Tips for taking your kid to a football game (without losing your mind)
So, you’ve decided to take your kid to a football game. Brave. Noble. Maybe a little reckless. But done right, it’s one of the best ways to start passing down the tradition.
Here’s the hard truth: for a 5 to 10-year-old, a football game is long. Like, “are we still here?” long. And stadiums were designed for grown-ups who understand what’s happening, not kids who are just getting into the tradition. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
1. Prep Like It’s a Road Trip
Snacks. Always more snacks than you think. (Stadium prices = one small mortgage.) Bring a water bottle if the stadium allows, and maybe some small surprises they love. Your kid’s future fandom doesn’t hinge on the third quarter — it hinges on not running out of snacks in the second.
Also, do a quick check of your stadium’s policies before you go. Some only allow clear bags, some let you bring water, some don’t.
2. Set Expectations Early
Explain before you go: it’s going to be loud, there will be breaks where “nothing happens,” and yes, there might be fireworks. Kids don’t like surprises unless there’s cake involved.
And here’s where a little prep goes a long way: go through Future Fans Football at home gives your kid the basics — downs, touchdowns, and the major positions. When they actually get what’s happening, they’re way more likely to stay engaged.
3. Buy the Right Seats
Not all sections are created equal. Some corners of the stadium are basically a frat party; others are more family-friendly. Message boards and fan forums can be surprisingly helpful for scoping out where to sit with kids (and find the shade!). If you can, snag aisle seats near a bathroom. Trust me: when your kid announces “I have to go NOW,” you’ll thank me.
4. Keep Them Engaged in the Game
This is the sweet spot. The more your kid can connect what they see on the field with what they learned at home, the more fun it becomes. Point out a first down when the chains move or ask if they remember the difference between a field goal and extra point.
Think of it like a live quiz show — every play is a chance to reinforce, “Hey, remember when we read about that in Future Fans?” When they recognize it in real time, it stops being background noise and starts being their game too.
5. Embrace the Chaos
They might spill the soda. They might ask “are we winning?” 43 times. They might loudly cheer for the wrong team. That’s fine. That’s part of the magic. Someday, you’ll miss hearing “is it halftime yet?” in the first quarter.
And if your kid is sensitive to noise, pack a pair of kid-sized headphones or earmuffs. Even if they don’t end up using them, just knowing you have them can be the difference between “this is too loud!” and “this is awesome!” Here's a Wirecutter article with some recommendations.
6. Don’t Stress About the Clock
Four quarters is a long time for a little kid. If you make it all the way through, congratulations. If not? That’s okay. Leaving early isn’t a failure. It’s just part of the process. The real win is that you showed up, had fun, and started building the tradition.
Bottom line: Taking your kid to a football game is about the time spent together and traditions you’re passing down. You’re giving them their first chapter in the story of being a fan.
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