I might have grown up on the West Texas plains but I am, in no stretch of the imagination, a cowgirl. While those that live outside of our lil’ ol’ state tend to think we all have horses hitched up in our backyard and sport boots and spurs on a daily basis, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it just ain’t so.
However, each February I’m given the chance to dust off my boots and jeans, strap some western wear on my babies, don a cowboy hat and hightail it to the AT&T Center for some fair food, some horse ridin’, some cowboy watchin’ and a little country music to boot! The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has always been one of my favorite San Antonio happenings and adding kids to the mix just makes it all that much more fun. But hauling your babes out to the Rodeo can be a little daunting. Have no fear! I’m here with a little advice on how to do the San Antonio Rodeo in family friendly style.
Check out the line up of shows. Nearly every year, the San Antonio Rodeo has a family friendly entertainer. For 2014, Big Time Rush (as known from their Nickelodeon show) will be performing this Sunday, February 9. And kids LOVE watching the PRCA Rodeo that takes place before the music starts. This afternoon show starts at the kid-friendly time of 1pm and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Each Saturday and Sunday also offer 1pm Rodeo Shows with various entertainers as well.
Enjoy the Carnival Grounds! Take your kids on their first ferris wheel ride. Try your hand at the games and win one of those ridiculously oversized stuffed animals. Gnaw on a turkey leg or munch on some cotton candy. Carnival grounds are open Monday – Thursday – 4:00 p.m. until close and Friday, Saturday, Sunday and President’s Day Monday (Feb. 17th) – 11:00 a.m. until close.
My kids always love the Petting Zoo. They can get up close and personal with llamas, goats, sheep, and more. A word to the wise, wear close-toed, durable shoes!
If your kids have ever wondered where milk comes from, take them by the Dairy Center. The Dairy Center shows all aspects of…well…dairy production. See a live cow milking demonstration and don’t miss the Ag Magic Show. Hit up the The Dairy Bar while you’re there for ice cream and milk shakes.
And if you have smaller children, the Little Buckaroo Farm is a must. HEB does a great job sponsoring this 30,000 square foot exhibit. The Little Buckaroo Farm is both educational and interactive. It opens at noon today but then at 10am every other day of the Rodeo.
Pony Rides are adorable for your little tots. The pure bred Welsh ponies are miniature and are the perfect size for your littles first time on a horse. Our favorite has always been “Dr. Pepper”.
Swifty Swine Sprints are hilarious! Watch pigs race to the finish line and then see “Swifty” show off his swimming and diving skills. Shows run daily every two hours beginning at 11:30am.
And when we hit up the Rodeo to visit the fairgrounds and aren’t there for the PCRA Rodeo and headline entertainment, we always head to the back Expo Halls to watch the Horse Shows. You can watch barrel racing, team penning, the youth rodeo and more for no additional charge.
So get your little cowpokes geared up and head out to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo! The fun starts TODAY and runs through Sunday, February 23. Do you have any favorite rodeo events? Share in the comments below!
