Kids Corner
Where Young Cowboys & Cowgirls Make Big Memories!
Welcome to Kids Corner, your family's guide to fun, learning, rodeo excitement, carnival adventures, animals, contests, crafts, entertainment and Fair traditions created especially for children and their families.
Select a section below to explore the activities, Kickoff Weekend events, Fair Week events, learning opportunities, and parent information.
Come Make Fair Memories!
Whether you're riding the carnival rides, cheering on young cowboys & cowgirls, visiting the animals, enjoying delicious Fair food, or discovering something new, Kids Corner is your family's destination for fun at the Guadalupe County Fair.
Activities
Carnival
Enjoy exciting rides, midway games, delicious treats, and family fun throughout the Fair. There are rides and attractions for children of all ages.
Advance Carnival Armbands may be purchase from now till
the day before the Fair begins.
Savings are substantial. Here is how it works.
-
Armbands are valid for one continuous 6 hour period.
They are good during Fair hours for any day of the Fair
and the clock starts with the first ride.
It is good for all rides.
NOTE: Child must be 36 inches tall for most rides.
Armbands purchased before the Fair will cost $28.63.
If you choose to purchase at the Fair, the cost is $30.00 per armband.
Face Painting
Let your imagination come alive as talented artists transform children into animals, superheroes, princesses, cowboys, cowgirls, and more.
Arts & Crafts
Young artists can create fun keepsakes and explore their creativity through a variety of hands-on projects.
Petting Zoo
Get an up-close look at friendly animals and enjoy one of the Fair's favorite hands-on experiences for children and families.
Games & Hands-On Fun
Kids can join in games and other hands-on activities offered during the Fair, with plenty of opportunities to play, create, explore, and have fun.
Pet Show
Celebrate the special bond between children and their pets at this fun family Fair event.
Little Rascal
BOX CAR RACE
Build a box car at home, bring it to the Fair, and put your pit crew to work in this exciting kids race.
Kickoff Weekend
Saturday Oct 02, 2027
Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day
Saddle up for a full day of Wild West fun created especially for our young cowboys and cowgirls.
Kids' Day begins with the Little Rascal Box Car Race and continues throughout the afternoon with cornhole, sack racing, the Funny Farm Race, Stick Horse Stampede, Pig Wranglin' and Mutton Bustin' Bonanza.
Families planning to participate in several events can enter all Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day events for $100 and save $20.
Please pay close attention to the check-in time for each event. Check-in takes place before the scheduled competition time.
Little Rascal
BOX CAR RACE
Start Kids' Day with a race car built by your own family!
Young racers carry their homemade cardboard vehicles and put their creations to the test in this fun family competition.
Check-In:
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Race:
11:00 AM
Entry Fee:
$15.00
Parents — Help Your Racer Build a Winner!
Building the cardboard race car is part of the fun. Parents, grandparents and other family members are encouraged to work with their young driver to build the car together.
Start With a Cardboard Box
Turn an ordinary cardboard box into anything your child can imagine.
It might become a:
- Race car
- Fire truck
- Police car
- Garbage truck
- Or your child's own original creation
Decorate It Together
Crayons, markers, paint and lightweight cardboard accessories can all be used to turn the box into a one-of-a-kind race car.
Keep It Light
The finished car should be comfortable for the child to carry and light enough to race with.
There is no need to spend a lot of money or make the car overly elaborate. Imagination, teamwork and having fun together are what matter.
Before Race Day
Have your racer try the completed car before bringing it to the Fair. Make sure it is comfortable to carry and that the child can move freely while wearing it.
Kids Country Corny Hole
Kids take their turn at a Fair-style cornhole competition during Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day.
Check-In:
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Competition:
12:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$15.00
Parents & Kids
Be at the Rodeo Arena in time for the designated check-in period so your child is ready before the competition begins.
Sack Race
Get ready to hop your way toward the finish line in this classic kids race.
Check-In:
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Race:
1:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$5.00
Parents & Kids
This is an active race, so make sure your young racer is ready to participate and arrives during the scheduled check-in period.
Funny Farm Race
It's time for some farmyard fun as kids take their turn in the Funny Farm Race.
Check-In:
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Competition:
2:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$5.00
Parents & Kids
Talk with younger children beforehand about being around animals and following the directions of the event volunteers during the competition.
Stick Horse Stampede
Saddle up for a Wild West race designed especially for young cowboys and cowgirls.
Check-In:
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Competition:
3:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$5.00
Parents & Kids
Encourage your young cowboy or cowgirl to listen carefully to the event volunteers before starting the course.
