Eight Tips for Touring Sports Venues with Kids

Last week, we shared our tips for taking kids to a baseball park (for a game and/or a tour) and while we were writing the post, we realized we had tips for touring LOTS of athletic spots. We’ve toured many other sports venues like football stadiums, halls of fame,  and even race tracks.  Sports venues are an easy opportunity for the entire family (from toddlers to grandparents!) to have fun and learn a lot about the history of the team and sport and the hometown. So this week on the blog, we’re sharing some of our favorite memories of sports venues and tips for getting the most out of a visit.

Tips for Visiting Sports Venues:

1. Tours are a great way to learn about the team, the sport, and the historical significance of the venue within the city. They are super kid friendly and the guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the home team; guides will often test fans’ knowledge with fun trivia. 
2. Guided tours allow fans to go “behind the scenes”. Most tours bring visitors into locker rooms, luxury suites, press boxes, and sometimes on the field or court. These are great photo opts! Note: Be sure to check the team’s home schedule first; access is more limited on home game days.

3. Minor league teams have very reasonably priced tickets and opportunities to get up close to the athletes. If you’re traveling with a large group, or on a tight budget, try checking out your favorite teams’ minor league affiliates.  You might even get lucky enough to catch a rehabbing star from the pros, as injured pros often play in games on their journey back from injury.
4. College sports teams are another great way to learn about a sport and cheer alongside locals with reasonably priced and accessible tickets.  It’s also a great way to get close to a college campus for those that want to sneak in a way to early college visit.
5. Many stadiums and venues contain a team’s Hall of Fame museum inside or nearby the venue. Access is usually included with a ticket to an event or venue tour. Visiting a Hall of Fame is a great way to learn about a team’s history, glory days, star players, and championship seasons. There will be usually fun photo opts with championship banners and trophies.

6. Make a day of it! Horse racing venues like Church Hill Downs in Louiseville, Kentucky and Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, New York offer many family friendly activities centered around the race schedule. Fans can spend the day picnicking, getting up close to the horses and cheering on their favorite horse and jockey.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana offers tours, including a lap around the track, and has a great museum where kids can pretend to race in a replica car. Remember to bring earphones for the kids!

7. Visit a national (or international) National Hall of Fame, filled with historical exhibits, interactive games and activities, and footage of famous games. They also host annual induction ceremonies and “Old Timers” events with meet and greets with fans. Some of the most popular Halls of Fame include the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York; the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio; the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada; the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, Massachusetts; the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island; the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, North Carolina; and the Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas. Be ready to be an active participant when you visit a Hall of Fame (HOF)- whether it’s shooting free throws in old peach baskets at the center of the Basketball HOF, swinging a bat in Cooperstown, or firing a slap shot at the Hockey HOF.

8. Go to a team’s training camp. Many sports allow fans to visit training sessions before the official start to the season. Fans can watch a practice, see the formation of new plays and players, and line the paths before and after a session in the hopes of getting a signature or selfie with their favorite players. Some teams even have “fan” days when kids can sign up to practice (variations of) the same drills the athletes practice.