A dad’s guide to enjoying a Texans game with your kids

Football season is here, and there’s nothing quite like sharing the excitement of a Houston Texans game with your kids.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, so your trip to NRG Stadium becomes a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Purchase your tickets

Purchasing your tickets for the game is, of course, the first step to creating your game-day experience. Start by visiting the Texans’ official website to choose your date. The Texans’ website often offers group packages and promotions, so it’s worth checking for the best deals.

As you browse for tickets, think about your kids’ needs when choosing seats. Sideline seats will give you a great view of the action, especially if you want your kids to experience the game up close. If you prefer a broader view of the field, upper deck tickets offer a panoramic perspective and are usually more affordable, though a little farther from the action.

For young kids, seats in the lower levels might be ideal as they’re closer to the field and help them feel more engaged in the game. Plus, they’ll have a chance to see the players, cheerleaders, and even the Texans mascot, Toro, up close. Keep in mind, however, that these seats often sell out quickly, so buying early or opting for resale options is essential.

Next, we recommend grabbing your mini Texan some gear for the big day. The Houston Texans online shop has a large Kids section, featuring themed clothing for even your littlest ones with newborn, infant, toddler, preschool and youth sizing. Your kiddo will love repping their favorite Texans in style to the game with numbered jerseys and more.

Game day logistics

An essential aspect of game day is thinking about the logistics of parking and food. If the area you park in is far away from the stadium, it’s likely you’ll be met with some pretty upset kids. The same goes for if you can’t find the right food for them to eat. Mapping out these aspects ahead of time will ensure a smoother, happier experience for everyone.

Parking and transportation for you and your littles

Once your tickets and gear are secured, it’s time to think about the logistics. Parking can be tricky, especially on game day when thousands of fans descend on the area, so you’ll want to pre-plan your transportation. NRG Stadium has several parking lots, but it’s wise to pre-pay and reserve your spot online to avoid any hassle.

For families with young children, consider paying extra for a parking spot in the lots closest to the stadium. The shorter the walk, the easier it will be to manage kids, especially if you’re carrying gear or a stroller—please note strollers must be checked in at a Guest Experience booth. Diaper bags are not permitted and all baby formula, wipes and diapers must be placed in an NFL approved bag, according to the Houston Texans website.

If driving isn’t ideal, another option is to take Houston METRORail, which has a stop right at NRG Stadium. Not only does this eliminate the stress of parking, but kids might also find riding the train to be part of the adventure.

Grabbing a bite to eat

Once inside the stadium, food is a top goal for families. NRG Stadium has a variety of concessions that go beyond the usual hot dogs and popcorn. You’ll find everything from burgers to barbecue to tacos, ensuring there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters. Outside food and drink is not permitted in the stadium so be sure to incorporate food into your budget for your little ones. Some great spots you may want to check out include:

• Trill Burgers – Best known for its smashburgers, made with two 44 all-beef smashed patties, caramelized onions, pickles and the patented Trill Sauce on a potato roll bun. 
• Truth BBQ – Enjoy Texas-style barbecue options, including brisket and smoked pork ribs. For your pickiest little one, this restaurant also sells mac & cheese for a quick and easy option.
• Hugo’s – Perfect for kids and dads looking to enjoy a variety of Mexican food options. Noteworthy dishes include Barbacoa and Carnitas Tacos, Taquitos de Pollo and Mexican Street Corn.

A full list of concessions can be found on the Houston Texans App.

Here’s a tip

During the game, halftime is the perfect opportunity to take a break and grab snacks, use the restroom and grab some merch. NRG Stadium can get busy during these times, so try to leave your seats a few minutes before halftime to beat the crowds.

Make the game day experience a success

The most important way to ensure a successful Texans game day with your kids is by keeping them comfortable and entertained, especially during the downtime between plays. Football games can last several hours, and while the excitement of the crowd may be enough to keep you engaged, younger kids may need a little more to stay entertained.

Prepare for the weather

Start by preparing for the weather. NRG Stadium has a retractable roof, so check ahead to see if the game will be played indoors or outdoors. Certain sections offer less sun exposure so make sure to keep this in mind when purchasing your tickets. Additionally, NFL games can be extremely loud, and for younger kids, the roar of the crowd and the booming sound system might be overwhelming. Bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs may help soften the noise and keep them comfortable throughout the game.

Help them stay engaged in the game

To keep your kiddos engaged with the experience, introduce your kids to the basics of football before the game. This can be as simple as explaining the key rules—like touchdowns, field goals, and penalties—so they can follow the action on the field. This understanding helps them feel more involved and gives you a chance to bond over shared excitement when the Texans score a big play.

For additional fun, make time to check out the family-friendly activities around the stadium and keep an eye out for Texans mascot Toro, who’s always roaming around the stadium taking pictures with young fans. A great option for keeping them involved is signing them up before the game for Toro’s Kids Club. This completely free fan club by Kroger for children 12 and under sends them special event invites, giveaways, monthly newsletters, contests and more for them to participate in. When you finally enjoy a Texans game with your kids, they’ll be more than excited to finally meet the mascot who has been sending them emails.

Knowing when it’s time to call it a win

While staying for the full game is ideal, sometimes younger kids get tired or restless, especially as the game stretches into its third or fourth hour. If you notice your kids getting cranky or starting to lose interest, don’t be afraid to head out early. Exiting the stadium before the final whistle can help you avoid the post-game traffic rush and make your way home before the meltdown stage hits.

Leaving early doesn’t mean missing out on the experience of a Texans game with your kids. They will still have enjoyed the excitement of the game and some quality bonding time with dad. If they’re worn out but happy by the time you leave, you’ve done your job well and can call the day a win.