FAQ...
about the largest children's festival
in the United States!
What are the dates and times for the festival?
March 31 & April 1, 2012 from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm each day.
Where is the festival located?
The festival is located in downtown Houston in the area surrounding City Hall, downtown library, Sam Houston Park and Tranquility Park.
What are the driving directions?
For Mapquest or GPS – Destination address: 901 Bagby, Houston, Texas 77002
For Mapquest driving directions – Mapquest.com
Where is parking and how much does it cost?
There is plenty of easy parking near the festival. And you have the choice of street level, surface lots or underground parking. (Note: The festival has no control over parking charges in private lots. Theatre District Parking for events is $7.00.)
The nearest parking is in Theatre District Parking Garages:
Garage #2 located off Rusk between Bagby and Smith Street
Garage #3 located behind City Hall Annex at the corner of Bagby and Walker (across from the Hobby Center).
What about public transportation to the festival?
Take the bus and leave the driving to METRO. For information on routes and schedules, please contact METRO at 713.635.5000 or click here for info
How much are tickets for the festival?
At the gate - $10.00 per person; 3 years and under free
On-line - $8.00
Buy online and save money & time!
On-line ticket purchase option coming in March.
With McDonald’s $2.00 Discount - $8.00
$8.00 per person with one McDonald’s receipt per EACH ticket presented at any Admission Gate. (Any 2011 McDonald’s receipt is valid.)
$10.00 per person at the gate with NO McDonald’s receipt. Under 3 years free. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Advance Group Discounts – $5.00
100 or more tickets – only $5.00 each
On-line Advance Group Ticket option coming in March.
Military Personnel - $8.00
Must present military credentials at the gate to receive discount. Discount does not apply to anyone accompanying military personnel.
Sparkletts Special Offer – 2 free festival tickets
Sign up for Sparkletts water for one year at any festival entrance gate and receive 2 free festival admission tickets.
Do you have any special ticket discount offers?
You bet. We have four ways to purchase tickets with a discount:
McDonald’s Special $2.00 Discount
$8.00 per person with one McDonald’s receipt per EACH ticket presented at any Admission Gate. (Any 2012 McDonald’s receipt is valid.)
$10.00 per person at the gate with NO McDonald’s receipt. Under 3 years free. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Sparkletts Special Offer – 2 free festival tickets
Sign up for Sparkletts for one year at any festival entrance gate and receive 2 free festival admission tickets.
Group Discounts – $5.00 - available in advance only
100 or more tickets – only $5.00 each
Military Personnel - $8.00
Must present military credentials at the gate to receive discount. Discount to military member only.
Do you have ticket discounts for groups?
Yes! 100 or more tickets – only $5.00 each
Group Discounts are available in advance only.
Available in March 2012.
How do I pay for food, beverage and games?
Food, beverage and select games are paid for with coupons only. Coupons may be purchased at Coupon Booths conveniently located through-out the festival for 9 coupons for $10.00. A variety of family-friendly food and beverages are available and range in price from $1.00 to $7.00.
How do I pay for Market Vendor purchases?
There are a number of Market Vendors throughout the festival selling fun, quality merchandise. Festival coupons are NOT accepted for market purchases. Each market vendor determines what form of payment they will accept.
Do you have ATMs on-site?
Yes. There is an ATM located next to each Coupon Booth.
Are there any additional costs other than the admission fee?
All stage performances and the majority of entertainment are included with admission. There is a small fee for some games and rides, ranging in price from $1.00 - $5.00
Do you have a special All Day Pass?
Yes. ALL DAY FUN PASS wristbands cost $30.00 and give unlimited visits to rides & inflatables. (The pass does NOT include festival admission, petting zoo visits or pony rides). May be purchased at any Coupon Booth.
NOTE: Some games and rides have height and weight restrictions.
Can I leave the festival and re-enter without paying?
There is no re-entry into the festival.
Can we bring in food & drinks? How about for our infant child?
As this event is a fund-raiser for Child Advocates, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the festival gates. However, special food for infants and toddlers is allowed.
Do you have any special hotel discounts?
Absolutely! Our wonderful friends at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Downtown, The Festival's Official Hotel, invite you to make it a weekend getaway. Enjoy being spoiled at the DoubleTree and WALK to the festival. The special festival rate is only $89. Just call 713.759.0202 and ask for Code HCA to receive the festival discount..
Can we bring strollers, wagons and wheelchairs?
Yes! All areas of the festival are accessible for strollers, wagons and wheelchairs.
Can we bring pets?
Sorry, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events regulations prohibits pets (including dogs, amphibians, reptiles and snakes) from attending. Assistance dogs are allowed.
Any rules we should know about?
To ensure a safe, enjoyable event, the following items should be left at home:
Beverages, food, alcoholic beverages, ice chests/coolers, bikes, in-line skates, grills, weapons, fireworks, umbrellas and laser pointers. Sorry, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events regulations prohibits pet (including dogs, amphibians, reptiles and snakes) from attending. Assistance dogs are allowed. Food for infants and special dietary concerns are excluded.
Do you issue rain checks?
No rain checks are given. We are open rain or shine, and all acts will be performed as scheduled unless conditions threaten the safety of the participants and festival guests.