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 to make sure you’re prepared for the biggest and best of Austin Texas rodeos! If you plan on going to Rodeo Austin with kids, here’s what you need to know.
Austin Rodeo 2026 With Kids
Address for the Texas Austin Rodeo
9100 Decker Lake Rd, Austin
Austin Rodeo Schedule
Dates and Hours: March 13-28, 2026
Fairgrounds Hours of Operation
March 13th: Opens at 3:00 PM
March 14th – 28th: Opens at 10:00 AM
ProRodeo & Concert Performances
March 14th – 28th: Performances begin at 7:00 PM Monday – Saturday and 3:00 PM on Sunday
Main Arena doors open one hour prior to the start time. Performances last around three hours.
Carnival Hours of Operation
Friday, March 13th: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday, March 14th – Sunday, March 22nd: 11:00 AM to close
Monday, March 23rd – Friday, March 27th: 4:00 PM to close
Saturday, March 28th: 11:00 AM to close
**Carnival opening time varies by day. Carnival closing time is subject to change without notice. Rides are subject to closure due to weather. Be sure to check ahead if you’re visiting Rodeo Austin with kids!**
Here is the full rodeo events schedule.
Austin Rodeo Parking
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.
Austin Rodeo Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking BUY TICKETS.
ProRodeo & Concert tickets range from $30-$65, Fairgrounds tickets range from $5-$10, Carnival Wristbands range from $25-$45 and Parking is $20.
Children 2 and under are free and do not require their own Fairgrounds and/or ProRodeo & Concert admission tickets.
Fairgrounds Tickets:
- One Day Child (Ages 3 to 12): $5
- Season Pass: $30
- Military & First Responders: $5
- Seniors (60+): $5
- Children 2 and Under: FREE
- One Day Adult (Ages 13+): $10
Carnival Wristbands
March 6 – 7 and 13 – 28, 2026
Daily Unlimited Ride Wristband: $45
Offers unlimited rides for any one day March 6-7 and 13-28, 2026.
Spring Break Wristband: $25
Our discounted Spring Break Wristband ($25) offers unlimited rides from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM for any one day – Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 20.
After School Wristband: $25
Our discounted After School Wristband ($25) offers unlimited rides from 4:00 PM to close for any one day – Monday, March 23 to Thursday, March 26.
Tickets are $2 Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Experience all Rodeo Austin has to offer on $2 Tuesday! Enjoy $2 Fairgrounds admission for both adults and children on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Select Carnival rides and games are just $2 all day!
$2 Tuesday Fairgrounds admission may be purchased online HERE, and are only valid on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Discounted Carnival rides and games must be purchased on-site, not available online.
Spring Break Carnival Wristband
The discounted Spring Break Wristband ($25) offers unlimited rides from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. for any one day – Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Carnival Wristbands do not include Fairgrounds admission, please purchase separately. Carnival Wristbands are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please make your selection carefully.
After School Carnival Wristband
The discounted After School Wristband ($25) offers unlimited rides from 4 p.m. to close for any one day – Monday, March 23 to Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Carnival Wristbands do not include Fairgrounds admission, please purchase separately. Carnival Wristbands are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please make your selection carefully.
Austin Rodeo Animals
If you’re visiting Rodeo Austin with kids, chances are your kids will want to see some animals! The pig races are always a big hit, as are the livestock exhibits. Don’t miss the pony rides and the Petting Zoo area. The ProRodeo 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. If you’re visiting Rodeo Austin with kids, you will no doubt want to get your money’s worth while you’re there. 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).
Austin Rodeo Food/Drinks
Vendors will accept Magic Money cards and credit/debit cards. Here’s the list of all the food vendors this year, we know you’ll need it if you’re visiting Rodeo Austin with kids.
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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