Pig Wranglin'
One of the wildest events of Kids' Day gives young participants a chance to get into the action with a real piglet.
Check-In:
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Competition:
4:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$15.00
Parents & Kids
This event involves interaction with a live animal. Parents may want to talk with younger participants beforehand so they know what to expect and are comfortable taking part.
Children should listen carefully to the event volunteers and follow their instructions while participating.
Mutton Bustin' Bonanza
Young cowboys and cowgirls climb aboard sheep for one of the Fair's most popular rodeo traditions.
Check-In:
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Competition:
5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
$60.00
Before You Register
- Contestants must be ages 3 through 10.
- Minimum weight is 30 pounds.
- Maximum weight is 65 pounds.
- Riders are weighed at check-in.
- Long sleeves are required.
- No hats.
- Re-rides are at the discretion of the judges.
Talk With Your Young Rider
Mutton Bustin' is a real rodeo event. Make sure your child understands that he or she will be riding a live sheep and is comfortable taking part before arriving at the arena.
Encourage your rider to listen carefully to the arena volunteers and officials and follow their instructions.
Qualifying for the PRCA Rodeo
The top 10 contestants in each age division from the Bonanza qualify to ride during the PRCA Rodeo the following week.
There is an additional $70.00 fee for a qualifying contestant who rides in the PRCA Rodeo.
Qualifying contestants must remain until the end of the Bonanza to draw for their PRCA Rodeo performance slot. Registration and payment for that rodeo slot must be completed at the time of the draw.
Kids' Day Registration
Enter all Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day events for $100 and save $20.
Individual events may also be entered separately at the fees shown above.
Fair Week
Thursday Oct 07, 2027
Through Sunday Oct 10, 2027
Four Days of Family Fun
Fair Week is packed with activities, contests, demonstrations, animals, exhibits and entertainment for children and families.
Some activities are simply for families to enjoy, while others require children to register or prepare an entry before arriving at the Fair.
Check the information for each event carefully so your family knows when to arrive and what your child may need to bring.
Thursday Oct 07, 2027
Mobile Dairy Classroom
The Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom brings a real dairy farm experience right to the Fairgrounds.
Children and families can see a live dairy cow, watch a milking demonstration, learn how milk gets from the farm to the table and ask questions about dairy farming.
Location: Cattle Barn
Demonstrations are offered during Fair Week, beginning Thursday evening.
Parents & Kids
This is a great opportunity to talk with children about where milk comes from, how dairy animals are cared for and the role agriculture plays in the foods we eat every day.
Encourage children to ask questions during the demonstration.
PRCA Rodeo
Professional rodeo action begins Thursday night and continues through Saturday.
Families can watch professional cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo livestock, specialty entertainment and the traditions of the American West.
Thursday - Saturday: 7:30 PM
Friday Oct 08, 2027
Fair Parade
Start Friday with one of the Fair's great community traditions.
Families can enjoy floats, horses, organizations, Fair royalty and community groups as the Fair Parade makes its way through Seguin.
Parade: 10:00 AM
Youth Activities
with the Master Gardeners
Stop by the Coliseum for youth activities presented by the Master Gardeners.
These activities give children another opportunity to explore plants, gardening, nature and agriculture while visiting the Fair.
Friday:
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location:
Coliseum
Kids' Corral
Enjoy an afternoon of free activities for children and families presented by Guadalupe County 4-H Clubs.
Activities include face painting, arts and crafts, games and other hands-on fun.
Friday:
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location:
Dance Pavilion
A Good Family Break
Kids' Corral is a good place to slow down during a busy Fair day and let younger children create, play and participate in activities at their own pace.
Mobile Dairy Classroom
The live dairy cow and mobile milking parlor return Friday for additional demonstrations.
Location: Cattle Barn
Bring the family, watch the demonstration and give the kids a chance to ask questions about dairy farming.
Saturday Oct 09, 2027
Best Western Wear Roundup
Young cowboys and cowgirls can dress in their western best and take the stage during the Best Western Wear Roundup.
Saturday:
10:00 AM
Location:
Coliseum
Age Categories
Boys: 0-1, 2-3 and 4-5 years
Girls: 0-1, 2-3 and 4-5 years
Best Western Roundup Queen: Girls ages 6-7
What Parents Need to Know
- All entrants must be dressed in Western attire.
- Clown attire is not permitted.
- Contestants must live in Guadalupe County.
- Registration is required.
- A description of the child's outfit must be submitted with registration.
