Taking the family to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?
Here’s a small sampling of kid-friendly events.
Family Wednesday: March 13
Free admission for seniors over 60 and children 12 and under until noon. BOGO rides and games in the Junction Carnival area until 4 p.m. Discounted food & beverage at three stands until 4 p.m. (all $3)
Community Day: March 6
Free admission for all guests until noon. Same discounts as above.
The Junction (Carnival)
Enjoy rides and games from 11a.m. to Midnight (M-F), 10am – Midnight (Sat&Sun). The Junction, previously called Kids Country, is a kid-focused area that tests visitors’ sense of adventure with rides, games and fun exhibits. Parents enjoy this area as much as the kids, with classic carnival games and rides, including the antique double carousel. Hours subject to weather conditions. Tickets will not be refunded due to weather closures.
Born to Buck 10am – 9pm
Extreme Dogs 11am, 1,4, & 6pm
Mutton Bustin 11am – 7pm
Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo
Children with special get the opportunity to be a rodeo star with playful stick horse races, seesaws turned into bulls and hay barrels resembling steers. See website for more details.
The Special Children’s Committee interfaces with schools and social service agencies for groups to attend Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo. If your child would like to participate, contact your child’s school district’s special education department or a support association that serves your child’s needs.
Pony Rides
10 am – 9 pm • $7
Over in the Agventure section of the Rodeo. Who doesn’t love a good pony ride?!
Fun on the Farm
Fun on the Farm allows children to explore the world of agriculture by following the process of producing agricultural products, from farm to market. Children can help with farm chores such as gathering eggs, planting and harvesting crops and milking a cow. Be sure and check out Goat Mountain, where goats frolic on a rocky hill.
10 am – 7 pm (hours subject to weather)
Petting zoo
Daily from 10 am – 9 pm
Pig Races
Daily: 11:30 am.; 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm; 3:30 pm; 4:30 pm; 5:30 pm; 6:30 pm
The perky piglets race around a 150-foot track in only a few seconds, all dashing for sweets waiting at the finish line.
For more specifics, visit www.rodeohouston.com
First timers?
No matter how old you are there is nothing more exciting than your first rodeo. There’s something to see and do nearly everywhere you look, plenty of action, and lots of old-fashioned fun. If you’re expecting to spend a couple of hours watching guys in hats ride livestock of various sorts you are in for a surprise.
History of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The first Houston Stock Show and Livestock Exposition began in January 1931 and was focused on livestock. It wasn’t until 1942 that the first entertainer took to the stage, a man by the name of Gene Autry.
The HLSR has been an important part of the Houston community since it’s inception. Since the beginning it has enhanced the lives of thousands of young people through over 375 million dollars committed to scholarships, as well as its annual commitment of $100,000 to Texas colleges to support research. You can get more information on scholarships here and if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer call the membership office at 832-667-1073.
Here are some tips for you first timers to get the most out of the Houston Rodeo.
Rodeo 101
Here are some top tips from veteran rodeo fans.
- Keep a packet of baby wipes and hand sanitizer in your bag whether you have a baby or not.
There are a lot of ways to get messy.
- Funnel cakes as big as your face – enough said.
- Be sure to ride on the Western Hemisphere’s largest portable Ferris Wheel. Best view ever!
- Deep fried pecan pie should be on every Texan’s list of can’t miss foods.
- It can take up to two hours to get parked and get your ticket, even if you’ve paid for it and are just picking it up. Be sure to plan for long waits and get there early.
- The Yellow Lot (OST1) located at 2103 South Braeswood is the most convenient public parking area to the rodeo.
- Visit the livestock barns but keep in mind that the animals are often tense because of the unaccustomed activity. Don’t stick fingers into stalls or try to pet or feed the animals unless the owner gives his permission.
- Bring along some eye drops and Benadryl if you have a child that is sensitive to allergens. Cow or horse dander can be just as troublesome as cat or dog dander to someone with allergies.
