At 5:30 p.m. CST Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, the Chicago Bears take the field at Soldier Field, and for many families, game day is about more than kickoff. Parents are preparing for how to spend the day, what kids might ask, and which options will make watching the Bears as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Here’s what families may want to keep in mind as they plan for game day.
Note: Game date and kickoff time are based on the NFL schedule and Chicago Bears official announcements as of publication.
Bears gear: where to find Chicago Bears merchandise for kids
Game day usually comes with one practical question for families: What should kids wear?
Chicago has plenty of options for finding youth-sized Bears gear, whether you’re looking for an official jersey, a warm hoodie or something simple in navy and orange. These five spots are commonly used by families shopping for kids’ Bears merchandise around the city:
- Rally House Wrigleyville
Offers a wide selection of officially licensed Bears gear for kids.
- Chicago Bears Pro Shop
The official team store at Soldier Field with authentic NFL apparel and collectibles.
- Chicago Sports & Novelty
A downtown shop carrying Bears hats, shirts and souvenirs, often in youth sizes.
- Wrigleyville Sports
A neighborhood option near Wrigley Field with Bears gear alongside other Chicago teams.
- DICK’S Sporting Goods
A convenient stop for families shopping for Bears gear and other sports essentials.
Layering is often the safest choice, especially for evening games near the lake, when temperatures can change quickly.
What families should know before going to a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field
Taking kids to a Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field requires a little advance planning.
Tickets are mobile only, so families should download them to a phone’s digital wallet before arriving. Children under 32 inches tall do not need a paid ticket but do need a complimentary lap pass, available at the Gate 8 Ticket Office on game day. Each ticket holder may receive one lap pass, and children may not occupy a seat.
Soldier Field enforces the NFL clear bag policy, including for diaper bags, and strollers are not allowed inside the stadium. Arriving early can help families avoid congestion and get settled before kickoff.
Public transit is a common option, with CTA Red, Orange and Green lines stopping at Roosevelt and CTA buses 130 and 146 serving the area. On-site parking is available in the North Parking Garage, East Museum Lot and Adler Planetarium Lot, with rates that vary by event.
Inside the stadium, Fan Services offers kids ID bracelets and first-game certificates. Restrooms are ADA accessible and include changing stations, with family restrooms and nursing stations located throughout the venue.
Why the Chicago Bears are called the Bears, explained for kids
If your child is curious about why Chicago’s football team is called the Bears, the answer goes back more than a century.
The team began in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys and moved to Chicago in 1921. When the name changed in 1922, the team was playing at Wrigley Field, which was already home to the Cubs. The idea was simple: Football players were bigger and tougher than baseball players, so Bears felt like a better fit than Cubs.
For younger kids, it can also help to keep it simple. Chicago has a football team that wears navy and orange, plays other cities in the fall, and tries to win enough games to reach the Super Bowl, the league’s championship.
Where to watch the game with kids if you skip the stadium
Not every family wants to manage Soldier Field with kids, and for many, watching the game elsewhere is the better fit.
Several spots around the city offer a calmer, more family-friendly viewing environment earlier in the day, with menus that work for kids. Places often mentioned by parents include The Barn Hockey Bar, The Broken Barrel Bar, The Moonlighter, Burger Bar Chicago and Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap.
For families, these options often feel more like a shared meal with the game on than a loud, late-night sports crowd.
When the Chicago Bears win, here’s where fans may find freebies and local deals
Game day excitement sometimes comes with an extra question from kids, and adults: Do we get anything free if the Bears win?
Some Chicago-area restaurants have offered promotions tied to Bears wins, touchdowns or other milestones this season. These offers vary by game and location and are never guaranteed, so families may want to treat them as a bonus rather than a plan.
Here are some of the places that have offered Bears-related freebies or giveaways this season:
- The Wiener’s Circle
Has offered free hot dogs following standout Bears performances.
- Dicey’s Pizza & Tavern
Has promised free pizza tied to repeat Bears milestones.
- ROC City Bar and Grill
Has run game-day raffles and giveaways, including free pizza and prizes.
- Jake’s Pup in the Ruf
Has offered free chicken tied to Bears wins.
Promotions can change without notice and may require in-person visits or next-day redemption. If a deal lines up with your plans, it can be a fun extra, but it’s best not to rely on it when hungry kids are involved.
