Happy Go Texan Day! 

How is the Rodeo already next week?! Weren’t we just ringing in the New Year five minutes ago? If your calendar is suddenly filling up with boots, mutton bustin’, and family fun — same here. 🤠  

Mark your Calendar for these key FREE family events happening around the city this weekend and 

beyond in full RODEOHOUSTON mode...

🤠

RODEOHOUSTON features Family Wednesdays offering free NRG Park grounds admission for seniors (60+) and children (12 and under) until noon. These days include special BOGO deals on carnival rides/games in The Junction and discounted food items until 4 pm. 

Important dates to know for the 2026 RODEOHOUSTON:

3/4 Family Wednesday

3/5 Sensory Friendly Day

3/11 Community Day FREE for ALL guests until Noon

3/19 Family Wednesday

Before I continue with what's to see and do, where are my Moms who are with newborns or nursing? Last year I saw the absolute nicest outdoor lounge with family restrooms and breastfeeding rooms. Heres' the 411 below!

Family Restrooms are designed for guests with disabilities and guests with small children. All family restrooms are accessible and equipped with baby changing tables.

NRG Stadium:

Level 100: 101, 112, 113, 117, 120, 121, 132, 133, 136, 140
Level 300: 303, 316, 322, 325, 331, 344, 350, 353
Level 500/600: 504, 508, 511, 518, 524, 530, 534, 538, 544, 550

NRG Center:

Inside halls A, B, C, D and E lobbies  

Universal Changing Restrooms are located in Hall C near First Aid in NRG Center and at section 133 in NRG Stadium across from the Guest Experience booth.

A mobile restroom can be found in the Junction restroom area. Fully accessible with universal changing stations. 

Quiet/Nursing Rooms

Family Rooms offer privacy and a quiet break from the noise. The facilities are climate controlled and located outside between the NRG Stadium, and NRG Astrodome, as well as a location at the exit of Fun on the Farm. There is one location inside NRG Stadium across from the Guest Experience booth at section 133. Baby changing tables are available in all restrooms in NRG Arena, NRG Center and NRG Stadium. For access to Family/Quiet Room, please call the Directions & Assistance line at 832.667.5000

Nursing Mothers

Breast pumps, baby formula, small cooler for milk and other nursing mother equipment is permitted inside of NRG Park. All equipment must be checked during the security screening process.

Nursing mother rooms are located behind the Guest Experience booth at section 133 inside NRG Stadium and inside Hall E and Hall A of NRG Center.

Did you know about the Sensory Friendly Guide provided by RODEOHOUSTON? Access it HERE

Rodeo Houston 2025 - Carnival Ride/ Image Credit: Melissa Martinez

For any Rodeo newbies, The Junction (Kid Zone) is where its at for the children, this is the heart of the family-friendly fun — often formerly called Kids Country, where you will find:

• 🐖 Pig Races — fast little pigs race around a track multiple times a day; big crowd-pleaser. 
• 🐐 Petting Zoo & Fun Exhibits — kids can see and interact with various animals. 
• 🎠 Junior Carnival & Rides — multiple kid-oriented rides and games (some require tickets). 
• 🚜 Fun on the Farm — a hands-on area where children can gather eggs, plant/harvest crops and even “milk” a cow. Plus a Goat Mountain with goats playing on rocks! 

👍 Tip: Many of these attractions are included with general admission to the grounds (rides/games cost extra). 

ALSO, if it's your child's first time, be sure to grab a 'My First Rodeo' button likely to be found at the HEB tent!

Our memory from our first Rodeo experience in 2025 was beyond the rides. We loved the pig races, and especially holding the baby piglet for a photo op; the farm walkthrough was so creative and well planned and BUT the petting zoo -  be careful with that one, a little goat knocked my then 5yr old smack into a puddle of their drinking water and needless to say, I was so glad I brought some extra clothes that day! 😅🙃

Carnival Area

• 🎢 A larger carnival with classic fair rides, games, fair food and attractions for all ages. 
• Often open late into the evening — perfect if you’re planning a longer day.

Fun on the Farm 

Inside The Junction, Fun on the Farm is an educational, interactive exhibition in its own right:

• Kids learn how everyday agricultural products are made from farm to market. 
• Hands-on farm chores make it very engaging for younger ages.

Rodeo Houston 2025 - Fun on the Farm / Image Credit: Melissa Martinez

AGVENTURE (Inside NRG Center)

For a slightly more educational-meets-interactive experience:

• Exhibits about agriculture, animal life cycles, crops, garden science, and more. 
• Often includes petting areas, pony/animal exhibits, and exhibits on bees, bugs, soil, etc. (this is based on how AGVENTURE has run in recent years). 

Mutton Bustin’ (Kids Riding Sheep)

While this is a participatory activity rather than a casual attraction:

• Kids ages 5–6 can ride a sheep in a fun event called Mutton Bustin’. 
• It’s very popular and often draws families; you’ll see this happening in The Junction area too. (We definitely want to to do that this year!)

Performances & Entertainment

There’s usually a live stage in or near The Junction with singers, animal acts, sing-alongs or performances — great for breaks between walking and rides.

Food & Treats

• Classic fair foods (corn dogs, turkey legs, funnel cakes, etc.) and kid-friendly snacks and desserts are sprinkled throughout the grounds.

Lastly, here's some General tips and more...

• Arrival & Time: Most family attractions are open mid-morning to early evening. 
• Tickets: General grounds admission gives you access to most areas; rides and game tickets cost extra. 
• Plan for Walking: The event is large — bring comfortable shoes, stroller/wagon for little kids, sunscreen and water.
• Special Days: Be sure to especially check out Family Wednesdays and other special days for free or discounted rides/admissions.

Thanks to AI, here's a stress-free itinerary example below for you on the best way to have a fun day and maximize your family's RODEOHOUSTON experience this year:

The “Ideal Family Day” (Arrive 10–11 am, Leave Before Dinner)

🎡 1️⃣ Start at The Junction (First 2 Hours)

Go here FIRST before crowds build.

Do in this order:

• 🐖 Pig Races (check showtimes immediately)
• 🚜 Fun on the Farm walkthrough (interactive + educational + contained)
• 🐐 Petting Zoo
• 🧗 Goat Mountain climbing area

👉 Why first?
Kids are fresh. Animals are active. Lines are shortest.

🎢 2️⃣ Junior Carnival (Late Morning)

Stick to:

• Smaller rides (no 45-minute lines)
• 3–5 rides max
• 1 game with a guaranteed win

💡 Pro tip: Buy a small ride pack ahead of time so you’re not fumbling with tickets.

🍗 3️⃣ Early Lunch (11:45–12:15 Sweet Spot)

Eat before the noon rush.

Kid wins:

• Corn dogs
• Turkey legs (fun to share)
• Funnel cake as a “we survived” reward

Then take a shaded break.

🐄 4️⃣ AGVENTURE in NRG Center (Cool Down Time)

This is your:

• Air-conditioning reset
• Quieter indoor animal viewing
• Educational but hands-on moment

Great if energy is dipping.

🎤 5️⃣ Leave Before the 4PM Wall

Unless you’re staying for the rodeo show/concert, this is your cue to exit.
Traffic and crankiness both spike around 4–6 PM.

Have yourself a wonderful time, take lots of family pictures and stay safe. 

If you found this article helpful, please tag us in any of your fun pics @mackiddowntownhouston or @mackidpearland 🙂📸

⭐️  

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