DALLAS - While the State Fair of Texas is an annual Texas tradition, in tough times, a trip to enjoy ferris wheels and fried snickers can become costly, especially for a large family.

At $14 for adults and $10 for kids, The Williams family paid a pretty penny for their entry.

"We spent $200, and that's with discount tickets and parking and we haven't gotten inside the fair yet," said Mary Williams, who brought her whole family.

But according to Williams, that pretty penny is worth it.

"If you look at it from that aspect, it is a lot of money to be spending," she said. "But as important as family is, it's not that much to have good family time."

On the inside, each game and bite of fried food is an extra cost. But still, another fairgoer, Maurice Williams, said he isn't complaining.

"It's really not that bad considering you go to Six Flags and a ticket is $35 or more for one person," he said. "So, it's not a bad deal."

Parking costs around $10. However, those who shuttle and park pay half of that.

As for a diet Coke, get ready to shell out $3.50. For a ride on the big ferris wheel, it will cost $6 a ride. Most other rides cost an average of $4.

And one of the most expensive rides is the bungee jump, which costs $25.

But again, it's a price most seem ready to pay.

"I thought about trying to bungy jump, so we'll see how that works out," Williams said.

The fair runs through October 19. For those wanting discounted tickets, try going during the week instead of the weekend.

E-mail sslater@wfaa.com