Family Rodeo Guide

Saddle up and get ready to take in some amazing competition at the rodeo. Depending on the event, a rodeo may last up to a week with activities scheduled both in and out of the arena. This family rodeo guide will give you a quick overview of the sport and provide some tips on how guests of all ages can best enjoy the rodeo experience.

Organizations like Professional Bull Riders (PBR), Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) host rodeos throughout the year.

Rodeos are a celebration of cowboy culture that is welcoming to those wanting to experience the sport. Read on for more information in this family rodeo guide on how to make the most of your rodeo experience.

What to Expect

If it’s your first time at the rodeo, you’ll be in for quite a show. Most rodeos consist of seven main events: tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing. For WPRA events, competitors take part in four rodeo events: barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, and tie-down roping.

Barrel racing and breakaway roping are two events where women can compete during PBR and PRCA-sanctioned events. Barrel racing involves a rider on her horse circling three barrels in a clover formation in the shortest time possible. Breakaway roping is a type of calf roping in which a lasso is thrown around the calf’s neck, but the calf remains untied.

Many of these competitions offer prize money, but it’s also an honor for winners to take home a prized belt buckle, which is as prominent as a championship belt in boxing.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

One of the largest national rodeo events is the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo (HLSR) held annually in downtown Houston, Texas and kicks off with a parade complete with floats and horseback riders accompanied by marching bands. Catch a break from the thrilling rodeo events to enjoy other parts of HLSR like the carnival complete with games, a funhouse and a rollercoaster.

If you enjoy great food, be sure to check out the World’s Championship BBQ contest, with a junior championship for children between the ages of 8 and 14. After the contest, feel free to sample the abundance of ribs, brisket and dutch oven desserts.

Make sure to stick around for the post-rodeo concerts, which have featured past performers like Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, For King & Country and KEM. The HLSR also hosts Rodeo Rockstar, an amateur music competition free for participants ages 6 to 21. The concert lineup for 2023 includes popular country artists like Brooks and Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean and the Zac Brown Band.

With classic rodeo events, livestock competitions, live music and more, there will be no shortage of fun that people of all ages can have at this rodeo.

Youth Rodeos

While PBR and PRCA hold the honor of being some of the largest rodeo organizations in the world, with tours like the Unleash The Beast Series, it can be nice for the kids to see competitors their own age taking center stage. One option for rodeos like this would be the Florence Junior Parada.

The Florence Junior Parada is the oldest youth rodeo in the United States, with the first junior show taking place in 1933 in the town of Florence, Ariz. The Florence Junior Parada hosts kids from the ages of five to 16 competing in events like calf riding, barrels, team roping and more. The Florence Junior Parada — promoted by the Pinal County Mounted Posse and the Town of Florence — is widely cited as the oldest junior rodeo in the United States (first junior shows documented in the early 1930s), and continues to host competitors ages roughly 5–16 in multiple youth divisions. Local chamber references and event histories note this long tradition.

Along with these exciting events, the Florence Junior Parada also puts on a tribute concert that has featured music from popular country artists. Families can also look for youth divisions and teen competitions at regional events such as Rodeo Austin or at community rodeos like the Santa Ana Rodeo when they are on the calendar.

How to plan a kid-friendly day

Arrive early to navigate parking and find your seats
Start with petting zoos, AGventure exhibits, and pony rides for toddlers
Catch mutton busting or junior barrel racing sessions if scheduled
Build in snack and rest breaks between performances or concerts

What to Wear

Throw on your best Western wear and join the crowd. Nothing helps to forge connections like a cool pair of cowboy boots paired with good denim. Top the rest of your outfit off with the crowning glory of a cowboy hat. While you don’t have to shell out a fortune for a felt or wool creation, even a simple straw cowboy hat can help put you into the rodeo mindset and get excited for the events to come.

If Western wear isn’t your style, opt for something comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty when the dust flies up from the ring. Many rodeos are outdoors and can be hot, so choose breathable fabrics and dust-resistant layers. For comfort, closed-toe shoes or boots are best for walking on gravel and dirt.

