9 Tips for Taking Kids to Football Matches in London

Choose family-friendly stadiums like Chelsea’s East Stand or Brentford’s North Stand that offer dedicated sections with interactive games and activities. Arrive 2.5 hours early to enjoy pre-match entertainment, stadium tours, and pitchside photos. Pack ear defenders for young children, weather-appropriate clothing, and small snacks while following cashless payment policies. Book experiences like virtual reality zones at Tottenham or the Emirates’ skills tests. Plan post-match visits to nearby attractions like Tower Bridge or the London Eye for a complete family adventure that’ll create lasting football memories.

Choose Family-Friendly Stadiums With Dedicated Sections

When you’re planning your first football adventure with the kids, London’s top stadiums offer dedicated family sections that transform what could be an overwhelming experience into pure magic.

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium provides spacious seating with comfortable family areas and food options, easily accessible via the Piccadilly line.

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge features the East Stand family section with interactive games and mascot meet-and-greets that’ll keep young fans entertained.

West Ham’s London Stadium offers affordable family packages in dedicated comfort sections.

For intimate experiences, Fulham’s Craven Cottage has the Johnny Haynes Stand with junior activities along the Thames.

Brentford’s Community Stadium provides a quieter North Stand family area with face painting and photo opportunities. The half-time entertainment often includes mini-games and performances specifically designed to engage younger supporters.

Arrive Early for Pre-Match Activities and Stadium Exploration

Once you’ve secured those perfect family seats, you’ll want to arrive at least 2.5 hours before kick-off to reveal the full matchday magic your kids will remember forever. Early arrival grants access to premium lounges with grazing buffet menus and complimentary drinks, plus those coveted visits from ex-players who’ll chat with your children.

You’ll dodge lengthy entry queues while accessing exclusive areas like home changing rooms, players’ tunnel, and dugouts. Your kids can snap pitchside photos with the match ball and explore press auditoriums during pre-match stadium tours. Some venues offer special matchday tours that include behind-the-scenes access to first team areas and NFL facilities.

At venues like Craven Cottage’s Riverside Stand, you’ll soak up that electric pre-match buzz while enjoying contactless bar service and complimentary matchday programmes that make perfect keepsakes.

Book Stadium Tours to Enhance the Experience

Stadium tours transform ordinary matchdays into extraordinary adventures that’ll captivate your children long before the first whistle blows. You’ll get exclusive access to players’ tunnels, dressing rooms, and pitch-side areas where your kids can pose for celebration photos and sit in the manager’s seat.

Wembley’s 75-90 minute tour includes the royal box and replica FA Cup lift, perfect for ages 6+. The experience appeals to both football fans and non-fans alike, offering everyone a chance to stand where legends scored and celebrated. Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium combines history with interactive football skills tests, while Tottenham offers cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Chelsea provides 60-minute tours with free gifts and interactive quizzes. London Stadium delivers excellent value with family packages at £64.

These tours create magical memories through behind-the-scenes access that’ll make your children feel like professional footballers.

Take Advantage of Interactive Entertainment Zones

While traditional stadium experiences create lasting memories, interactive entertainment zones around London’s football venues offer year-round excitement that’ll keep your kids engaged whether there’s a match on or not.

TOCA Social at Westfield London provides 24 interactive football game boxes across 30,000 sq ft, perfect for all skill levels. The venue can accommodate up to 1,000 guests at once, making it ideal for busy family outings without worrying about overcrowding.

Near Wembley Stadium, BOXPARK offers mini-golf, virtual reality zones, and classic games like table tennis and pool. These venues combine technology with physical activity, letting kids practice their skills while having fun.

You’ll find these interactive zones ideal for pre-match entertainment or standalone visits. They’re designed to accommodate families, offering food options and comfortable spaces where parents can relax while children play safely.

Plan Around Halftime Shows and Kid-Focused Activities

When your kids start getting restless during the match, halftime entertainment becomes your secret weapon for keeping them engaged and excited. London stadiums offer incredible kid-focused shows that’ll captivate young audiences.

You’ll find world-class football freestylers like Gavin and Chris, acrobatic figure skaters, and extreme trampoline performances that transform halftime into the highlight of their day.

