Score the Best Tips for Attending a Detroit Lions Game with Kids

Head to downtown Detroit to check out a football game with your family.

After the exciting (and tragic!) events of last season, I just know 2024 is going to be our year! As an avid fan of Detroit sports teams, we say this every year – especially about the Detroit Lions. This year, we have a really great shot and your kids will love to be in on the action and see a football game at Ford Field.

This article was recently updated on Aug. 13, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. The update included her research and fact-checking expertise to provide the latest information on kid-friendly things to do at Detroit Lions’ games during the 2024 season. Questions? Please reach out to nikki@metroparent.com.

Quick details about Ford Field

Pride Plaza
Photo credit: Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions

  • Address: 2000 Brush St., Detroit
  • Season: The 2024-20245 regular home season begins Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024.
  • How to get there: To get to Ford Field, either take Interstate 75 South and exit at Madison Avenue, which is the closest exit to Ford Field. You can also take Gratiot Avenue, which runs straight into the heart of downtown.
  • Parking: Parking is $50 in Ford Field lots. Download the ParkWhiz app to pay for parking in advance to possibly find something cheaper.

Purchasing Tickets for a Detroit Lions game

  • We recommend getting tickets as far in advance as possible. Detroit Lions tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Tips for families attending a Detroit Lions game

Detroit lions games with kids
Photo credit: Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions

  • Ford Field has a strict bag policy. You can bring a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag, but it must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” You can bring a small clutch bag, not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” or even a one-gallon clear plastic Ziploc (or similar) bag. Exceptions are made for medically necessary items.
  • If you’re a Comerica Bank card holder, you can enter through your own entrance to the stadium located at the north end of Section 141 – Gate A. You must show your Comerica Bank Card to enter.
  • Ford Field has teamed up with Home Team Captions to offer closed captioning for guests during all home games. You’ll have to download the official mobile app of the Detroit Lions and click “More” and then “Game Day.”
  • The mobile app features an interactive stadium map, live in-stadium camera replays, mobile ticket management, real-time statistics, live press conferences and more.
  • Ford Field is a cashless venue. You can convert your cash into a pre-paid debit card if you need to at Section 100 – Gate A, Section 127 – Gate D, Section 112/113 – Gate G, Section 231 by the elevator or South Club Level 3.
  • Save money with a family value meal, which includes a hot dog, soda and chips for $12.49, and a hot dog, beer and chips for $14.49. Kid-friendly items can be found at Quick Picks locations around the building, Cub Club Market at 229 and at MStreet Bakery in section 140.
  • If you are gluten-free, they have options for you. Check out Streats of Detroit concession stands at 109/244 or The Cooler, near section 112/234.
  • Cellphone charging lockers are located throughout the stadium at Section 100 – Gate A, Section 112 – Gate G, Section 127 – By the elevator, Section 133 – Gate B, Section 224 – Gate E, Section 236 – Gate C and the Miller Lite Taproom (you need proper tickets/credentials to enter).
  • A Sensory Room is on the second level. To access this room, visit any Guest Services Desk or text 313-513-8398 on game day for assistance. Sensory Kits are also available through Guest Services.
  • There are three nursing/breastfeeding rooms  and a new Mamava Nursing Pod. equipped with comfortable chairs, a baby changing table and a flat screen television. One room and the nursing pod are by Section 133 – Gate B and the other two are on Levels 4 and 5 of the Bodman Suites (visit Section 100 – Gate A beforehand to get a pass to allow you entrance to that suite location).
  • If you have any issues while you’re at Ford Field, you can text 313-513-TEXT (8398) with your location and the issue you’re having.

What to do at a Detroit Lions game

Detroit lions games with kids
Photo credit: Carl Jones II/Detroit Lions

  • Start your pre-game at Pride Plaza on Brush Street, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on home game days. It offers interactive fan games, photo opportunities, a 40-yard dash, Detroit food trucks, music, beverage tents and more. Did we mention, it’s free?!
  • Take a virtual photo with one of your favorite Lions players at the Henry Ford Health concourse near Section 113 – Gate G.
  • Children 14 and under can receive a First Lions Game Certificate, free of charge. You and your children need to head to Section 226 – Gate C, Section 112 – Gate G or South Club West to receive the certificate. Most guest service desks will have First Game Buttons for kids to wear, too.
  • Sign your child up for the Detroit Lions Cub Club.
  • Stop by the UMCU Cub Club Fan Cave, which is located at Section 234/235 for free face painting for kids on game days.

Things to do near Ford Field

  • Visit Lions Supply for new Lions merch.
  • Grab some appetizers or a burger from Grey Ghost Detroit in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood.
  • Experience Campus Martius Park. In the warmer months, visit the beach (through October) and in the cooler months (November through March), visit the rink.
  • Get one of JoJo Shake Bar’s over-the-top Biggie Shakes, floats, hot chocolate, basic shakes, shake BARS, milk and cookies flight or their Birthday Bonfire sundae.
  • Use our family guide to visit the Detroit Riverfront.

  • Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.

Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Metro Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring metro Detroit with her son.

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