Houston Rodeo to host its first-ever sensory-friendly carnival experience

HOUSTON – The Houston Rodeo Livestock Show and Rodeo will host its first-ever sensory carnival experience March 5.

The sensory experience will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in selected areas of the Rodeo carnival for those with sensory processing differences. Rodeo officials said guests can expect minimal lights and sounds permitted in certain areas of The Junction and the main carnival area.

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“We’re turning down the volume of music, we’re limiting sound effects, we’re making sure there are no flashing lights,” said David Brady, the chief entertainment and customer engagement officer. “We’re just trying to make it the opportunity for these families to come out and experience the carnival in a way that is conducive for them and their family needs.”

Its goal is to accommodate and give a positive experience for guests with sensory sensitivities and challenges.

“So this is the first year that Rodeo Houston is hosting a sensory-friendly day at the carnival and for us, it’s about our mission, it’s about reaching out to the entire community, it’s about being inclusive, it’s about welcoming as many different members of our community as possible and for this event, in particular, we’re extremely excited,” Brady said.

Officials said more than 40 rides will be included in the experience.

Here is the list of sensory-friendly rides that will be available:

  • Baja Buggies
  • Balloons Up Up and Away
  • Carousel
  • Cliff Hanger
  • Clown Glasshouse
  • Cyclone
  • Dizzy Dragon
  • Dodgem
  • Euroslide.com
  • Farm Tractors
  • Flying Dutchmen
  • Fun Factory
  • German Fun House
  • Goliath Slide
  • Groovy Bus
  • Happy Circus Train
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Jumbo Flying Elephants
  • Kite Flyer
  • Konga
  • La Grande Wheel XL
  • Little Dipper
  • Mini Bumper Cars
  • Monster Trucks
  • Motorcycles
  • New York New York
  • Pelican Splash
  • Pirates Island
  • Puppy Roll
  • Quad Ride
  • Rocking Rodeo
  • Rockin Tug
  • Sily Seas #2
  • Silver Streak
  • Speedway
  • Spider Mania
  • Superslide
  • Surf Shack
  • Survival Island
  • Tea Cups
  • Tilt a Whirl
  • Twister
  • VW Bugs
  • Wacky Worm
  • Zero Gravity

Rodeo volunteers from the Special Children’s Committee will also be at the event to assist guests during this time.


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