How To Survive Sporting Events With Toddlers (And Actually Enjoy Them)

Soccer has always been huge in my house. My husband gets up at 7am on Saturdays to watch English Premier League games nine months a year. He’s been doing this since before we had kids, and he still does it now that we have two boys.

I always figured our kids would play soccer someday, just like their dad. But here’s what I hadn’t thought about: actually taking them to watch sports in person. I kept putting it off, honestly. Part laziness, part assuming they’d be too squirmy to care.

Then I met Kate Spiller, and she completely changed my perspective. Kate’s been taking her toddler Bergen to Seattle Sounders games regularly, and she’s figured out how to make it work. Not just survive it, but genuinely enjoy it. As someone who’s been traveling with kids for 17 years, I was intrigued. Kate’s strategies are so good that I had to share them with you.

Here’s what Kate has learned from taking Bergen to countless soccer and baseball games, hockey matches, horse racing, roller derby, and even half marathons. The kid claps, yells, and actually watches the ball during soccer games. If that’s not winning, I don’t know what is.

Start With a Full Sleep Tank

This is Kate’s number one rule, and it makes total sense. When you’re picking which game to attend, think about naptime and bedtime first, tickets second.

Kate actually adjusts Bergen’s entire schedule around big games. If there’s a 1pm kickoff, she wakes him earlier in the morning so he can nap earlier and wake up refreshed right before they leave. It’s strategic parenting at its finest.

The bedtime boundary is just as important. A 6pm game? Doable. A 7pm game? That’s pushing it. Kate won’t do anything too close to Bergen’s bedtime because an overtired toddler at a loud stadium is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Think about your kid’s sleep personality too. If your toddler turns into a gremlin when they’re tired, respect that. No game is worth a full meltdown in the fourth quarter.

Pack Snacks But Don’t Skip Stadium Food

Kate brings snacks Bergen loves, but she doesn’t avoid stadium food entirely. Hot dogs and nachos are part of the whole experience, right?

Here’s her logic: a toddler who’s eating is a toddler who’s occupied. That means parents can actually watch some of the game instead of constantly entertaining a bored kid.

Most stadiums don’t allow outside drinks, but they make exceptions for little kids. Kate always brings Bergen’s water bottle filled to the top. Keeping him hydrated on his own terms means fewer bathroom trips and less whining.

Before you go, check your stadium’s bag policy. Some places are strict about what you can bring in. A clear stadium bag makes security checks faster and lets you pack everything you need without hassle.

If you want to make snack time even easier, grab some portable snack containers that won’t spill everywhere. Trust me on this one.

Don’t Expect To Stay In Your Seats

Kate goes into every game knowing they won’t sit still the entire time. At baseball games, they rarely stay in their assigned seats. They visit the kids’ play area, watch pitchers warm up, and check out the game from different spots around the park.

Soccer is different. Bergen stays more engaged during soccer games, probably because the action is continuous. Kate can actually sit through both 45-minute halves without him losing it. Halftime is when they stretch their legs, meet up with friends, and let Bergen move around before settling back in.

The trick is accepting this from the start. You’re not going to watch every single play. That’s okay. You’re making memories and introducing your kid to something you love. The rest will come later.

If you need to entertain them between innings or during timeouts, bring small toys or books. A coloring book and crayons works wonders.

Plan Your Transportation Like a Pro

Kate’s system is smart: drive, park downtown Seattle, and carry Bergen in a carrier while walking to the stadium. She uses an Ergo, but any good baby carrier works.

Strollers at sporting events are a nightmare. Stairs, tight spaces, nowhere to store them. Save yourself the hassle and skip it entirely. A comfortable baby carrier keeps your hands free and your toddler secure.

Think through the full journey before you leave home:

• How are you getting there? Driving, public transit, rideshare?
• Where will you park? Look up parking options ahead of time.
• How far is the walk from parking to the stadium?
• Do you need to book a car rental if you’re visiting a new city for a game?

Some cities offer great public transit to stadiums. Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, and Seattle’s stadiums are all easy to reach without a car. If you’re planning a full trip around a sporting event, check out tours on Viator or GetYourGuide for stadium tours and other family activities in the area.

Pack the Right Accessories

Kate’s packing list changes based on weather and Bergen’s needs, but here are her essentials:

Sunscreen and sun hats for day games. Seriously, stadium sunburns are real.

Noise-canceling headphones if your kid is sensitive to loud sounds. Bergen doesn’t need them, but some toddlers do.

Layers for temperature control. Stadiums are almost always cooler than you expect, even on warm days.

Portable stadium seats with back support if you’re sitting on bleachers. Your back will thank you.

A small backpack that fits stadium regulations.

Hand wipes. Stadiums are gross.

If it’s a cold-weather game, throw in hand warmers and a blanket. If it’s hot, bring a cooling towel and extra water. Check the forecast the night before and pack accordingly.

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Research Kid-Friendly Stadium Features

Before you buy tickets, visit the stadium’s website or call them. Most major venues have kid-specific areas that can save your sanity.

At Seattle Mariners games, there’s a kids’ play area and the Moose Den near center field. First-time visitors get a certificate and goodies. Certain seating sections are known to be more family-friendly than others.

Other stadiums have similar setups. Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles has family sections. Citi Field in New York has a Mets Kids Club. Even smaller minor league parks often have playgrounds and kid zones.

Knowing these spots ahead of time gives you an escape plan. When your toddler hits their limit, you can head to the play area instead of leaving entirely. Sometimes that 15-minute break is all they need to reset.

If you’re visiting a city specifically for a game, look into stadium tours on Viator or GetYourGuide. Going behind the scenes can be just as exciting as watching the game itself.

What Kate Wants You To Know

Most sporting events are naturally family-friendly. You’ll see other parents with kids everywhere. Even if you don’t, most fans are kind to little ones. People remember bringing their own kids to games, and they get it.

Kate’s family has made sports a regular part of their life with Bergen. They’re not just surviving these outings. They’re having fun. Bergen gets excited, they make memories, and Kate and her husband still get to enjoy the sports they love.

The key is preparation and realistic expectations. You won’t see every play. Your toddler might get cranky. You might leave early. And that’s all fine.

Because here’s what also happens: your kid learns to love something you love. They see teamwork and excitement and community. They eat overpriced hot dogs and wear tiny team jerseys and laugh at mascots.

Those are the moments that stick.

So, would you go to A Sporting Event with Kids?

I’ll be honest, I was intimidated by the idea of taking my boys to sporting events when they were toddlers. It felt like too much work, too much chaos, too many things that could go wrong.

But Kate’s approach makes it feel doable. Even exciting. The trick is going in with a plan, packing smart, and remembering that perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is.

If you’re planning a bigger family trip around sporting events or other activities, grab my free Weekend Trip Planner to stay organized. And if you’re flying with your toddler to get to the game, my Flying With Kids guide has tips that’ll make the journey easier.

For more travel planning resources, check out my travel shop where I’ve got guides and itineraries for families on the go.

Now get out there and make some memories. Your toddler might not remember their first baseball game, but you will. And someday, when they’re older, they’ll love hearing about it.

Kate Spiller is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom in Seattle, Washington. She, her husband, and son Bergen love adventure and are always planning their next trip. You can follow their family adventures on their blog: Wild Tales Of.