One of our family’s favorite ways to get off the couch and get outside is to watch live sports. Luckily, there are tons of places in and around Dallas to catch a game, so there is bound to be one you haven’t experienced! Here are some of the best ways to watch live sports in The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Live Sporting Events in DFW:
1. Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo – If you’re looking for a family night out that you can only experience in Texas, you must visit the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo. It’s an iconic piece of Texas history and entertaining to boot. They have a rodeo every Friday and Saturday night where you’ll see real life cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes. They have calf roping, bucking broncos, barrel racing, and everything else you’d expect at an authentic Texas rodeo.
2. Texas Rangers – A night at the Texas Rangers ballpark, Globe Life Park, is a Dallas tradition. It might just be our favorite thing to do in the summer with the family. We grab an ice cream cone or a giant plate of nachos, enjoy the weather, and cheer on DFW’s favorite baseball team.
3. Dallas Cowboys – Of course, everyone knows America’s team! The Dallas Cowboys are probably the most beloved sports team in the area and experiencing a game is something your family will never forget. Did you know that AT&T Stadium also offers tours throughout the year? If you go on the right day, you can actually get out on the field and pass the football around!
4. NASCAR Sprint Cup – NASCAR might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a night out with kids, but we went to our first race last year and it blew our minds! It was such an adrenaline rush and perfect for older kids. Make sure you bring earplugs (and spring for the headphones so you know what’s going on). You’ll also want to arrive several hours early so you can enjoy all the festivities happening outside Texas Motor Speedway.
5. Frisco RoughRiders – This is the perfect way to introduce little ones to baseball. Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco features Kid’s Sunday where you can play Pre-Game Catch on the Field for kids and their parents and get $1 Ice Cream Sandwiches throughout the game. If you really want to impress the other kids, you can even rent out the pool in the outfield for a party!
6. SMU Mustangs – With a great family section, parades, food trucks, and inflatables at the football games, you don’t have to be an SMU alum to enjoy a game! Find our four great reasons to #PonyUp.
7. Allen Americans – The Allen Americans hockey team offers lots of Family and Fan Appreciation nights – your kiddo could even win the chance to be an honorary stick kid at one of the Allen Americans’ home games!
8. Dallas Mavericks – One of the first things we did when we moved to Dallas five years ago was a Dallas Mavericks basketball game. They play at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Dallas and the whole place comes alive with energy! Your kids will love watching their mascots, Mavs Man and Champ, and they will enjoy the crazy antics of the ManiAACs, a group of guys who are high energy entertainment throughout the game.
9. Dallas Stars – Another high energy sporting event at the American Airlines Area is Dallas Stars Hockey. Since the arena is located right in downtown Dallas, your kids might get a kick of taking the DART downtown to watch the game. It will drop you off right in front of the stadium (Bonus: You don’t have to fight traffic!).
10. Dallas Sidekicks – Watching the Dallas Sidekicks at the Allen Event Center is the perfect night out for the family. This team is in the Major Arena Soccer League and is the perfect way to get your kids out of the house! You can also check out their summer camps for a hands-on experience.
11. Allen Eagles – If you don’t have a local high school football team to support, check out the Allen Eagles, who have been state champs for 3 of the last 10 years (and you can gawk at their 60 million dollar stadium!). These Division I players are often scouted for college teams, so they are fun to watch and the half time shows feature state champion bands and dancers. These games are a whole lot of fun for less than $10.
12. FC Dallas – This professional soccer team knows how to entertain a crowd! With a fun mascot and fireworks after the goals, it will really feel like an experience for the whole family.
13. Dallas Wings – New in Summer 2016, the WNBA is arriving in Dallas. Since they’re brand new, we don’t have any personal experiences, but they’re playing they inaugural season at UTA’s Colege Park Center and it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
Have I missed your favorite DFW sporting events? Share your family’s favorite way to catch a game in the comments below!
