10 Greatest Tips for Family Sports Travel

Any links in this post to a merchant may contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on that link and then buy something, I may earn a commission from it.  However, all opinions in this link are 100% mine and 100% honest.  If I didn't believe in a particular product, I wouldn't recommend it to you.

Going to watch sporting events can be a fun reason to travel, especially if you have sports fans in your family. It can create lasting bonds that will last for years to come. If you have never taken a sports trip with your family, you should definitely plan one! And to help make it fun and memorable for your family, here are 10 of the best tips for family sports travel.

#1: Buy tickets to the game in advance.

If you are taking a trip to see a sporting event with your family, I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance. This will ensure that you definitely get to see the event that your entire trip is planned around.

Then, once you have your tickets, you can plan the rest of your trip around the game.

#2: Stay close to the action.

Make your family sports travel even more fun by staying close to the stadium.

This will not only make your trip more fun, but it can also make getting to and from the game easier. If you can stay close enough to walk to the game, then you can avoid the hassle of parking, which may also save you some money.

#3: Wear your team colors.

A simple tip for making family sports travel even more fun is to wear your team colors. Of course, you want to wear your team shirt to the game, but also consider wearing your team colors during the entire trip.

I can’t tell you how many times we have traveled for football or baseball games and had some fun little interactions with other fans in restaurants or walking down the street simply because we were wearing our favorite team shirts.

#4: Get to the game early.

To get the most out of your family sports travel, be sure to get to the game early. Take in the pregame festivities. Enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the stadium.

Getting to the game early will also give you plenty of time to find your seats, grab some food, and check out the souvenir shop without missing any of the action. And showing up early has the advantage of giving you the best choice of parking spaces.

#5: Check the stadium rules.

Before leaving home, be sure to check the stadium rules for what you can and cannot bring to the game. This will eliminate any issues once you get to the gate. You can find these rules on the stadium’s website.

Look for what type of bags are allowed. Check out the list of banned items, especially food and noisemakers. And then pack accordingly.

On a trip to a NBA basketball game, I forgot to check the rules before we left. I was turned away at the gate because I had a bag that was not approved. We had to walk all the way back to the car to leave my bag before going back to the gate. It was very irritating, but completely my own fault.

#6: Be prepared for the weather and parking.

Two other things you should check before leaving home is the weather and the parking situation at the stadium.

If the game you are going to is outside, definitely check the weather so you can be prepared and dress accordingly. There is nothing more miserable than being at an outdoor event in the cold when you don’t have enough layers on!

As far as parking is concerned, look at what parking is available in advance. At most stadiums, you have several options to park nearby. But some of them require parking passes, some are only for RV’s, and some are open to anyone.

Looking at the parking situation in advance will help you find the best option for you, so you are not driving around in circles looking for a place to park once you get there.

#7: Get your kids excited about the game before you get there.

Taking your kids to a game is a great way to share your favorite sport with them. To make the game fun for you and your kids, get them excited about it before you arrive.

Depending on the age and knowledge level of your kids, you can get them hyped up in a variety of ways. You can teach them about the game, show them highlights of some of the best players, and tell them what to expect at the game. You could also teach them a team cheer, or tell them about the band, mascot, and cheerleaders.

Whatever you do to get your kids excited, the more they enjoy the experience, the more fun it will be for the entire family.

#8: Check out nearby restaurants.

Of course, no trip is complete without enjoying some good food. To make your family sports travel even better, dine at one or more restaurants near the stadium. Look for places where fans typically gather either before or after the game.

This will enhance your experience and extend the fun of the game.

With a little bit of research prior to your trip, you can find the perfect pregame restaurant that is both kid-friendly and a magnet for sports fans.

#9: Do some sightseeing during your trip.

A bonus to family sports travel is getting to do some sightseeing in a city that you might not otherwise ever visit.

Sometimes, it is difficult to have time to visit many of the local attractions during your trip. But, if you can fit in even one non-sports activity, then definitely do so! This will also make the trip more fun for those family members that aren’t really into sports.

#10: Have fun with it!

My last tip for family sports travel is to just have fun with it! This is a great time to get away and spend some quality time with your family enjoying a favorite past time. So, relax, and have fun! That’s what sports is all about!

Conclusion

Traveling for sporting events, whether it is to watch your child play or to cheer on your favorite college or professional team, is a wonderful way to connect with your loved ones. I hope these tips make your next sports trip better than ever!

For more tips for sports travel, see how to survive football games with kids, the perfect time to take your kid to a college football game, tips for tailgating with toddlers, and the sporting events that should be on your bucket list. Also check out my ultimate guide to sports travel.

Happy travels!

P.S. Love tailgating but always seem to forget something? Then you need my tailgate packing list! Grab your FREE copy in the box below! Plus, as a bonus, you’ll receive my free weekly email newsletter full of family travel tips and inspiration!