As cooler Autumn temps roll across the Lone Star State, Texans look forward to taking part in family-friendly outdoor activities. There are endless opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy fall in Texas. We’ve curated some of the best for you to consider as you plan your family outings leading up to the holiday season!
State Fair of Texas
The big State Fair of Texas takes place annually at the end of September and the beginning of October. In 2023, dates run from September 29 through October 22. Check out their online schedule of events so you can make sure you catch your favorite fair events. Enjoy top musical acts 38 Special, X Ambassadors, Shane Smith & The Saints, and more. Take part in or watch livestock events like the Youth Rodeo, Mexican Fiesta Rodeo, and others.
South Texas Maize
Visit the Graff 7A Ranch in Hondo, Texas for all kinds of kid-friendly fun. Don’t leave Fido behind, because well-behaved dogs on leashes are more than welcome! Find your way through an 8-acre corn maze, bump along in an old-fashioned hay wagon, and ride a genuine barrel train. When the kids have more energy than you do, watch on as they frolic on the Hay Bale Jump or explore Cowboy Ken’s Kiddie Koral. Don’t go home empty-handed. Be sure to visit the pumpkin patch and choose your future Jack O’Lantern. Along the way, fuel up with warm apple cider, apple cider donuts, and other tasty treats.
Haunted Trails
Texas is home to nearly 30 million people, not including ghosts. In fact, many Texas cities have more than their fair share of spirits who just can’t get enough of the Lone Star State. Why not celebrate this Halloween with a haunted trail in one of several Texas cities? Stroll through cemeteries, haunted houses, and other areas while your guide regales you with spooky tales that will keep you awake at all hours, listening for bumps in the night. Be sure to check for age-appropriate haunted tours if you plan to bring the kiddos along.
Festival of Pumpkins
Lots of Texan families like to bake up a storm in the upcoming holiday season. If your mind is wandering toward pumpkin pies, tarts, muffins, and toasted pumpkin seeds, you’ll want to visit the Festival of Pumpkins in Paris, Texas. Every year, there’s a whole celebration centered around pumpkins, including live music, costume contests, decorating events, face painting, and lots more. This family-friendly event has been a community favorite for generations. This year, it’s held on October 28, so mark your calendar!
Zoo Boo
Combine your child’s love of animals with their zest for Halloween with a visit to Houston Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo event, running the entire month of October! This fun event welcomes families from all over the state. Costumes are encouraged, and lots of photo-op stations are located throughout the zoo. There’s a Giant Pumpkin, rides, a Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, and more. Opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry at 4 PM.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
Finally, don’t miss the annual Thanksgiving Day parade in downtown Houston on November 23, 2023. Despite what certain other cities would like you to believe (we’re talking to you, NYC), the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day parade is one of the oldest in the U.S. The parade runs over 20 city blocks, with fancy floats, marching bands, balloons, and more. If this year is anything like last year, you and your family will be in for lots of fun and excitement! Pick your spot along the parade path and get ready to welcome “you-know-who” as the finale!
The Texas Loo is proud to help events like the ones mentioned above in providing comfortable, sanitary, and visually attractive portable sanitation stations for the general public. If you need portable facilities for your small, medium, or large Texas event, contact The Texas Loo to learn more about our products and services. Happy Fall!