By Devyn Nestor
Summer is the best time to introduce kids to live sports. Whether you’re headed out to the baseball field, hockey arena or college stadium, with some planning, the day can be a core memory. From knowing where to park, to choosing the right seats, to family fun days, sporting events can be exciting for the parents while being manageable for their tiny team players. Here are some tips for making the most out of game days in Pittsburgh and throughout the region.
Getting Around Game Day
Big stadiums and arenas often offer more family-friendly features than you might expect — it just helps to know where to look.
At PNC Park, families can expect a smooth game-day experience for Major League Baseball. Strollers are permitted, and a family-friendly entry gate eases arrival to Pittsburgh Pirates games. Inside, lower seating offers easy access to restrooms and concessions. The 100 level stands out for kid-friendly food, merchandise and interactive play areas where kids can burn energy between innings. Altoona Curve, a Minor League team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, just under two hours away, also features play areas for kids to burn off energy.
Across the river from PNC, the Pittsburgh Penguins offer a similarly accessible experience at PPG Paints Arena, where an attached parking garage allows for an easy walk inside. Seats about 15 rows up often provide one of the best views of the ice for younger hockey fans.
Outside the city, Washington Wild Things Stadium in Washington County offers clear sightlines from every seat, making it a dependable family outing. A picnic area along the third base line for the independent minor league team adds a relaxed spot to snack and enjoy the game.
Club Member Perks
Many professional and collegiate teams in the region offer kids’ clubs and family memberships with perks like exclusive events, merchandise discounts, and in-game experiences.
For the Pirates, the Buckaroos Kids Club offers two tiers with free tickets and exclusive merchandise. The Pitt Panthers collegiate football Jr. Panthers Kids Club includes free admission to select games, birthday recognition and swag packs. The Washington Wild Things Kids Club offers free kids’ meals at Sunday home games, free admission to Sunday games and chances to run the bases.
To keep the fun going into late summer, head to Acrisure Stadium to catch the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team. Club members enjoy preseason perks including premium food options, private restrooms and close-up views of players kids love.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s AMO’s Pups Club offers additional options, with perks like a free ticket to community events such as Trunk or Treat and complimentary admission to a regular season soccer match.
Futher north in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie SeaWolves Minor League Baseball team promote The Kid’s Crew, where kids get free admission and local teachers can nominate students for a chance to win MVP Student Achievers awards to win tickets and participate in on-field recognition.
Family Days
Planning ahead around themed games and promotional nights can significantly enhance the experience for families.
The Pittsburgh Pirates regularly host family-friendly evenings featuring fireworks and drone shows, giveaways and postgame activities like kids running the bases, creating interactive and memorable moments long after the final out.
At the University of Pittsburgh, Sunday FunDay games add an extra layer of excitement, with treats like $5 Dippin’ Dots and encouragement for kids to wear their little league uniforms to the game for special access to experiences.
The Pittsburgh Penguins also bring plenty of energy to select themed nights, including McDonald’s Fan Appreciation Night and Faith and Family Night, giving fans a chance to enjoy hockey in a more festive, community-centered way.
Altoona Curve has kids stand on the Field of Dreams to join the team in the national anthem and offers a chance to interact with Loco the mascot.
The Pittsburgh Riveters SC soccer team is having multiple promotional events this year, including a Father’s Day event — Girl’s Dad Night — June 21.
These special game nights turn an ordinary outing into something kids remember long after they leave the arena.
Game Day Must Haves
A great family outing starts with a little preparation — parents, you know the drill! Think of it as your ultimate stadium survival kit, designed to keep the day fun, smooth and stress-free.
Pack sunscreen and hats. Bring refillable water bottles and easy snacks to bridge gaps between concession lines and innings or plays. Carry both cash and a card, since payment policies vary by stadium.
For kids, fidget toys or coloring books can be a game-changer. For outdoor or evening games, bring an extra layer — once the sun goes down, it can get chilly fast.
Hi Ho, to Ohio We Go!
If you’re looking to travel beyond Pittsburgh for a game-day outing, Ohio offers two great teams that provide excellent perks and experiences for kids and their families.
The Cleveland Cavaliers arena offers a first-game certificate for little NBA fans attending their very first game, along with free foam fingers. Families can also stop by designated photo spots in Section 206 to capture the memories. Another fun perk is the Cavs Kids Club, where members receive a backpack, a free ticket to select games and 50% off specific merchandise. Kids Club members may also have opportunities to access player autograph events. Check out The Cleveland Traveler for more to know before you attend a game!
Huntington Bank Field offers a variety of family-friendly experiences for kids and parents beyond The Cleveland Browns NFL game itself. The pregame Dog Pound Drive features music, games, food, and appearances from the team mascot, making it a fun way for families to start the day before kickoff.
For those attending with children, Sections 542 and 543 are designated family-friendly seating areas where alcohol is not permitted, creating a more kid-focused game-day environment.
