Chicago sports fans know that game day is about so much more than cheering on our favorite teams. It’s about washing down salty ballpark concessions with a refreshing fountain drink, snagging photos with the mascots and participating in iconic Chicago sports traditions.
The next time you visit one of these Chi-town sporting arenas, be sure to check these fun game day activities off your family’s bucket list.
Catch a thrilling half-time show at a Chicago Bulls game
The excitement doesn’t stop when you attend a Chicago Bulls game — even when the players leave the court! The Bulls are known for their show-stopping half-time shows, from Benny the Bull’s silly antics to iconic performances by the Luvabulls dance team and the Elevators acrobatic dunk team.
Check out our Chicago Bulls family guide to discover more kid-friendly game day activities at the United Center.
Get loud for the national anthem at a Chicago Blackhawks game
Many sporting arenas remain silent for most of the “Star Spangled Banner,” but since 1985, Blackhawk’s fans have gotten loud for the national anthem. Include your kids in this fun tradition and join in the exciting cheering crescendo at United Center.
Get inside info on the best things to do with kids at a Blackhawks game from local hockey mom and Chicago Blackhawks’ President of Business Operations, Jaime Faulkner.
Chuck a puck for charity at a Chicago Wolves game
Chuck a puck onto the ice for a chance to win a prize! This game day promotion is a fun way to get kids excited about the match, and an even better way to give back — proceeds from puck purchases benefit Chicago Wolves Charities.
Score autographs at a Chicago Cubs game
The gates at Wrigley Field typically open about 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. Show up early to watch batting practice, and you might be able to snag an autograph from your favorite Cubs player as they head back to the locker room after practice.
Get more helpful tips for visiting Wrigley Field with kids in our Chicago Cubs family guide.
Put your baseball skills to the test at the Chicago White Sox’s Kids Zone
Sox fans ages 13 and under can put their baseball skills to the test at the 15,000-square-foot play zone complete with a mini baseball diamond, coaching clinics, batting and pitching cages and more. Plus, the view from the Kids Zone is great for snapping a family photo!
Discover more game day highlights for families in our White Sox family guide.
Attend a theme game at a minor league baseball park
There are six minor league ballparks in the Chicagoland area, and each one offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, from fun food and drink specials and mascot meet-and-greets to kids’ zones with inflatables, face painting, games and so much more. For an unforgettable game day experience, grab tickets to a fun themed game — some favorites from last season were Wrestling Thursdays with the Windy City Thunderbolts and the Chicago Dogs’ Weiner Wednesdays.
Find a minor league team near you and discover the best family game day deals with this ultimate guide to minor league baseball teams in Chicagoland.
Pick up a commemorative button at your child’s first Chicago Bears game
From the tiniest Bears fans to parents who are finally attending their first game at Soldier Field, fans can show their orange and navy pride with a special first game certificate and custom button. Simply fill out the First Game Certificate form on the Bears’ website, then pick up your button at any fan services booth. Go Bears!
For more ways to make game day stress-free for parents and tons of fun for kids, check out our Chicago Bears family guide.
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