While there is a charge to get into the grounds, KENS 5 staff found some free and cheap things to see and do while you are there.
SAN ANTONIO — With the rising costs of everything from eggs to Disney World tickets, it makes sense that families are looking for ways to save money while still having a good time and making memories.
At the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, going on until Feb. 23, there are plenty of ways for families to have fun on a budget and get that authentic rodeo experience. While there is a charge to get into the grounds (only $3 on Thursdays!), KENS 5 staff found some free and cheap things to see and do while you are there.
The Stock Show and Rodeo put together an official list of “100 Free Things to Do at the Rodeo” and you can find that here, but KENS 5 got an up-close and personal look at some of those top activities.
Check out these tips and tricks:
Buckaroo Farms:
A big draw for families at the rodeo if Buckaroo Farms, which is located inside the Expo Hall of the Freeman Coliseum. The indoor farm features cows, mini-horses, pigs, sheep, lamb, chickens and baby chicks.
KENS 5 found the biggest draw was the baby chicks, some of which were freshly hatched under a heat lamp.
Petting Zoo by Cheerios:
In addition to the farm animals, there is also a petting zoo where kids can interact with some very cute and calm animals as well as get the perfect photo op.
See a slideshow of some of the animals that you will see at both the petting zoo and the indoor farm:
Families enjoy animals at the rodeo
Swifty Swine Pig races
One of the biggest draws of the rodeo is the pig races. They happen multiple times per day and always attract a huge crowd. It is completely free to attend and you can even score a budget-friendly pig snout toy for only $2! Check out Kevin Bacon, Patrick Ma-hamms, Brad Pigg, and Simon Sow-well race for the finish line!
DairyMax Dairy Discovery Zone
Kids can try their hand at milking a cow without even leaving the city limits! The DairyMax Dairy Discovery Zone has a cow-milking simulator that is educational and provides a fun, picture-perfect memory.
“Let’s Rodeo” sign
Another popular and free thing to do on the grounds is take a picture with the iconic “Lets Rodeo” sign. But, give yourself plenty of time because a line does form to get that perfect photo opportunity.
Other budget ideas:
Some people are getting sticker shock at the rising costs of everything, not just at the rodeo. Outdoors, we spotted the traditional turkey legs for $20 and a bucket of fries for $14. But heading inside to the EXPO Hall at the Freeman Coliseum, we spotted some good deals to feed the family.
At the “Comida Cantina” inside, we found nachos for only $5! We also found Chicken on a Stick for $9 and Sausage on a stick for $7. A soft drink was only $5 inside compared to around $8 at the outside vendors.
For dessert, we have a couple of recommendations. One is the “Elephant Ears” stall outside. At $15, it may seem like a lot, but given the huge size of the pastry, it made for something the whole family could enjoy. It is value for money.
The other recommendation is the H-E-B Dairy Barn, which is offering $2 ice cream, $5 shakes and $1 yogurt. But, be sure to bring cash, as that is the only the form of payment they accept.
As for the merch, head over to the “Bargain Barn” which offers last year’s merchandise at a heavily discounted price. We found shirts, hats, mugs, banners and other goodies that will not break the bank.
Click here for the rodeo’s 100 Free Things To Do On The Fairgrounds!