10 State Fair Rides That Will Blow Your Mind

The State Fair of Texas has switched up its ride offerings this year. Some of the classics are gone (The Mega Drop Tower), some of them remain (that good ol’ swangin’ and bangin’ pirate ship) and some of them are brand-new (The Kraken, The Hip Hop). Of course, the Texas Star Ferris wheel and the Texas Skyway lift are longstanding can’t-miss attractions, offering some of the most impressive views of Dallas. But if you’re looking for something a little more thrilling, something to cool you down or something to give you that fun zero-gravity feeling in the tummy, we got you. We’ve tested the 10 best rides at the State Fair of Texas.

The Kraken

The Kraken is a swirling good time that will swing you sky high and down low again. A giant pendulum-style propulsion will rock you side to side at staggering heights while you rotate 360 degrees in your seat, feet dangling. So unless you’re laced up tight, make sure to kick those shoes off and set them aside in the courtesy bins before you strap in. It’s a thriller for sure, and the views are worth that flutter in your stomach.

The Hip Hop

The Hip Hop is another ride making its Texas State Fair debut this year, and it’s quite a banger. Much like the Kraken, riders rotate 360 degrees in your seat (albeit a little faster). But instead of a straight side-to-side propulsion, you will whirl up and down at a circular angle. It’s a visceral sensory experience that’ll make you a little dizzy when it’s over, but in a fun way that won’t make you fall down. Despite its name, you can also expect to hear some danceable pop music and reggaeton hits over the speaker.

The Kite Flyer

The Kite Flyer is a bit milder, suitable for kids and adults alike. You will get some air, but you won’t feel a mile high up in the sky. You'll be secured down flat on your stomach, arms and legs outstretched in the superhero position. The sensation is that you’re flying around in circles like a soaring bird. If you’ve ever dreamt of the full Superman experience, soaring through the sky, then this is the ride for you.

The Log Flume

If you need a minute to cool down from the blazing heat, the Log Flume will do the trick. It’s a family-friendly steady ride through a winding canal, with a slide down at the end. Passing through intermittent tunnels along the way, you'll get a sprinkle of water from overhead. It’s not splashy, so you won’t deboard with soaking wet clothes. But you won’t be totally dry, either. Fair warning: the sprinkles from overhead will puddle a bit in the seat, so you might hop off with a little wet-butt action looking like you peed your pants.

The Wave Swinger

Remember the kiddie swings from your toddler-aged playground days? The Wave Swinger is a bit like that, just more exhilarating. This one's a classic amusement park ride, another one on which you can take the kids. You’ll be seated forward the whole time, spinning round and round in circles from a high (but not too high) carousel. The views of the park are exciting, but not scary. Adults will get a dose of childhood nostalgia, and the younger ones will be securely planted in their seats.

The Wind Surf

The Wind Surf is also a bit like the playground swing set, but on steroids. Once you're strapped into a seat with legs dangling, the Wind Surf starts off with a rocking back and forth that begins to take you higher and higher until you loop around in a double 360 over the very top. Forget butterflies in your tummy, you’re going to feel that full-body zero-gravity loop around. This one is a total thriller, too much for the little ones.

The Texas Star

The Texas Star is another gentle ride for all ages. But at 212 feet tall, this classic caged Ferris wheel is probably too much to handle for anyone afraid of heights. It's famous for being a State Fair of Texas staple since 1985. Tourists especially should make it a point to hop on at least once to take in the beautiful city skyline. It’s a quintessential Fair Park experience.

Alpine Bob’s

If you can’t do heights but love the speed, Alpine Bob’s is the one for you. It’s another circling carousel-based ride, but you’re secured into a classic-style riding car. It won’t take you high, but it will take you whiplash fast, bobbing up and down the track. You won’t catch any flies in your mouth, but that g-force will probably have you tilting to the right. So if you’re prone to neck pain, this probably isn’t the ride for you.

Ring of Fire

You won’t fall into a burning ring of fire, Johnny Cash-style, as all rides at the State Fair of Texas undergo extensive safety testing by the manufacturers and the fair itself. And the name is not literal; there are no pyrotechnics. But you are in for tall heights and high speed on this circling thrill ride. Imagine a heavy-duty version of the wave swinger with much more action. The Ring of Fire will take you up, down and all around.

Helix

The Helix is a super-charged take on the classic swinging pirate ship ride. But instead of taking you backward and forward right to the brink, you’re going to swing all the way up and around in a complete circle. It’s very high, but hardly scary because you’re secured in a confined caged seat. The centrifugal force of dual pendulums will definitely give you the invigorating speed and wind-blow you’re looking for. That upside-down feeling will hit you with delight.


The 2024 State Fair of Texas runs until Oct. 20. Coupons for food, rides, games, and purchases inside the fairgrounds are priced at $1 each, and the cost per ride varies.