By the time I started this blog, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo event was already well underway. However, we still have a few days left so I thought I would share information about our experience (from this year and previous years).
First things first, it's not in the Museum District. However, it is just a quick metro ride away. (See my Instagram post on this for easy steps if that intimidates you. This is our favorite way to arrive because the metro drops you right at one of the main entrances.) There is also plenty of thoughtfully-planned parking at the event. We have done the parking onsite, arriving to the door by one of the tractor-pulled trams. We have also done a park-and-ride option from the Medical Center, arriving by shuttle buses, watching coverage of the rodeo events along the way. Both options were great!
That brings me to my second point: This event is very well-organized. When we first moved to Houston several years ago, I was intimidated about the prospect of chaos. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find that Rodeo Houston is a well-oiled machine thanks in large part to its massive force of dedicated, friendly volunteers. I say all that to encourage you to try it out if you are curious but somewhat hesitant. It can definitely be crowded on weekend afternoons, but it is managed well (in my opinion).
Go early in the day if at all possible for the best chance at a calmer experience. Weekday mornings are typically pretty light, and weekend mornings are relatively calm, too. Also, I have found the overcast days or days with light rain are less crowded. Since many of the attractions are indoors, this works out great if you have very little kids (babies and young toddlers) who care less about the rides.
Download the app! It is super helpful. There are also handy printed programs upon arrival and at the information booths, but the app has the most detailed information and an interactive map of the park.
The Grounds Ticket gets you entry to just about everything except the professional rodeo competition and the concert.
Rodeo Houston is one of my absolute favorite events all year! We typically go multiple times. My dear husband has to tolerate country music day and night at home from late February through March. It's fun--with or without kids, but it is definitely neat to see things through their eyes. And, back to that organization piece, they have hand sanitizers and cleaning staff everywhere, and that just makes life easier. Here are some of my fav stops with kids.
AGVENTURE is housed in the NRG Center (Hall A, toward the right side of the building if you are facing the front of the building). The place is huge, and, honestly, very young children can spend an entire day in this building alone if they love animals. Since it is indoors, it's perfect for hot or rainy days. When we go, we enjoy these highlights:
Petting Zoo: My daughter adores this place. We went the other day, and I started to wonder if I would have to spend my entire night in the pen with the animals. She was running around after them and asking the attendants questions. It is free to enter, but the line can get long. If you see that the line is short, strike while the iron is hot! There is a charge for the animal feed if you want to feed the animals. NOTE 1: If at all possible, wear closed-toed shoes and preferably comfortable boots. With so many animals...things can get messy. This is not an affiliate link, but I have purchased these cute and comfy boots from Target for my daughter for the past 3 years. I find they are easier for her to walk in all day than "real" cowgirl boots. NOTE 2: Take care when feeding. Listen closely to the attendants. Once, the feed spilled on my and my niece's skirts, and the goats instantly started to eat our skirts, ha ha! Just be careful, but it's fun.
Behind the petting zoo, there are pony rides. So far, I have been able to avoid this and the extra charge it incurs. However, my friends often let their kids ride, and I fear the bell may soon toll for me as my daughter has recently expressed interest. I dread waiting in the long line, but sometimes you can catch it when the line is short. I DID ride a camel with my niece once in the carnival area, and that was a blast!
Animals Everywhere! Throughout the building, you can see animals. Our must-see stops (all of them free) are:
The baby pigs, cows, and more at the Birthing Center
The baby chicks hatching in real time
The bee hives and the nearby station to plant a sunflower
The variety of cow breeds--especially the Texas Longhorn--and the miniature animals
The Milking Parlor
#2. Construction Vehicles In the same building as AGVENTURE, there are typically John Deere tractors and other construction vehicles on site that kids can climb into. There are also pickup trucks on display, and young kids love pretending to test drive them.
#3. The School Art Displays
In the same building as AGVENTURE, on the opposite end, you will find hundreds of paintings and drawings from area children competing in the art show. The talent warrants at least a quick look. Many of the pieces are stunning--paintings so detailed they look like photos! It is also fun to see what the very littlest competitors submit. If you don't have time to see them in person, you can check out the online gallery.
#4. The Little Farm
Not too far from the NRG Center (exit out of the front of the building on the side close to AGVENTURE, walk between the entrance and outdoor restaurant booths to enter the carnival), you can find the Little Farm. We only stumbled upon this a couple of years ago, and I hate my niece missed out when she was little. It's so cute with adorable photo ops everywhere you turn. Kids pretend to plant a seed, harvest it, milk a cow, and collect an egg. They get to play in cracked corn, see chickens and goats, and learn about wool. Then, they take their harvest to market, earn "money," and buy a treat from the "store." All of this is free!
In this quirky rodeo classic, 5 and 6 year olds attempt to hang on as they ride sheep. It is a good event to rest your feet and enjoy a snack from one of the nearby vendors. Even if you don't want to hang out, have a quick look at the sometimes-hilarious-sometimes-nail-biting festivities. Your kiddo can even sign up to participate if they meet the requirements.
#6. The Carnival Rides & Games
Of course, kids tend to love the classic carnival rides and games. There are ticket booths on site as most of the carnival attractions require tickets. The price isn't cheap, but it is typical for carnival visits. I try to make this the last stop on the way out of the door so I don't end up spending a fortune. The kids have a blast, though.
#7. The NRG Arena (AKA the Horse Show Arena)
Our family loves stopping here! First, the arena is generally calm. You can take a seat and watch amateur rodeo games (depending on the schedule for the day but we just pop in and see what's happening). Then, walk over to the far side of the building to visit with kids who are showing off the animals they have raised. We always enjoy talking to the kids and learning about the rabbits, llamas, alpacas, and more. Check the schedule in the app before you go to be sure the animals are present before you walk all the way over here to see them.
Well, my kid is crawling all over me now, so I will go. What are your favorite rodeo stops?
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