- A short biography of the child must also be submitted for the judges and audience.
- Once the information has been submitted, changes cannot be made.
- Props are permitted if they are age appropriate.
- The child must be able to carry the prop without help from an adult.
- Previous Grand Champions may not compete again in the category they previously won.
Registration Deadline
October 6 at 5:00 PM
The Fair Guide states that no entries will be accepted after the deadline.
Youth Activities
with the Master Gardeners
Youth activities continue Saturday in the Coliseum.
Saturday:
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location:
Coliseum
Stop by during the day and give children another chance to learn through hands-on activities.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Children, teens and adults can show their creativity in the Fair's Pumpkin Decorating Contest.
Awards: Saturday at 12:30 PM
Youth Age Groups
- Ages 4-6
- Ages 7-9
- Ages 10-12
- Ages 13-18
Building the Entry Together
- Real pumpkins must be used.
- Pumpkins may be any type, size or shape.
- More than one pumpkin may be used in an entry.
- Entries may be painted, decorated or carved.
- Children ages 4-6 may NOT submit carved pumpkins.
- Pumpkins must be completed before arriving at the Fair.
- Displays must be family-friendly and appropriate for public viewing.
What Judges Look For
Entries are judged for originality, creativity, "pumpkin-ality" and technical ability.
Fiddlers' Contest
Hear traditional Texas music performed by fiddlers of all ages.
The contest includes a youth division for contestants ages 0 through 12 as well as a 13 through 18 division.
Saturday:
12:30 PM
Location:
Dance Pavilion
For Young Musicians
This is a chance for children who play fiddle to participate in one of the Fair's long-running musical traditions.
Youth Desserts on Display
Young bakers can bring their creativity to the Fair and put their dessert-making skills on display.
Entry Deadline: September 25 at 5:00 PM
Saturday Entry Setup:
2:00 PM
Judging:
2:30 PM
Parents & Young Bakers
Because entries must be prepared before arriving, this is a good activity for families to plan together ahead of Fair Week.
Check the official contest requirements before preparing the dessert so the entry meets all Fair rules.
Youth Livestock
Visit the livestock barns and watch young exhibitors demonstrate the work, responsibility and animal care that goes into 4-H and FFA livestock projects.
Saturday includes cattle, sheep and goat activities and judging throughout the livestock area.
Talk About Agriculture
This is a good opportunity to talk with children about caring for animals, feeding, grooming, responsibility and how agriculture is connected to everyday life.
Sunday Oct 10, 2027
Youth Activities
with the Master Gardeners
Youth activities continue Sunday for families spending their final day at the Fair.
Sunday:
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:
Coliseum
Mutton Bustin' Fiesta
Young riders get another opportunity to climb aboard a sheep during Sunday's Mutton Bustin' Fiesta.
Check-In:
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Event:
1:00 PM
Parents & Young Riders
Talk with your child beforehand about riding a live sheep and make sure he or she is comfortable participating.
Riders should listen closely to the arena volunteers and follow all instructions given during check-in and competition.
Food Challenge Contest
The Food Challenge gives young participants a chance to put their food knowledge and skills to work during the Fair.
Check-In:
12:30 PM
Contest Begins:
1:15 PM
Presentation:
2:10 PM
Awards:
Following the contest
Location: Coliseum
Plan Ahead
This is a registered competition rather than a walk-up activity. Families interested in participating should review the Food Challenge information in the Fair Guide before Fair Week.
Pet Show
Bring the family and celebrate the special animals that share our lives.
The Pet Show welcomes pets big, small, fluffy, scaly and feathered.
Sunday:
1:30 PM
Location:
Gazebo
Pet Show Contests
- Costume Contest - Any Pet
- Pet Selfie Photo Contest
- Most Unusual Pet
Mobile Dairy Classroom
Sunday is another chance to visit the Cattle Barn and see the Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom.
Watch a real milking demonstration, see a live dairy cow and learn more about how dairy farms work.
Location: Cattle Barn
Explore While You're Here
Not every Kids Corner experience has a scheduled starting time.
During your visit, take the kids through the Home Arts exhibits, horticulture displays, photography, livestock barns and other Fair exhibits.
These displays show the creativity, skill and hard work of youth and adult exhibitors throughout the community.
Learning at the Fair
There's More to the Fair Than Rides
The Guadalupe County Fair is a place where children can discover agriculture, animals, gardening, food, crafts and the traditions that have shaped our community for generations.
Families can learn by watching demonstrations, visiting the barns and exhibits, talking with exhibitors and taking part in hands-on activities.
