Fall is upon us! Well, not officially, but football season brings on all the fall feels. And with football on the horizon, going to a game can be an enjoyable family activity. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time at the stadium, we have compiled some tips to help make your family's favorite season Football!
1) Monitor Sleep Schedules. The environment will have a lot of stimulation! The crowds, the bands, the colors. Depending on game time, consider a nap or quiet time before kickoff. If you are taking kiddos that still regularly nap, plan accordingly. Baby wearing is a great idea! Well rested kids will have a much more engaged time (this goes for parents too!).
2) Make a Pre-Game Stop at the Dollar Tree/Target Dollar Spot/5 below. The day before or day of the game buy a few little toys (army men, coloring book, foam puzzles, etc.). Open them and put them in Ziploc bags to take with you to the game. At the first sign of boredom, pull one out for your child. For older kids, use them as rewards during game enjoyment – first toy/prize at the first touchdown, first interception, etc. and so on. You can also use trips to the concession stand!
*Check with your stadium guidelines before making plans to bring any items into the stadium
3) Get the Energy Out. Before going to a game, get some energy out! Set up a fun pregame of football in your yard! Like most stadiums, Ohio State also has AMAZING pregame options and activities. Arrive early and take the time to explore all the picture opportunities or local vendors (Our kids love stopping by The Buckeye Lady cart!). For Ohio State, the skull session is a must! Once you are in the stadium, go for a walk throughout, kids love to roam from end-to-end.
4) Sit Strategically. It’s not always doable, but it's easier to make trips to the bathroom and concession stands 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, we all know that's much more! Lucking into good seating will help make up and down trips less stressful.
5) Know your route to the bathrooms. You know those sodas that you bought in the 1st quarter? Your tiny human has a small bladder and needs to go NOW. The trip to the bathroom is another fun field trip for kids. Know where your closest restrooms and exits are, and take the time to stretch your legs and burn energy while the crowds are low.
6) Plan your trips to the concession stand. Going to the concession stand and having stadium food is part of the experience. We usually plan on going a couple of times and buying something small each time to get the kids through the next quarter. The first trip may be a hot dog, the second trip could be lemonade, and the third ice cream. Half of the fun is the actual walk to the concession stand. Going at the start of the quarter can help limit crowds. If you have older kids, give them their allotted money before the game so they can decide what to order. It teaches budgeting, makes them feel more responsible, and saves you having to make the added decisions.
7) Have realistic expectations, but also have fun! Football games can be long, crowded and loud for kids. Know their limits and enjoy the time available! With a little pre-planning it can be a fun fall activity for your entire family.
1) Monitor Sleep Schedules. The environment will have a lot of stimulation! The crowds, the bands, the colors. Depending on game time, consider a nap or quiet time before kickoff. If you are taking kiddos that still regularly nap, plan accordingly. Baby wearing is a great idea! Well rested kids will have a much more engaged time (this goes for parents too!).
2) Make a Pre-Game Stop at the Dollar Tree/Target Dollar Spot/5 below. The day before or day of the game buy a few little toys (army men, coloring book, foam puzzles, etc.). Open them and put them in Ziploc bags to take with you to the game. At the first sign of boredom, pull one out for your child. For older kids, use them as rewards during game enjoyment – first toy/prize at the first touchdown, first interception, etc. and so on. You can also use trips to the concession stand!
*Check with your stadium guidelines before making plans to bring any items into the stadium
3) Get the Energy Out. Before going to a game, get some energy out! Set up a fun pregame of football in your yard! Like most stadiums, Ohio State also has AMAZING pregame options and activities. Arrive early and take the time to explore all the picture opportunities or local vendors (Our kids love stopping by The Buckeye Lady cart!). For Ohio State, the skull session is a must! Once you are in the stadium, go for a walk throughout, kids love to roam from end-to-end.
4) Sit Strategically. It’s not always doable, but it's easier to make trips to the bathroom and concession stands 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, we all know that's much more! Lucking into good seating will help make up and down trips less stressful.
5) Know your route to the bathrooms. You know those sodas that you bought in the 1st quarter? Your tiny human has a small bladder and needs to go NOW. The trip to the bathroom is another fun field trip for kids. Know where your closest restrooms and exits are, and take the time to stretch your legs and burn energy while the crowds are low.
6) Plan your trips to the concession stand. Going to the concession stand and having stadium food is part of the experience. We usually plan on going a couple of times and buying something small each time to get the kids through the next quarter. The first trip may be a hot dog, the second trip could be lemonade, and the third ice cream. Half of the fun is the actual walk to the concession stand. Going at the start of the quarter can help limit crowds. If you have older kids, give them their allotted money before the game so they can decide what to order. It teaches budgeting, makes them feel more responsible, and saves you having to make the added decisions.
7) Have realistic expectations, but also have fun! Football games can be long, crowded and loud for kids. Know their limits and enjoy the time available! With a little pre-planning it can be a fun fall activity for your entire family.
