File photo: The Midway entrance frames games and rides in daylight.
Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas
Tuesday, Sept. 29, is the first chance this season to combine the State Fair of Texas' redesigned Kidway with its Tuesday ride discounts. For families whose visit centers on rides, the day changes the coupon calculation as well as the admission decision.
The fair says Kidway has a larger footprint and a new layout for 2026. Most of its rides cost five coupons on ordinary days and three on Tuesdays. The area remains part of the main Midway, distinct from the new Little Lone Stars Land for younger children. The fair's children's-area changes
File photo: Yellow plastic ducks float in a Midway game.
Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas
Across the Midway, the Tuesday offer puts most rides at four coupons and selected kiddie rides at three. The Texas Star and Thrillway are excluded. Those exceptions matter for anyone budgeting around a particular attraction rather than a general allowance for rides. Official Midway pricing and exclusions
The fair does not sell an unlimited-ride wristband. Individual attractions have posted height requirements, so a family's planned ride list should reflect both the coupon cost and who can actually participate. Ride admission rules
File photo: Texas Skyway gondolas pass in front of the Texas Star Ferris wheel.
Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas
Admission requires a separate purchase. The fair advertises a Tuesday-and-Thursday online offer of $12 including fees through its promotional program. It requires the appropriate code and is limited to four tickets per order; it is not the ordinary walk-up gate price. The promotion runs through Oct. 15. Tuesday and Thursday ticket terms
For a Prosper family using the opening week's first Tuesday, those are two independent decisions: obtain the right admission ticket, then set a ride budget. A cheaper ticket does not include the rides.
File photo: Fair visitors pose with stuffed animal prizes.
Photo Credit: State Fair of Texas
The Midway opens at 11 a.m. Sunday through Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday. Arriving when the grounds open at 10 a.m. Tuesday leaves an hour before the listed ride opening, so an exhibit or other activity may be a better first stop. Current operating hours
The redesign changes where families spend their time; Sept. 29 changes how far their ride coupons can go. The admission code, ride exclusions and children's height requirements are the details to settle before choosing an attraction.
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