Tips for Taking Little Ones to College Football Game

Tell him to go with a few buddies instead of you, or include you, and leave the kids with a sitter...It should go smoothly then...

yikes!!! Does you husband realize he will not be able to watch the game for more than about 3 minutes (total combined) ? Does he plan on doing this on his own or are you going too?

I recall going to a minor league baseball game when the kids were 1 and 4. While my husband watched the game I was near the back of the stadium on the handicapped ramps while my 1 yr old son ran up and down them seven thousand times, and my 4 yr old daughter climbed in and out of the railings. Every so often I'd convince them to come and sit down - but I'd have to bribe them with ice cream, soda, peanuts, etc. I'm not sure if we even made it to half way through the game...

Every so often I'll see a family with very young ones (like yours) at a game and it's a trying time for the parents and the people around them - unless you end up sitting next to a teenage girl like my daughter who loves little kids and will entertain them. But it's still a trying experience!

Good luck with this one - I think your husband would have a lot more fun with a few buddies - or make it a date night for you and he!

How exciting!!! We took our son to his first college football game when he was just over two and he had a blast. Between dancing to the band and doing the crowd cheers he was in heaven. He had such a great time that he crashed before we got out of the parking lot after the game. We have yet to take our daughter to a college football game, but we started to take her to major league baseball games when she was six weeks old. She does great at those games, and she is 17 months now.

I would check with the college's policies on if you can bring in a bottle of water and snacks. We have been to several sporting events with our young children and I have noticed that the security people seem to turn their head when they see little kids snacks such as crackers and goldfish in a diaper bag. I would also check where the seats are so you know where the closest gate is to get in so you can park as close to there as possible.

We also put our children's tickets in their pockets. This way if they get lost they can go up to an usher (which we point them out once we are inside the stadium) show the usher their ticket, and the usher can bring them back to our seats. An usher at a MLB game told us to do this. I think it's a great tip just in case someone get separated in the crowds. We hold our kids hands and carry them to prevent separation, but it's a nice backup just in case something does happen.

I hope you guys have a great time, and don't forget the camera.

Don't take them. They won't enjoy it for more than five minutes. Practice going to games by visiting local high school sporting events. Then you will know when they are ready.

I can kind of see why he would want to take the 3 year old... but the 1 year old? Personally, I would not take either, just because I know I'd have to spend the entire game keeping an eye on them. So my tip is to reconsider. Unless its a small college, its probably not a good place for them.

I took my son to several football games and baseball games from birth on up!!! Yes we had our mishaps and had to roam sometimes...but i say why ditch your kids with a sitter when you can take them and have a great time as a family..when he was one he loved watching all of the action!!!! Good Luck to you!!!

Lol my husband took our twins when they were 6 weeks old to a college game. Him & his dad took the kids and they kept them in the snugglies ( they looked hilarious) they didnt stay the whole game but they did have a blast. He is planning on taking the kids again this year and they will be just a little over 1. Just bring a lot of snacks and maybe by seats that are towards the back so that you can make a quick exit if need be.

Take the 3 yr old and get a sitter for the 1 yr old. Seriously. Your preschooler will have a blast. Not only will the game be exciting, but the whole experience will be a blast. Are they going to a Flagler game or JU? Either way, dress him in the team colors and let him enjoy the excitement.

1. Locate the potties closest to your seats
2. Space-out snacks
3. Be prepared to leave at half time

Have fun!

Football games are longer than you remember. Very few 3 year olds can make it through a whole game.

I took my kids to college football games at that age and professional baseball. It is outside, no worries about being loud or obnoxious - everyone is :)
As one person pointed out, make sure your hubby knows that not a lot of watching will be going on other tips: make sure 3 yo has their own seat, NO strollers. they are a pain to manuever - if you need something, use a chest carrier. do all diaper and bathroom right when you get there and before you go to your seat. Temper the junk food. While it is fun to have the hot dog and popcorn, stay away from the cokes and candy - wires the kids and is no good to anyone, pack your own water and be sure to bring some fun portable toys for both kids.
Also, get them a shirt or onesie of the team you are going to see. Alumni LOVE to see that and they'll cut you serious slack if your kids act up if they are wearing the colors of the home team.
Finally, have fun, get rowdy and when/if you all are spent - leave. The tickets were free:)

Kids that young do not belong at sporting events such as this!!!

My parents take my children (now 6 & 3 & 1/2) to a Northwestern football game every season.

They fully expect not to be able to sit & watch the whole game, but they stay for it. They take the kids for walks around the stadium, get them some treats, and have them sit and watch the game. My kids like the band & half time show & the cheering.

I'd talk about it a few days before going. I'd say things like, "You're going to a college football game where the big kids play football." I'd talk a little about the team, the mascots, things they might see, hear and just be positive about it.

Kids' reactions to experiences mirror their parents'. f you keep it light and fun, bring extra snacks, & are prepared to move around a bit, it should be a fun experience for all!!

K. -

You are in FL, so for me, it would depend on which college. My husband went to U of Virginia and we have taken our 5 year old to games at UVA since birth. The games there are very low key compared to what I am used to... We even took him to a UVA v. U of Miami game in Miami when he was 3. We made it through the game!

I went to UF. I am considering taking my 5 year old to a UF game this year - but am not certain he can handle the noise. He'll be fine with the crowds as he has tailgated every year. But I am not sure he can handle the inside the stadium noise. I wouldn't even consider taking a 1 year old to a UF or FSU home game.

Good luck! C.