Gameday with Kids: Tips for Tackling Football Season as a Fami ly
BY MADISON VOORHIES I t’s finally August, which means every (Southern) person’s favorite season is almost here: football season, of course! Whether you’re still riding hard for your college team on Saturdays or your Sundays are reserved for the NFL, one thing’s for sure: Gameday is a big deal. Tailgating, planning the perfect outfit, the roar of the crowd… It’s basically our version of the Met Gala! And that gameday excitement? It never really goes away. But here’s what does change: You’ve got kids now. So, how do you bring your little one to a football game and make sure every- one still has fun? No need to panic. We’ve got expert tips for you (it’s me, hi—I’m the expert. My credentials? LSU Class of 2023, thank you very much) on how to survive
and thrive at football games with kids in tow. PLAN AHEAD. SERIOUSLY. Southern gamedays can be brutally hot, especially in open stadiums. Tailgating, walking around campus, or just exploring the city can feel like a marathon if you’re not prepared. If you’re worried about the weather, try to go to a game in mid- to late-October when it’s (hopefully) cooled off. Can’t wait that long? Many early-season games kick off at night. It’ll still be humid, sure, but at least the sun won’t be blazing down on you through halftime. Now, if you don’t live in the same city as the stadium, your experience might feel even more special, but also a lot more logis-
tical. Pre- and post-game traffic can be a nightmare (I still have nightmares about Baton Rouge contraflow… If you know, you know). Plan to arrive early, especially if you want to tailgate or walk around campus. After the game, consider booking a hotel within walking distance or even leaving a few minutes before the final whistle to beat the crowds. And while you’re at it, it’s a great idea to check the stadium’s website for fami- ly-friendly perks. Some stadiums (espe- cially college ones) offer designated family sections, stroller-accessible seating, or even kid zones with shaded areas and simple ac- tivities to help keep little ones entertained before or during the game. Not every venue
28 AUGUST 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM
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