Navy Football: Kid-Friendly Football Fun

For many, attending a Navy football game is about tailgating, cheering, and watching the pageantry of the Naval Academy traditions while enjoying a cold beer. But is it possible to enjoy this tradition with toddlers in tow? Our Marketing Director, Sandy Biello, and her family recently attended a game to find out. Here are her tips and tricks to help you and your littles make the most of this Annapolis fall favorite:

Parking

There is easy parking at either Germantown or Phoenix Elementary. You have the option of walking to the stadium using a stroller (only umbrella strollers allowed inside the stadium) or take the complimentary shuttle. This is what we did. All you have to do is ask one of the lot attendants to call one for you and it arrives in about five minutes.

The shuttle will take you over to any spot you need on site. We asked to be dropped off to NavyFest. Bonus: Proceeds of the parking go to the school’s PTO!

NavyFest

This is a great tailgating option for families! Kids have the opportunity to meet Bill the Goat and we also checked out the Kidshipmen Club Tailgate (only once a season). They had Ledo’s pizza, ice cream, games, and coloring.

Getting into the Stadium

You’ll want to enter the stadium before the game starts to catch all the cool Navy traditions like the midshipmen marching in, the flyover, and paratroopers flying in! So be sure to get there early, as they will need to check your bag. You can bring a diaper bag.

I brought snacks, a sippy cup, ear muffs (for noise), diapers, wipes, etc. I was well prepared…BUT my kiddo fell asleep for most of the game, so I didn’t end up needing much!

During the Game

Baby football — Navy’s littlest fans are ready for some football!

The best spot for families is on the Lawn on the North Side. I saw a lot of people with folded up cardboard under their arms and was confused. My husband said, “Just wait. You’ll see.”

I discovered the cardboard was for kids to slide down the hill and tucker themselves out by halftime! There is also lawn seating for parents in this section, so kids are happy sliding and running around and parents are happy to relax and watch the game.

There is also a Kid Zone at every game with activities like bounce houses and games. All the midshipmen are so very nice and happy to chat with fans and kids!

So whether you are a lifelong Navy fan or just looking for a fun outing with kids, attending a Navy football game is definitely a rewarding, patriotic, fun experience…even with toddlers!