Encourage your children to ask questions while you explore. There is something new to discover throughout the Fairgrounds.
From Cow to Milk
Visit the Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom in the Cattle Barn.
Children can see a live dairy cow and a mobile milking parlor while learning how dairy farming works.
Questions to Talk About
- Where does milk come from?
- How is a dairy cow milked?
- How do farmers care for dairy cattle?
- What happens to milk after it leaves the farm?
The Fair Guide encourages families to ask questions during the demonstration.
Visit the Livestock Barns
The cattle, sheep and goat areas give children a chance to see livestock up close and watch young exhibitors demonstrate the results of months of work with their animals.
Things to Notice
- How animals are fed and cared for
- How exhibitors groom and prepare their animals
- How animals are handled in the show ring
- The responsibility involved in raising livestock
Learn About 4-H & FFA
Many of the young people participating at the Fair are members of 4-H or FFA.
Their livestock, food, agricultural and other projects show how young people learn responsibility, leadership and practical skills through hands-on experience.
Ask Your Child
What kind of project would you like to learn how to do?
It might be raising an animal, gardening, cooking, building something or learning another useful skill.
Explore With the Master Gardeners
The Fair schedule includes Youth Activities in the Coliseum presented by the Master Gardeners.
These activities give children an opportunity to learn more about plants, gardening and the natural world through hands-on experiences.
Things to Explore
- How plants grow
- What plants need to stay healthy
- Where fruits and vegetables come from
- Why gardens are important
Horticulture
Visit the horticulture displays and see what local gardeners have grown.
Children can compare plants, flowers and produce and begin to understand the connection between soil, water, sunlight and the food and plants around us.
Make It a Game
Ask children to find a plant they recognize, something they have never seen before and something they would like to grow at home.
Home Arts
The Home Arts exhibits show the results of skills learned and practiced at home and in the community.
Families can explore baked foods, canned foods, clothing, handwork, arts and crafts, photography and other creative exhibits.
Talk About Skills
Ask your child which exhibit looks interesting and what they think someone had to learn or practice in order to create it.
Creativity & Pumpkin Decorating
The Pumpkin Decorating Contest is another example of learning through creativity.
Young participants plan a design, choose materials and turn a real pumpkin into their own original creation.
What Judges Look For
The Fair Guide says entries are judged on originality, creativity, "pumpkin-ality" and technical ability.
This gives parents a good opportunity to talk about planning an idea, solving problems and finishing a project.
Food, Cooking & Baking
Food competitions such as Youth Desserts on Display and the Food Challenge show children that cooking involves much more than following a recipe.
Preparing food can teach measuring, organization, food safety, presentation and teamwork.
Try It at Home
Let children help measure ingredients, read a recipe, organize supplies and clean up after a family cooking project.
Horsemanship & Teamwork
The True Women Drill Team combines horses, horsemanship and synchronized riding during the PRCA Rodeo.
Their performance is an example of the practice, teamwork and trust required when people and horses work together.
Watch for Teamwork
Ask children to watch how the riders maintain spacing, timing and control while moving together as a team.
Fair History & Traditions
The Guadalupe County Fair grew from local farmers gathering to share livestock, crops and ideas.
Over the years, livestock exhibits, contests, rodeos, parades, carnival rides, live music and youth agricultural programs became part of the Fair experience.
Talk About Tradition
Ask children what parts of today's Fair they think families might also have enjoyed many years ago, and what parts seem newer.
Let Curiosity Lead the Way
Children do not have to enter a competition to learn something at the Fair.
Walk through the barns, visit the exhibits, watch a demonstration and talk with the people who raise, grow, build and create the things on display.
Sometimes the best Fair memory begins with a child asking one simple question: "How does that work?"
Parents' Guide
Make the Most of Your Family's Fair Day
A little planning can make a big difference when bringing children to the Guadalupe County Fair.
Some Kids Corner activities are simply places to stop and have fun, while others are scheduled competitions with check-in times, registration deadlines, age requirements or things that must be prepared at home.
Use this guide to help plan your day before heading to the Fairgrounds.
Plan Before You Come
Look through the Activities, Kickoff Weekend and Fair Week sections before leaving home.
If your child wants to participate in a contest, check whether:
- Advance registration is required
- There is an entry deadline
- There is an entry fee
- There is a separate check-in time
- The child must meet an age or weight requirement
- Something must be built, cooked, decorated or prepared before arriving
Don't Miss Check-In
Many youth events have a check-in period before the actual competition begins.
