family photo with the famous Big Tex statue (free).
• Kroger Starlight Parade: Enjoy the colorful floats and performances in the nightly parade (free).
• Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation: End the night with a spectacular fireworks and light show (free).

Total Cost Breakdown for a Tuesday Visit: Admission: $40 Food: $50 Total for the Day: $90

Plan for Feed the Need Wednesdays

1. Admission Cost Admission is $5 per person with a donation of five canned goods per person. Total Admission: $5 x 4 = $20
2. Food Budget (Regular Pricing on Wednesday)

• Pineapple Ice Cream Cone ($6 x 4) = $24
• Cheese Nachos ($6 x 2) = $12
• Hot Dogs ($7 x 2) = $14

Total Food Cost: $24 + $12 + $14 = $50
3. Free Activities

• Big Tex's Discovery Farm: Explore agriculture through fun, interactive exhibits (free).
• Livestock Birthing Barn: Watch live animal births and learn about Texas livestock (free).
• All-Star Stunt Dog Show: A must-see show with trained rescue dogs performing fun tricks (free).
• Petting Zoo: Kids can interact with goats, pigs, and other farm animals (free).
• Big Tex Photo: Take a memorable family photo with the famous Big Tex statue (free).
• Kroger Starlight Parade: Enjoy the colorful floats and performances in the nightly parade (free).
• Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation: End the night with a spectacular fireworks and light show (free).

Total Cost Breakdown for a Feed the Need Wednesday Visit: Admission: $20 Food: $50 Total for the Day: $70

Plan for Thrifty Thursdays

1. Admission Cost Admission is $10 per person with the Big Tex Insider promo code. Total Admission: $10 x 4 = $40
2. Food Budget (Discounted Pricing on Thursday)

• Pineapple Ice Cream Cone ($4 x 4) = $16
• Cheese Nachos ($4 x 2) = $8
• Hot Dogs ($5 x 2) = $10

Total Food Cost: $16 + $8 + $10 = $34
3. Free Activities

• Big Tex's Discovery Farm: Explore agriculture through fun, interactive exhibits (free).
• Livestock Birthing Barn: Watch live animal births and learn about Texas livestock (free).
• All-Star Stunt Dog Show: A must-see show with trained rescue dogs performing fun tricks (free).
• Petting Zoo: Kids can interact with goats, pigs, and other farm animals (free).
• Big Tex Photo: Take a memorable family photo with the famous Big Tex statue (free).
• Kroger Starlight Parade: Enjoy the colorful floats and performances in the nightly parade (free).
• Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation: End the night with a spectacular fireworks and light show (free).

Total Cost Breakdown for a Thrifty Thursday Visit: Admission: $40 Food: $34 Total for the Day: $74

With careful planning and by taking advantage of Value Days or Feed the Need Wednesdays, a family of four can enjoy a full day at the State Fair of Texas for as little as $70. From discounted tickets to affordable food options and plenty of free activities, you can experience the magic of the fair without spending a fortune. Don't forget to check out the discount page before you go, and have a great time at the fair!