Attending a Chicago Bears football game at Soldier Field has become a legacy event, with football fans of all ages, sometimes spanning three or more generations, carrying on a tradition to scream for the home team. And the Bears celebrate families in a special way during pre-season games.
My family attended the first home pre-season game of the year against the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday and were in awe of the array of free family-friendly activities.
The Meijer Bears End Zone is in place prior to pre-season games, which includes activities pony rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, Bears obstacle course, face painting, field goal kick, mechanical football ride, putt-putt, live music and so much more.
Find the Bears End Zone in the southeast and southwest lawns outside Gate 0. This Thursday, for pre-game against the Buffalo Bills, the End Zone opens two and a half hours before (and closing 30 minutes before kickoff). Game tickets are not required for entry. Upon entering the festivities, head to the tent with “Meijer End Zone” partitions to sign a waiver and receive a wristband.
After you run around with the kiddos, head inside Soldier Field to size up the family against three Bears players! Size Me Up Stadium Displays are located inside Gate 3-5 where kids both big and small can compare their height, wingspan, weight, arm length and hand size to life-size professional football players. Tickets are required to get into Soldier Field.
Is it your child’s first game? Make sure to snap their photo in front of the My First Bears Game Backdrop at Gate 1. There are also two fan club options for kids: one is the Crib Club brought to you by PNC for those age 0-2 (Baby) OR 3-4 (Toddler) and a Kids Club brought to you by Jewel-Osco is for those 5-12. Club membership is free, an optional kits are available for $20 + shipping and include items guaranteed to get your little ones excited to cheer on their favorite football team.
Unable to make this Thursday? Bring your family to the third annual Miller Lite Chicago Bears Block Party noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, in Logan Square to kick off the 2018 regular season. This free event is on Milwaukee Avenue between North Spaulding Avenue and North Kedzie Avenue. The kids zone includes a balloon artist, face painter, football toss and photo opportunities with various displays.
Go Bears!
If you go
Chicago Bears
Thursday, Aug. 30 with kickoff at 7 p.m. (The End Zone with family activities opens at 4:30 pm.)
Tickets start at $41
Grab your tickets to the final pre-season game here or by phone at 800-745-3000 (800-943-4327 for the hearing impaired). Remember to use the free Chicago Bears Official App to access your mobile tickets since print-at-home PDF tickets are no longer valid for entry.
Learn more at chicagobears.com.
