Family Football Trips: How to Buy Match Tickets With Kids Easily

Family Football Trips: How to Buy Tickets With Kids and Make Matchday Easy

Taking your children to a live football match is one of those experiences they’ll remember forever. The noise, the colours, the songs, the stadium lights — it’s a kind of magic that TV simply cannot replace. But let’s be honest: going to a match with kids can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Between age limits, bag checks, seating choices, pram rules, and half-time energy spikes, parents often feel unsure about how to plan it all.

At SportTicketsOffice, we’ve helped thousands of families travel to matches across Europe — from the Premier League and La Liga to Champions League knockout stages. Over the years, we’ve gathered real stories, real frustrations, and real solutions. This guide is our way of sharing everything we know so your family trip to the stadium becomes easy, comfortable, and genuinely fun for everyone.

Whether you’re bringing a five-year-old to their first Arsenal match at the Emirates, travelling to Barcelona with teenagers, or planning a father–son weekend in Munich, this is your ultimate matchday roadmap.

Understanding Family Ticket Options: What Parents Need to Know Early

Before you even choose the stadium, it’s important to understand how family tickets work. Each club has its own rules, age ranges, and pricing structures — and knowing them saves time, money, and stress.

Family Ticket Bundles: Great Value When Available

Some clubs offer family ticket bundles — discounted packages where adults and children sit together in a dedicated family area. These bundles often include:

• Two adult tickets + one or two junior tickets

• Seats in calmer, quieter sections
  
  

• Better pricing compared to buying individually

• Priority access for local families

They’re incredibly popular in England, especially with clubs like Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and West Ham. In Spain and Italy, bundles are less common, but there are still “children’s pricing zones” at many stadiums.

Pro tip: Family bundles sell out quickly, especially for weekend games. Booking early is key.

Junior Tickets and Age Limits

Every stadium has age restrictions, and they’re surprisingly different country to country:

• Premier League: Juniors are typically under 16; infants under 2 often need no seat if sitting on a parent’s lap.

• La Liga: Most kids need their own seat, regardless of age.

• Serie A: Some clubs allow very young children in for free but require ID.

• Bundesliga: One of the most family-friendly leagues, with generous junior pricing.

The biggest mistake parents make? Assuming kids under a certain age enter free everywhere. In many stadiums — especially in Spain — every person must have a seat.

When in doubt, SportTicketsOffice customer support can double-check the rules for your specific match.

Choosing the Best Areas of the Stadium for Children

Let’s be honest: not every part of a football stadium is suitable for kids. Some areas are loud, rowdy, or packed with ultras. Others are calmer, more spacious, and designed specifically for families. Choosing the right section can make or break the whole day.

Child-Friendly Stadium Areas

Good family sections share similar features:

• Fans remain seated most of the time

• Less shouting and chanting

• A good view without steep stairs

• Close to restrooms and food stands

• A calmer atmosphere during intense moments

For example:

• Emirates Stadium (Arsenal): Known for its very family-friendly lower tiers.

• Etihad Stadium (Man City): Modern layout with smooth access and wide concourses.

• Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich): Excellent visibility and easy navigation.

• Camp Nou / Estadi Olímpic (Barcelona): Lower central areas are best for kids.

If your child gets overwhelmed easily, choose mid-tier central sections rather than high, steep upper stands.

Quiet Sections for Families

Many stadiums specifically mark certain zones as family areas or quiet sections. These zones avoid the ultras and dedicated singing sections.

Examples:

• Tottenham’s South Stand is loud — avoid it with toddlers.

• At Liverpool’s Anfield, the Kop is iconic but not family-friendly.

• At Real Madrid, avoid the vocal fondo sections if travelling with small kids.

Choosing quieter areas helps kids enjoy the emotional highs without feeling overstimulated.

Why Hospitality Can Be a Lifesaver for Families

Okay — hospitality might not be the first thing parents consider. But if you’re travelling long-distance, dealing with jet lag, or bringing very young children, hospitality tickets can make the entire trip dramatically easier.

Why?

• Spacious lounges

• Private restrooms

• Comfortable seating

• No queues for food

• Child-friendly menus

• Sofas and TV screens for breaks

• Early entry and relaxed atmosphere

It’s the difference between standing in a 15-minute queue for chips vs. sitting comfortably while kids munch on hot food in a quiet space.

For families visiting from abroad, hospitality often transforms a stressful matchday into a smooth, premium experience.

Planning Your Matchday Timing Like a Pro

A successful matchday with kids is all about timing. Arrive too late — chaos. Arrive too early — they get bored. Here’s how to find the perfect balance.

Early Entry and Facilities

Most stadiums open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff. Arriving early lets you:

• Skip queues

• Take photos while the stadium is still calm

• Visit the restroom before crowds build

• Buy snacks without pressure

• Show kids the warm-up

At the Emirates, for example, early entry means you can watch players walk out for warm-up, which kids absolutely love.

