Football, from popcorn to punt returns, it's more than just a sport; it's an experience, I should know, I'm a football mom and my husband is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan since college. The roar of the crowd, the electrifying touchdowns, the comraderie of cheering alongside thousands – it's a memory-maker for adults and children alike. But for parents, the question often arises: is a football game the right environment to take your kids? The answer? Absolutely! With a little preparation, a trip to the stadium can be the spark that ignites a lifelong love for the game. Here are 11 Tips for traveling to a football game with your kids.
1: Planning for a Great Visit: Pre-Game Prep
Age is Everything: While there's no minimum age limit for attending a game, consider your child's maturity level. Toddlers might struggle with the noise and crowds. Kindergarten age and above is generally a good starting point.
Pick the Right Game: Opt for a daytime game if it's your child's first experience. Night games can get long and cold, leading to restlessness. Consider attending a pre-season game – typically less crowded and often featuring discounted tickets.
Get Familiar with the Rules: I'm a physical fitness minded mom, I love to walk and run, I love sports, so I always wanted my kids to understand the game when my husband and i would take them. Briefly explain basic football concepts like touchdowns, first downs, and penalties. You can find kid-friendly explanations online or in children's sports books. This will help them understand what's happening on the field and keep them engaged.
Gear Up: Team spirit is contagious! Let your child pick out a jersey or hat of their favorite player. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
Essentials for Fun: Pack essentials like snacks, a refillable water bottle, and wet wipes for sticky fingers. Consider bringing binoculars to get a closer look at the action, or noise-canceling headphones for younger children sensitive to loud noises.
2: Making the Most of Game Day:
Early Bird Gets the Worm: Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere. Let your child explore the stadium concourses, grab some souvenirs, and maybe even snag a high five from a mascot.
Beyond the Game: Watch the cheerleaders dance, participate in the wave, or join in the crowd chants. Most stadiums have large video screens, so use them to replay exciting moments or point out interesting details.
Memorable Moments: Capture the experience! Take pictures and videos of your child enjoying the game. These will become cherished memories in the years to come.
Anecdotes from the Stands:
Here are some real-life stories from parents who took their children to football games:
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Sarah, a mom of two, shares, "My son, who usually hates loud noises, was mesmerized by the cheerleaders and the halftime show. He kept asking to do the team chant, and now he wants to sign up for flag football!"
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David, a dad of a young daughter, recalls, "We went to a preseason game last year, and my daughter was captivated by the mascot. She even got a picture with him after the game. It sparked her interest in the team, and she now watches the games with me on TV."
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Emily, whose son is a die-hard football fan, remembers, "The first time we took him to a game, he was so excited to see his favorite player up close. It was a defining moment that solidified his love for the sport."
3: More Than Just Traveling to a Game:
Taking your child to a football game is more than just watching athletes compete. It's about creating lasting memories, fostering a love for the sport, and teaching valuable life lessons. They'll learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, and the thrill of competition. They'll experience the power of community and the joy of cheering alongside thousands.
4. Dress Appropriately
Comfortable clothing is a must when taking kids to a football game. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Don’t forget hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses if it’s sunny, or rain gear if the forecast is wet. Comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll likely be walking a lot.
5. Bring Snacks and Drinks
Bring your own Food (1st option): Stadium food can be expensive and not always kid-friendly. Pack a small bag of snacks and drinks to keep the kids satisfied throughout the game. Check the stadium’s policy on outside food and beverages to ensure you’re allowed to bring them in.
Stadium Food Fun (2nd Option): Football and food go hand-in-hand! Let your children indulge in classic stadium fare like popcorn, nachos, and hotdogs. But don't forget to pack some healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables to balance things out.
6. Prepare for Security Checks
Be ready for security checks at the stadium entrance. Familiarize yourself with what’s allowed and what’s prohibited. Have your bags open and ready for inspection to speed up the process. It’s also a good idea to explain to your kids what to expect during the security check to make it less intimidating for them.
7. Use the Buddy System
Safety First: Remind your child to stay seated during the game unless using the restroom. Explain the importance of following directions from stadium staff and staying within the designated seating area.
Use the Buddy System: If you have more than one child, using the buddy system can help keep them safe. Pair up the kids and make sure they know to stick together. Establish a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. Teach your kids to find a stadium staff member or security guard if they need help.
8. Know the Stadium Layout
Finding Your Seats: Choose your seats wisely. Opt for an aisle seat for easy bathroom breaks and leg stretches. Avoid sections directly behind the goalposts where loud celebrations might startle younger children.
Familiarize yourself with the stadium layout: including the locations of restrooms, first aid stations, and concession stands. This will make it easier to navigate the stadium and address any needs that arise during the game. Point out these locations to your kids so they know where to go if they need anything.
9. Bring Entertainment
Use Toys and Books: Even the most enthusiastic young football fans can get restless during a long game. Bring some small toys, coloring books, or electronic devices to keep them entertained during downtime. Headphones are a good idea if you’re bringing electronic devices to avoid disturbing other fans.
Interactive Fun: Download the team's app beforehand. Many apps offer interactive games and trivia about the players and the sport, keeping children entertained during lulls in the action.
10. Teach Game Etiquette
Before the game, take some time to teach your kids about proper stadium etiquette. Explain the importance of being respectful to other fans, cheering appropriately, and staying seated during important moments. This will help create a positive experience for everyone around you.
11. Be Prepared for Noise
Football games can be loud, which might be overwhelming for young children. Bring ear protection, such as earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, to protect their ears from the noise of the crowd and any loudspeaker announcements. This can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for them.
So, the next time you're considering attending a football game, don't hesitate to bring your kids along. With a little preparation and the right approach, it can be an unforgettable experience that ignites a lifelong passion for the beautiful game.