What to Bring

While many events are held in a rodeo arena, some may take place outside, so you may want to pack jackets in case it gets chilly. For rodeos that feature extra attractions like a petting zoo with goats or horse rides for the kids, it’s a good idea to bring some hand sanitizer and hand wipes to help with clean up. If the venue allows it, bring your own snacks and save a few bucks.

Before getting to the venue, check out the bag policy if you need to cart around items like diapers, toys and other essentials to keep the young ones entertained and comfortable. Helpful add-ons include headphones for sensitive ears, a small blanket, bandanas for sun and dust, and binoculars for better views. Many venues mix reserved seating with general admission areas, so choose the setup that works best for your group.

Arrival and safety tips

Expect traffic and plan extra travel time for major rodeos
Use guest services areas for stroller or wagon parking where available
Review permitted and prohibited items before you go
For youth participants, prioritize helmets, vests, and proper boots as required

Buy Family Rodeo Tickets

Get the family together and enjoy a day of Western celebration when you get rodeo tickets through TicketSmarter. You can also compare professional rodeo tickets to find PRCA and other top competitions near you.

FAQs

What should families expect to see at a rodeo and which main events are featured?

You can expect a fast mix of timed and roughstock events like tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, and barrel racing. Many PRCA and WPRA shows also feature breakaway roping. TicketSmarter lists these details on event pages so you know what is on the schedule.

How can parents plan a kid-friendly day at a rodeo with youth activities in mind?

Arrive early, start with petting zoos and AGventure exhibits, and check the schedule for mutton busting or junior barrel racing. At larger festivals, build your day around multiple performance times and concerts. TicketSmarter helps you find shows with family attractions and pick seats close to aisles or exits for easy breaks.

What are the best clothing and footwear choices for an outdoor rodeo with children?

Wear breathable tops, denim or durable pants, and closed-toe shoes or boots. Bring hats and bandanas for sun and dust protection. Pack a light jacket for evening sessions. TicketSmarter event pages often include venue notes so you can plan for indoor or outdoor conditions.

What to Bring and What Bag Policies to Check

Pack wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks if allowed, headphones for loud moments, a small blanket, and binoculars. Review each venue’s permitted and prohibited items. TicketSmarter links to venue details such as NRG Park seating and info to help you prepare.

How do barrel racing and breakaway roping differ and where can spectators watch these events?

Barrel racing is a timed cloverleaf run around three barrels with penalties for knocking one over. Breakaway roping is a roping event where the calf is not tied; the rope breaks free to stop the clock. Look for these at PRCA and WPRA events listed on TicketSmarter, including major stops like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tickets.

Which rodeo attractions beyond competition make it a full family outing?

Large rodeos offer carnivals, live music with nightly headliners, shopping, educational exhibits, and cookouts. HLSR adds a BBQ championship and big-name concerts. TicketSmarter show pages highlight these extras so you can plan a full day.

What items should I pack and what bag policies should I check before attending with toddlers?

How can a ticket provider help families buy rodeo tickets and find seating for multi-generational groups?

TicketSmarter provides interactive seating charts and clear notes on reserved versus general admission areas. You can choose seats together, look for accessible options, and compare prices across dates and times.

Where can families find youth rodeo events that showcase competitors ages five to sixteen?

Check community and regional rodeos like the Florence Junior Parada, and browse TicketSmarter for youth-friendly events at venues such as Rodeo Austin or regional shows like the Santa Ana Rodeo when they are on the calendar.

Why are rodeo belt buckles significant and how do prize structures work at major rodeos?

Trophy buckles are a traditional symbol of accomplishment in rodeo. Major events award prize money by round and overall average, and winners often take home custom buckles that carry prestige inside and outside the arena. TicketSmarter event listings note formats and multi-day schedules where available.

What tips help first-time attendees enjoy the experience safely and comfortably?

Plan for traffic, arrive early, dress for dust and sun, and bring wipes and hydration. Check bag rules and seating details in advance. TicketSmarter’s rodeo tickets and schedules make it easy to compare dates and pick the best time slot for your family.

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Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Updated: January 17, 2026