Fall and football are the perfect combination and taking in a game can be a great family activity. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time at the stadium, here are some tips for a successful football game with your kids.
1) Make a Pre-Game Stop at the Dollar Store/Dollar Spot. The day before the game buy a few little toys (army men, coloring book, foam puzzles, etc.). Open them and put them in Ziploc to take with you to the game. At the first sign of boredom, pull one out for your child. Or, for older kids, use them as rewards for taking in the game – first toy/prize at the first touchdown, first interception, etc. and so on.
2) Monitor Sleep Schedules. If you are going to a night game, consider a nap or quiet time in the afternoon. If you are taking kiddos that still regularly nap, plan accordingly. This may involve waking kids up early so they can nap early so that they can go to the game but a well-rested child is much happier. (This goes for parents too.)
3) Get the Energy Out. Before going to a game, get some energy out! One great way is to play catch with the football in the backyard or get the neighbors together for flag football. Make moving part of your tailgating. Once you are in the stadium, go for a walk or run around the concession area. Kids love to go from end-to-end.
4) Plan trips to the concession stand. Going to the concession stand and having stadium food is part of the experience. Plan on going a couple of times and buying something small each time to get kids through the next quarter. The first trip may be a hot dog, the second trip is lemonade and the third is an ice cream. Half of the fun is the actual walk to the concession stand. If you are bringing a very young child, the stairs are probably the best thing about the game. If you have older kids, give them their allotted money before the game so they can decide what to order. It makes them feel more responsible and saves you some money.
5) Know your route to the bathrooms. You know those sodas that you bought in the 1st quarter? Your three year old has a small bladder and needs to go NOW. The trip to the bathroom is another fun field trip for kids. Plan on going at least three times during the game and if you have more than one child, plan on doubling those trips. You can try and coordinate these trips to the bathroom with trips to the concession stands but kids have a way of making sure that they have to go to the bathroom as soon as you come back from the concessions.
6) Sit Strategically. It’s easier to make trips to the bathroom and concession stand when you are on or near the aisle seats. Most fans get up 1 or 2 times during the game but if you are bringing kids you’ll be getting up 3-8 times. Finding good seating will make the game much more fun.
7) Have realistic expectations, but also have fun! Football games can be long, crowded and loud for kids, but with a little pre-planning it can be a fun fall activity for your family.
1) Make a Pre-Game Stop at the Dollar Store/Dollar Spot. The day before the game buy a few little toys (army men, coloring book, foam puzzles, etc.). Open them and put them in Ziploc to take with you to the game. At the first sign of boredom, pull one out for your child. Or, for older kids, use them as rewards for taking in the game – first toy/prize at the first touchdown, first interception, etc. and so on.
2) Monitor Sleep Schedules. If you are going to a night game, consider a nap or quiet time in the afternoon. If you are taking kiddos that still regularly nap, plan accordingly. This may involve waking kids up early so they can nap early so that they can go to the game but a well-rested child is much happier. (This goes for parents too.)
3) Get the Energy Out. Before going to a game, get some energy out! One great way is to play catch with the football in the backyard or get the neighbors together for flag football. Make moving part of your tailgating. Once you are in the stadium, go for a walk or run around the concession area. Kids love to go from end-to-end.
4) Plan trips to the concession stand. Going to the concession stand and having stadium food is part of the experience. Plan on going a couple of times and buying something small each time to get kids through the next quarter. The first trip may be a hot dog, the second trip is lemonade and the third is an ice cream. Half of the fun is the actual walk to the concession stand. If you are bringing a very young child, the stairs are probably the best thing about the game. If you have older kids, give them their allotted money before the game so they can decide what to order. It makes them feel more responsible and saves you some money.
5) Know your route to the bathrooms. You know those sodas that you bought in the 1st quarter? Your three year old has a small bladder and needs to go NOW. The trip to the bathroom is another fun field trip for kids. Plan on going at least three times during the game and if you have more than one child, plan on doubling those trips. You can try and coordinate these trips to the bathroom with trips to the concession stands but kids have a way of making sure that they have to go to the bathroom as soon as you come back from the concessions.
6) Sit Strategically. It’s easier to make trips to the bathroom and concession stand when you are on or near the aisle seats. Most fans get up 1 or 2 times during the game but if you are bringing kids you’ll be getting up 3-8 times. Finding good seating will make the game much more fun.
7) Have realistic expectations, but also have fun! Football games can be long, crowded and loud for kids, but with a little pre-planning it can be a fun fall activity for your family.