Check-in may be only 15 to 30 minutes long, so do not use the competition starting time as your arrival time.
Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day is a good example. Individual events begin throughout the day, but each has its own earlier check-in period.
Watch the Deadlines
Several youth competitions require registration before Fair Week.
Examples from the 2026 Fair Guide include:
- Wild West Rodeo Kids' Day registration deadline is September 20 at 6:00 PM.
- Youth Desserts on Display entries are due September 25 at 5:00 PM.
- Best Western Wear registration closes October 6 at 5:00 PM.
Some contests do not accept entries after the published deadline, so register early whenever possible.
Build the Box Car Together
The Little Rascal Box Car Race is designed to begin at home.
Parents, grandparents and family members are encouraged to help their young racer turn an ordinary cardboard box into a vehicle.
It can become a race car, fire truck, police car, garbage truck or anything the child imagines.
Use lightweight materials and keep the finished car comfortable enough for the child to carry while racing.
Expensive or elaborate construction is not necessary. Creativity, teamwork and fun are the important parts.
Prepare Young Riders
Mutton Bustin' is different from many children's Fair activities because the child will be riding a live sheep.
Before registering, talk with your child about what will happen and make sure he or she is comfortable participating.
For the 2026 Mutton Bustin' Bonanza:
- Riders must be ages 3 through 10.
- Minimum weight is 30 pounds.
- Maximum weight is 65 pounds.
- Riders are weighed at check-in.
- Long sleeves are required.
- Hats are not permitted.
Remind children to listen closely to the arena officials and volunteers.
Around Live Animals
Children will encounter live animals throughout the Fair, including in the livestock barns, dairy demonstrations, Pet Show, Petting Zoo and rodeo activities.
Talk with younger children before entering animal areas and remind them to follow the instructions of exhibitors, volunteers and event officials.
Some animals may be unfamiliar to children, so allowing them to watch first before moving closer can make the experience more comfortable.
Ask Questions
The Southwest Dairy Farmers Mobile Dairy Classroom is designed for children and families to learn together.
A live dairy cow and mobile milking parlor allow children to see dairy farming up close.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the cow, milking, animal care and where milk comes from.
Demonstrations take place in the Cattle Barn during Fair Week.
Best Western Wear
If your child is entering the Best Western Wear Roundup, preparation involves more than choosing an outfit.
Parents must submit:
- Registration
- A description of the child's Western outfit
- A short biography of the child
Props are allowed, but they must be age appropriate and the child must be able to carry the prop without adult assistance.
Contestants must live in Guadalupe County.
Pumpkin Decorating
Pumpkin entries must be completed before arriving at the Fair.
Parents can help children plan their design and gather materials while allowing the child to make the creative decisions.
- Real pumpkins must be used.
- Pumpkins may be painted, decorated or carved.
- Children ages 4 through 6 may not submit carved pumpkins.
- More than one pumpkin may be used.
- Displays must be appropriate for family viewing.
Cooking Competitions
Youth Desserts on Display and the Food Challenge require preparation before the event.
Use the opportunity to let your child take part in planning, measuring, organizing ingredients, preparing the food and cleaning the work area.
Be sure to review the official contest rules before beginning so the finished entry meets the Fair's requirements.
Slow Down in the Barns
The livestock barns are more than a place to look at animals.
They are a chance for children to see the work of 4-H and FFA exhibitors and learn about feeding, grooming, animal care, showmanship and responsibility.
Give children time to look closely and ask questions instead of simply walking through.
Take a Break
A full Fair day can involve a lot of walking, crowds, sounds and excitement.
Mix the high-energy activities with slower stops such as:
- Kids' Corral
- Master Gardeners youth activities
- Home Arts exhibits
- Horticulture displays
- Mobile Dairy Classroom
- Livestock barns
These can give younger children a change of pace while still keeping the Fair experience interesting.
Know Where You're Going
Kids Corner activities take place throughout the Fairgrounds rather than in one single area.
Locations mentioned throughout the Fair Guide include:
- Rodeo Arena
- Dance Pavilion
- Coliseum
- Cattle Barn
- Sheep & Goat Barn
- Gazebo Area
- Carnival Area
Check the Fairgrounds map before moving from one scheduled event to another, especially when events have close check-in times.
Let the Kids Be Part of the Plan
Before coming to the Fair, ask your children what they are most excited to see or do.
Pick a few "must-do" activities together, leave room for something unexpected and give everyone time to explore.
The goal is not to see everything. The goal is to make a few great Fair memories together.