Navigating Stadium Facilities With Kids

Modern stadiums offer:

• Baby-changing rooms

• Family bathrooms

• Stroller parking zones

• Dedicated staff for assistance

• Clear signage for entrances and exits

The Etihad, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Allianz Arena are especially well-designed for families.

If it’s your first time at a large stadium, allow extra time simply to walk and explore — kids often enjoy seeing the concourses as much as the pitch.

Prams and Bag Policy: One of the Biggest Surprises for Parents

Parents are often shocked by how strict stadiums can be about prams (strollers) and bags. Here’s the truth:

Prams and Strollers: Usually Not Allowed Inside Seating Areas

Most stadiums do not allow prams past security because aisles must remain clear for safety.

But many do offer:

• Pram storage rooms

• Designated pick-up zones after the match

At Wembley, for example, prams go into a staff-managed storage area. At the Allianz Arena, strollers are allowed only in specific zones.

Always check with support beforehand — or ask SportTicketsOffice and we’ll confirm for you.

Bag Policies for Families

European stadiums typically allow only small bags — often the size of an A4 sheet.

Prohibited:

• Large backpacks

• Coolers

• Trolley bags

• Open drink bottles

Recommended for parents:

• A compact backpack

• Wipes, tissues, sanitizer

• Ear protection for kids

• A folded rain jacket

• A card or phone pouch

Having the right bag can save you a lot of arguing with security staff.

Keeping Kids Happy During the Match

A two-hour matchday can feel long for little ones — especially if the game slows down or weather changes. The secret is balancing the action with fun breaks.

Before Kickoff

Many stadiums now offer interactive zones:

• Photo walls

• Mascot meet-and-greets

• Mini-games

• Fan villages

• Kids’ corners

Tottenham and Manchester City do an excellent job with pre-match entertainment.

Halftime Activities for Kids

This is where kids either get bored — or have a blast.

Some clubs offer:

• Kids’ competitions

• Half-time challenges

• Family zones with screens and couches

• Meet-the-mascot circles

• Junior games and giveaways

If you’re in a hospitality lounge, halftime becomes an easy moment to refuel, stretch legs, and relax.

What If Kids Become Overwhelmed?

It happens. Loud chants, sudden goal celebrations, or long queues can be intense.

Here’s what helps:

• Step into concourses for a short break

• Bring noise-cancelling headphones

• Choose seats at the end of the row for easy exiting

• Let stewards know if you need assistance

• Use quieter family areas rather than main stands

Remember: a calm parent equals a calm child.

Safety, Comfort, and Smart Planning

Noise Levels

Football stadiums can reach 100+ decibels during big moments. Small kids often appreciate:

• Soft ear defenders

• Mid-tier seating (less echo)

• Distance from fan groups

Food for Kids

Most stadiums serve:

• Chicken strips

• Fries

• Pizza slices

• Hot chocolate

• Pretzels

• Sweets

But hospitality lounges offer healthier and more varied options — a lifesaver if your child is a picky eater.

Leaving the Stadium Smartly

Post-match crowds can be overwhelming.

You have two choices:

1. Leave early (around 88–90 minutes) — great for families with young kids.

2. Stay inside the stadium for 5–10 minutes after final whistle — avoids the crush.

Trains and metros near big stadiums (like Wembley or Camp Nou) often fill instantly after the match.

Real Advice From Parents Who Travel for Football

Over thousands of bookings, we've heard one consistent message:

“We wish we’d known how simple it could be if we planned it right.”

What Parents Wish They Knew

• Kids get tired faster than expected — choose easy-access seats.

• Early entry prevents 90% of stress.

• Avoid derby matches with very small children.

• Hospitality is worth every euro when travelling from abroad.

• Bring snacks even if food is available — kids love familiarity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking near ultras or loud fan sectors

• Arriving 10 minutes before kickoff

• Ignoring bag policies

• Picking upper tiers with steep steps

• Assuming kids enter for free

A little preparation goes a long way.

How SportTicketsOffice Helps Families Travel With Confidence

Booking football tickets with kids shouldn’t be stressful — and that’s exactly why thousands of families choose us.

Verified Tickets in Safe, Family-Friendly Areas

We know which sectors suit infants, toddlers, and teenagers — and we guide you accordingly.

Support From Real People, Not Automated Responses

Ask us about:

• Age limits

• Seating recommendations

• Stroller rules

• Quiet sections

• Hospitality options for families

We handle these questions every single day.

Great Options for Every Budget

Whether you want affordable family seats or a premium hospitality lounge, we offer transparent pricing and secure booking.

Experience You Can Trust

We’ve helped families from all over the world create unforgettable matchdays — and your trip can be just as smooth.

Football Is Better When Shared With Your Kids

Going to a football match with your children isn’t just another weekend activity. It’s a memory they’ll hold onto for life — the colours, the chants, the excitement, the feeling of being part of something huge.

With the right tickets, the right seating area, and a bit of preparation, matchday becomes easy, stress-free, and full of joy.

Whenever you’re ready to plan your family football trip — SportTicketsOffice is here to help you choose the perfect tickets, the safest sections, and the most comfortable experience for your kids.