Book tickets in family zones to access dedicated halftime activity areas. Check club websites beforehand to schedule visits around announced shows – you might catch aerial balloon performers or projection mapping breakdancers.

Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium particularly excel at interactive entertainment. Many venues also feature walkabout acts that engage directly with young fans in the stands during breaks.

Arrive early to position yourselves for the most advantageous viewing of these spectacular performances. These engaging halftime experiences often foster lifelong football interest in children.

Research Food Options and Family Amenities

Since hungry kids can quickly turn a magical match day into a meltdown, you’ll want to scout out food options and family amenities before kickoff.

At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, grab their 5-star rated pies for £3.50 or let kids indulge in brownie bite freak shakes and loaded waffle fries. The stadium features multiple food units including Chicken House, Seoul Birdie for Korean street food, and The Tap Inn, ensuring diverse dining options across the venue.

Wembley’s got classic hot dogs with onions, chicken and chips with dips, plus M&S Food stores for healthier choices.

Gtech Community Stadium offers unbeatable value with hotdog and soft drink combos for £7.50 in their designated family area.

Check QR codes at Tottenham for allergen info, and remember that Wembley accommodates dietary requirements if you ask before purchasing.

These stadium amenities ensure everyone stays fed and happy throughout the match.

Consider Special Attractions Beyond the Match

Beyond filling their bellies, London’s football stadiums offer incredible experiences that’ll turn your match day into an unforgettable adventure. Stadium tours provide behind-the-scenes access to changing rooms, players’ tunnels, and dugouts at venues like Emirates, Stamford Bridge, and Tottenham’s cutting-edge facility.

Your kids can practice commentating at Chelsea, test football skills at Arsenal, or experience virtual reality at Tottenham.

For thrill-seekers, Tottenham’s Dare Skywalk lets you walk on the stadium roof with breathtaking panoramic views. Interactive zones feature games, face painting, and mascot meet-and-greets that’ll keep children engaged.

Don’t miss the museums showcasing trophies and club history – Chelsea’s is perfect for ages 5+. The tours are fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies with step-free routes available. Many stadiums offer family ticket packages and special promotions, making these experiences both accessible and memorable.

Pack Essential Items for Comfort and Safety

While stadium experiences create lasting memories, proper preparation guarantees your family stays comfortable and safe throughout the match. Pack ear defenders for children under 5, as stadium noise can damage young hearing. Noise-cancelling headphones work brilliantly for noise-sensitive kids too.

Dress appropriately since stadiums function as outdoor environments. Bring warm clothing or rain gear based on weather conditions, but remember umbrellas aren’t allowed at Tottenham.

Plan meals strategically – while small snacks show discretion for children despite food restrictions, you’ll rely mainly on cashless outlets inside. Bring a small bottle of hand sanitiser (maximum 50ml) to keep little hands clean throughout your visit.

Follow bag policies carefully. Clear bags for NFL events must stay under 12″ x 6″ x 12″, though baby changing bags receive special consideration. Don’t pack bottles, cans, or glass vessels.

Water fountains provide hydration throughout your visit, keeping everyone refreshed.

Explore Post-Match Activities and Nearby Attractions

After the final whistle blows, you’ll discover that Tottenham’s stadium transforms into an adventure playground for families seeking extended excitement. Book the F1 DRIVE experience where your kids can race karts with DRS technology and engine sounds on LED-lit tracks.

If you’re staying longer, explore the Technical Tour to see the retracting pitch mechanism up close.

Within walking distance, Priory Park offers green space for kids to burn off energy. For cooking enthusiasts, Spice Monkey Indian Cookery School sits just 2.9 miles away with perfect 5.0 ratings. Alternatively, families can take a thrilling 90-minute tour along The Dare Skywalk’s glass walkway for spectacular views of London’s skyline.

You can also venture to major London landmarks like Tower Bridge or the London Eye, both under eight miles away. The culturally diverse Tottenham area provides excellent food options and local attractions worth exploring.

The Sum Up

You’ve got everything you need to create an unforgettable football experience for your kids in London! Don’t let nerves hold you back—these matches aren’t just about the game, they’re about building memories that’ll last a lifetime. Your children will love the energy, excitement, and atmosphere. Take the plunge and book those tickets! You’ll be amazed at how much fun you’ll have watching their faces light up during every goal and celebration.