Rodeo Austin With Kids: What You Need To Know

Attending the rodeo with your kids can be easy and fun- as long as you know all the hot tips before you go! Is the wristband worth it? Do I have to pay for parking? Are the shows included in the price? We will tell you! If you plan on going to Rodeo Austin with your kids, here’s what you need to know.

Rodeo Austin With Kids

Address

9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin

Dates and Hours: March 8-23, 2024

March 8, 2024 fairgrounds open at 3 p.m.
March 9-23, 2024 fairgrounds open at 10 a.m. daily.
ProRodeo beings at 7 p.m. Mon-Sat and 3 p.m. on Sundays

Carnival Hours of Operation
Friday, March 8: 4:00 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17: 11 a.m. – close
Monday, March 18 – Friday, March 22: 4 – close
Saturday, March 23: 11 a.m. – close

**Carnival opening time varies by day. Carnival closing time is subject to change without notice. For the safety of our guests, rides are subject to closure due to weather.**

Where To Park

Public parking is $20 per vehicle cash or credit card onsite, or now for purchase in advance online. Public parking is accessible through GATE 3 and GATE 4, on Decker Lake Road. Permits are required for GATE 1 and GATE 2, on Decker Lane. Rideshare patrons, livestock show exhibitors, and all buses please use GATE 1. We request all buses notify Rodeo Austin 24-hours in advance of your arrival at 512-919-3000.

Rodeo Austin With Kids

Admission and Tickets

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking BUY TICKETS.

Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the ticket windows during operating hours. Cars that enter to purchase tickets will be subject to the parking fee.

Children 2 years old and younger are granted free Fairgrounds admission and free ProRodeo & Concert admission if seated on a parent’s lap. Children 2 years old and younger will be subject to Carnival ride fees.

All sales final. No refunds or exchanges. Carnival rides are subject to closure due to weather.

FREE Rodeo!

Did you know that there’s one way to get into the Rodeo for FREE?! It’s during the kids’ Rodeo Rumble on March 9, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. The Rodeo Austin Rodeo Rumble Kids’ 1K Fun Run is a FREE event for children ages 12 and under and held on the Fairgrounds. After they run the race, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the rodeo for free the rest of the day.

The Animals

Chances are your kids will want to see some animals when you come to the Rodeo! The pig races are always a big hit, as are the livestock exhibits. Don’t miss the pony rides at the Petting Zoo area. The ProRodeo is daily at 7 p.m. (3 p.m. on Sundays) and is where you can watch the main Rodeo competition like bull riding and mutton busting.

Carnival: Are the wristbands worth it?

There are over 60 rides and games your kids will no doubt want to experience during your time at the Rodeo. They sell all the typical fried and sugary fair foods as well. You must have a fairground ticket to enter the carnival, but do not need a carnival wristband to enter the carnival area. You only need the wristband if you plan on riding the rides. Most rides are $3-4 each if you do not want to purchase a wristband. The wristbands would not be a good purchase for kids smaller than 36″ (you might not really get your money’s worth). Kids under 36″ will only have about 8 rides to ride for their height.

For those kids, or kids who just want to play games, you might consider purchasing a Magic Money card instead of a wristband. To ride individual rides or play games, you must purchase a Magic Money card. You can buy the cards at kiosks in the fairground or through the app. You can also use the cards to purchase food and beverages throughout the fairgrounds. Cards are $2 but reloads are free. You can also use them for pony rides at the petting zoo. Save your cards for next year (the credits will still be good).

Unlimited Ride Wristbands ($45) are valid for any one day March 9-23, 2024 during the Carnival’s operating hours for that date. Carnival Wristbands do not include the thrill ride – Power.

*Spring Break Wristbands ($25) are valid for any one day March 11-14, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Carnival Wristbands do not include the thrill ride – Power.

*After School Wristbands ($25) are valid for any one day March 18-21, 2024 from 4:00 PM to close. Carnival Wristbands do not include the thrill ride – Power.

Please note that Carnival Wristbands do not include admission to the Fairgrounds or ProRodeo & Concert. If you have purchased a Carnival Wristband, you must also purchase a Fairgrounds or ProRodeo & Concert admission ticket separately to gain admission to the Carnival area.

Food/Drinks

Vendors will accept Magic Money cards and credit/debit cards. Here’s the list of all the food vendors this year.

You Need These Tips

• They will check your bags upon arrival. Outside food or drink is not allowed (except for baby items). Coolers not allowed.
• No clear bag policy.
• Pets not allowed.
• Strollers are allowed and encouraged! There will be a lot of walking and your kids will complain (a lot). The ground is mostly paved, but some areas aren’t or are very bumpy. We were fine with an umbrella stroller but a jogging stroller definitely would have been easier.
• If you go on a hot day, make sure you sunscreen everyone, wear hats, and drink plenty of water!
• Most vendors will accept credit cards this year, but it would be smart to bring a bit of cash as well, just in case.

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