- There are special seats for the visually or hearing impaired rodeo guest. They are sold on a first come first serve basis so contact the ticket office at 832-667-1080 if this is something you’ll need.
- When you first enter the arena there will be some vendors. Resist the urge to buy because there are many more vendors in Reliant Center.
- Young children will need a stroller – even if they are 4 or 5 and have mastered walking. If you don’t have a stroller you’ll be carrying a child at some point.
- You’ll have to check your stroller in the stadium so be sure to take an extra diaper, bottle, and pacifier with you. It’s a hassle to have to run out to get something from the stroller.
- Not all of the family bathrooms have changing stations. Be prepared for that possibility and bring a changing pad along.
- If you have a child that startles easily or has issues with loud noises bring headphones and load soothing music on your smartphone in case you need to drown out some of the noise.
- Choose a very lightweight stroller if possible. If you’ll be using public transportation it can be a huge hassle to wrestle a stroller on and off. A light umbrella stroller is much easier to deal with.
First Things First – Schedule and Tickets
The first thing that you are going to want to do is get tickets. It’s not as easy as it sounds because there are a variety of concerts and special activities scheduled for certain days. Look over the schedule carefully so that you can see the things that interest you most whether it’s Cody Johnson or the Mutton Bustin’ Contest.
www.rodeohouston.com/ExhibitorContestant/LivestockShow/Schedule.aspx
You’ll also find maps, parking information, and just about anything else you might need. You can buy tickets online
Ticket prices vary depending on the shows that you want to see and the seats that you want to get. Children under the age of two are free. Season passes are available – and they’re a great idea if there are several things that you want to see on different days.
Getting there & Parking
Parking lots within walking distance of NRG Park are available for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ visitors to utilize. All Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo parking lots are cashless. Rate is $25. Best bet is to take an Uber, the Metro Rail or the Park & Ride. For information on locations, times and drop off areas: https://www.rodeohouston.com/plan-your-visit/parking-transportation/.
The App for Your Phone Is a MUST!
- Parking information and availability.
- Friend finder
- Maps
- Show Schedule
- Shopping and dining information including reviews
- Concert dates and times including ticket information
- Information about the athletes, scores, etc.
- Rodeo social media
- Camera with customized frames
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- No outside food or beverage unless it’s a medical necessity
- No glass containers
- No professional camera equipment or lenses over 12-inches long
- No laser pointers
- All backpacks, purses and diaper bags are permissible but subject to search
- No animals other than service animals
- No obscene, indecent, or offensive clothing as determined by Reliant Park
- No clothing that intentionally obscures your face
- No smoking
- No firearms
- NRG Center Room 109 and Hall C Lobby
- Just outside the front of NRG Arena and inside the main doors facing the carnival
- Southeast entrance of NRG Stadium
What to Wear
You are going to be doing a lot of walking so the main thing is to wear comfortable shoes – and a pair that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rodeos are lots of fun but, they are not the cleanest environments in the world. While boots are always appropriate, don’t wear any that are not well broken in.
Keep in mind that the weather in Houston in March can be problematic. It could be chilly in the morning, then heat up in the afternoon. While average temperatures range from the 50s to the 70s you could find yourself sweating in an unseasonable 85 degrees or shivering in the midst of an unexpected cold front. Dress everyone in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes.
First Aid
There are three first aid stations available should you need them. They are staffed by professional medical personnel and equipped to handle most medical emergencies.
There’s a lot of fun things to do, and everyone has a different hit list.
Be sure to check out the visitor’s guide for a full breakdown of activities.
www.rodeohouston.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026_Visitors-Guide_outlined.pdf
Here are a few ‘Don’ts’
There aren’t many rules but here are some that you need to be aware of before you go.
Make Memories
That first rodeo is a never to be forgotten experience. Make the most of your Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo visit by preparing ahead of time, planning for your comfort, and checking the schedule so that you see those things that are most important to you.
Take lots of pictures, try as many new foods as possible, and buy a bottle of Pepto Bismal on the way home. If you are like most people your first rodeo experience won’t be your last.
